Kazimierz was once an independent Polish town, later becoming the Jewish Quarter of Krakow. This heritage is still ingrained in its penchant for beatnik bars, vintage stalls and bohemian cafe culture – in addition to its somber reflections on World War II. Here’s our guide for how to best enjoy this must-visit neighbourhood.
Touting generous mezze platters of hummus, olives, baba ganoush, flatbreads and plenty more, this cool little eatery is a top spot for lunch in Kazimierz. The interior is stripped-down and stylish with earthy hints of the Middle East – but the real showstopper is the shady garden out back, where comfy palette chairs abut low tables to the tunes of Arabic dub music.
Take a stroll along the banks of the Vistula River, which runs south of Kazimierz. You can’t miss the imposing Wawel Castle, which marks the meeting point of the neighbourhood and Krakow’s Old Town. In the summer, climb abroad one of the bobbing boat bars that pepper the water and settle down for an al fresco beer. During the winter, the lawns that line the river are always iced over and often thick with snow – an enchanting sight to behold.
This elegant, brick-built marvel has six centuries of history behind it – culminating in a dazzling combination of romanesque, gothic and baroque designs. Every section of this soaring church features something beautiful to behold – from the vaulted ceilings to the boat-shaped pulpit and the soaring gothic tower outside. Its crowning glory is the gold-gilded, 15th-century altarpiece, as tall as the cathedral itself.
Courtesy of Galicia Museum, Krakow, Poland / Viator
The sobering Galicia Jewish Museum commemorates the victims of the Holocaust with photographic exhibitions that chronicle Jewish culture and history in Polish Galicia. Although the horrors of the German occupation of Poland (1939-1945) are never far from your mind here, the aim of the museum is to challenge the misconceptions and stereotypes associated with Judaism in Poland, while encouraging visitors to think about the future.
One of the last active synagogues in the neighbourhood of Kazimierz, the small Remuh Synagogue traces its roots back to the 1550s when it was built to honour the family of Rabbi Moshe Isserles. On the exterior of the courtyard walls, inscriptions commemorate the deaths of the Krakow Jews in the Holocaust, while inside you’ll find an exquisite Torah Ark designed in an art deco style.
Bursting at its rickety wooden seams with over-dripped candles and haunting portraiture, Alchemia has long been hailed as the coolest bar in Krakow. Its dose of mystique evokes the former Jewish district, both during the day – when it’s a bohemian cafe – and by night, when bands play in the basement and Czech beer flows. It’s also renowned for its veggie food, halloumi burgers and hummus platters.
The Church on the Rock, or Skałka and the Pauline Monastery, stands near the bank of the Vistula River. The pretty white structure dates from between 1740 and 1762, built on the site of an old romanesque church that was razed during the Swedish invasions of the 17th century. There’s also a serene garden, complete with the ubiquitous effigy of Pope John Paul II, who was born near Krakow.
Inside a 19th-century tram depot, this child-friendly museum tells the story of breakthrough design throughout the history of engineering, from the first printing presses to engines and vehicles. The original tramways of Kazimierz still criss-cross the floor, and there’s a focus on interactive displays in its temporary exhibits. It’s a perfect little stop for any travellers interested in the industrial history of the city.
Mleczarnia cafe is the manifestation of the neighbourhood’s penchant for everything vintage, beatnik and quirky. Wrought iron tables and makeshift benches sprawl across Beera Meiselsa, the small street connecting Plac Nowy with the western side of Kazimierz. Inside, antiques adorn every crevice, down to the doilies on the dark-wood tables. The staff are creative with their coffee, too – try the turmeric latte with almond milk.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips,Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
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