Kazimierz Area Guide

Kraków’s historic Jewish district is now an atmospheric mix of cafes, bars, and galleries, with a resurgence of the culture that was all but destroyed. Here is an overview of where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in one of Kraków’s most thrilling areas.

Wręga restaurant mural on Józefa, Kazimierz

Kazimierz Area Overview

After the Renaissance elegance of Kraków’s Old Town, parts of Kazimierz can come as a bit of a shock. The district is a little rough round the edges, which is precisely part of its charm. Although still very much part of the tourist trail, it has a crumbling beauty and a special energy of its own. There are lots of places to stay and the area scores well with small boutique hotels. The streets around Józefa are full of small independent shops and the district as a whole is one of the key areas for Kraków nightlife.

The beating heart of Kazimierz is the unassuming – some might say ugly – market square of plac Nowy, home to a quirky bazaar, where tourists can buy anything from antique telephones to communist memorabilia. But the real stars are the hugely-popular zapiekanki stalls – rumoured to be the best in Poland.

Nowy is surrounded by bars and beer basements but, as with the Old Town, the fun is trying out new places and seeing what fits. New venues are opening all the time. There are suggestions below to get you started.

On the northwest side of the district, restaurants cook up traditional Jewish dishes on either side of the wide, cobbled Szeroka Street. At its end is Poland’s oldest synagogue, an enduring symbol of Jewish culture in Kraków. Kazimerz was an independent town until the 18th century, its fortunes tied to the Jewish residents who made up much of its population.

Kazimierz is a 15-minute walk from the centre of the Old Town and 10-15 minutes via public transport.

Galicia Jewish Museum

Things To Do And See In Kazimierz

Kazimierz is rich with atmospheric cobbled streets and wall murals, so much of the pleasure here is just wandering around and getting to know the area.

A visit to Szeroka is the best place to kickstart an exploration of Jewish Kraków. Many of the key sites are here or nearby – and you’ll get something good to eat! The 14th-century Old Synagogue now contains the Jewish Museum and the Galicia Jewish Museum around the corner is a thoughtful and engaging photographic gallery.

We cover many of the highlights in our Two-Day, Three-Day and Four-Day Kraków Itineraries, but it really is worth taking a tour for full insight into the history here.

There are also three impressive Catholic churches in Kazimierz, all of which are worth visiting. Personally, I find the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel (aka Skałka) the most amazing.

Our Kraków Sightseeing page has more suggestions, along with recommendations for Things To Do In Kraków. A KrakowCard can also be a good investment, giving you access to lots of Kraków attractions.

All locations can be found on the map below.

Tempel Synagogue

Jewish Kazimierz

• Szeroka
  Right in the centre of Kazimierz and historically the main town square, many points of interest are in or around ul. Szeroka. One side of the street is lined with restaurants and cafes, and a number of key synagogues can be found here. The top end of the street, to the left of the Hamsa restaurant, has reconstructed storefronts to represent the thriving community that once lived here.
• Galicia Jewish Museum
  This splendid gallery has permanent and temporary displays of photographs designed to explore themes around Jewishness in light of the area’s deep history and the impact of the Holocaust. If that sounds academic, don’t worry, the photographs are well curated and speak for themselves.
• The Old Synagogue
  Dating from the 15th century, the Old Synagogue houses Kraków’s Jewish Museum. The Prayer Hall features a bimah where the Torah is traditionally read and the original kodesh, where the scrolls are kept. There is also a photographic display upstairs.
• Fundacja Judaica Centrum Kultury Żydowskiej
  Great cafe with an interior courtyard and roof terrace. The Judaica Foundation for Jewish Culture also has events and a gallery space. Absolutely worth a visit!
• Kupa Synagogue
  A small but exquisite synagogue from the mid-16th century, with plenty of fascinating architectural features, including a zodiac mural.
• Tempel Synagogue
  Richly-decorated synagogue in an eclectic late 19th-century neo-Renaissance style.
• Remuh Synagogue
  The smallest and second oldest of the Kazimierz synagogues, the Remuh was established in the mid-16th century and is still in regular use today.
• Remah Cemetery
  Tucked behind the synagogue of the same name, this meticulously-restored cemetery has roughly 700 gravestones, dating from the 16th-18th century.
• High Synagogue
  The third oldest synagogue in Kraków, the High Synagogue takes its name from the prayer hall is on the first floor.
• Jan Karski Monument
  This statue is a ‘bench’ dedicated to Jan Karski, a member of the Polish underground and one of the first to report on the concentration camps. A good spot for a photo opportunity!
• New Jewish Cemetery
  Just outside Kazimierz itself, the ‘New’ Jewish Cemetery was founded in 1800. This large and peaceful site is actually much reduced from its original condition. It’s a beautiful space for reflection.

