Kraków is full of wonderful places to see, but “accessibility” is more than ramps. It includes information about entrances, toilets, elevators, parking spaces for people with a disability permit, entry procedures (for example buttons, bells, platforms) and sometimes - the availability of a guide who can assist with moving around an exhibition. Before you plan one tight day, check these details for each place you want to visit. City apps and museum websites increasingly have dedicated “accessibility” sections with practical tips worth reading before you go.
If you only have one day in Kraków, focus on short distances and places with confirmed accessibility features: step-free entrances, elevators, wheelchair-accessible toilets, the ability to reserve a timed entry and - if needed - a parking spot or clear instructions how to reach the site by public transport.
Check documents that grant discounts: disability card, ID, official certificate of disability. Many ticketing systems require showing the document during checks and without it a reduced ticket may be refused.
Call or write to the museum if you have doubts. If an audio guide, route or tickets are advertised as prepared for visitors with disabilities, staff will confirm how to use the elevator or platform and whether a companion has free or reduced entry.
Download city apps and electronic tickets. Kraków tourist apps include object catalogs with accessibility info, convenient routes and locations of wheelchair-accessible toilets; this can work offline once data is downloaded.
Plan transfer times and buffers. Even when places are “accessible”, entering a building, finding an elevator or using a platform can take an extra several to a dozen minutes.
Ticket type: full price, reduced, pupil, student, person with disability or free-of-charge ticket. The ticket should show the discount type.
Date and time: many museums use timed-entry - a ticket may specify a precise entry time. Check whether the ticket is a time window (for example 10:00-10:30) or a specific slot (for example 10:15).
Entrance or zone: some tickets indicate which entrance to use (for example gate on Szczepańska Street, Entrance A/B). For wheelchair users this is important - sometimes the accessible entrance is different from the main ticket office.
Accessibility markings: look for information about facilities: elevator, platform lift, accessible toilet, induction loop, tactile route or permission for a guide dog.
QR code / barcode: if the ticket is electronic, check that the code is readable and that the app or ticket desk can validate the entry. For printed tickets make sure the code is not too dark or cut off.
Information about companion/carer: some places offer free entry for a carer, others a discount. If a companion ticket isn’t obvious, contact the venue before you arrive.
Refund / exchange conditions: if plans change, check the refund policy and whether you can change the entry time.
Step-free entrances or entrance ramps and designated parking nearby are basic features to ask about. Not every part of a museum may be equally accessible - basement exhibits or historic sections can still present limits.
Elevator and platform lifts: in most adapted buildings there are passenger elevators or platform lifts that provide floor access. In some places staff must activate the lift or press a special button - check the museum’s documentation or ask at the entrance.
Facilities for visitors with hearing or visual impairments: induction loops at the ticket desk, tactile routes, tactile maps and touch copies of exhibits - these helpful features are not always obvious on the main page but are described in the museum’s accessibility statement.
Staff assistance: trained personnel, the option to borrow a folding chair for a companion, help opening doors or calling a taxi - these supports are common but may require advance notice if you plan to rely on them heavily.
Morning: start at the Main Market Square - many attractions are close to each other and the area has relatively good pavements and accessible sidewalks. Plan a short circuit around the square and a break in a café with step-free access.
Late morning: choose one museum with confirmed accessibility features (for example a museum with confirmed elevators or accessible routes) and book a morning timed entry - fewer crowds, quieter rooms and easier staff assistance.
Afternoon: a light lunch, then a second place - a smaller museum or temporary exhibition that has a separate entrance for visitors with reduced mobility. Make sure there is a rest place and an accessible toilet.
Evening: dinner near your accommodation. When choosing a restaurant prefer those with good reviews - places with high ratings often have guest-friendly entrances and reliable service. Always call ahead to confirm step-free access or a reserved seat.
Not checking the entry time - many museums use timed-entry; arriving 5 minutes after the ticket time can result in denied entry. Always check the allowed entry window and allow a time buffer.
Relying only on appearances - historic facades and staircases can be deceptive: a building may look accessible from outside but have barriers inside. Read the “accessibility” sections on museum pages or email before you go.
Not carrying proof of entitlement to a reduced ticket - if you buy a reduced ticket as a person with a disability or as a carer, bring the document that confirms the right; without proof entry can be refused.
Not reserving a parking spot - if you plan to arrive by car, check for a parking space for people with a disability permit or plan a public transport route; finding parking in the city centre can take time.
Does a companion always enter free? Not always - policy varies by institution. Some places offer a reduced ticket for a companion, others free admission. Confirm this when booking or contacting the museum.
Do I have to print the ticket? Increasingly an electronic ticket with a readable QR code is enough. If there are problems reading the code staff usually can confirm the purchase in their system, but carry an ID.
Where can I find information about accessible toilets? Information about accessible toilets is usually in the object description in the city app or in the museum’s accessibility statement; it’s also worth calling ahead.
What about transport? Are trams accessible? Many of the newer trams are low-floor and adapted for wheelchairs; if in doubt use an accessible taxi service or call a special taxi for passengers with reduced mobility.
Some exhibitions offer tactile routes and touch copies of objects - this is not only helpful for people with visual impairments but also an interesting way to experience heritage.
In many Kraków institutions staff can activate an elevator or platform on request - sometimes this requires pressing a bell at the door or calling a staff member. It’s a simple mechanism but useful to know before you stand at closed doors.
Museum websites often publish accessibility declarations with step-by-step instructions on how to reach an exhibition - from parking to the elevator button number. These declarations are the most practical source of information before a visit.
The Kraków tourist app and city services contain databases of objects with accessibility information, routes and useful places (toilets, rental points, taxi). Use them before you go and keep an offline copy of data if your connection may be weak.
Online ticketing systems often list discounts for people with disabilities and options to reserve a companion ticket. When buying electronically pay attention to the “accessibility information” field or contact the organiser directly.
If you need help with a map or route - contact the museum staff before your trip; many institutions are happy to arrange details in advance and sometimes will help you get from a taxi to the accessible entrance.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media - every piece of accessibility information helps others plan a better trip.
If you want to explore Kraków with a private guide experienced in working with people with a range of needs - Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers tours tailored to pace and accessibility requirements. Details and booking information are available on the guide’s page. Thank you for reading and have a safe, pleasant and successful day in Kraków!
