Krakow Ghetto Guided Walking Tour Jewish WWII District

Krakow , Poland

Krakow Ghetto Guided Walking Tour Jewish WWII District

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About this experience

Discover Kraków’s former ghetto in Podgórze on a guided walk with an expert local guide, beginning on the Vistula river bank—the line that once separated pre-war Kazimierz from the wartime ghetto. Your first stop is Józefińska 14, the former seat of the Judenrat (Jewish Council).
Continue to Ghetto Heroes Square, the administrative and emotional center of the ghetto, now marked by the evocative Chair Memorial.
Across the square stands the Under the Eagle Pharmacy, where Tadeusz Pankiewicz and his team supported residents with medicine and quiet acts of courage. A short walk leads to Józefińska 41, a building that housed the Jewish orphanage, welfare office, and ghetto hospital.
Next, pause at the remains of the Ghetto Walls, a stark reminder of the tight enclosure that once separated residents from the rest of the city.
The route concludes at Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (no entry) —today a museum dedicated to Kraków’s wartime history and the fate of its Jewish community.

Available options

Tour in Italian

Tour in French

Tour in English

Tour in German

Tour in Spanish

What's included

Expert local guide

Walking tour of Krakow Ghetto

Detailed itinerary

Discover Kraków’s former ghetto in Podgórze on a guided walk with an expert local guide, starting on the Vistula river bank, which once divided the historic Jewish quarter of Kazimierz from the wartime ghetto.
The first stop is Józefińska 14, once home to the Judenrat, the Jewish Council under Nazi rule.

Stop 2

From there, you continue to Ghetto Heroes Square, the heart of the ghetto, where deportations to extermination camps took place. Today, the square is marked by the symbolic Chair Memorial, with each chair representing a life lost.

Stop 3

Across the square stands the Under the Eagle Pharmacy, where Tadeusz Pankiewicz and his staff courageously aided ghetto residents, preserving medicine and hope. A short walk away is Józefińska 41, a building that housed the Jewish orphanage, a welfare office, and the ghetto hospital, all central to daily survival in this confined district. We will discuss the history from outside.

Next are the remains of the Ghetto Walls, a stark reminder of the tight enclosure that once separated ghetto residents from the rest of the city.

Stop 5

The walk then leads to Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory on Lipowa Street. It was here that Schindler employed and protected over a thousand Jewish workers, saving them from deportation. Today the factory houses a museum dedicated to the wartime history of Kraków and the fate of its Jewish community.
This route connects the most important places of memory, combining moving stories of courage, tragedy, and resilience. It helps visitors understand daily life in the ghetto and the extraordinary efforts of those who risked everything to save others. We will discuss the history from outside.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Weather conditions can impact your enjoyment of the tour. Please check the forecast ahead of time and come prepared with suitable clothing and footwear. The tour goes ahead in all weather, rain or shine.

Meeting point

Look for a guide waiting near the entrance to the Chinkalnia restaurant, on the corner of Mostowa Street 14.

Important notes

We kindly ask you to arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins. Once the group has departed, latecomers will not be able to join and tickets cannot be refunded.
Gratuities are optional but always appreciated as a gesture of thanks for your guide.
Weather conditions can impact your enjoyment of the tour. Please check the forecast ahead of time and come prepared with suitable clothing and footwear. The tour goes ahead in all weather, rain or shine.
The tour is not suitable for people with disabilities.

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.