Church of St. Catherine

Catholic Kazimierz

• Skalka
  Perched on the banks of the river, the Pauline Church on the Rock (aka Skalka) was the site of the 11th-century murder of of St. Slanislaw, and the crypt is home to a national pantheon of Polish cultural greats.
• Corpus Christi Basilica
  Founded by Casimir III in 1335, Corpus Christi is an impressive Gothic church with Baroque elements in carved wood and the largest organ in Krakow.
• Church of St. Catherine
  A monumental Gothic church, originally founded in the 14th century, this is a mighty space, with some chapels and relics of interest.

The Ethnographic Museum of Kraków

Kazimierz Museums

• The Ethnographic Museum of Kraków
  This fascinating museum includes reconstructions of traditional Polish cottages and workshops, and other folk artifacts, such as costumes and religious icons. There is also an 18th-century collection of Tibetan items, a library with some 30,000 books, and manuscripts, drawings, and photographs.
• The Museum of Municipal Engineering
  This collection of Polish vehicles sits in a former tram shed. There are cars, trucks, motorcycles, and trams, as well as an exhibition about printing and some hands-on science and technology for kids.

Other Kazimierz Places Of Interest

• Vistula River
  Kazimierz lies on the banks of the river, with a strip of green running along the water and good views of the amazing Cricoteka building and Forum Przestrzenie on the opposite side. There is also some nice parkland around Skalka (see above). It’s good for a stroll back to the Old Town or as spot for lunch on warm days.
• Father Bernatek’s Footbridge
  Linking (and helping to revitalise) the two districts of Podgórze and Kazimierz, the Father Bernatek Footbridge (Kładka Ojca Bernatka) has become a much loved landmark, particularly since Jerzy Kędziora’s neatly balanced sculptures of acrobats were added.

Judah Square Food Truck Park

Places To Eat In Kazimierz

Although Kazimierz has as many restaurants per square mile as the Old Town, a big favourite here is the street food. From the ‘Polish pizza’ of zapiekanki, available on plac Nowy, to the chimney cakes and kumpir at Judah Square, and the various pierogi joints, the area is great for takeaway.

Though a little touristy, the Jewish restaurants lining Szeroka are definitely worth your time. You’ll also find Bottiglieria 1881, which Michelin considers the best restaurant in the entire city.

We’ve listed our recommendations alphabetically below but you can also find them by style of food on our dedicated Restaurants in Kraków page. You can also find the location of every restaurant on our Kraków map below. Michelin restaurants are marked in orange.

