This is a common question when planning a visit: the Church (sometimes called the Basilica) of St. Peter and St. Paul stands on Grodzka Street in the very heart of the Old Town, close to Wawel Castle — not in Kazimierz. For most visitors the two areas feel like part of one route, because distances are short and a relaxed walk from Kazimierz to Grodzka takes about 15-25 minutes. It’s good to know this so you don’t duplicate plans and can organize mornings and afternoons sensibly.
The Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul is one of Kraków’s most important Baroque churches: the first building in the city designed fully in the Baroque style, consecrated in 1635. The façade and the interior make a strong impression, and regular entry to the church is free — though concerts or special events may require tickets. The church also hosts an unusual science demonstration: a long Foucault pendulum is suspended there and draws the attention of curious visitors and families with children.
If you plan to see both Kazimierz and the church in one day, arrange your route so you do one in the morning (for example the Old Town and the church) and then walk calmly to Kazimierz in the afternoon — or start with a morning coffee and breakfast at Plac Nowy if you prefer to begin in Kazimierz.
The easiest way to reach the basilica is on foot from the Main Market Square and Wawel — Grodzka is part of the Royal Route, so it’s a few minutes from Wawel and at most about 15 minutes from the Market. From Kazimierz you can reach Grodzka in roughly 15-25 minutes on foot, or take a short tram ride or taxi if you prefer.
You can see the church in 20-40 minutes — if you want to watch a demonstration of the Foucault pendulum or linger by the organ add another half hour. In Kazimierz plan at least 2 hours to visit the synagogues, the Remuh cemetery, Plac Nowy and a few small museum interiors or galleries. A good day plan: Old Town and the basilica in the morning, lunch in Kazimierz and an afternoon stroll around the district’s sights.
If you are traveling with children or older people, spread the attractions over two days — that way each part of the visit is more comfortable, and the evenings are nicer with time for a relaxed dinner.
Kazimierz is a neighborhood full of history but also great places to eat and photograph. Key points: the Remuh Synagogue and its adjacent cemetery, the Old Synagogue (now a museum), Szeroka Street and Plac Nowy with its famous zapiekanka stall. It’s also worth walking Józefa Street and Od Teatru to hunt for murals and small art galleries.
For those interested in recent history and film, follow the trail of locations connected to the movie Schindler’s List and visit sites tied to Jewish life in prewar Kraków. That context helps when you see places that are now lively cafés and clubs.
If you enjoy calm riverside views, walk along the Vistula boulevards or cross the Father Bernatek Footbridge (Kładka Ojca Bernatka) — it’s a pleasant short walk that links Kazimierz with Podgórze and gives different perspectives on the city.
If you want dishes inspired by the Jewish culinary tradition and the neighborhood’s atmosphere, consider Restauracja Ariel — a venue with a long history that also hosts klezmer music concerts. It’s a good pick for an evening with music and classic dishes.
For fans of Israeli-style food and mezze, Hamsa is popular — hummus, falafel and light sharing plates in a colorful, relaxed interior are perfect for group dining. For a quick beer or coffee among atmospheric courtyards, Mleczarnia (the Milk Bar) and its terrace by Plac Nowy are a summer favorite.
Plac Nowy itself is a small gastronomic hub: the zapiekanka stall, food trucks and small bars work well when you want something local, cheap and quick. If you prefer something more upscale, Kazimierz also has restaurants recognized by culinary guides — booking ahead for weekend evenings is recommended.
Where to stay depends on your travel style: do you want to be in the middle of the action (Kazimierz), have postcard views and access to the main sights (Old Town), or seek quieter nights and slightly lower prices (Stradom, Podgórze)? Kazimierz is great if you enjoy evening life, cafés and short walks between restaurants. The Old Town is more “postcard-perfect” and convenient for sightseeing logistics.
A recommended hotel example in Kazimierz is PURO Kraków Kazimierz — a modern design hotel with comfortable rooms and a central location, ideal if you want to be close to the neighborhood’s life while enjoying good comfort. For those who prefer intimate, atmospheric lodgings in the Old Town, Hotel Gródek is a quiet boutique option with high reviews.
When choosing a room check whether the window faces the street or an inner courtyard — Kazimierz streets can be noisy on weekend nights, so courtyard-facing rooms usually offer better sleep. Book early for high season and weekends, and if you arrive by car, check parking availability and paid-parking zones nearby.
The most common mistake is trying to “see everything in one day” — visiting the Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz in one intense day is doable but not very enjoyable. It’s better to focus on fewer places and give them time.
Another frequent error is booking a room without checking whether windows face Plac Nowy or other noisy streets. If quiet matters to you, request a courtyard-facing room when you reserve.
If you move around by car, remember paid-parking zones and access rules for parts of the center. Many people waste time searching for a spot — consider arriving by train, taxi, or leaving the car in a garage outside the strict center and then exploring on foot or by public transport.
Kazimierz is not only bars and restaurants — hidden courtyards, galleries and small gardens can be real oases of calm amid the tourist buzz. Look for passages into tenement houses and small side alleys — they often hide lovely cafés or carved portals.
Inside the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul you’ll find an unusual feature: a long Foucault pendulum displayed for demonstrations. It’s an unexpected scientific attraction in a sacred space and especially appealing to families and anyone curious about astronomy and physics.
Many restaurants in Kazimierz mix tradition with modernity — you can taste dishes inspired by Jewish cuisine alongside contemporary interpretations of Middle Eastern flavors.
Is entry to the basilica paid? Regular entry to the church is usually free; concerts, special exhibitions or ticketed events require payment.
When is the best time to come to avoid crowds? Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays are the best times. Kazimierz can be very crowded on weekend evenings.
How much time do I need to feel the Kazimierz atmosphere? At least 2-3 hours to walk the basic route; a full day lets you visit museums, enjoy coffee, have lunch and take relaxed photos.
Combining a visit to the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul with a walk through Kazimierz is a great way to plan a Kraków day: beautiful photos, varied food and a slice of history within a short walk. Where you stay depends on whether you prefer to be in the center of the action (Kazimierz) or closer to the classic monuments (Old Town).
If you’d like, I can help create a detailed day plan tailored to your preferences — slow pace, culinary highlights, or a ‘see as much as possible’ itinerary. If you prefer to explore Kraków with a licensed local guide, consider services offered by Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her contact and offer are available on ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan a better trip to Kraków!
