Why is autumn a good time to visit? - Fewer tourists than in summer, nicer light for photos and the warm colors of parks and riverfronts. For students it is often a cheaper season for accommodation and it’s easier to find free tables in cafés and restaurants.
Can you see traces of Jewish Krakow in one day? - Yes, you can get a concise overview of the most important places in one intensive day, but I recommend spreading it over two days so you can soak up the atmosphere, eat locally and allow time for reflection.
Is the route suitable for Erasmus groups or large groups? - Yes, the route can be adjusted to the group’s pace: many highlights are close together in the center (Kazimierz and the Old Town), while farther points like Podgórze or Zabłocie need a short tram ride.
What about respect and remembrance? - Sites connected to Jewish history and the Holocaust require quiet and respectful behavior. Explain to the group why certain places are important to residents and visitors, and follow rules about photography where requested.
Do I need tickets? - Some venues (for example museum exhibitions) require tickets and have visitor limits, so check opening hours and consider booking in advance, especially on weekends.
Szeroka Street and Nowy Square - these are the centers of former Jewish life. Szeroka is where synagogues and former community institutions stand; Nowy Square (Plac Nowy) used to be a market and today is a popular meeting place with its distinctive roundel and food stalls.
Remuh Synagogue and the old Jewish cemetery - a small but still active house of prayer and the neighboring graveyard with the tomb of Rabbi Moses Isserles (the Remu). This spot connects daily religious practice with history going back to the 16th century.
The Old Synagogue - the oldest preserved place of worship in the area, now part of museum displays that tell about Jewish community life before the war. A walk around it highlights the contrast between the past and the district’s present-day life.
Józefa Street and film locations - around Józefa Street and the nearby courtyards you’ll find scenes familiar from films; a stroll here offers a short journey back in time and atmospheric photo opportunities in the courtyards.
Cafés and cozy restaurants in Kazimierz - Kazimierz is also a place to meet. In autumn stop in a small café for hot tea or a local cake and, if you’re lucky, you might hear klezmer music that sometimes pours into the streets.
Ghetto Heroes Square and the 'Under the Eagle' Pharmacy - central points of remembrance for Krakow’s ghetto. The square and preserved fragments of the ghetto wall recall the tragic events of World War II and invite reflection.
Site of the Płaszów camp and traces of history - in the Płaszów and Podgórze area you can see traces connected to the former camp and execution sites. This is a space that requires a delicate approach and quiet contemplation; present the facts respectfully and in historical context.
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (Zabłocie) - an important museum exhibition that tells the story of Krakow during the war and the fate of its inhabitants. The museum is in the former factory building and plan on at least 1-1.5 hours to visit.
How to get there? - Podgórze and Zabłocie are easy to reach by tram; from the center it’s a short ride. In autumn trams run regularly, but check evening timetables on holidays.
Practical note - the Płaszów memorial places are scattered across several city points and not all are strongly signposted, so plan your route in advance and present the history with sensitivity.
Galicia Jewish Museum - a modern institution showing photography and exhibitions about Jewish culture in Galicia. It also runs educational programs and city walks with historical narration - a good place for an introduction.
Permanent city exhibitions and the Old Synagogue - some branches of the city museums present the history of the Jewish community in permanent displays. The Old Synagogue offers architectural and museum context, showing aspects of daily and religious life.
Schindler’s Factory - the exhibition presents Krakow in 1939-1945 and the experiences of its residents. This is an emotionally powerful display, rich in documents and testimonies - prepare your group for an intense experience.
Visiting tips - check opening hours and ticket availability, especially during the academic season when workshops and special events take place; museum ticket desks often have limited capacity.
For those interested: temporary exhibitions and events - new exhibitions and lecture series often start in autumn; check museum and local cultural center calendars for talks, openings or special events that can enrich your visit.
Quick 1-day route (intensive) - morning: Old Town briefly (Market Square with a short historical look) then on to Kazimierz: Szeroka Street, Remuh Synagogue, Nowy Square. Afternoon: tram to Zabłocie and Schindler’s Factory. Evening: return to Kazimierz for dinner.
Leisurely 2-day route - Day 1: walk around Kazimierz, visit the Old Synagogue and the Galicia Jewish Museum, coffee breaks. Day 2: Podgórze, Ghetto Heroes Square, Płaszów memorial sites, Schindler’s Factory and relax by the Vistula.
Student budget option - more walking, fewer paid entries: focus on outdoor memorial points, free exhibitions, a picnic on the Vistula boulevards or the Błonia and dinner in an inexpensive bar.
Time and pace - for Erasmus groups I suggest a pace with short 10-15 minute narrative stops so everyone has time for questions and photos.
Safety and comfort - in autumn wear layers, bring umbrellas and power banks; evenings can be cooler so plan breaks for hot drinks.
Start with context and basic facts - a short clear introduction helps people absorb the stories that follow. Avoid sensational details and focus on people and historical consequences.
Mind tone and empathy - memorial places require silence and respect. Ask the group to silence phones and be mindful of other participants’ emotions.
Allow time for questions and reflection - students often have thoughtful questions; leave time for discussion after major stops.
Don’t forget the local context today - briefly explain how the district functions now: a mix of history, culture and everyday life, with festivals and cultural initiatives that recall the Jewish past.
Support materials - a map on your phone, short notes with dates and names and archival photos (if legally available) help participants understand how the space has changed.
Cheap and filling options - milk bars and inexpensive bistros near the universities and in Kazimierz are great for a quick meal; in autumn many places serve warming soups and one-pot dishes.
Cafés for a break - small cafés with hot tea or coffee are everywhere in Kazimierz; they make ideal stops for longer breaks and conversations about what the group has just seen.
Evening in Kazimierz - after a day of sightseeing stay in the district for dinner; choose smaller restaurants with local character and reasonable prices.
Outdoor rest spots - the Vistula Boulevards and the Błonia are perfect for an autumn picnic or a short recharge between route points.
Budget tip - if you’re on a tight budget, plan one larger shared meal at the end of the day and rely on snacks and coffee during the day.
Museum tickets and reservations - check museum websites before you go; popular exhibitions are worth booking in advance, especially for groups.
Public transport - trams and buses connect the center with Zabłocie and Podgórze. For students, a day ticket or short-term pass is often the best value depending on how many trips you make.
Accessibility and pace - most central routes are walkable; bring comfortable shoes because cobblestones require attention. If your group includes people with limited mobility, plan shorter distances and check for lifts in museums.
Personal safety - Krakow is generally safe, but as everywhere carry your documents, watch your bags in crowded places and avoid loud music in headphones when crossing cobbled streets.
Local respect - don’t leave litter after picnics, behave respectfully at memorials and follow rules about photography inside buildings.
Kazimierz: Szeroka Street, Remuh Synagogue and the old cemetery, the Old Synagogue, Nowy Square.
Podgórze and Płaszów: Ghetto Heroes Square, memorial sites, traces connected with the Płaszów camp.
Zabłocie: Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory - museum exhibition.
Museums and institutions: Galicia Jewish Museum and city museum branches with displays on Jewish culture.
Additionally: Vistula Boulevards and the Błonia for an autumn rest, and small cafés in Kazimierz for breaks and conversations.