• Amarylis Restaurant
  With a Michelin-listed tasting menu but no vegetarian option, Amarylis gives the finer end of Polish cuisine a fully contemporary twist.
• Ariel
  The main dining room has a timber ceiling and furniture, while the 16th-century fireplace dining room on the first floor has lovely curved ceilings. Ariel has tons of atmosphere.
• Bagelmama
  Perfect range of bagel fillings to grab and go. Wraps and soups are also available.
• Bottiglieria 1881
  Michelin’s star rating marks Kazimierz’s Bottiglieria out as one of the very best restaurants in Kraków, with a price to match. There are two tasting menus with creative interpretations of Polish and Nordic dishes – the Introduction or Full Experience.
• Cheder
  A stylish and modern cafe with Israeli coffee and a large library of books in Polish and English. Cheder is a great place to meet friends.
• Dawno Temu Na Kazimierzu
  A cosy pre-war restaurant and beer lounge. In addition to the Jewish menu, you can get breakfast here until 1pm.
• Edo Fusion Restaurant
  With an extensive selection of well-prepared pan-Asian fusion dishes, Kazimierz-based Edo has something for everyone.
• FAB Fusion
  Priced a little above the competition, FAB Fusion is a strong boutique-style restaurant with modern updates on Polish classics. Also good for a drink.
• Hamsa
  Middle Eastern food with a positive message and delightful mezzo-style plates. Close to the Remuh Synagogue in Kazimierz and recommended.
• Hana Sushi
  At the cheaper end of Michelin’s recommendations. Hana Sushi, in Kazimierz, puts the focus on simple food prepared to a high standard. Splendid sushi, prepared by a Tokyo trained master, and Korean dishes make up the menu.
• Judah Square Food Truck Park
  Like many of the urban food spots springing up around Kraków, it’s rough round the edges, but you’ll definitely find something good to eat here. Try the maczanka from the Andrus Food Truck or go with whatever your nose recommends.
• Karakter
  As the name suggests Karakter (character) does things with a bit of attitude. The restaurant is lively, even loud, with gorgeously presented food, focused around offal dishes like horse meat tartare.
• Klezmer-Hois
  A vintage hotel with restaurant and live concerts, the Klezmer-Hois has a traditional Jewish menu, including lots of soups and goose, and Jewish caviar.
• Manzana
  An excellent mid-priced Mexican / American restaurant with hearty burritos, chillis, and other delights for the hungry diner, as well as margaritas.
• Pierozki U Vincenta
  Delicious Polish dumplings and cheap beer in Kazimierz. This is a no-nonsense establishment offered at a budget price.
• Przystanek Pierogarnia
  A tiny corner shop away from Kraków’s Old Town, Przystanek Pierogarnia is a super-cheap introduction to the traditional Polish dumpling.
• Restauracja Starka
  A dependable, characterful, and reasonably-priced Polish restaurant in Kazimierz, Restauracja Starka is famous for its walnut cake.
• Vegab
  If you’re looking for a cheap bite on the go, Vegab’s vegan kebabs are utterly delicious, even for meat eaters.
• Youmiko Sushi
  Imaginative Japanese cooking, fresh from the open kitchen, Youmiko Sushi is one of Kraków’s most exciting mid-priced restaurants.
• Zazie Bistro
  An Michelin-listed French bistro in Kazimierz, Zazie serves fresh and beautifully-presented Gallic standards in a relaxed atmosphere.

Galeria LueLue

Shopping In Kazimierz

As well as restaurants and bars, Kazimierz is packed with little independent shops. From galleries, designer jewellery, and handmade fashion to retro flea markets, record shops, and Jewish bookshops. You can easily spend all day shopping here. But don’t turn up too early, places tend to open nearer lunchtime.

For more practical shopping, during your stay, see our Shopping In Kraków guide for information on malls, supermarkets, pharmacies, and 24-hour shops.

Every location is on our Kraków map below.

