Kazimierz, the former Jewish quarter of Kraków, is one of the most charming districts in the city. Between historic synagogues, atmospheric squares and colourful street art, you will discover a unique mix of culture and history. During the day you can wander past museums and hidden courtyards, while in the evening the district comes to life with cosy cafés, restaurants and live music. It is an absolute hotspot for both locals and visitors, and a neighborhood that you will want to return to again and again. In this article I will take you along the sights of Kazimierz Kraków and give you tips for the best things to do and see in this nice district.
Kazimierz is located just south of the old city centre, within walking distance of the Main Market Square. Major streets that cross Kazimierz include Szeroka, Józefa, Miodowa and Bożego Ciała, and squares such as Plac Nowy and Plac Wolnica.
Kazimierz was founded as a separate city in 1335 by King Casimir the Great and grew into the center of Jewish life in Poland. From the 15th century onwards, thousands of Jews settled here, leading to a community with synagogues, schools and markets. During the Second World War, the Jewish population was deported and the district fell into disrepair. After the fall of communism, Kazimierz began to transform into a hip and creative district in the 1990s.
The film Schindler’s List (1993), which was partly shot in Kazimierz, brought international attention and fame. More and more artists and restaurants settled in the district, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Curious? Discover my tips for things to do and see in Kazimierz, my favorite district in Krakow here.
Kazimierz is a district with a loaded past and you will be reminded of this in several places in the area. Especially during a first visit it is interesting to go out with a guide and discover Kazimierz and its sights through the countless stories of a local guide.
A place not to be missed in Kazimierz in Krakow is the Once Upon a Time bar, located in a series of merged old Jewish shops. The interior takes you back in time, with antique furniture and decorations. You can have a little drink there, but the real reason to visit is the historic facades at the front, still in their original state. On the walls there is information about the former shops.
One of the most beautiful streets in Kazimierz, is Szeroka, which runs like a circle around a square. You will find synagogues, the Jewish Museum, a Jewish cemetery, gardens, old facades and restaurants. It is recommended to walk around this part of Kazimierz and take in the atmosphere. Many restaurants offer live Klezmer music in the evening, traditional Jewish party and dance music.
Have you seen the Steven Spielberg film Schindler’s List? Much of the film was shot in the Kazimierz district of Kraków. This district was the setting for the Jewish ghetto of Kraków during World War II. Although the real ghetto was in the Podgórze district, you can still recognize shooting locations there today, such as the Schindler’s List Passage.
It is also worth visiting the Oskar Schindler Museum, in the original Schindler’s Factory, where you can learn more about Kraków during World War II. The museum is one of the most popular things to do in Kazimierz Kraków so it is important to book your tickets and time slot in advance. You can also book a guided tour there.
Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film Schindler’s List tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved over 1,000 Jews during the Holocaust by employing them as essential workers in his factory. The film won several Oscars.
Plac Nowy is a little square in Kazimierz Kraków, with a round building in the middle, the Okrąglak food court, where numerous stalls sell Polish street food snacks. Be sure to try the Zapiekanka, a warm baguette with a kind of pizza topping.
Want to taste more Polish snacks and culinary delights? Then book a street food tour where you will be introduced to several Polish delicacies.
The Remuh Synagogue is one of the oldest active synagogues in Kraków, with a Jewish cemetery behind it. Special is the wall of the cemetery that is partly built from old gravestones. One of the sights and things to do that is worth seeing when you are in Kazimierz Kraków.
The Father Bernatek Bridge connects the Jewish district of Kazimierz with the former Jewish ghetto Podgórze, where the former factory of Oskar Schindler is located. The bridge is decorated with love locks and is only accessible to pedestrians. Interesting are the works of artist Jerzy Kędziora, hanging on the bridge. It is a collection of super cool sculptures – balancing acrobats that move with the wind. The bridge offers views of the Vistula River.
One of the other cool things to do in Kazimierz Krakow is to look for street art. Many walls of former Jewish and industrial buildings are decorated with colorful murals that refer to the history of the district. And you don’t have to make much effort to find them. A well-known work of art is “Judah” by the Israeli artist Pil Peled, which shows a Jewish boy with the mane of a lion, as a symbol of strength and survival. You can find it on the corner of ul. Józefa and ul. Świętego Wawrzyńca. Another nice work is “Ding Dong Dumb” by the Italian artist Blu.
From Kazimierz you can easily walk to the Podgórze district, the former Jewish ghetto in Krakow. Heroes’ Square is a square with an impressive monument consisting of countless empty chairs. Almost all residents of this district were murdered during the Second World War. The chairs symbolize the emptiness that was left behind after the last transports left the Jewish ghetto. It will definitely touch you.
Do you want to know more about the Polish vodka culture in a cozy setting? Then visit the WódkaCafeBar in Kazimierz, a small bar next to Schindler’s Passage with more than 100 different flavors of vodka. Order a small tasting, where you get to try six small shots (25ml), that you can choose yourself. From fruity to spicy and even creamy. There are flavors such as caramel, cherry, raspberry, coconut, apricot, chocolate, lemon, ginger or walnut. Be sure to ask the staff for recommendations.
One of the best restaurants for delicious mezze and other Middle Eastern dishes is Hamsa, on Szeroka. The interior and atmosphere are reminiscent of Tel Aviv. Outside on the terrace you can look out over the lively Kazimierz district.
Discover tours, things to do and highlights in Krakow Poland through Viator.
Kazimierz is one of the nicest districts to stay when you are in Krakow with numerous sights and things to do around the corner. These are some of my tips for hotels in Kazimies Krakow Poland.
Looking for more hotels in Poland? This an overview.
Krakow is the capital of the Malopolska region, Little Poland, and undoubtedly one of the most famous cities in the country. With its medieval squares, beautiful streets and impressive history, it is a destination that you want to wander through endlessly. You will discover churches, hidden courtyards, special museums and vibrant neighborhoods. In the next article you will find my tips and discover what to do and see in Krakow.
Did you enjoy reading this article about the best things to do in Kazimierz in Krakow and do you want to read more about Poland? Make sure to have a look at the websites of Krakow city and Malopolska and get inspired by more destinations in Poland in the next articles:
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