If you’re heading to Kraków in Poland, don’t skip Kazimierz – it’s where the real soul of this city lives.
Creative, gritty, historic, poignant and delicious all at once, spending time here gives you a much deeper, more textured understanding of Kraków beyond the postcard views of Stare Miasto.
I’ve visited Kazimierz several times now, and every trip reminds me why this corner of the city has such a magnetic pull.
It is a neighbourhood shaped by centuries of Jewish heritage, devastated during the Second World War, and revived in recent decades by artists, independent businesses and the simple act of people returning to live, eat and create here again.
It feels lived in, layered and honest – perfect for slow wandering, café hopping and a dose of culture that goes beyond surface level.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about visiting Kazimierz, including a short history, key sights, top food and drink spots, where to stay and how to combine your time here with nearby Podgórze…
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Short History of Kazimierz
Kazimierz was founded in the 14th century as a separate town to Kraków, named after King Casimir the Great.
Over time, it developed into one of the most important Jewish centres in Europe, with synagogues, schools, craftsmen and markets filling its narrow streets.
By the 19th century, the Jewish community here counted tens of thousands of residents and played a huge role in the cultural and economic life of Kraków.
Everything changed during WWII.
The Jewish population was forcibly removed to the Podgórze ghetto across the river and later deported to concentration camps, including Auschwitz.
Kazimierz fell into decline and remained neglected for decades.
The district only began its revival in the 1990s, when artists, students and restaurateurs moved in, renovating old buildings and breathing new life into its forgotten corners.
Today, Kazimierz is one of the most atmospheric neighbourhoods in Poland and an important place to reflect on the city’s past while enjoying its creative present.
Why Visit Kazimierz?
Kazimierz is a must for travellers who enjoy culture, history and the slightly boho, more characterful corners of cities.
It has that perfect mix of heritage sites and street life, and you can spend hours exploring the labyrinth of lanes, dipping into quirky courtyards, and discovering cafés that feel like living rooms.
It is also one of the best places to understand the Jewish history of Kraków, both the thriving centuries that shaped it and the devastation that almost erased it.
How to Get to Kazimierz
The district is compact, safe and easy to reach from the Old Town.
Walk south from Wawel Castle and within 15 minutes you’ll be in the heart of Kazimierz.
It is a fantastic area to stay in too, with budget hostels, boutique hotels and plenty of bars and restaurants all within a small radius.
Top Things to See in Kazimierz
Kazimierz is full of small details, so half the joy is simply wandering slowly and letting the neighbourhood reveal itself.
That said, there are a few important stops you shouldn’t miss.
#1 The Old Synagogue
For culture lovers, the Old Synagogue is one of the most significant landmarks in the district.
Dating back to the 15th century, it’s the oldest surviving synagogue in Poland and gives visitors a meaningful introduction to Jewish life in Kraków before the war.
Today it functions as a branch of the Kraków City Museum and its exhibitions focus on rituals, traditions and the everyday lives of the community who once lived here.
You cannot understand Kazimierz without stepping inside at least one synagogue, and this is the ideal starting point.
#2 Galicia Jewish Museum
Next, make your way to the Galicia Jewish Museum, an incredibly powerful space dedicated to documenting Jewish culture and the tragic events of the Holocaust.
Its permanent exhibition is a photographic journey through modern-day southern Poland and the remnants of Jewish life that remain across the region.
It is a contemporary museum that feels accessible and thoughtful, and it often hosts talks, temporary exhibitions and cultural events.
Give yourself at least an hour here. It stays with you.
#3 Jewish Heritage Trail
One of my favourite ways to explore Kazimierz is by following the self-guided Jewish Heritage Trail.
This route takes you past historic buildings, small synagogues, pocket-sized courtyards and pieces of street art that hold surprising layers of meaning.
You’ll find QR codes, plaques or small markers that explain stories about residents, wartime events and community life.
The trail weaves through narrow backstreets where you notice peeling paint, carved doorframes, tiny balconies and murals that speak to the endurance of identity.
Even if you only follow half of it, you’ll experience a richer and more intimate side of the district.
#4 Cross the River to Podgórze
Once you’ve had your fix of culture and history in Kazimierz, take the short stroll across the Bernatek Footbridge into Podgórze.