• plac Nowy market
  A social landmark for locals, plac Nowy has fresh produce and a smattering of stalls on weekdays. At the weekends, the flea market really comes into its own, with clothes and retro items, alongside Soviet-era memorabilia and Judaic souvenirs. Get there early for the richest pickings!
• MAPAYA Boutique
  Handmade women’s clothing made with high-quality fabrics and imagination. The designs are a kind of Japanese-Polish fushion, with lots of kimono-style wraparounds and voluminous sleeves.
• Anna Gregory
  As with MAPAYA, this is smart attire for women, based on a minimal, more formal Scandinavian style of well-cut shirts and long coats. The clothes change seasonally, so you’ll find some lovely knitwear for the winter months.
• The Hive Store
  Locally-produced and limited edition fashion brand for men and women. Good quality hoodies, beanies, and sweatshirts, though the lineup changes from season to season. The shop itself is a great distressed space in the basement of a tenement block.
• Czapki I Kapelusze
  Tucked away in a courtyard off the main road, this shop sells mens’ hats! The owner does not speak English but, with a bit of pointing, it won’t stop you coming away with the perfect fit. There is an amazing range, all made in-store, and the prices are very good. A dying art.
• Blazko Jewellery
  Beautiful and colourful handmade jewellery, at very reasonable prices. Rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and cufflinks, every item is delicately constructed, like a contemporary update on Art Nouveau, and appears to be unique.
• Unikke Design & Friends
  More restrained than Blazko, but the designs are still carefully thought through and there are some unexpected items, like the thin rectangle ring that goes across two fingers. The store itself is very small, but there’s a lot of variety on display.
• Galeria LueLue
  Framed photographs, art postcards, and stickers, Galeria LueLue is a different kind of artspace. Friendly, beautifully laid out, and generally put together with care and character. You’ll find something unique at every budget point.
• Szpeje
  Vintage poster design and retro items for the home, the owners of Szpeje have a discerning eye. It’s hard to say what they’ll have in stock and the taste may be kitsch to some. But I absolutely love it!
• Raven Gallery
  Small private gallery, run by Zofia Kruk, with a focus on contemporary works in all media, many by artists new to the Polish scene.
• Magnetic Story
  Impossible to describe, Magnetic Story is a cute little shop selling all manner of ceramic fridge magnetics and other knick-knacks, many of which are Kraków-related. Little hand-painted pierogi, but also dachshunds, mushrooms, and a world of other unpredictable items.
• Kawiarnia Literacka
  A clever merging of bookshop and cafe with plenty of comfortable places to sit and drink juices or cocktails, while you browse for something to read. Lots of nooks and balcony spaces and some excellent cake. Perfect for a rainy afternoon.
• LOKATOR coffee & books
  Similar to Kawiarnia Literacka, though with the emphasis more on books than cafe, and a little more formal. All the same, this has a great selection of more literary and arty books, and some excellent titles for children.
• Jarden Jewish Bookshop
  Small, friendly bookshop focused on history, heritage, and literature, with a selection of music.
• Austeria
  Located at the Wolf Popper Synagogue, Austeria is the bookshop of a publishing house focused on Jewish works and literature translated into Polish.
• Kwiaciarnia Niezapominajka na Kazimierzu- Kraków
  Perhaps not the most practical item for the travelling shopper, this atmospheric florist sells fresh and dried flowers, wreaths, and other plants. Worth a visit as much for the location, which is in a courtyard between ul. Józefa and Beera Meiselsa.
• Regionalne Alkohole
  Huge selection of Polish craft beers, vodkas, and other spirits. A veritable supermarket of tasty booze. The staff known their stuff as well.
• Bacówka Towary Tradycyjne
  Bacówka Towary Tradycyjne is a chain of quality grocery stores, so alongside the meats and cheeses, you’ll find bottles of tasty jams and pickles, as well as chocolates and other treats to take back home with you.
• Paul’s Boutique
  Appropriately-named, vinyl-only record store with a great huge selection of well-organised titles. The shop also sells skateboard-adjacent items, comics, and spray cans, to round out the lifestyle. A Mecca for music fans.
• Records Dillaz
  If you can’t find what you’re looking for in Paul’s Boutique (or you don’t buy vinyl), try this compact basement store in Berka Joselewicza. The secondhand selection covers all genres, though skews a little to hip-hop, as the name implies.
• Smoke God
  For all things tobacco, Smoke God lives up to its name. There’s a vape room, a selection of outrageous cigars, and decent prices. Also a friendly place to hang out.

