Yes! Kazimierz is a perfect destination for a weekend trip: it offers history, atmospheric cafés, galleries, synagogues and a lively food scene. Taking the tram is simple and fast, which lets you leave the car or luggage behind and focus on walking and tasting the city. Below you will find a practical plan for Saturday and Sunday, tips on where to get off, what to see and how to save time.
This text is written for visitors who want to explore the former Jewish quarter, but also visit nearby museums (for example MOCAK and Oskar Schindler's Factory) and enjoy the evening vibe of Krakow's pubs and restaurants. I won’t recommend organized tours here - I’ll show you how to move around on your own and comfortably.
First - a few practical tips that will save you time: the tram often stops near Kazimierz, and from the stops a short walk will take you to the main sights. Check timetables and any roadworks before you travel, because routes may change.
Want to start exploring right away? Below you’ll find a concrete two-day plan plus a list of attractions and practical tips. - Enjoy your visit! (Małgorzata)
Plac Nowy and its famous open stalls with zapiekanki - a great spot for a quick snack and to watch city life.
Szeroka Street and the synagogues - the heart of the former Jewish quarter: walk the memorial trails, visit synagogues and explore historic side streets.
Remuh Cemetery and Synagogue - an important place of remembrance, atmospheric and full of history with old gravestones and trees.
Galleries, small museums and street art - Kazimierz is a space for contemporary art, design boutiques and murals.
The Vistula boulevards - if the weather is good, a riverside walk is relaxing and gives a different view of Wawel Castle.
Zabłocie and Schindler's Factory / MOCAK - a short ride or walk away, good for contemporary exhibitions and 20th century history.
Trams are a convenient way to reach Kazimierz. There are several stops near the district from which you can walk to the main attractions - for example stops near Starowiślna, Stradom or Plac Bohaterów Getta. From each of these stops it takes only a few minutes on foot to reach the center of Kazimierz.
Before you travel check current timetables and any disruptions (roadworks) on the local public transport operator's site or in a transit app. Trams run frequently during rush hours, but on weekends take into account route adjustments for city events.
Buy tickets before boarding (for example at stop machines or in mobile apps) and remember to validate them. For short visits, time-based tickets (for example 20/40/60 minutes) or 24/48-hour tickets are good choices if you plan to move around the city a lot.
If you have heavy luggage or want to avoid stairs, look for low-floor trams - they are usually marked and easy to find. City apps will also suggest the shortest transfers and estimate travel time.
Morning: start with a relaxed coffee and breakfast on Plac Nowy. It’s an ideal place to watch the city wake up and plan your day. A short stroll along Szeroka and Meiselsa Streets will quickly introduce you to Kazimierz’s atmosphere.
Late morning: visit the synagogues and historic nooks - the old part of the district around Szeroka Street and the Remuh Cemetery are worth seeing; allow about 1-2 hours for a calm visit.
Lunch: try local specialties - from legendary zapiekanki at Plac Nowy to restaurants offering modern Polish-Jewish inspired dishes. Have coffee in a small café and rest before further exploring.
Afternoon: pick one nearby museum - MOCAK or Schindler's Factory on Zabłocie are great for contemporary art and history. Both are close enough to combine with a short walk along the river.
Evening: Kazimierz comes alive after dark - bars, live music and soft street lighting create a pleasant atmosphere. Choose a relaxed place for dinner or visit a pub with local beer and cocktails. Weekends can be busy, so consider booking a table or arriving early.
Morning: if you enjoy markets and local fairs, look for small weekend markets or breakfast offerings in cafés - Sunday is perfect for a calm meal and watching neighborhood life.
Late morning: return to places you want to see again - perhaps a gallery or an antiquarian bookshop? You can also walk along the Vistula or visit quieter historic side streets with fewer tourists.
Afternoon: choose a relaxed museum or take a short tram ride to nearby spots - Krakus Mound or the Planty area are good options if you want to end the weekend with a city view.
Evening: before leaving, stop once more at Plac Nowy for a last snack and photos. If you depart late, check tram timetables and possible replacement services ahead of time.
Kazimierz mixes tradition with modern flavors. Plac Nowy is where you’ll find quick street food and lively street scenes. On side streets you’ll discover restaurants serving dishes inspired by Jewish and Polish cuisine in contemporary forms.
If you want to try local specialties look for small bakeries, cafés and places that serve weekend brunches. Also check out family-style restaurants where portions are generous and prices friendly.
For dietary restrictions Kazimierz offers many vegetarian and vegan options - many places indicate this clearly on menus. For dessert, seek out small patisseries or ice cream shops tucked away in side streets for a quieter treat.
Check museum opening hours before visiting - on weekends there can be long queues and special events that change schedules. Some small galleries may be closed on Sundays or have reduced hours.
Buy your public transport ticket before boarding and validate it immediately. Mobile apps allow you to buy electronic tickets in advance and plan routes.
Pay attention to city events - Krakow often hosts festivals, concerts and outdoor events on weekends; these can lead to traffic restrictions and tram route changes.
If you want to save time and visit several attractions, consider a city card or a combined ticket option if you plan to enter multiple museums. This can be cost-effective when you want to make the most of 48 hours in the city.
Kazimierz is generally safe, but as in any popular tourist area keep an eye on personal belongings - especially in crowded trams and on Plac Nowy.
Respect places of remembrance and cemeteries - Remuh Cemetery and other sacred sites are places of memory. Keep quiet and be considerate when photographing.
Check tram timetables and any planned roadworks.
Buy public transport tickets or install a ticket app.
Reserve tickets for popular museums if you plan to visit MOCAK or Schindler's Factory.
Comfortable shoes - cobbled streets and a lot of walking!
Wallet with small change or a card - useful for small purchases and cafés.
Kazimierz is best experienced without rushing. The tram gives you mobility, but the best discoveries often come on foot: a tucked-away café, a small gallery, a private exhibition or a chat with a shop owner. Plan the main points, but leave time for unexpected finds - they create the best memories of a weekend in Krakow.
If you’d like, I can prepare a shorter plan focused only on food, art or history - tell me what interests you most and I will lay out a step-by-step route. See you in Kazimierz! - Małgorzata Kasprowicz
