Kazimierz and Wawel show two different faces of Krakow: one — a lively, artistic district with Jewish roots; the other — a historic hill with a castle and cathedral, the center of Polish statehood. They lie close to each other — a pleasant 20–30 minute walk — so it’s worth planning your route to feel both the atmosphere of Kazimierz’s narrow streets and the dignity of Wawel. It’s an ideal combination: morning at Wawel (less crowded), afternoon and evening in Kazimierz (cafés, the food scene, live music).
If you want to avoid queues, start the day at Wawel and finish in Kazimierz — the views from the hill and a walk by the Vistula make a beautiful prelude to the district’s evening life. Below you’ll find practical advice about tickets, opening times and places not to miss.
Kazimierz was founded in the 14th century as a separate town south of the Old Town. From the late 15th century it became the main seat of Krakow’s Jewish community, which shaped its unique character. For centuries the Christian and Jewish parts of the town lived side by side, creating a unique cultural mosaic.
After World War II the district was damaged and fell into decline; since the 1990s it has been revitalized and become a center of culture, gastronomy and memory. Important note: the historic Krakow ghetto established during the German occupation was located in the Podgórze district, not directly in Kazimierz — a frequent confusion for tourists who recognize scenes from the film Schindler’s List, parts of which were shot here.
Old Synagogue (Szeroka St.) — the oldest preserved example of Jewish sacral architecture in Poland; today it is a branch of the Museum of Krakow with an exhibition about Jewish life and rituals.
Remuh Synagogue and cemetery — an intimate, atmospheric site that is still in use, with one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the city.
Tempel Synagogue (the Tempel) — an example of a synagogue with a more modernist character; a venue for cultural events.
Plac Nowy and the Okrąglak — Kazimierz’s culinary heart: famous zapiekanki stalls, small eateries and a market-like atmosphere; a perfect place for a quick bite.
Wolnica and Kazimierz Market Square — the historic market with atmospheric cafés; a convenient starting point for exploring the district.
Skałka and the Church of St. Michael and St. Stanislaus — an important religious and historical site with views over quieter corners of Kazimierz.
Streets worth walking: Szeroka, Izaaka, Miodowa, Józefa and Podbrzezie — each has its own character, galleries, souvenir shops and cafés.
Hamsa — a restaurant serving Middle Eastern / Jewish-inspired cuisine, popular with visitors; good hummus and a warm atmosphere.
Mleczarnia — a cozy café, ideal for a coffee and cake break; often recommended for its ambiance and interior.
Zazie Bistro — French-inspired, good breakfasts and lunches; a tourist-friendly spot.
Plac Nowy (zapiekanka stalls) — a classic of Krakow street food; try a zapiekanka with a local twist and share a few different flavors.
Alchemia and other clubs/bar-cafés — Kazimierz comes alive in the evening with live music; check the local program for events.
Remember: on weekends popular places can be full — reserving a table or arriving outside peak times (for example 3–5 PM) makes things easier.
Wawel is a complex: the Royal Castle, the Cathedral and other sites — each part may have separate entry rules and tickets. For this reason it’s worth checking ticket availability for specific routes (for example private apartments, the crypts, the treasury) and buying them in advance if you plan to visit interiors.
Buying tickets online usually helps avoid long lines at the ticket office, especially during the tourist season. Some exhibitions and routes have a limited number of entrances per day and strictly defined entry times, so choose a specific time when purchasing.
If you want to enter the Cathedral — remember that access can be limited on days with religious services or solemn ceremonies. Also note baggage limits and a ban on bringing large backpacks — it’s better to leave big luggage at the hotel or in a locker.
Buy online in advance, especially in high season (May–September) and on weekends; last-minute tickets are often only available for outdoor routes or at the ticket office, where queues are possible.
Check whether the ticket you buy includes what you want to see — for example a combined ticket for several routes is often cheaper than several single-entry tickets.
When planning, leave time for a walk around the courtyards and the viewing terrace — often the views and atmosphere make the strongest impression.
If you care about entering the bell tower or visiting the crypts (where important Polish figures are buried), make sure the route is available that day and whether you need a separate ticket.
Morning option: Wawel (tour of the chambers and underground) – walk along the Vistula – Kazimierz (lunch at Plac Nowy, visit synagogues and the museum) – evening in a café or club.
Afternoon option: morning walk through the Old Town – Wawel at noon (less crowded than late afternoon) – Kazimierz for late afternoon and dinner.
If you have only a few hours: choose either Wawel (if you’re interested in national history and architecture) or Kazimierz (if you prefer atmospheric streets, Judaica museums and food).
Schindler’s List and Kazimierz — the film increased the district’s popularity, but the historic Nazi ghetto was in Podgórze, not Kazimierz. It’s worth seeing both parts of the city to understand the differences.
Thinking Kazimierz is only a “historic Jewish quarter” — today it’s a living neighborhood with cafés, galleries and local residents; show respect in places of remembrance and in synagogues.
Buying tickets “on the spot” without checking times — some routes have limited entries and can sell out; it’s best to check availability in advance.
Do I need to buy a Wawel ticket in advance? - I strongly recommend buying online for popular routes to avoid disappointment and queues.
How much time do I need for Kazimierz? - For a basic walk, visiting 2–3 synagogues and having coffee and a snack plan 2–4 hours.
Are the synagogues open to tourists? - Some synagogues function as museums or places of worship — check opening hours and visiting rules for each site. Some (for example Remuh) are also active prayer sites, so keep silence and dress appropriately.
Can I visit Wawel and Kazimierz on the same day? - Yes, it’s a convenient combination. Plan ticket times logically and leave time for breaks.
Shoes: comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobbled streets and the stone steps at Wawel.
Weather: check the forecast; in rain some walks can be moved to museums and cafés.
Payments: most places accept cards, but for small stalls at Plac Nowy it’s useful to have some cash.
Safety: Krakow is generally safe, but take standard precautions against pickpockets in crowded places.
If this guide helped you plan your trip, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others prepare better for visiting Krakow.
If you’d like to explore Krakow with a local guide, consider the services of licensed guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A private tour will show you the highlights with stories you won’t find in guidebooks and will save time on tickets and logistics.
