Situated in the heart of Kazimierz, the Old Synagogue is often visited on tours that help travelers learn about Krakow’s Jewish history and heritage. You can easily explore the Old Synagogue’s exhibits in an hour, leaving time to visit the other synagogues in the Jewish quarter, such as the Remuh Synagogue and the Tempel Synagogue. Some guided tours also visit other notable attractions linked to the Jewish community, such as Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum.
Don’t just photograph the synagogue from the outside—be sure to go inside, as the exhibits have old photographs, paintings, and fascinating relics that tell the stories of Krakow’s Jewish community.
There is usually a fee to enter the synagogue, apart from on Mondays, when it's typically free to get in.
Unfortunately, the venue doesn’t have elevators, ramps, or wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. There are several steps to get inside.
Located in Krakow’s Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, you can easily reach the Old Synagogue on foot from the Old Town; the walk takes around 20 minutes. Alternatively, if you prefer public transport, then you can get tram 1, 3, 5, 17, or 19 to Ulica Sw. Wawrzyńca, which is around a 5-minute walk away.
The Old Synagogue is usually open throughout the year, however, the hours vary, with typically shorter hours on Mondays. Sometimes, the site is closed for Jewish holidays or special events, so it’s recommended to check the opening schedule before visiting. To beat crowds, it’s best to go close to the opening hour, during weekdays.
After exploring the exhibits of the Old Synagogue, there are lots of other museums to learn about Krakow's Jewish history. Start with the Galicia Jewish Museum, which acts as a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and also depicts the Jewish culture of Galicia. Then, continue with a visit to Oskar Schinder’s Enamel Factory Museum to learn about the stories of the Jewish people saved by Oskar Schindler during World War II.