This area was once the site of the wartime ghetto and is home to the excellent MOCAK Modern Art Museum.
MOCAK is fresh, bold and contemporary, with installations and exhibitions that challenge how you think about art and memory.
It is a great counterpart to the historical sights in Kazimierz.
A few minutes’ walk away is Oskar Schindler’s Factory.
If you have seen the film Schindler’s List, you will already know the significance of this place.
The museum inside is outstanding, using immersive rooms, soundscapes and real testimonies to tell the story of Kraków under Nazi occupation.
It focuses not just on Schindler and his workers but on the entire experience of wartime Kraków.
It is emotional and at times heavy, but absolutely essential for anyone visiting this city.
Should you Buy a Kraków Pass?
If you’re planning to pack in a lot of sights in and around Kraków (including your time in the Kazimierz district), a city pass can be worth it, both for the savings and convenience.
The KrakowCard
Also called the Kraków Tourist Card, this pass gives free or discounted entry to many of Kraków’s top museums and historic sites, including the MOCAK and Galicia Jewish Museum, plus skip-the-line access.
There’s 2 or 3 day versions, with different tiers of access – buy yours here.
The most expensive option – the 3 Day Krakow City Pass: Museums and Attractions + Transport – includes entry to 23 museums and unlimited use of Kraków’s public bus and tram system, including buses to and from the airport, as well as transport to the Wieliczka Salt Mine and back.
Discounts are available for students aged 25 or under.
Tips for Making the Pass Work
- Before buying, check the list of included attractions and compare the sum of individual ticket prices you’d likely pay (for example, Old Synagogue, Galicia Jewish Museum, maybe the Oskar Schindler’s Factory, a tram ride out to another district)
- Consider transport needs – if you’ll use buses or trams a lot (or travel out to an airport or rail station), choose the version including unlimited transport
- Plan your day(s) around museums that have limited hours (many close early or are closed on Mondays)
- Activate the pass on your first day so you get full value for the days purchased
Recommended Tours of Kazimierz
While Kazimierz is easy to explore independently, a guided tour can bring the stories, symbolism and buildings to life in a deeper way.
Here are two excellent options I recommend…
Both tours offer a mix of local insight, historical context and lesser-known details.
You can easily combine one with an afternoon of your own wandering.
Where to Eat and Drink in Kazimierz
Plac Nowy and the Best Street Food!
Kazimierz is famous for its street food, and much of that fame is centred around Plac Nowy.
This square was once the heart of the Jewish poultry market, but today is the beating belly of the district, full of food stalls, pop-up bars and weekend flea markets.
It’s always lively, especially in the evenings, and locals flock here for one very specific treat – zapiekanki.
Zapiekanka is a Polish classic, basically pizza bread topped with mushrooms and cheese, then thrown under a grill until gooey, golden and guaranteed to ruin your appetite for dinner.
Endzior is the legendary stall for this snack. The queue is your clue!
Try the traditional mushroom version or go playful with bacon, salami, or a mountain of garlic sauce.
Culture, carbs and the ghost of a poultry market – it is the perfect Kazimierz trio.
Coffee and drinks at Herve
After the frenzy of Plac Nowy, I recommend wandering over to Herve.
This captivating café-bar sits inside a former 19th century Jewish prayer house, and the moment you walk in, you feel the weight of history mixed with the buzz of modern Kraków.
The faded frescoes, paintwork and tall windows make it equal parts atmospheric and photogenic, and there is always a mix of freelancers tapping away on laptops, groups sharing wine and musicians tuning up for the evening.
It is one of the loveliest places in Kazimierz to pause, read, journal, or enjoy a drink, bridging past and present without feeling forced, and the shabby chic charm is irresistible.
Dinner in Kazimierz
Kazimierz has endless restaurants, but two of my favourites are Hamsa and Starka.
They are wildly different in style, but both are truly representative of what this neighbourhood does so well – warm hospitality, generous plates and a real sense of personality.
Hamsa is a Middle Eastern restaurant filled with greenery, lanterns and the smell of warm bread.
It is light, colourful and perfect for shared plates – think hummus, shawarma, falafels and grilled vegetables.
They also serve fresh lemonade which is ideal after a day of sightseeing.
It’s a place where you linger.
