Kazimierz is one of Kraków’s most fascinating districts, known for its rich Jewish heritage, historic synagogues, bohemian atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife. Once an independent town founded in 1335, Kazimierz became the centre of Jewish life in Kraków for centuries. Today, it’s a cultural hotspot, filled with trendy cafés, art galleries, and historical sites. It is home to several historic Synagogues, including the oldest one in Poland, and the vibrant Plac Nowy, known for its street food, cafés, and bars.
In 1495, after Jews were expelled from Kraków, they settled in the northern part of Kazimierz, which became a thriving Jewish community. Then, over the next few centuries, Kazimierz became one of the most important Jewish communities in Europe, home to synagogues, schools, and businesses. In the 1990s, after the fall of communism and the release of Schindler’s List (which was filmed in Kazimierz), the district experienced a cultural and historical revival. Today, Kazimierz is one of Kraków’s most popular areas, blending Jewish heritage with modern creativity.
Kraków has long been one of Central Europe’s most important cities and a flourishing cultural and political centre. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is remarkably well preserved, and the city is steeped in history, making it a must-visit destination for travellers to the region. Our comprehensive full-day tour is a great way to capture the essence of Krakow, with your knowledgeable local guide making sure you don’t miss a thing.
On this full-day private tour, you will:
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Kraków on this full-day private walking tour, designed for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to the city. Led by an expert guide, this in-depth experience takes you through the city’s most significant landmarks, from the Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz to the grand Wawel Hill and the beautiful, charming Old Town.
Your journey begins in Kazimierz, the historic Jewish Quarter, where centuries of Jewish heritage are woven into the fabric of the district’s synagogues, atmospheric streets, and cultural landmarks. You’ll see the Old Synagogue, one of the oldest in Europe, and walk through Schindler’s Passage, an evocative filming location from Schindler’s List, as your guide shares the compelling stories of Kraków’s Jewish community. Along the way, you’ll discover how Kazimierz has transformed into a thriving artistic hub, filled with trendy cafés, art galleries, and a lively atmosphere.
From there, you’ll head to Wawel Hill, the former seat of Polish kings. You’ll step inside the magnificent Wawel Castle, an architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance era, and explore the opulent State Rooms, adorned with historic tapestries, paintings, and antique furniture. Nearby, you'll find the Wawel Cathedral, where your guide can explain how this site of royal coronations and burials is deeply tied to Polish national identity. Before leaving Wawel, you’ll catch a glimpse of the legendary Wawel Dragon, a mythical creature that has captivated locals for centuries.
After an invigorating lunch break at a local restaurant (not included), your tour will continue along the famous Royal Route, a historic path once travelled by Polish kings. This scenic walk takes you deep into the heart of Kraków’s Old Town, a UNESCO-listed treasure, where you’ll be surrounded by beautifully preserved medieval architecture while your guide shares fascinating stories from the city’s past. Your guide will take you to the prestigious Jagiellonian University, one of Europe’s oldest learning institutions, where the great Nicolaus Copernicus once studied. You’ll also get a closer look at St. Florian’s Gate, a historic entrance to the city, and trace the remnants of Kraków’s medieval defensive walls.
Later, wander through the lively Market Square, home to the iconic Cloth Hall and the towering Town Hall Tower, before stepping inside the breathtaking St. Mary’s Basilica to admire its extraordinary Gothic altarpiece and hear the legend behind the Hejnał Mariacki trumpet call, a melancholy melody that sounds from the tallest tour every hour.
As the tour comes to an end in the Old Town, your guide will provide plenty of recommendations on where to enjoy a memorable dinner, as well as insider tips on other must-see spots in Kraków, tailored to your interests. This full-day private tour offers a thorough exploration of Krakow, blending fascinating history, cultural insights, and local legends into a truly exceptional experience. Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’re looking to deepen your knowledge, this tour is the perfect way to uncover the best of Poland’s former royal capital.
Krakow offers a wealth of Jewish heritage sites, spanning medieval synagogues, Holocaust memorials, and cultural centres that tell the story of the city's once-thriving Jewish community. Taking a private walking tour with a local expert is a wonderful way to uncover the key places associated with the community, from ancient places of worship to the emblematic locations associated with Oskar Schindler’s valiant efforts to save his Jewish workers from the Nazis. Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the Jewish people of Krakow have shaped the city's past and present.
On this private walking tour, you will:
Experience the profound and moving Jewish heritage of Kraków on this private walking tour, which takes you through the city’s rich Jewish past, its tragic history during World War II, and the inspiring stories of resilience and survival. Led by a knowledgeable local guide passionate about Jewish history, this immersive tour will introduce you to the most significant sites in Kazimierz, the former Jewish ghetto, and Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum.
Your journey begins in Kazimierz, the historic Jewish Quarter that once flourished as a hub of Jewish life, learning, and culture. Strolling through this atmospheric district, you’ll discover the vibrant Szeroka Street, the heart of Jewish Kazimierz, where you’ll find centuries-old synagogues alongside bustling cafés and cultural landmarks. You’ll step inside the Old Synagogue, a rare surviving example of Jewish Gothic architecture and one of the oldest synagogues in Europe. Next, you’ll pass by the Remuh Synagogue, a modest yet deeply significant 16th-century synagogue, where your guide will share stories of the influential Rabbi Moses Isserles (Remuh), whose wisdom shaped Jewish scholarship.
Throughout your time in Kazimierz, you’ll pass by several filming locations from Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning film Schindler’s List, including the famous Schindler’s Passage, a narrow courtyard and passageway used in a memorable scene where Jewish families hurriedly packed their belongings, showing the fear and chaos of deportations. Then, you will cross the Vistula River into Podgórze, the site of the former Jewish Ghetto created by the Nazis during World War II. Your guide will show you some of the most important memorials, including Ghetto Heroes Square, where thousands of Jews were deported to concentration camps, and the Eagle Pharmacy, a secret hub of aid and resistance for ghetto residents, which has now become a museum.
As you explore this poignant corner of the city, your guide will share stories of Oskar Schindler, the German businessman who risked everything to save over 1,200 Jewish lives by employing them in his enamel factory. You’ll make your way to the site of this factory, now the Schindler’s Factory Museum, where your tour will come to a close. Here, your guide will bid you goodbye, leaving you to embark on an independent visit, gaining a deeper understanding of Nazi-occupied Kraków, Schindler’s heroic efforts, and the resilience of the Jewish community.
This is a profoundly moving and educational experience, getting a comprehensive look at the lives and legacy of Kraków’s Jewish residents from the 13th Century to the present day. Whether you have a personal connection to Jewish history or simply wish to understand the city's past in greater depth, this tour provides an insightful exploration of Kraków’s Jewish heritage.
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