No trip to Krakow is complete without exploring its fascinating, full-of-contrasts Jewish Quarter. From visiting synagogues and museums to stuffing your face with the most delicious food, you’ll find countless incredible things to do in Kazimierz (the name of this district). Ready to dive into my complete bucket list?
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*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
*As a Get Your Guide affiliate program member, I got a 15% discount when I booked my Krakow activities. That said, I always share my honest opinions.
Where to stay in Kazimierz: I stayed at this apartment (the Superior Studio). The building might be old (like many others here), but this studio is modernly refurbished.
There’s also some tram noise and light in the morning, but the location is still perfect on a pleasant main street near dozens of cafes and restaurants. You can also browse other accommodations in Kazimierz.
Top-rated activities in Kazimierz:
1. Free walking tour of the Jewish Quarter
2. Tour of Kazimierz with Schindler’s Factory and the former ghetto
3. Polish food tour (3 hours)
4. Banksy Museum entry ticket
A Brief History of Krakow’s Jewish Quarter
Kazimierz has a rich history dating back to 1335 when King Casimir III established it as an independent city.
In the late 15th century, the Jewish community of Krakow was forced to move here. Still, it thrived and contributed to the economic and cultural growth of the area, which flourished for several centuries.
Later, in the late 18th century, Kazimierz became a neighborhood of Krakow under Austrian control.
During World War II, the Nazis occupied the city. They moved the Jewish population to the nearby Krakow Ghetto in the Podgorze district, decimating the community, though you’ll see some still live in the city.
Following the war, the area suffered neglect during the communist era.
However, in recent decades, Kazimierz has experienced a remarkable revival and is now a vibrant cultural hub known for its mix of Jewish heritage sites, trendy cafes and restaurants, art galleries, and lively nightlife.
Best Things to do in Kazimierz
Take a Free Walking Tour
As much as I love roaming freely around a city, there’s a huge advantage to exploring it with a local guide, who usually shares intriguing stories beyond the “ordinary historical facts,” uncovers hidden gems, and provides great recommendations.
If you feel the same, you can book a free tour of Kazimierz to learn about its Jewish history, culture, and landmarks.
If you’re looking for something more, you can also check out this highly-rated paid tour that includes Kazimierz, Schindler’s Factory, and the former ghetto.
Look for Schindler’s List Passage
If you’ve yet to watch Steven Spielberg’s movie about WWII and the Holocaust, Schindler’s List, or maybe you’re not even entirely sure who Oskar Schindler was, now is the time to dive into his heroic story.
The German industrialist employed Jews in his factories which were essential for the German army, including his enamel factory in Krakow, thus saving more than 1000 people, granting him the title Righteous Among the Nations.
Apart from visiting the factory itself, now a museum dedicated to the history of Krakow’s German occupation and Jewish ghetto, you can also see other filming locations, including one of the alleys of Kazimierz.
I have to say that the passage itself is not necessarily impressive, but you can still appreciate its cinematic importance, and the shops and cafes around it actually give it a bit of charm.
You should also visit Schindler’s Factory (not located in the Jewish Quarter), and although I found the museum overwhelming, it’s incredibly important to learn about that horrible era.
Make sure to buy your ticket in advance (I’m so glad I did) or book a guided tour to skip the extremely long lines!
Admire Some Beautiful Historic Synagogues
Even though Krakow didn’t suffer as much damage as other Polish cities during WWII because it was the seat of Germany’s General Governorate for the Occupied Polish Region, the Nazis deliberately destroyed the city’s centuries-old synagogues, which were later reconstructed.
Two now function as bookshops (Wolf Popper Synagogue and High Synagogue), while the others are still active to some extent.
Giving me full-body chills and teary eyes, my absolute favorite has to be the 19th-century Tempel Synagogue, which has a gorgeous facade and jaw-dropping Neo-Moorish interiors.
Being Jewish, it felt extremely emotional to see such a beautiful place still standing, though I’m sure anyone can appreciate this architectural and historical gem.
You can also visit the infamous 15th-century Old Synagogue (one of the most important in Krakow before the war and the oldest in Poland!) and its museum, the 16th-century Remuh Synagogue, or the smaller Izaak Synagogue and Kupa Synagogue, dating back to the 17th century.
