Podgorze
Up-and-coming, industrial-chic, cultural
Best for: WWII history, contemporary art, local atmosphere
Across the river from Kazimierz, Podgorze is where Krakow's industrial past meets its creative future. Home to Schindler's Factory museum, the haunting Ghetto Heroes Square, and the MOCAK contemporary art museum. The Krakus Mound offers the best panoramic view of the entire city.
Attractions in Podgorze
Schindler's Factory Museum
The former enamelware factory of Oskar Schindler, now a powerful museum documenting Krakow under Nazi occupation (1939-1945). The award-winning exhibition traces daily life, resistance, and the fate of the city's Jewish population.
landmarkKrakus Mound
The oldest structure in Krakow — a prehistoric mound possibly dating to the 7th century, linked to the legendary King Krak. The free hilltop viewpoint offers arguably the best sunset panorama in the city, popular with locals for picnics.
museumEagle's Pharmacy (Apteka pod Orlem)
The pharmacy of Tadeusz Pankiewicz, the only Gentile permitted to operate within the Krakow Ghetto. Now a moving museum documenting life in the ghetto and Pankiewicz's efforts to help its Jewish residents — recognized as Righteous Among the Nations.
museumCricoteka — Tadeusz Kantor Center
A striking contemporary building dedicated to the legendary avant-garde theater artist Tadeusz Kantor. The museum documents his revolutionary theatrical works and houses the archive of the Cricot 2 theatre. The building itself is an architectural marvel.
landmarkBonarka City Center
Krakow's largest shopping mall with 270 stores, built on the site of a former chemical factory. A modern retail hub with international and Polish brands, a cinema, and food court.
museumManggha Centre of Japanese Art
A striking modern building on the Vistula riverbank housing one of Europe's finest collections of Japanese art. Designed by Arata Isozaki, the museum also hosts tea ceremonies, film screenings, and cultural exchanges.