Kazimierz is more than atmospheric cafés and a lively nightlife — it is one of the oldest Jewish districts in Europe, with several synagogues dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Right nearby, in Zabłocie (Lipowa Street 4), stands the former Oskar Schindler factory, today a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków — a place where local history meets the story of World War II.
Kazimierz and Schindler’s Factory tell different threads of the same city story: the everyday life and culture of the Jewish community and the dramatic events of the occupation. A walk through Kazimierz combined with a museum visit gives a fuller picture — from synagogues and cemeteries to traces of the ghetto and the factory halls where history becomes tangible.
The two sites are close enough to combine on foot — distances in the city centre are short, but set aside several hours so you don’t rush and can soak up the district’s atmosphere.
Nowy Square and the Okrąglak - the heart of Kazimierz, known for its iconic zapiekanki; a great spot for a quick local bite and people-watching.
Szeroka Street - a historic street with the Remuh Synagogue and valuable tenement houses; don’t miss the Remuh Cemetery next to the synagogue.
Synagogues: the Old Synagogue (museum), Remuh, Tempel, Isaac, Kupa and Popper - each has its own story and character; some are open to visitors (check opening hours and visiting rules, especially on Saturdays because of the Sabbath).
Wolnica Square - the former Kazimierz market with a town hall, a pleasant place for a quieter stroll than the Main Market Square.
Fragments of the city walls, Skałka and the Pauline monastery - close to Kazimierz and worth a look if you have more time.
Address and what you’ll see: Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, Lipowa 4; the permanent exhibition tells the story of Kraków under occupation 1939–1945 and the fates of the people who lived through those years.
Opening hours and entry: the museum limits the number of tickets for specific entry times; the last admission is usually about 1.5 hours before closing. Check current opening hours before you go.
Minimum age: the exhibition can be emotionally challenging — institutions often recommend it for ages 14+ for full comprehension.
Buy tickets primarily on the museum’s official website or through the museum’s ticketing system — this is the most reliable way to avoid inflated offers from resellers.
Beware resellers: offers labeled “Premium” or “Skip-the-line” are sold by outside agencies. Some provide convenience (faster entry, a guide’s commentary), but many are significantly more expensive than official tickets. Before you buy, check exactly what the price includes.
Free Mondays: the museum may offer partial free access at certain times — this can be tempting, but expect long queues. If you want to avoid crowds, it’s usually better to buy a regular ticket and choose a morning time slot on a weekday.
Memory Route: if you also plan to visit the Pharmacy Under the Eagle (Pankiewicz) and other related branches, check for combined tickets — they often save time and money.
The best time to visit Schindler’s Factory is weekday mornings — the crowds are smallest then. On weekends and during the summer season, be prepared for larger queues.
Kazimierz is pleasant to explore in the morning or late afternoon: mornings are quieter, evenings bring restaurants and live music. If you want photos without people in the frame, choose early hours.
Weather and season: winter brings fewer tourists but shorter opening hours; in summer it’s wise to reserve tickets in advance.
Getting there: Kazimierz and Schindler’s Factory are well connected — you can walk from the Main Market Square in a dozen or so minutes, and there are tram and bus stops nearby. A walk from the centre is also a nice way to feel the city’s atmosphere.
Accessibility: most modern museum branches offer facilities for visitors with reduced mobility (elevator, accessible toilets) — if this is important, confirm details in advance by phone or email.
Luggage: the museum does not always have storage for large luggage — it’s best to leave bags at your hotel or in a left-luggage facility.
Hamsa – Hummus & Happiness: popular, great for Middle Eastern and vegetarian dishes, atmospheric interior and tasty hummus.
Starka: a well-rated restaurant serving modern Polish dishes, with pleasant service and a local vibe.
Mleczarnia (café) – ideal for coffee and dessert in a retro atmosphere; good for a short rest.
Zazie Bistro – for a touch of French cuisine in an intimate setting.
Nowy Square 1 and the zapiekanki at the Okrąglak – perfect for a quick, local meal and watching square life.
Tip: choose highly rated places and book a table for the evening — popular venues often fill up.
No plan and last-minute ticket purchases — result: long queues or no available slots. Planning ahead fixes this.
Buying tickets from unverified resellers — some resell entries at a much higher price or with no real added value. Buy from the museum’s official site or trusted services and check exactly what you receive.
Trying to see everything in one day without a break — Kazimierz and the museum offer a lot to take in; it’s better to spread activities over a relaxed day than to rush and miss the district’s atmosphere.
Schindler’s Factory originally produced enamelware; Oskar Schindler took it over and renamed it Deutsche Emailwarenfabrik (DEF).
Although many tourists associate the factory directly with Kazimierz, it is located in the historic Zabłocie/Podgórze area — a short walk away, but geographically a different part of the city.
Kazimierz is home to several synagogues with very different architectures (the Old Synagogue’s Renaissance style, the Secessionist Tempel, etc.) — each tells a different story of the community.
Where to buy tickets for Schindler’s Factory? - Most reliably on the museum’s official website; check available dates and entry times in advance.
Is a guide recommended for Schindler’s Factory? - A guide can expand the exhibition’s context and add many little-known details; if you have limited time, a guide will increase the visit’s value.
Can you visit synagogues on Saturdays? - Some sites are closed during the Sabbath; check individual synagogue availability before planning your visit.
How much time should you allow? - For Kazimierz, plan at least 2–3 hours including a relaxed lunch; for Schindler’s Factory, 1.5–2 hours.
Morning walk around Kazimierz: Nowy Square, the Okrąglak, Szeroka Street and the synagogues.
Lunch at one of the recommended places (Hamsa, Starka, or Mleczarnia café).
Afternoon visit to Schindler’s Factory (with a pre-booked ticket).
Evening: return to Kazimierz for dinner and live music or a relaxed glass of wine.
If you found this guide useful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan better trips to Kraków!
If you want to explore Kazimierz and Schindler’s Factory in a comfortable, in-depth way, consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. With individual attention you’ll see places many tourists miss and hear stories paced to your interests.
Good luck discovering Kraków — this city has a lot to tell!