Relish Local and International Cuisine
I’m going to take a second to gush over Kazimierz’s culinary scene, which makes it a fantastic place to devour a tasty lunch or dinner.
Whether you want to immerse yourself in traditional Polish food or are up for devouring dishes from around the world, you’ll find countless incredible restaurants to tick your boxes.
If you love Polish dumplings, Pierogi, as much as I do, head to Pierogi MR Vincent (I LOVED its Van Gogh-inspired interiors), Słowiańska Uczta, and Mirror Bistro.
Good to know: You can also take a Polish food tour in the Jewish Quarter to explore the local scene with a guide.
If you also want to try other cuisines, I highly recommend Akita Ramen, Minoas Greek Tavern, Vietnamese food at Hugo Asia, and pizza at Placek Wolnica Napoletana. You can see these places are also beloved by locals, which is always a good sign.
Indulge in a Photogenic Breakfast, Brunch, or Cake
I’m not sure if I was surprised because Poland has become much more modern and trendy than people give it credit for, but this city turned out to be a total powerhouse of Insta-worthy scrumptious cakes and delicious breakfast and brunch.
I didn’t have enough time to get to all the cafes in Krakow I had marked, but I was more than happy with the ones I tried, many of which are found in the Jewish Quarter.
One of my favorite morning spots is Urban Coffee, which boasts an inviting atmosphere, amazing specialty coffee, and a creative menu with both sweet and savory options (spoiler alert: many dishes celebrate Krakow’s local bagel).
In the afternoon, when you’re craving a decadent sweet bite, I can guarantee that the place that will satisfy your sugary needs is Vanilla, a tiny yet magical homemade cake wonderland.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg, as many more cafes are waiting to be discovered.
Discover the Most Magical Concept Shops
If I’m trying to describe Kazimierz, the words that come to mind are bohemian, hipster, artsy, and quirky. And one of the things that reflects those adjectives so well is the quarter’s unique concept shops.
At Galeria LueLue, you’ll set foot in a wonderland of old black-and-white photographs turned into prints, stickers, coasters, and more; Art Factory is packed with colorful souvenirs such as enamel mugs, jewelry, and magnets; Art Cherubino is all about angels; and Lookarna Illustrations is so unusual yet there’s something enchanting about it.
Those are my personal favorites, but I’m sure you’ll stumble upon other magical spots.
Roam the Quaint Art Galleries
Alongside these shops, you’ll also come across tiny yet adorable art galleries that will steal your heart, such as Art Gallery “7 Continent” with its unique colorful posters (my favorite) and Galeria Szalom.
Get Lost in Its Streets
Unlike historic centers/old towns, which are usually pretty in a more traditional way, Kazimierz has a completely different vibe to offer when you wander around it, which you’ll either love or hate.
Instead of classically charming medieval alleys, you’ll find streets packed with old buildings with peeling paint and dark stains.
That doesn’t sound tempting, I know, but when you add Jewish sites, concept shops, and trendy cafes and restaurants to these streets, they feel like a place you want to explore rather than just resembling a neglected neighborhood.
Don’t miss Jozefa Street (walk all the way to the Old Synagogue!) and Szeroka Street, or just roam freely and go with the flow.
Discover the Treasures of Szeroka Street
When you stroll along this street from the Old Synagogue to Miodowa Street, you’ll notice that it is home to various fascinating points of interest.
I loved seeing it lined with Jewish restaurants, including the well-known Ariel with its lovely facade, unmissable old-style interiors, and live Jewish music performances.
Hidden in a back alley, you’ll find the Wolf Popper Synagogue, which was turned into an enchanting shop selling books and other items connected to Judaism or Jewish history and culture.
Next are three adjacent sights with great importance:
- The 16th-century Remah Synagogue & Cemetery
- The monumental plack in memory of Krakow’s Holocaust victims
- A statue of Jan Karski, a Polish resistance fighter (and a Righteous Among the Nations) who provided evidence to the Allies in WWII about the atrocities the Nazis committed against the Jews
The last corner of this street will surely win you over as it feels like stepping back in time, boasting restored old Jewish shop signs.