Aparthotel Karmel

Where To Stay In Kazimierz

Kazimierz is generally cheaper than a prime Old Town location, and much of the accommodation falls into the mid-range bracket, although there are some boutique hotels that are edging into luxury prices. And while there some budget hotels, you may get better quality if you look north of the Old Town, and south of the river looks increasingly promising as the area continues to develop.

Golden Tulip Krakow Kazimierz

Best Luxury Hotels In Kazimierz

• Golden Tulip Krakow Kazimierz
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  A Kazimierz-based 4-star hotel in the heart of one of Kraków’s most vibrant districts. Clean, spacious, and surprisingly quiet for such a busy area.

Check Krakow Hotel Availability

Destination

Check-in date

Thu 10 Oct 2024

Check-out date

Fri 11 Oct 2024

Best Boutique Hotels In Kazimierz

• Queen Boutique Hotel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Perched on the edge of Kazimierz, Queen Boutique Hotel is a stylish and spacious with excellent food and customer service.
• Spatz Aparthotel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Extremely friendly staff and an excellent Kazimierz address make the boutique Spatz Aparthotel a favourite with couples.

Hotel Ester

Best Mid-Range Hotels In Kazimierz

• Hotel Ester
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  A cosy mid-range hotel in Kazimierz, Hotel Ester has big, comfortable beds and excellent Polish and Jewish food.
• Aparthotel Karmel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Karmel is a beautiful, ivy-covered hotel, offering great value, on a authentic cobbled street in Kazimierz.
• Great Polonia Kraków Kazimierz
  (View on Booking.com)
  Well located in Kazimierz, with a hearty breakfast and hospitable staff, Great Polonia is a strong choice for sightseeing couples.
• Hotel Alef
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Completely unique and sometimes eccentric, Hotel Alef is full of period furnishing and personal touches.
• Hotel Columbus
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  A good value-for-money mid-range hotel, the Hotel Columbus is great for bars and restaurants in the Kazimierz area.
• Hotel Eden
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  A friendly, quiet and clean hotel in the heart of Kazimierz, the Eden specialises in traditional Jewish spa treatments.
• Leone Aparthotel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located on the edge of fashionable Kazimierz, Leone Aparthotel is stately with contemporary interiors and professional staff.

Hotels in Kraków

Hotel Copernicus
Luxury
More Info

Wawel Hotel
Boutique
More Info

Hotel Jan
Mid Range
More Info

Best Budget Hotels In Kazimierz

• Miodosytnia Aparthotel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  One of Kazimierz’s most popular apartment-style hotels, Miodosytnia Aparthotel has idiosyncratic touches and a tranquil atmosphere.
• Hotel Kazimierz
  (View on Booking.com)
  Basic, but comfortable and good value for money and right in the middle of Kazimierz, as the name suggests.
• Green Hostel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  A no-frill, budget hotel tucked into a corner of Kazimierz, the Green is friendly, functional, and a little dated.

plac Nowy after dark

Nightlife In Kazimierz

Kazimierz owes much of its contemporary reputation to its nightlife. There are bars a plenty. But, where tourists can get a little out of control in the Old Town, things are altogether more relaxed here.

Start with the bars encircling plac Nowy and see where the night takes you. There’s always another bar a few doors down.

You can find an overview of Kraków bars, clubs, and music venues on our Kraków Nightlife page. All locations can be found on the Kraków map below.

