Yes — it’s a calm, historically important and very accessible place that gives you space for reflection while also serving as an easy starting point for a short, comfortable exploration of Podgórze and Zabłocie. Ghetto Heroes Square today is a memorial marked by scattered chairs and the surrounding area has several small museums and pleasant spots to rest by the Vistula River.
In spring, when the days get longer and the city wakes up, a walk beginning at the Square is enjoyable and not tiring — pavements are even, benches and cafés are nearby. For older visitors, plan short walking segments and one longer break for coffee and a snack. This article shows how to do that for under 100 PLN per person with a relaxed pace and a few small fees.
9:30 — Start at Ghetto Heroes Square. Spend 15–30 minutes at the memorial on the square and take in the space. It’s a great spot for a short introduction to the history and a peaceful start to the day.
10:00 — A short walk to the 'Under the Eagle' Pharmacy (Apteka „Pod Orłem”), the Pankiewicz Pharmacy museum. A small, moving interior with mementos related to Tadeusz Pankiewicz. Visiting usually takes 30–60 minutes — ideal so you don’t overexert yourselves. (Tickets often have reduced prices; seniors commonly qualify for concessions — bring an ID).
11:15 — Walk to MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków) or stroll along the Vistula. If you want to see contemporary art, MOCAK offers exhibitions; sometimes there are days with reduced or free admission to the permanent collection — check opening times before you go. Alternatively: a relaxing walk on the river boulevards, sit on a bench and enjoy coffee with a river view.
13:00 — Lunch at an affordable spot — later in the text I’ll suggest a few reliable options. For about 20–30 PLN you can eat well and locally (a milk bar, a good zapiekanka, or a small restaurant with positive reviews).
14:30 — A short visit around Oskar Schindler’s Factory (you can view it from outside if you prefer) or return to a gentle walk through Podgórze. Finish the day with cake and coffee in a cozy café — a pleasant way to end the trip.
Practical note: choose a pace that suits your grandmother’s fitness — the route is flexible and easy to shorten or extend. Podgórze and Zabłocie are compact, with short distances between highlights and good tram connections.
Ghetto Heroes Square — a memorial space that invites reflection. The artist’s installation of cast chairs is simple but symbolic — a strong visual for photos and a moment of quiet.
Pankiewicz’s Pharmacy (Apteka „Pod Orłem”) — a small museum with great historical value; it tells about daily life in the ghetto and the courage of Tadeusz Pankiewicz. It’s worth a visit because the exhibition is intimate and not tiring. Seniors usually have discounts — check current prices on arrival.
MOCAK — the Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków, located in Zabłocie. For those interested in contemporary art, it’s an interesting modern space; plan your visit for days that fit your budget if you want to use any reduced-admission opportunities.
Vistula boulevards and the Zabłocie area — a spring walk by the river costs nothing. Benches, views and nice cafés make it a great place to rest and recharge.
If you want to spend sensibly and eat deliciously, try these friendly options: a milk bar (bar mleczny) — authentic, home-style meals at very affordable prices (often 10–20 PLN for a set). It’s a classic for budget-conscious travelers who enjoy Polish cuisine.
Zapiekanka at Plac Nowy — a quick, tasty and relatively cheap street-food choice, if grandma fancies something lighter or casual. Prices depend on the vendor, usually 10–25 PLN.
Cafés with good reviews (perfect for an afternoon break): pick locally recommended places — Zabłocie and nearby Podgórze have cozy cafés with cake and coffee. Coffee and cake typically cost 15–30 PLN depending on the place — look for quiet cafés with good reviews and a calm atmosphere.
If you prefer a slightly more formal meal, there are well-rated restaurants in Zabłocie that are not necessarily expensive and often offer lunch menus. Prices outside the strict city center tend to be lower.
Sample breakdown for a reasonable pace: tram transport (single ticket 4–6 PLN or a 24-hour ticket around 15 PLN — worth it if you plan several trips), admission to Pankiewicz’s Pharmacy ~10–20 PLN (reduced/regular — check current prices), coffee and cake 15–25 PLN, lunch at a milk bar or zapiekanka + drink 15–35 PLN. Total: 60–90 PLN — leaving room for small extras or a souvenir.
Saving tips: see more outdoors (squares, boulevards, walks), use museum free days if available and senior discounts, choose lunch menus and milk bars instead of central restaurants. Buy a 24-hour public-transport ticket if you’ll ride several times — it’s often the most economical choice.
Accessibility: Podgórze and Ghetto Heroes Square are generally friendly for people with limited mobility — short distances and relatively even paving. Check museums in advance for lifts, ramps and other accessibility features if needed.
Walking pace: plan breaks every 30–60 minutes. Bring a lightweight folding chair only if your grandmother has difficulty standing for long periods — there are cafés and benches in the area, but not always exactly where you want them.
First-aid and weather: spring can be changeable — bring a light raincoat and comfortable shoes. Carry your grandmother’s medications, an ID and a contact phone number for emergencies.
At Ghetto Heroes Square, instead of a conventional monument there are dozens of single chairs — a symbol of emptiness and displaced lives; the project is emotionally powerful despite its simple appearance.
Pankiewicz’s Pharmacy was the only pharmacy operating within the ghetto boundaries — its story is one of courage, help and risk. It’s not a large museum, but it provides important context to the place.
Zabłocie used to be an industrial district and in recent years has transformed into a cultural area with museums, galleries and creative spaces. While walking you’ll see contrasts between old factory halls and modern investments.
Trying to “see everything” in one day — it’s better to choose a few calm highlights than to rush. Plan 2–4 attractions and leave time to rest.
Not checking museum opening hours — some branches have reduced hours on weekdays or are closed on Mondays. Call or check hours before you leave.
Forgetting senior ID — many institutions offer senior concessions, but you must show ID. Bring it to avoid paying full price.
Is Ghetto Heroes Square free? - Yes, the square and the memorial are public space and there is no entrance fee.
Is the 'Under the Eagle' Pharmacy suitable for older visitors? - It’s an intimate museum and the visit is not strenuous, but ask about accessibility in advance if a ramp or special conditions are needed.
Is a 24-hour public transport ticket worth it? - If you plan more than one tram or bus ride that day, a 24-hour ticket is often more economical than single fares.
Cafés: choose places with good reviews and a calm interior — in Zabłocie and on the edge of Podgórze you’ll find cozy cafés ideal for a longer rest with grandma.
Cheap eats: milk bars are a classic — home-style dinners for very little money. For a quick bite, try a zapiekanka at Plac Nowy or a small local bistro with a lunch menu.
If you fancy a small purchase, look for local bakeries selling Kraków specialties (obwarzanek, sweet rolls) — an inexpensive and tasty snack.
If you want the visit to be comfortable, informative and tailored to your grandmother’s pace — I’m happy to help plan the route, schedule breaks and reserve tickets. You can find more routes and contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — I’m Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or family who might plan a similar calm trip. If you prefer a more personal accompaniment, I organize private, small-group tours adapted to participants’ ages and interests. Contact and service details are available on the guide’s site.
Bring a copy of any senior discount card or ID to get concessions.
Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers for spring weather.
Charge your phone and note one local contact number.
Plan for a relaxed pace — choose two main attractions and enjoy coffee breaks.
Visit the interior exhibitions at MOCAK if your group enjoys contemporary art — check for special days with reduced admission.
Walk further along the Vistula boulevards toward the bridges for different views of the city.
If interested in deeper historical context, consider a timed visit to the Schindler’s Factory branch of the Historical Museum of Kraków — note that tickets can sell out on busy days.