All in all, Szeroka is like no other street in Krakow, and it should definitely be on your Kazimierz bucket list.
Grab a Bite at a Food Truck
Did you know that there are not one, not two, but three food truck areas in Kazimierz?
They’re not very big, but they’re great if you want to grab a quick lunch and dinner (or even something sweet) or if each one in your group has a different craving.
You can check out the smaller ones – Safari Food Truck Park and Plac Izaaka Street Food (total hidden gems in Krakow) – but if you’re looking for more variety, Judah Food Market would be ideal, offering pierogi, burgers, stuffed potatoes, noodles & fried rice, chimney cakes with ice cream, and more.
Try Zapiekanka at Plac Nowy
If there’s one street food you cannot miss in Krakow, it’s Zapiekanka (Zapiekanki in plural), a warm open sandwich made of half a baguette topped with cheese and mushrooms.
Nowadays, you can actually choose many more toppings, from tomatoes and onions to different sauces.
One of the best places to try it is Plac Nowy, where there’s a rotunda with about 8 Zapiekanka vendors. I wanted to try Zapiekanki Piecyk, but it seemed to be closed, so I chose Zapiekanki Loco instead, which was really nice and budget-friendly.
The square is lined with other street food spots and cheap souvenir stalls, but it’s not the cleanest or most pleasant area, so you might want to take your Zapiekanka and find another corner to sit and eat.
Hit the Bars
Whether you’re a cocktail-lover night owl or just looking to grab an after-lunch or early-evening beer, the bars and pubs of Kazimierz are awaiting. They’re so easy to love as each one has some kind of quirky concept or feature.
Hevre is housed in a former synagogue and boasts incredibly cool interiors, Noto is a wine bar that serves roughly 100 varieties from more than 10 countries, and the tables at Singer are basically old sewing machines – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
Good to know: Many spots are also open throughout the day for coffee, cakes, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Admire the Corpus Christi Basilica
Commissioned by King Casimir III the Great, this remarkable Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque-style basilica dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries. I only observed it from the outside while exploring its courtyard, but you can also enter.
Go Street Art Hunting
Cities with a thriving street art scene are right up my alley, and while Krakow might not be as covered in as many murals as I’d like it to be, Kazimierz is still a good area to discover some artistic corners. Here are a few examples.
The backdrop of the Judah Food Market is the Mural Yehuda; at Plac Bawół 3, you’ll find the Jewish-inspired E.M. Lilien mural by Broken Fingaz; and the Kazimierz Historical Mural by Piotr Janowczyk is dedicated to figures related to the quarter, such as King Casimir III the Great, his Jewish mistress Esterka, and the cosmetics entrepreneur Helena Rubinstein.
Stroll Alongside the Vistula River
Sometimes you just need a change of scenery, so look no further than the Vistula river banks, where you can easily spend a few hours (as I did).
The area that’s considered a part of Kazimierz is quite long, stretching from the Grunwald Bridge all the way to Powstańców Śląskich Bridge.
It features a delightful boulevard with walking and cycling trails, plenty of grass and benches perfect for unwinding and people-watching, and lovely views of the other side of the river.
Admire the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel
Easily visible when you walk along the river, this historic basilica is another beautiful building to see in the area. Commonly known as Skałka, it holds a storied history intertwined with Polish kings, saints, poets, and painters.
Visit a few Unique Museums
One of the best things to do in the Jewish Quarter of Krakow is to explore its out-of-the-box museums.
Amongst the intriguing places you can visit are the Banksy Museum – depicting 150+ of his street art creations, Wheels & Heels – boasting a collection of thousands of Barbie™ dolls and toy cars, and the Museum of Engineering and Technology with its old trams, typewriters, cars, and more.
Also open to the public are the Ethnographic Museum and Galicia Jewish Museum, dedicated to the Jewish heritage of Polish Galicia.
Enjoy Seasonal Festivals and Christmas Markets
Still on my bucket list are seasonal events that didn’t take place during my trip like the Jewish Culture Festival, Krakow Jazz Autumn, and the Christmas Fair at Plac Wolnica (if you’re planning a winter trip to Europe).
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