Kazimierz and Krakus Mound are two attractive but distinct parts of the city - the first is full of history, cafés and townhouses, the second is a green hill with a legend and great views. Both can be easily combined on foot over a relaxed weekend.
Good news: most places in Kazimierz and the walk up Krakus Mound are free of charge. Just remember comfortable shoes and to check the weather, because some routes run over cobbled streets and green areas.
If you want to avoid crowds - come in the morning (cafés in Kazimierz usually open between 8:00 and 10:00) or plan your visit to Krakus Mound at sunrise or sunset - the views are best then.
Day 1 - Kazimierz: start at Plac Wolnica, stroll along Szeroka and Józefa streets, visit the historic synagogues, drop by the Jewish museum and finish the evening with dinner at Plac Nowy or at one of the atmospheric restaurants on Szeroka.
Day 2 - Krakus Mound and nearby areas: go on foot to Krakus Mound in the morning or afternoon (about a 20–30 minute walk from Rynek Podgórski, or a bit longer from the city centre). After returning you can walk around Lasota Hill and view the Liban quarry from the outside.
If you have only one day: start the morning in the Old Town, walk to Kazimierz before noon, have lunch, and spend the afternoon at Krakus Mound - it’s an intense but doable walking plan.
From the Main Market Square to Kazimierz you can walk in 15–20 minutes - the easiest route is Grodzka Street through Grodzka Gate or along the cobbled route towards the bridge and Szeroka. The walk is picturesque and helps you catch the city’s atmosphere.
To Krakus Mound the best approaches are from the Podgórze Cemetery side or via the pedestrian-cyclist footbridge connecting the Aleja area with the mound. From the centre (Wawel) it’s about 2–3 km, a pleasant 25–40 minute walk depending on your pace.
Pay attention to orientation - the mound sits to the south/southeast of the centre (Podgórze district, Lasota Hill). On site there are many steps and paths, so having an offline map or a phone map is useful.
Kazimierz is the former Jewish district with a unique atmosphere: narrow streets, synagogues, galleries and numerous cafés. Don’t miss Szeroka Street, where it’s great to stop for coffee and watch local life.
Visit the local museums and memorial sites, and walk in the Planty or along the Vistula riverbank - it’s a good way to feel the contrast between the historic centre and Kazimierz’s vibe.
In the evening Kazimierz comes alive - street music and small clubs create a bohemian mood. It’s a great area for dinner and a pleasant evening stroll.
Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa) is one of the oldest and most mysterious places in Krakow. It stands about 16 metres high on Lasota Hill and from the top you can see panoramic views over much of the city.
Legend says it is the grave of Krakow’s founder, Prince Krak. Archaeological research has not decisively confirmed this story, but the legend and the age of the mound add to its charm.
Best times to visit: early morning (quiet and beautiful light) and sunset - panoramas are especially picturesque then. In spring a traditional celebration called Rękawka is held here.
Some tried-and-true options: Café Camelot - an atmospheric café with an artistic interior; Starka - traditional Polish cuisine in a cosy setting; Hamsa - flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine in a pleasant atmosphere.
Plac Nowy is famous for small bars and good pizza; try local snacks and sit on a bench to watch everyday city life.
If you’re looking for something more intimate - Kazimierz has many small bistros and bakeries with fresh pastries. Don’t be afraid to go into a place on a side street - often the best flavours are hidden there.
Krakus Mound is older than many monuments we usually associate with Krakow - its origins date back to the early Middle Ages or even earlier.
Near the mound there is the disused Liban quarry - a place with interesting rock formations and rare xerothermic vegetation that attracts nature lovers and photographers.
In Krakow tradition, after Easter there are festivities connected to the mound that refer to old rituals - if your visit coincides with one of those dates, you can experience local atmosphere and traditional reenactments.
Mistake: planning too many attractions in one day. Tip: it’s better to feel the place than rush through a checklist - Kazimierz and the mound deserve a calm stroll.
Mistake: uncomfortable shoes. Tip: bring comfortable, non-slip footwear - cobbles and hill paths can be demanding.
Mistake: too little time for meals. Tip: schedule a break in one of the local cafés or restaurants; it’s a great chance to observe the neighbourhood and recharge for the walk ahead.
Is there a fee to climb Krakus Mound? No - entry is free and the site is accessible year-round.
Is the route accessible for strollers or people with limited mobility? Some paths up to the mound have steps and uneven surfaces; people with mobility limitations should check specific approaches or consider nearby viewpoints that are easier to reach.
How long does it take to walk between the centre, Kazimierz and the mound? From the centre to Kazimierz it’s usually 15–20 minutes. From the centre to Krakus Mound it’s about 25–40 minutes depending on the route and pace.
Comfortable shoes, a water bottle, a light jacket in case of changing weather and a powerbank for your phone - these are essentials. On the mound a camera or a good phone for panoramic photos is useful.
If you plan a picnic - bring a blanket and some snacks; on the hill you can find lovely spots to rest with a view over the city.
After exploring Kazimierz you can continue to Podgórze - there are fresh perspectives on the city and charming corners less visited by tourists.
If you like nature - consider a walk or a short trip around the Liban quarry area (only while respecting safety rules and outside restricted zones).
For history buffs it’s a good idea to add nearby city museums or modern exhibition spaces in the Podgórze area to your programme.
I hope this guide helps you plan a pleasant walking weekend in Krakow that combines the atmosphere of Kazimierz with the magic of Krakus Mound.
Share this article with friends or on social media - let more people discover these places and visit Krakow with curiosity and respect for local history.
If you’d like to explore Krakow in an even more comfortable and personalised way, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact details are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website.
