Did you know Kazimierz used to be a separate town named after King Casimir the Great and was only incorporated into Krakow in the 18th century? This historic "town within a city" preserves traces of many communities - especially Jewish life - and today blends memory with a lively café and restaurant scene. A walk through Kazimierz can be both reflective and delicious.
The best way to get to know Kazimierz is slowly: not just ticking points off a map, but pausing in cafés, peeking into courtyards and listening to the stories behind the places you pass. This guide will help you organise your time, suggest less obvious sights and give practical tips.
The synagogues of Kazimierz are the heart of the district's history. Be sure to visit the Old Synagogue (a museum branch), the Remah Synagogue (with its historic cemetery), the Tempel Synagogue and smaller, equally meaningful houses of worship such as the Kupa, Popper, Wysoka and Izaaka synagogues. Each tells a different story about Jewish communal life.
Szeroka Street and the square next to it are where history meets everyday life - many synagogues and intimate cafés gather here. Plan a walk that takes you along Szeroka and lets you discover tiny alleys with original signs and old townhouses.
Plac Nowy and the round building known as the "Okrąglak" are a must for lovers of simple, local snacks. Evening zapiekanki from the Okrąglak are a local classic, and the square often pulses with music and market stalls.
The Basilica of Corpus Christi is a Gothic-Baroque church with a long history and a local legend connected to a recovered monstrance. Its interior is worth seeing for architectural detail and atmosphere.
The Kazimierz Town Hall and other historic buildings remind you that Kazimierz was once an independent municipal centre. Many houses now hold museums, galleries and cosy venues.
The courtyard associated with the "Schindler's List" and other film locations are good stops for those interested in 20th century history and cinema.
The Museum of Engineering and Technology (Zajezdnia) and the Jewish Museum Galicia are worth adding to your plan, especially if you are travelling with family or want to deepen your understanding of local historical contexts.
Short walk (60-90 minutes): Plac Nowy - Szeroka Street - Old Synagogue - Remah Synagogue with cemetery - a short stop at the Okrąglak for a zapiekanka.
Cultural route (2-3 hours): Start at the Galicia Jewish Museum, walk along Szeroka visiting synagogues, then the Basilica of Corpus Christi, Kazimierz Town Hall and finish in one of the recommended cafés.
Half-day plan with a lunch break: Museum of Engineering and Technology - walk along the Vistula toward Podgórze and return through Kazimierz, visit synagogues and stop for a longer lunch or dinner.
Kazimierz offers a great culinary range - from breakfast cafés to world cuisine restaurants, barbecue bars and ramen spots. For breakfast consider Chałka Resto Bar, Bazaar Bistro or Poranki.
For lunch or dinner try places such as Nolio (tasty Italian dishes), Akita Ramen, Tbilisuri Restaurant (Georgian cuisine), Rzeźnia - Ribs on Fire (for meat lovers) or Kolanko No 6. For sweets and coffee, explore the many small cafés on Szeroka and the side streets.
Don’t forget to try local snacks at the Okrąglak - the zapiekanki there have an informal local "holiday". Also ask locals for seasonal recommendations, because Kazimierz’s food scene changes often and new interesting places appear.
Best time to visit: morning and late morning, when streets are calmer. In the evening Kazimierz comes alive with restaurants and nightlife, but many historical sites are already closed.
Check opening hours of synagogues and museums - not all venues are open every day or at the same times. Many institutions offer online tickets or limit visitor numbers.
Respect places of memory: synagogues and cemeteries are sites of religious and historical importance. Observe silence, dress appropriately and follow local rules; photography inside may be restricted in some places.
Shoes and weather: walking on cobbled streets needs comfortable footwear. In summer bring a hat and water; in winter dress warmly, as old buildings can be chilly.
Payments: many places accept cards, but small stalls and market vendors may prefer cash. Carry some small change for market purchases or a zapiekanka.
The name of the Kupa Synagogue is not funny in the colloquial sense - it comes from a Hebrew word meaning a collection box and relates to the synagogue’s role in helping the poor. Small details like signs or stone thresholds tell stories about former residents.
During World War II many synagogues were destroyed or repurposed - not all historical interiors survived, so the buildings you see today often have histories of reconstruction and adaptation.
The Basilica of Corpus Christi has a local legend about a found monstrance - one of many city stories that give the place character.
Limiting your visit only to Plac Nowy and Szeroka. To feel the real spirit of Kazimierz, step off the main routes and visit side streets and courtyards.
Coming only in the evening just to "taste the nightlife". That’s a good idea, but many important historical sites are closed then - it’s better to combine morning sightseeing with an evening meal.
Lack of respect at sites of memory - making loud photos, entering forbidden areas or inappropriate clothing. Before entering synagogues or cemeteries, read the rules and behave respectfully.
How much time should I set aside for Kazimierz? 2-4 hours are enough for basic sightseeing, but if you want to visit museums and eat at a good restaurant, plan for half a day.
Is Kazimierz accessible for wheelchairs and people with limited mobility? Some routes have cobbles and steps - accessibility is limited in places. Check specific attractions in advance for accessibility.
Can I take photos in synagogues? Rules vary - some sites allow photos, others require permission or prohibit interior photography. Follow staff instructions.
Is Kazimierz safe? Yes - it is one of the most popular and generally safe parts of the city. As anywhere touristy, watch small valuables and avoid poorly lit alleys alone late at night.
Take a short walk along the Vistula and see Kazimierz from the opposite bank - it offers a different perspective and great photo opportunities.
Look for cultural events: festivals, chamber concerts and exhibitions often take place outdoors or in intimate venues - check the local calendar during your stay.
Plan a visit to a craft market or a local produce fair - it’s a chance to taste regional flavors and buy handmade souvenirs.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media - it will help others prepare for a visit to Kazimierz.
If you want to explore Kazimierz with a private, local guide, you can use the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz - her contact is visible on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. This is a great option if you want stories behind the places and to discover hidden corners at a relaxed pace.
Good luck discovering Kazimierz - may your walk be full of small discoveries!
