The historic Jewish quarter of Krakow preserves several synagogues, a Jewish cemetery and Szeroka Street, the main square. Today it is also a nightlife area with cafes, bars and galleries. Sites include the Old Synagogue, Remuh Synagogue, and Plac Nowy with its market.
Kazimierz is the historic district southeast of Krakow's Old Town in Lesser Poland, founded as a separate town in the 14th century and for centuries home to the city's Jewish community. Szeroka Street, a wide former market square, is its centre, and around it stand the Old Synagogue, the Remuh Synagogue with its small historic cemetery, the Popper Synagogue and the High Synagogue. Plac Nowy, the circular market square a few streets away, is known for its zapiekanka street snacks and a Sunday flea market. The district's mix of synagogues, Catholic churches, galleries, vintage cafes and bars makes it both a heritage site and the centre of Krakow's nightlife. Visitors can walk the area free, though individual sites charge admission or ask for donations. A thorough exploration of the synagogues, the Galicia Jewish Museum and the surrounding streets takes about half a day, and many visitors add an evening for dinner. Kazimierz was also the setting for scenes in Schindler's List, and guided walking tours connect it with the wartime ghetto in Podgorze across the Vistula. Mornings suit the synagogues and cemetery, which have limited opening hours, while evenings fill the bars and restaurants along ul. Jozefa and Plac Nowy. Weekends are lively and loud after dark, and the weekday daytime is calmer for photography on Szeroka Street. The district is reached by tram to Starowislna or Dietla stops, or by a 20-minute walk from Main Market Square along ul. Stradom or via Wawel. Streets are cobbled and mostly flat.
| Admission | Free to walk; individual sites ticketed |
|---|---|
| Hours | District open 24 hours; individual sites vary |
| Typical visit | Half day |
| Best time | Morning for sites, evening for bars and restaurants |
| Getting there | Tram or 20-minute walk from Main Market Square; tram stop Starowislna or Dietla |
| Address | Szeroka Street, 31-053 Krakow |
Location
Szeroka Street, 31-053 Krakow
50.0515, 19.9477 View on map
Highlights
- Szeroka Street and the Remuh Synagogue with its old cemetery
- The Old Synagogue, the oldest in Poland
- Plac Nowy market and its zapiekanka stands
- Evening bars, cafes and galleries along ul. Jozefa
Tips for visiting
- Dress modestly in synagogues; head coverings may be offered at the entrance for men.
- Visit synagogues in the morning because opening hours are limited and often closed Saturdays.
- Try a zapiekanka at Plac Nowy in the evening.
- Join a local guided walk to link Kazimierz with Podgorze.
- Check each site's own opening days, since they vary.
When to visit
Morning is best for the synagogues and cemetery. Evenings suit the bars, cafes and restaurants, with weekends the liveliest.
Accessibility
Streets are largely flat but cobbled, which can be uneven for wheelchairs. Access to individual synagogues varies, with some having steps at the entrance.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a visit to Kazimierz take?
Plan about half a day for the main synagogues, the cemetery and a museum, with extra time for meals. Evenings are popular for bars and restaurants.
Is Kazimierz free to visit?
Walking the streets is free. Individual sites such as synagogues and the Galicia Jewish Museum charge admission or ask for donations.
Is photography allowed in the synagogues and cemetery?
Rules vary by site, and some restrict flash or photography on certain days. Visitors should look for signs and respect the sacred nature of the places.