Starka is the opposite in every way.
Cosy, dark wood, playful décor and a menu full of hearty modern Polish dishes.
Dumplings, roast duck, beef cheeks, warming soups and some veggie options.
The atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious and the portions are exactly what you need on a chilly Kraków evening.
If you want to try the best of Polish cuisine in Kazimierz, this is the spot.
Where to Stay in Kazimierz
Try to book somewhere to stay within Kazimierz itself (rather than further out), so you can drop back in for an afternoon café or bar visit and feel part of the neighbourhood.
If you want to stay in the right in the heart of the action around Plac Nowy, just check how busy things are at night – bars and nightlife might mean some noise!
Budget Picks
- Aneks Hotelu Kazimierz – located 200 m from Plac Nowy, air-conditioned rooms and free wifi
- Hotel Kazimierz III – 3-star, very central, good for a simple, comfortable stay
- Hotel Kazimierz – housed in a historic building, right in the heart of the district
Mid Range Options
- Golden Tulip Krakow Kazimierz – 4-star, family-friendly, strong reviews.
- Metropolitan Boutique Hotel – very well reviewed, nicely positioned
- PURO Kraków Kazimierz – modern hotel with free bike hire
Luxury Treats
- Warszauer Hotel – small luxury boutique hotel, top reviews
- Balthazar Design Hotel – design-forward, perfect for a special stay
- Hotel Rubinstein – 15th century building, perfect for couples
Practical Tips for Visiting Kazimierz
Kazimierz is best explored on foot – wear comfy shoes and take your time. The narrow streets and courtyards reveal their charm slowly.
The district is safe and lively, particularly around Plac Nowy and the main cafés and restaurants.
At night, stick to the main routes as some side streets can feel very quiet.
Bring cash for street food stalls, although most cafés and restaurants accept cards.
If you visit Jewish sites, dress respectfully and speak quietly inside synagogues and museums. These places hold deep significance.
Allow at least 3 hours to explore Kazimierz, though most visitors end up spending half a day or longer.
Mini Travel Guide to Krakow
When to Visit?
Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit Krakow, avoiding the summer crowds and freezing conditions in winter.
How to Get to Krakow?
If arriving by train or bus, I use Omio, which compares hundreds of journeys across rail and coach to Poland’s second city.
Otherwise, if you’re travelling to Krakow from further afield, it’s good to know this city boasts an international airport.
Pick up a great flight deal care of Skyscanner.
Trains run every 30 minutes from the airport to the city centre and take around 20 minutes.
Or you can book a secure airport transfer here.
Essential Packing Items for Krakow
#1 Good Camera
I highly recommend the Sony A6000, which I use for all my travels because its light, compact and robust!
#2 Good Walking Shoes
Make sure your feet are comfortable with a pair of New Balance Trainers.
#3 Good Water Bottle
All that city sightseeing is thirsty work, so make sure you have a metal water bottle that you can refill as you go, because Krakow tap water is drinkable and free!
#4 Good Backpack
In my opinion, you can’t go past the Bobby Anti Theft Backpack, which is perfect for helping you avoid pickpockets.
Top Poland & Eastern European Tours
If you want to visit Krakow as part of a wider tour, either of Poland or across eastern Europe, check out this great selection.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
eSIM for Poland
I recommend an Holafly eSIM for Poland.
Get 5% off yours with my exclusive discount code: BIGWORLDSMALLPOCKETS.
Luggage Storage
Store luggage for the day, or longer, for less in Krakow with LuggageHero.
Travel Money for Poland
Poland uses the Polish Zloty (PLN).
I always travel Europe with my Wise card, which makes spending abroad cheaper with real exchange rates and no sneaky transaction or ATM fees – grab yours here.
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Kazimierz is one of those places that gets under your skin in the best way.
It is full of echoes, stories and unpolished corners, mixed in with independent galleries, brilliant food, candlelit bars and street art – a neighbourhood that remembers, rebuilds and reinvents.
If you want to see Kraków beyond the picture-perfect Old Town, this is where to come.
You’ll leave with full stomachs, new perspectives and probably a few extra photos of peeling paint and vintage signage that you never intended to take.
Kazimierz holds the city’s soul, and once you explore it properly, you feel why.
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