Kazimierz Guide
Crumbling beauty with special energy
Introduction
Kazimierz is a 15-minute walk from the Old Town and 10–15 minutes by public transport.
It is one of the most interesting districts of Krakow that you absolutely must visit. This is the place where you will see the diverse world of Jewish and Christian culture, synagogues, the Jewish cemetery, beautiful churches, the house in which the “queen of cosmetics” Helena Rubinstein was born, and places where Steven Spielberg filmed the “Schindler’s List”.
Kazimierz is also packed with small, local shops and galleries where you can buy mostly handmade souvenirs from Krakow at reasonable prices. Check out Józefa Street in particular, which looks exactly like it did in pre-war times and offers many hidden spots for good local shopping. Kazimierz has an artistic and festival character including hundreds of pubs, also with live music.
This place is totally different throughout the day. In the early mornings, you can still see people rushing home after all-night parties, and at the same time, locals in pyjamas walking their dogs or going to the nearest greengrocer’s for fresh bread and milk.
In terms of food, Kazimierz has as many restaurants per square mile as the Old Town, but a big favourite here is the street food. From the famous zapiekanki, available on plac Nowy, burgers, pancakes, to Belgian fries, the area is great for takeaway. Here you’ll also find the Bottiglieria 1881, which Michelin considers the best restaurant in Poland.
Sightseeing
Top recommendations of the most unique things to see.
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A place where the heart of Jewish Kazimierz beats. It is on this street that five of the seven surviving synagogues of Kazimierz are located, including the Old Synagogue. It is also here that the final concert of the annual Jewish Culture Festival takes place and where you can find the house of Helena Rubinstein.
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The oldest synagogue in Kazimierz (its construction dates back to the end of the 15th century). A unique monument of Jewish religious architecture on a European scale. Inside, there is an exhibition of artefacts related to the culture and religion of Judaism.
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Still active 16th-century synagogue and a Jewish cemetery dating from the same period. It is a place of great significance for dozens of generations of Kazimierz Jews.
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Beautiful baroque church and monastery of the Pauline Fathers, erected on the rocky bank of the Vistula River. This is an extremely important place from the perspective of Polish national identity - the National Pantheon is located here.
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One of the more charming urban spaces in Kazimierz. A shopping square with a centrally located round building called 'Okrąglak', which sells the famous zapiekanki.
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A square is a part of the former Kazimierz Square. It is dominated by the mass of the former town hall, which, after numerous building interventions, has only slightly preserved its former architectural form. Today it houses the Ethnographic Museum.
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Krakow’s oldest depot of horse-drawn and electric trams, built late in the 19th and early in the 20th centuries. If you are interested in engieering and transport, definately check this out.
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There is a great panoramic view from the bridge and at sunset it is really romantic. Beautiful night-time illumination.
Food & Drink
Tested and recommended places to eat or drink something.
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One of the best Jewish restaurants in the area around Szeroka Street. It has a great retro feeling and a menu full of old-time traditional Jewish dishes.
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A restaurant fatured in the Michelin guide specializing in burgers, steaks, seafood and wine. The food is luxurious, the desserts really delicious.
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A pub that is located in a former synagogue. Also a cultural hub, hosting numerous cultural events. Offering great beer, cocktails and food.
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Delicious, freshly baked cakes sold by weight. Try the basque cheesecake. Yum!
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The best of three food truck locations in Kazimierz with a beautiful mural overlooking the whole area.
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One of several bars operating under this name in Krakow. This one is recommended because of its location and retro feeling interior. The role of this place is to take a break and grab some quick shots before continuing your journey. The shots are very good and fairly cheap.
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They have a wide variety of craft beers, both local and international, ensuring there is something to suit every taste as well as some snacks like burgers, pizza and sandwiches. It's spacious and has a very atmospheric decor.
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A pub/club like many others, however this one has a cultural side to it, there is a chance it will host some interesting events like live music.
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Top quality Italian dishes and delicious Neapolitan pizza - probably the best one in Krakow. Very affordable. May require reservation though.
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A shot bar, this one allows you to sit down and order a plate of shots. For example a Plate of Joy (Radości) on vodka, or Plate of Might (Mocy) on pure alcohol.
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The legendary foodtruck, open only at night - two guys selling grilled susages out of their car since 1990’s.