The Complete Guide to a Kosher Trip to Krakow
Krakow, one of Poland's oldest and most beautiful cities, offers two entirely different journeys at once: Kazimierz — the medieval Jewish quarter, renewed in recent decades into a lively district with synagogues, kosher restaurants and cafés — and Auschwitz-Birkenau, about an hour's drive away, a visit which is an inseparable part of any journey to the region. Here's a short guide to planning your visit.
Kazimierz — synagogues and kosher food
Remuh Synagogue on Szeroka Street, still active with the Rema himself buried alongside it, and Isaac (Izaak) Synagogue on Kupa Street — the two central historic synagogues of the district. Szalom Falafel operates right by it, and Falafel Shelanu is not far away. Chabad-Lubavitch of Krakow on Św. Sebastiana Street also serves the community and travelers, alongside Hotel Eden with its mikveh.
See all optionsSchindler's Factory Museum
The Oskar Schindler Factory Museum, on Lipowa Street, tells the story of the factory where Schindler saved over 1,200 Jewish workers from destruction — combined with a broader exhibit on everyday life in Krakow under Nazi occupation. Tickets are sold for set time slots, and booking in advance is strongly recommended due to high demand.
See all optionsAuschwitz-Birkenau — a visit with respect
Auschwitz-Birkenau, about 70 km west of Krakow, was the Nazis' largest death camp, where over a million Jews and others were murdered. The site operates today as a museum and memorial, and admission is free — but a ticket must be booked in advance through the official website, including assignment to a guided tour (a Hebrew-language option is available), since independent entry without a guide isn't permitted during most hours. It's recommended to plan a full day including travel to and from Krakow, and to arrive with an open heart for an experience with no substitute in understanding this history.
See all optionsKrakow offers a combination like no other: the vibrant Jewish life renewed in Kazimierz, alongside the heavy, essential memory of Auschwitz-Birkenau — two inseparable parts of understanding the Jewish history of Poland.
Stay in the kosher area of Krakow
For Shabbat in Krakow, base yourself in or near Kazimierz - Chabad-Lubavitch of Krakow (Chabad house listed on the site) is within walking distance from there, along with the other kosher listings for the city.
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Guided Tours & Experiences
Guided tours, entry tickets and experiences in every destination - most with free cancellation, so you can plan ahead and still stay flexible around Shabbat and the chagim.
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Rent a car in Krakow
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Airport Transfer to Your Hotel
Book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel and back - a fixed price agreed in advance (no meter surprises), a driver waiting for you with a sign bearing your name, and no need to haggle or speak the local language.
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