Yes — you can. If you have only 1–2 hours, I prepared a simple, focused route that visits places which best show how the war left its mark on the fabric of the city. If you have more time, we can add Podgórze and trips to sites outside the centre, such as parts of Nowa Huta and memorial cemeteries. Below you’ll find “what to see” suggestions in two variants: the essence (about 60 min) and a deeper version (about 120 min), plus practical advice, food recommendations and common mistakes to avoid.
The route and suggestions are based on field observations and a visiting plan so you can see context — not just isolated monuments. Don’t mistake places of memory for entertainment attractions: here respect, silence and attention to detail matter.
Start on Szeroka Street in Kazimierz — this space helps to understand pre-war life in the neighbourhood. From there go to the Old Synagogue and then to the Remuh Cemetery — these places show both continuity and the rupture of Jewish life in the city.
Pick 2–3 points: Szeroka, the Old Synagogue and the gate by Remuh. That’s enough to feel the contrast between the architectural background and the war’s traces. If you have a minute for photos, the best light is in the morning and late afternoon.
The extended route starts at Izaak (Izaak Synagogue) and Szeroka Street, then the Old Synagogue, Remuh Cemetery, the Tempel on Miodowa and the courtyard on Józefa Street. I recommend timing like I use on guided walks: 15–25 minutes for the more significant places, 10–15 minutes for smaller details.
In this version it’s worth comparing plaster textures and traces of post-war repairs — these details tell a story about destruction and rebuilding. Take a moment to read the gravestones and their symbolism — the priestly hands or menorah motifs tell about the role and fate of the people buried here.
Remember that the Kraków ghetto was located on the other side of the Vistula — in Podgórze. Connecting Kazimierz with Podgórze gives a fuller picture: here you can see where residents were concentrated and what the consequences of the occupation were.
Schindler’s Factory is a key point in the narrative about Kraków during World War II. Even if you don’t enter the museum, the site and surroundings tell a story of change and memory. A walk around the Factory and the Ghetto Heroes Square helps to understand the topography of the dramatic events.
On the city’s outskirts there are less obvious but equally important places: former village areas (Mogiła, Krzesławice), where mass executions, labour camps and memorial cemeteries took place. Visiting these sites gives context: war is not only ghettos and factories, it is also dispersed places of crime and remembrance.
If you plan a trip to Nowa Huta, include the Nowa Huta Museum or a themed walk through the former villages — this is a good option for visitors who want to understand the fate of suburban residents during the occupation.
Start with three frames: wide (street layout), medium (facade), detail (inscriptions, symbols). This “triptych” helps assemble memory into a coherent story.
Compare materials: post-war plaster repairs often differ in texture and colour. Look for places where bricks don’t match the rest — these are often signs of damage and later conservation.
Best hours for photos: morning 9:00–10:30 on Szeroka and Miodowa; 45–60 minutes before sunset at the Remuh gates. After rain, puddles give great mirror effects.
Check opening hours of synagogues and museums in advance — not all places have constant weekend entrance times. Entry to some cemeteries or exhibitions is paid or requires registration.
Respect places of memory: keep quiet, put your phone on silent, do not walk on gravestones. Photograph with restraint; do not disturb others’ visits or prayers.
If you plan a longer programme (Podgórze + Schindler’s Factory + Nowa Huta), consider transport: trams and buses connect these areas efficiently, but plan time for walks and transfers.
After a walk in Kazimierz it’s worth visiting well-reviewed cafés and restaurants that preserve the local atmosphere. In the centre, traditional cafés and restaurants serving regional dishes or modern interpretations work well.
If you’re looking for accommodation close to the routes described, choose places in the Kazimierz or Old Town area — you’ll be near the bridges to Podgórze and have quick access to tram lines to Nowa Huta.
Kazimierz today is layered: pre-1939 architecture and 'post-war stitches' — spots where modernisations and repairs after the war left traces. Look closely and you’ll see fragments of old signs and differences in plaster that tell stories of interrupted functions.
Across the city many memory stories are scattered beyond the main trails — small plaques, monuments or street names hide local tales. Ask museum staff and look at maps marked with memory sites.
Trying to see everything in one day — it’s better to focus on two or three areas (Kazimierz, Podgórze, possibly Nowa Huta) than chase a long checklist. Rushed visits strip the historical experience of meaning.
Lack of basic context — a short background before your visit (a few lines about the Kraków ghetto: where it was and why) greatly deepens how you receive the sites. Bring a short note or a map with points you want to see.
Is it safe? Yes — these are urban routes without special risks, but pay attention to traffic and to evening hours in less frequented parts of the city.
How much time for Schindler’s Factory? If you want to enter the museum, plan 1.5–2 hours; the site and surroundings can be seen in 30–45 minutes. Is Nowa Huta worth visiting? Yes, especially if you’re interested in a wider context of the occupation and the city’s post-war history.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends and on social media. Help others plan a mindful and respectful visit to Kraków.
If you’d like to explore with personal commentary and a live-told history, I remind you about the possibility of touring with private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I’m happy to help tailor a route to your time and sensibility. Thank you for your attention and have a safe visit.
