Yes — you can see a lot in a weekend: a morning walk tracing Jewish Kraków in Kazimierz, afternoon coffee stops and a relaxed dinner, and then a one-day trip to Zakopane (by bus ~2–2.5 hours). You need to plan your time sensibly, decide which tickets to buy in advance, and leave room to rest. This article offers a practical route, tips on where to eat, how to avoid common mistakes, and what might surprise you.
Kazimierz is the former Jewish town that has been part of Kraków’s history since the 14th century. Walking along Szeroka Street, Nowy Square (Plac Nowy) or Józefa Street you’ll see synagogues, tenement houses and memorial places that tell the story of centuries of Jewish presence in the city. Allow at least 2–3 hours for the district — here history mixes with the energy of cafés, galleries and festival events (July is the time of the Jewish Culture Festival).
In central Kazimierz you’ll also find remarkable sites: the Remuh Synagogue with its adjacent cemetery (tombstones dating back to the 16th century) and the Old Synagogue — places of great historical and emotional value. Some monuments require tickets and opening hours can vary, especially on Saturdays and Jewish holidays, so check availability before you go.
1) Start: Szeroka Street – begin at the former market of the Jewish town; take a moment for photos by the tenement houses and atmospheric cafés.
2) Remuh Synagogue and Remuh Cemetery – a short but important visit; the cemetery includes tombstones from the 16th century and the feel of the place invites quiet reflection.
3) The Old Synagogue (if open) and other prayer houses on the route (Izaaka, Tempel) – from the outside many of them tell the story of the local community, and their interiors contain valuable details.
4) Nowy Square (Plac Nowy) – the heart of Kazimierz; in summer it’s full of stalls and snacks, and in the evening it becomes lively with bars and eateries.
5) Walk along Józefa Street and small discoveries: cafés with terraces, antiquarian bookshops, galleries. It’s the perfect spot for a coffee break and a sweet treat.
Remember: match the pace to your mood. If you plan to enter interior exhibitions, add time for tickets and short waits.
The Remuh Synagogue dates from the 16th century and is one of the few places in Kraków where regular services still take place. Next to it is the Remuh Cemetery — one of the city’s oldest Jewish burial grounds; tombstones found there date from the 16th–19th centuries. This is a place where history is tangible and which calls for respectful behavior.
Practical note: on Saturdays and on Jewish holidays the cemetery and synagogue may be closed to visitors; check opening hours before you go. When you enter the cemetery keep silence and follow the rules that apply in places of remembrance. Don’t forget comfortable shoes — the cobbles and steps can be uneven.
- On parts of the cemetery walls you’ll notice fragments of tombstones embedded as elements of the wall; this is a result of a difficult history and attempts to preserve surviving fragments.
- In the 1990s Kazimierz transformed from a neglected district into one of Kraków’s most vibrant neighborhoods — today it combines memory with lively cultural life.
- The Jewish Culture Festival (held since 1990) is when Kazimierz shows its many faces: klezmer music, lectures, exhibitions and workshops draw big crowds.
Option A (relaxing weekend with an overnight stay in Kraków): arrive Friday evening, have dinner and an evening stroll in Kazimierz; Saturday morning — walk the Jewish route (2–4 h), spend the afternoon at the Main Market Square or a museum; Sunday — early bus to Zakopane (about 2–2.5 h), a short walk along Krupówki or a trip up Gubałówka, then return in the evening.
Option B (overnight in Zakopane): Friday — arrive in Kraków and do a short route in Kazimierz; travel to Zakopane in the evening and stay overnight; Saturday — mountain activities or thermal baths, Sunday morning return to Kraków and add any remaining sightseeing in the Old Town.
Transport: coaches are convenient and fast (about 2–2.5 hours; several operators run multiple daily services). Trains can be cheaper but are usually longer (3–4 hours). A car gives flexibility, but in high season you may encounter traffic entering the mountains.
Kazimierz offers many options from cozy cafés to well-rated restaurants. A few places that consistently get good reviews and are worth considering: Starka (traditional flavors and a friendly atmosphere), Eszeweria (a café/bar with a charming garden), HEVRE (a spot with a unique character), Austeria (cuisine with Jewish-inspired influences).
Tip: if you want dinner in a popular place, reserve a table in advance — especially on Friday and Saturday nights. For a quick lunch check out Nowy Square (small stalls and snacks).
If you plan a trip to Zakopane, consider highly rated restaurants along Krupówki or relaxing at thermal baths with on-site dining (for example Termy Chochołowskie or Bania) — a great way to recover after mountain activities.
1) Trying to “see everything” in one day – result: rushing and exhaustion. Tip: pick 2–3 priority places and enjoy them properly.
2) Not checking opening hours (especially Saturdays/Jewish holidays) – Tip: verify whether the synagogue or cemetery are open before visiting.
3) Confusing or attempting unprepared mountain routes – Tip: if you go to the Tatras check the weather forecast, choose easier trails for a short trip, and consider alternatives like thermal baths instead of a long hike.
4) Booking transport at the last minute in high season — buses can fill up. Tip: buy tickets earlier, especially for afternoon and evening departures.
How long is a walk around Kazimierz? 1.5–4 hours, depending on whether you enter interiors and museums.
Do I need a ticket for the Remuh Synagogue? Some sites are ticketed; internal exhibitions often require a fee. Check current opening hours and prices before your visit.
What’s the cheapest way to get to Zakopane? A coach is often the fastest and reasonably priced option; trains can sometimes be cheaper but take longer.
Is Kazimierz safe in the evening? Yes — it’s an active tourist area, but as everywhere keep basic precautions against pickpocketing and watch your belongings.
- Plan flexibly: leave time for coffee, conversation and discovering small galleries. Those moments are often the most enjoyable part of a trip.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the cobbled streets of Kazimierz and steps in historic sites can be tiring.
- Bring a small hygiene kit (wet wipes, a small hand sanitizer) — useful for a quick picnic or a break by a fountain.
- If you plan to visit museums, check ticket availability online or buy in advance for popular exhibitions.
A weekend with a friend combining traces of Jewish Kraków and relaxation in Zakopane is a great idea — it just needs a little planning. Focus on what matters most to you: the history and atmosphere of Kazimierz, good coffee and local flavors, and if you dream of the mountains — choose one attractive activity in Zakopane and enjoy it without rushing.
If you’d like help organizing such a trip — a custom itinerary, ticket reservations or a guided walk tracing Jewish Kraków — contact the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (details available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com).
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help them plan a great weekend in Kraków and Zakopane!
