Podgórze is often described as the “other side” of the Vistula, yet it’s an area rich in history, green spaces and unusual viewpoints — ideal for a quiet walk away from the biggest crowds. In this guide I’ll show what’s worth seeing, where to stop for coffee and which practical details are good to know before you set off. You’ll also find a few surprises and tips on how to avoid common tourist mistakes.
Podgórze is not only about World War II memorial sites — although those are important — it also includes parks created on former quarries, legendary mounds and pleasant local market squares. While walking, it’s worth mixing the historical layer with relaxed time by the river.
This guide is friendly and practical — you can use it as a one-day walking plan or break it into shorter outings across a few hours.
- Podgórze Market Square and St. Joseph’s Church - the heart of the former town of Podgórze; stroll around the square to see the characteristic buildings and the old town hall.
- Ghetto Heroes’ Square (the Small Market) and fragments of the ghetto walls - a memorial area and a starting point for understanding Podgórze’s 20th-century history.
- Oskar Schindler’s Factory / Museum - one of the most moving places connected with Krakow’s wartime history.
- MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow) - a modern museum with exhibitions and a café; a good complement to the industrial-area visit.
- The Bernatka footbridge - a convenient pedestrian link to Kazimierz and a picturesque spot for photos.
- Bednarski Park - a former quarry turned green space, great for a short rest and a shady stroll among rock formations.
- Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa) - a viewpoint with a legend and a pleasant setting; especially nice at sunset.
- Lasota Hill and the Church of St. Benedict - a small, charming church and the traditional site of the Rękawka festival.
- Old Podgórze Cemetery and New Podgórze Cemetery - for those interested in local history and noteworthy tombstones.
- The Eagle Pharmacy (Apteka „Pod Orłem”) - a small museum and an important place connected to the history of the ghetto.
The Vistula is a natural border that also connects Podgórze with the rest of the city. Walking the riverbank offers lovely views of Wawel and the Old Town skyline from a slightly different angle.
The Bernatka footbridge is a popular photo spot and a quick crossing to Kazimierz. Watch for the sections reserved for cyclists — it’s easy to step into a bike lane by accident, which is unpleasant for cyclists and may result in being asked to move on.
The bridges linking the banks have different characters: in the evenings look at the illuminated Wawel, while mornings often bring quiet and fewer people in photos.
Podgórze was the site of the Kraków Ghetto, and many memorial points focus on events from World War II. Ghetto Heroes’ Square with its memorial of chairs and the fragments of the walls are places for reflection — visit them with care and respect.
The Eagle Pharmacy is a small museum located in a building that played a significant role in local history. Plan a visit and take a moment to understand the context, rather than treating these places only as photo stops.
Oskar Schindler’s Factory is an exhibition that requires time and focus — if you plan to visit, allow at least 1–2 hours.
Krakus Mound is one of those places that combines nature, legend and a lovely viewpoint. It can be windy at the top — bring an extra layer on breezy days.
Bednarski Park was created on the site of a former quarry and shows how industrial places can turn into friendly urban green spaces. It’s a good spot for a picnic or a short rest after sightseeing.
Lasota Hill and the Church of St. Benedict link tradition with the present — the Rękawka festival takes place here and is an interesting cultural experience if your visit coincides with the date.
Podgórze has several pleasant cafés and places serving local food — look for small venues near the market square and around the parks. A good rule is to sit where locals go; that’s often the best way to feel the true atmosphere of the neighbourhood.
If you plan to visit museums such as MOCAK, note the cafés inside these institutions — they usually serve decent coffee and light snacks, perfect for a break between exhibitions.
To taste local dishes, explore small bars and family-run restaurants on side streets — you’ll avoid touristy ‘fast-food’ spots and find more authentic flavors.
- How to get there? - Podgórze is well connected by trams and buses to Krakow’s center; walking across the bridges takes about 10–20 minutes from Kazimierz depending on your pace.
- Opening hours? - Some sites (e.g., small churches or the little museum in the pharmacy) have limited opening hours; check current times before your visit or call ahead.
- Is a guide worth it? - If you want to understand historical context and hear local anecdotes, a short private tour can greatly enrich your experience. If you’d like a personal guide, consider a private guide from Zwiedzanie Krakowa — Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers tailored tours and local insights.
- Is Podgórze safe at night? - Like most urban districts, it’s generally safe, but it’s better to avoid completely deserted spots late at night.
- Mistake: coming just for a quick photo on the bridge and leaving. Tip: spend time in the side streets and parks — that’s where the most interesting stories and cozy cafés are hidden.
- Mistake: not checking opening hours of small sites (e.g., churches or tiny museums). Tip: look up opening times or call ahead — some places are open only on selected days.
- Mistake: ignoring signs and bike lanes on the bridge. Tip: pay attention to pedestrian and cycle zones; be careful to avoid unpleasant encounters.
- Mistake: visiting Krakus Mound in very windy weather without warmer clothing. Tip: bring a light windbreaker — it can be much windier at the top.
- Podgórze used to be an independent town and was incorporated into Krakow only in 1915; you can still feel a slightly different rhythm here than in the strict city center.
- Bednarski Park was created on the site of a former quarry — an example of urban transformation from industrial site to green enclave.
- Krakus Mound hides many hypotheses about its origins — from legends of a ruler’s tomb to archaeological theories; its true beginnings remain unclear, which adds to the place’s mystery.
- The Eagle Pharmacy is an example of a small establishment that played a crucial role in local history during difficult times; today it stands out more for its significance than size.
- Short walk (1–1.5 hours): cross the footbridge from Kazimierz, visit Ghetto Heroes’ Square, Podgórze Market Square, and make a short coffee stop by the Vistula.
- Standard walk (2–3 hours): everything in the short plan plus Bednarski Park, Lasota Hill, and Krakus Mound (viewpoint).
- Half-day trip (4+ hours): the standard plan plus Oskar Schindler’s Factory/Museum, MOCAK exhibitions, time for coffee and a slow riverside return.
Podgórze is a perfect complement to a Krakow visit: it blends history, art, nature and local atmosphere. Rather than rushing, take your time while exploring — the neighbourhood will reveal more of its secrets that way.
If this guide was helpful, please share it on social media or send it to friends planning a trip to Krakow. If you’d like to discover Podgórze with someone who can tell local stories and anecdotes, consider a private guiding service by Małgorzata Kasprowicz; contact details are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Enjoy your walks in Podgórze!
