Former Jewish Ghetto and Plaszow CC Guided Tour in Krakow

Krakow , Poland

Former Jewish Ghetto and Plaszow CC Guided Tour in Krakow

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About this experience

Embark on a guided tour to explore the historic sites of the Jewish ghetto and one of the Nazi concentration camps established during World War II. Begin your journey near Schindler's Factory in Krakow's Podgórze district. Though the local streets and alleys have changed over time, they still conceal remnants of the harrowing years when the Nazis confined thousands of people within the ghetto, only to later transport them to concentration camps. Visit the remaining fragments of the ghetto wall, the famous square with its poignant chair monument, and the building of the Pharmacy Under the Eagle, a beacon of hope during those dark times.

Next, take a tram to Płaszów, the site of a former Nazi concentration camp located in the Krakow suburbs, built on the grounds of old Jewish cemeteries. Płaszów served as a labor camp for several military factories and a quarry, as well as a site for the extermination of Jews deported from the ghetto.

Available options

Italian Tour

English Tour

Spanish Tour

French Tour

What's included

Professional guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Visit the symbolic square - the place where the Krakow ghetto existed during World War II, where its Jewish inhabitants were crowded. A visit there will be a contribution to listening to the guide's stories about those times, living conditions and the fate of the inhabitants. The monument in the square, consisting of 70 large, well-spaced metal chairs, which were to symbolize departure, as well as later absence, is an eloquent symbol commemorating the victims of the Krakow ghetto.

Kraków’s most prominent evidence of its ghetto is this 12-metre stretch of the original ghetto wall. In 1983, a commemorative plaque was raised, which reads in Hebrew and Polish: “Here they lived, suffered and died at the hands of the German torturers. From here they began their final journey to the death camps.”

Stop 3

In the years 1941-1943 within the ghetto in Kraków it was the only pharmacy run by a Pole who had the right to stay in the part of the city designated by the Germans only for Jews. The owner of the pharmacy managed to help many Jews by giving them medicine, shelter, passing on information, helping in contacts with family.

While thousands of tourists use Krakow as the starting point for visiting Auschwitz, few are aware that Krakow actually has a former concentration camp in its own backyard. On the other side of the river, in the depths of Podgórze, the vast area is almost undeveloped, despite the fact that it is located in one of the most desirable commercial and residential districts of the city - on the main communication artery (Wielicka Street), opposite a large shopping center (Bonarka) and not far from main tourist attraction (Krakus Mound). It is the former seat of the `` Konzentrationslager Plaszow bei Krakau '' - the German Nazi concentration camp in Płaszów, today a wild, uneven space of land, which until recently did not indicate its own existence, let alone its wartime history.

What's not included

Tram ticket (short ride, approx. PLN 4)

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT FR ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The tour takes place outdoors - take care of clothing and accessories adapted to the weather conditions and comfortable shoes.

The tour takes place a bit away from the historic center of Krakow, does not include transportation, you should consider traveling by tram or taxi.

Meeting point

Meeting point: ul. Lipowa 4 (in front of the entrance to the Schindler's Factory Museum).
The guide with our company name on it.

About Krakow

Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. It's home to the Wawel Royal Castle, the historic Main Market Square, and the largest medieval old town in Europe. Krakow's vibrant arts scene, bustling nightlife, and proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine make it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Wawel Royal Castle

This iconic castle was the residence of Polish kings and a symbol of Polish statehood. It offers a glimpse into Poland's rich history.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 30-50 PLN (€7-12)

Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)

One of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Wieliczka Salt Mine

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt.

Historical/Adventure 4-5 hours 89-139 PLN (€20-32)

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

A poignant and sobering visit to the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum.

Historical/Educational Full day 70-100 PLN (€16-23)

Kazimierz District

The historic Jewish quarter with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and charming streets.

Cultural/Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pierogi

Dumplings filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits.

Dinner Can be vegetarian or vegan

Obwarzanek

A type of bread ring, similar to a bagel, often sold by street vendors.

Snack Vegetarian

Zapiekanka

A Polish street food consisting of a half-baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various condiments.

Snack Can be vegetarian

Schabowy

A breaded pork cutlet, similar to schnitzel, often served with potatoes and cabbage.

Dinner Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Tatra Mountains Skiing in Zakopane Spa and wellness treatments Strolling through parks and gardens Visiting museums and galleries Attending concerts and performances Boating on the Vistula River Skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Krakow for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Polish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Polish Złoty (PLN)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Krakow is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
• Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.

Getting there

By air

John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice • 11 km from city center

By train

Krakow Glowny, Krakow Plaza

By bus

Krakow Main Bus Station, Młocińscy Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Krakow's tram system is efficient and covers most of the city. Trams are comfortable and frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Stare Miasto) Kazimierz Nowa Huta Zakrzówek

Day trips

Wieliczka Salt Mine

14 km from Krakow • Full day

Explore the underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

70 km from Krakow • Full day

Visit the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum, to learn about the Holocaust.

Zakopane

100 km from Krakow • Full day

A picturesque mountain town known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities.

Festivals

Krakow Jewish Festival • June or July (annual) Krakow Film Festival • May (annual) Krakow Christmas Market • December (annual)

Pro tips

Use the Krakow Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
Visit the Wawel Dragon statue and make a wish by placing a coin in its mouth.
Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and żurek at local restaurants.
Explore the Kazimierz district for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
Take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau for a deeper understanding of Polish history.