{"id":81691,"date":"2026-05-12T17:51:16","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T15:51:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travander.nl\/?p=81691"},"modified":"2026-05-24T10:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T08:00:00","slug":"kazimierz-podgorze-krakow-sights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travander.nl\/en\/kazimierz-podgorze-krakau-bezienswaardigheden\/","title":{"rendered":"Kazimierz & Podg\u00f3rze, Krakow: Best Things to Do in the Jewish Quarter + Hidden Gems & Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Anyone visiting Krakow on a city trip can\u2019t miss the Kazimierz district. It\u2019s not a neighbourhood that reveals itself in a single first impression, and that\u2019s exactly what makes it so fascinating. This is where history, creativity, and a raw edge come together. But did you know that just across the river, the Podg\u00f3rze district is just as impressive? While Kazimierz buzzes with energy, Podg\u00f3rze is where history becomes tangible. In this article, we\u2019ll take you through the most important sights in these two remarkable Jewish districts, show you where to stay, and of course share the best food spots. From street food to Michelin-worthy restaurants.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Kazimierz: the heart of Krakow's Jewish community<\/h2>

For centuries, Kazimierz was an independent town where Krakow\u2019s Jewish community lived. Today, however, it is one of the city\u2019s most characterful neighbourhoods. During the day, it can sometimes feel surprisingly quiet, with broken shutters and silent streets giving it a slightly raw edge. But later in the day, Kazimierz comes to life. Behind a weathered fa\u00e7ade, you\u2019ll suddenly find a cozy, modern caf\u00e9, while in the square people gather with a zapiekanka in hand.\u00a0<\/p>

Kazimierz is a district in Krakow known for three things that go remarkably well together: history, gastronomy and creativity. Rich history is woven into the streetscape of Kazimierz, but in between you'll find culinary delights and distinctive bars.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

What to do in Kazimierz: the best sights and fun tips<\/h2>

Today, Kazimierz is one of the most enjoyable neighbourhoods to wander through if you want to escape the crowds of Krakow\u2019s Old Town. How much time do you need in Kazimierz? Plan for at least a few hours. During the day, you can explore its sights, while in the afternoon and evening you\u2019ll likely end up staying for the lively atmosphere (which changes completely!). If you also want to enjoy a proper meal here, it\u2019s worth turning your visit into a day and a half.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Beautiful\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
The streets of Kazimierz<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Characteristic coffee shops in Kazimierz<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Street\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Everywhere you look, you\u2019ll see decay and graffiti<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1. Get to know Kazimierz better on a guided tour<\/h2>

Kazimierz is a neighbourhood with a complex and heavy past, and you\u2019ll be subtly reminded of this in several places. To better understand its history, it can therefore be very valuable to explore the area with a guide. The stories a guide tells provide context about how Kazimierz once was an independent town, how the Jewish community lived here, and what changed during the Second World War. This is the tour of the Jewish quarter and former ghetto<\/a><\/strong> that we recommend.<\/p>

That said, we definitely also recommend exploring Kazimierz at your own pace. Only then can you truly soak up the atmosphere and feel how energetic and creative the neighbourhood is today.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Old buildings in Kazimierz<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Streets and terraces in Kazimierz<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Facades\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Behind every facade is a cool hotspot<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

2. Take a peek inside the Jewish bookstore Austeria<\/h2>

A surprising place to visit in Kazimierz is the Austeria bookshop. Not only because of its location in the Popper Synagogue on the well-known Szeroka Square, but especially because it is a Jewish publishing house. You\u2019ll find stacks of books about Krakow, the Second World War, and (prominent) Jewish history. At the front of the bookshop, you\u2019ll also find beautiful notebooks, maps, and small souvenirs that are a little different from the typical items you\u2019ll find elsewhere in the city. It\u2019s an interesting and moving place to step into briefly and take a look around.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Visit\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Inside the bookstore Austeria<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"The\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Piles of books on Jewish history<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