• plac Nowy
  By day, a market place with a squat, brick rotunda in the centre, plac Nowy becomes the best departure point for an evening of bar hopping. With Alchemia, Mleczarnia, and Bar Atelier just off the square itself, there’s also plenty to choose from in the surrounding streets.
• Alchemia
  Something of a Kazimierz institution, Alchemia lives up to its name in atmosphere with dark interior and moody staff. Good food and great beer.
• Weźże Krafta
  A new location for this Tytano favourite, with a great selection of craft beers on tap.
• The Moon Shisha Bar
  Relaxed and tucked away, this is a great little secret for shisha smokers, with a strong menu of drinks.
• Sababa | Cocktail Bar
  Glamorous cocktail bar with fancy interiors and top notch staff.
• Nowy Kraftowy
  A fantastic selection of 25 Polish craft beers on tap and appetising food, right in the heart of Kazimierz.
• Trzcinabar
  Great bar with deft cocktail mixology from the excellent staff.
• Zoo Klub
  Popular LGBTQ+ music club with three roomy lounges, a dance floor, and colourful drag.
• Klub Kabaret
  As the name suggests, Klub Kabaret is not strictly a music venue and you’re as likely to see can-can dancers, but they do host live groups amongst the cabaret shows.
• PUB Propaganda
  Soviet-era decoration in this unique tumbledown bar with live ska, reggae, punk and rockabilly.
• Club Dolce Vita
  Cosy disco-pub with a very broad mix of music from different decades.
• Stara Zajezdnia Kraków by DeSilva
  Huge dining hall in an old tram shed, with big sports events on screens, and sometimes live music events.

Kraków tram near Starowiślna

How To Get To Kazimierz

Kazimierz is located to the southeast of the Old Town, sandwiched between a main road called Józefa Dietla and the Vistula river. It is 1.5km from the Old Town’s Market Square, only a brisk 15-minute walk if you know where you’re going.

The problem is that some people find the precise area a little hard to find. Many travellers set off from the Old Town, looking for the Jewish quarter, without knowing exactly what they’re looking for. If you follow the two main routes from the Old Town – Starowiślna and Krakowska – they’ll actually lead you right past it. It’s best to aim for a specific landmark like Szeroka street, so you have some idea of where you need to turn off.

• By tram from Kraków Glówny train station (17m): Leave the station onto Pawia via Galeria Krakowska shopping mall. Cross the road and find the Dworzec Główny Zachód tram stop. You’re looking for the #3 tram for Nowy Bieżanów P+R. It leaves every 20 minutes during the day. You can buy a ticket at the stop or on the tram itself. The tram will circle Planty Park and the Old Town on your right. Get off at Miodowa, the 5th stop, and continue to walk in the same direction as the tram. Take the first turning on your right into Miodowa itself, and then left into Szeroka. A few meters later you will find yourself in the heart of Jewish Kazimierz.
• On foot from Kraków’s Market Square (approx. 16m): Standing in front of the Adam Mickiewicz statue with St. Mary’s Basilica to your left, walk down Sienna towards Planty Park. You’ll pass the restaurant Kogel Mogel on your left. Follow the road until you reach the main road encircling the park. You should see two roads directly in front of you – Wielopole to the left and Starowiślna to the right. Take Starowiślna. After a few minutes, you’ll see Vegab to your left. Continue until you reach Józefa Dietla, the big main road with a narrow park running through the middle. Cross the road and continue directly ahead to follow Starowiślna into Kazimierz. Take the second turning on your right into Miodowa, and then left into Szeroka. A few meters later you will find yourself in the heart of Jewish Kazimierz.
• By taxi from John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport (approx. 30m): If you are staying in Kazimierz, it is faster and more convenient to take a taxi, which can also drop you off exactly where you need to be. Taxis leave from directly outside the front of the airport or you can book a private transfer in advance.

Where Are These Places Located?

Find these locations on the Visit Kraków Google map:

• Open the Visit Kraków map
• Click on a marker and it will give you the name of the landmark, with a brief description and links for more information and directions. You can pan, scroll, and zoom around the map, or use the + or – buttons in the bottom left of the map to zoom in and out
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side, sorted by category. Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Each category is on a different layer, which can be switched on and off. So you can just see the Hotel or Restaurant pins, for example
• If you are using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location

Map pins are color coded:

• YELLOW: Kraków Sightseeing
• GREEN: Kraków Transportation
• DARK RED: Restaurants in Kraków
• ORANGE: Michelin Restaurants in Kraków
• LIGHT RED: Kraków Bars / Clubs / Music Venues
• BLUE: Kraków Hotels
• PURPLE: Shopping In Kraków