3. Visit the most famous synagogues in Kazimierz<\/h2>

Kazimierz is often referred to as Krakow\u2019s Jewish quarter, and you can immediately see this in the number of synagogues still found here. Of course, it\u2019s not realistic to visit them all, but it is definitely worth stepping inside a few. Some of the best-known synagogues in Kazimierz include the Old Synagogue (Stara Synagoga), the Remuh Synagogue, the High Synagogue, and the Tempel Synagogue. Each has its own atmosphere and character, ranging from simple and historic to grand and impressive.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

4. Go to the cozy market square Plac Nowy<\/h2>

If there is one place where the energy of Kazimierz comes together, it is <\/span>Plac Nowy. This square, with its characteristic round market hall in the centre (the <\/span>Okr\u0105glak), is an attraction in its own right. During the day, it has a relaxed, almost village-like atmosphere. You\u2019ll find stalls selling antiques, vintage clothing, and unique souvenirs that are a little different from the standard magnets you see in the Old Town. It\u2019s a great place to wander around and hunt for hidden treasures.<\/span><\/p>

But the real reason everyone comes to Plac Nowy is the smell of melted cheese and fried mushrooms. This is the place to try a zapiekanka. This Polish street food classic is a large, sliced baguette traditionally topped with cheese and mushrooms, but today you can customise it any way you like. From spicy salami to locally smoked cheese and an endless choice of sauces. It\u2019s an unwritten rule in Krakow: your city trip isn\u2019t complete without eating a zapiekanka at Plac Nowy, preferably sitting on a low wall while watching the world go by.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Plac\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
The central square Plac Nowy in Kazimierz<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Plac\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Many places where you can eat zapiekanki<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Zapiekanki\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
A zapiekanka on Plac Nowy in Kazimierz<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

5. Step back in time at the facades of \u2018Once Upon a Time\u2019<\/h2>

In Szeroka Street, you\u2019ll find one of the most photogenic and unique spots in the neighbourhood: a row of old Jewish shopfronts that look as if time has stood still for decades. The wooden shutters, authentic signage for a carpenter and a grocer, and the weathered fa\u00e7ades instantly take you back to pre-war Kazimierz.<\/p>

It is much more than just a pretty picture. On the walls near the fa\u00e7ades, you\u2019ll find information boards explaining the original owners and the purpose of these buildings. It\u2019s a reminder that Kazimierz, despite its modern popularity, is still a place where history is present on every street corner.<\/p>

Did you know that these combined shopfronts now house a unique restaurant and bar inside? The interior is filled with antique furniture and decorations that seamlessly continue the atmosphere of the past. You\u2019ll also find this special place in our list of favourite hotspots in Kazimierz<\/a><\/b>.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Szeroka\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
A characteristic street in Kazimierz<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"the\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
A photogenic hotspot with shutters at Once Upon a Time in Kazimierz<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

6. Visit the Schindler's List locations in Kazimierz<\/h2>

Have you seen the film Schindler\u2019s List (1993)? Part of it was filmed in the Kazimierz district, which means you can still recognise some filming locations today, such as the well-known Schindler\u2019s List Passage. It\u2019s striking to realise that these streets were used as a set to portray such a dark period in history. If you want to go a step further, the Oskar Schindler\u2019s Factory Museum is highly recommended. Just keep in mind that it\u2019s very popular, so it\u2019s wise to book your tickets in advance (you can do that here<\/a><\/strong>).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Temple\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
The Temple Synagogue<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Schindler&apos;s\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Schindler's List Passage<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"The\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
The Corpus Christi Basilica<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Eating and drinking in Kazimierz: these are the best restaurants and bars<\/h2>

You can\u2019t visit Kazimierz without exploring its culinary scene. With so many great places to eat and drink, we\u2019ve created a separate article featuring the best hotspots in the trendy Kazimierz district of Krakow<\/a><\/b>.<\/p>

Here are a few names you'll want to put on your list in advance:<\/p>