Yes — you can. The biggest attractions of the Old Town, Wawel Hill, the Planty, the Main Market Square and parts of Kazimierz lie close together, which makes it possible to plan a comfortable, coherent day of sightseeing with a minimal number of steps and steep ramps. You do need to plan the route carefully: some interiors have limited accessibility, cobbled surfaces can be uneven, and some entrances require staff assistance or prior reservation. This guide presents a practical route, tips and places with good reputations that are easier to visit without stairs.
I used official accessibility information and practical tips from city guides to prepare a route that’s realistic and friendly for visitors using wheelchairs, people with reduced mobility, and those with strollers. If you prefer, I can shorten the route or split it into two parts (morning and evening).
08:30 — Arrival at Kraków Główny Station (convenient connections from the airport and regional trains).
09:00–10:30 — Walk along the Planty and visit the Main Market Square: Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (view from outside and possible interior visit — check accessibility), stop for coffee.
11:00–12:30 — Wawel: courtyards, the Cathedral and the hill surroundings (use designated approaches and check accessibility info).
13:00 — Lunch near Kazimierz or Kleparz (recommended places below).
14:30–16:00 — Kazimierz: synagogues (some areas accessible), atmospheric streets and the Planty around Kazimierz.
16:15–17:00 — Walk (or take a tram) to the Vistula boulevards and the Father Bernatek Footbridge (Kładka Ojca Bernatka), short stroll in Podgórze.
17:30 — Rest, coffee and dessert, option to return to the Market Square.
In practice the route is about 5–7 km in total walking distance, which makes it realistic to do in one day without stressful sections if you use public transport for longer links when needed.
Start at Kraków Główny — it’s a convenient spot next to the Planty, from where you can easily head along flat paths to the Market. The Planty offer wide, paved promenades that are usually friendlier for wheels than the cobbles in some parts of the Old Town.
Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall — the central square is mostly flat, but watch for sections with small cobbles or uneven joints. If wheelchair wheels react to irregularities, use the sidewalks around the Market or pass through covered passages and arcades inside the Cloth Hall.
Wawel — the hill, courtyards and terraces are accessible, and the Castle is working on accessibility improvements; however not all exhibitions offer full level access. Before visiting, check entrance accessibility, ramps and the possibility of assistance from staff. The Cathedral often has adaptations for wheelchair users; some crypts and towers may be inaccessible.
Vistula boulevards and Father Bernatek Footbridge — modern, step-free passages and the footbridge linking Kazimierz and Podgórze are friendly to wheelchairs; the bridge is wide and popular for photos. Occasional maintenance work can happen, so check short local notices if you plan to cross at a specific time.
Kazimierz — there are many historic surfaces and small thresholds, but central streets and squares are usually reachable. Choose wide sidewalks and avoid side streets with heavy cobbling. Kazimierz has many welcoming spots for a break.
Getting from the airport: John Paul II International Airport (Kraków–Balice) is close to the center — train or bus are quick options; the train to Kraków Główny takes about 15–20 minutes. Around the city it’s easiest to move on foot or by tram and bus — the network is dense and services frequent.
Buy public transport tickets at machines or in apps. Short rides are cheap; a one-day ticket is a good option if you plan multiple transfers. Many trams and some buses have low floors that make boarding with a wheelchair easier; when in doubt, ask the driver for help.
Parking and taxis — the city center has paid parking zones; if you drive, look for clearly marked accessible spaces. Taxis and ride-hailing apps often offer vehicles with easier access or driver assistance for luggage. The city also offers door-to-door transport services dedicated to people with disabilities.
Buy tickets for popular museums in advance online (Wawel, Schindler’s Factory Museum, Rynek Underground) — this saves time and guarantees entry.
For a quick dessert or coffee choose cafés with good reviews and easy entrances: Café Noworolski (inside the Cloth Hall) and Cafe Camelot are classics of the Old Town, often praised for atmosphere and location; keep in mind that entrances to historic premises can have thresholds — ask staff about seating near the entrance.
For lunch: Szara Gęś w Kuchni and several restaurants around the Market Square receive strong visitor ratings and are popular choices. If you prefer local markets and less touristy flavors, Stary Kleparz (Old Kleparz Market) is a great spot for fresh snacks and regional produce. Local bistros near Kleparz and Pestka Restobar often have easier entrances and a friendly atmosphere.
If you have specific dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free), tell the staff when ordering — most central places are prepared and happy to help.
Many cultural institutions in Kraków are actively improving accessibility: there are guides in plain language, hearing loops and Braille or tactile materials — it’s worth asking in advance about available facilities. The city also issues a printed “Guide to Kraków for visitors with disabilities” that can be obtained at municipal information points.
Although the center looks “flat,” small cobbles can make wheelchair travel difficult — it helps to have sturdier wheels or consider short tram rides. In some stretches you’ll find smoother strips of paving or sidewalks that make passage easier — look out for these when planning your route.
On the Bernatek Footbridge you’ll see many pieces of local history and city symbols (love locks, bridge renovations) — it’s a lovely place for photos and a pause by the Vistula.
Rushing the plan — visitors sometimes try to fit too much in. It’s better to focus on 4–5 highlights and enjoy them than to rush between every attraction.
Not checking interior accessibility — before buying a ticket check whether a specific exhibition is accessible to wheelchair users; when possible, book staff assistance in advance.
Underestimating surfaces — not every “Kraków street” is wheel-friendly; choose alternative paved routes or take the tram for longer stretches.
Is Wawel accessible for wheelchairs? — Much of the area around Wawel is accessible and the courtyards can be visited; some interiors and crypts have restrictions, so confirm details with the site before your visit.
Are the Market Square and Planty step-free? — The Planty and most sidewalks around the Market are accessible, but parts of the cobbled surface can be uneven. The Cloth Hall and surrounding arcades offer paved zones that make movement easier.
What is the easiest way to get from the airport to the center? — Train or bus are the fastest and cheapest options; the train to Kraków Główny takes about 15–20 minutes.
Bring comfortable shoes for the person assisting you, schedule regular rest and drink breaks, carry a small first-aid kit and a power bank for your phone. Check opening hours and buy tickets online where possible — it will save time and stress.
If you’d like, I can prepare a shortened 4–5 hour version of this route, a simple map with wheelchair-friendly points, or a version that includes nearby accommodation. If you need a guided visit with trusted, personal assistance, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz (the guide behind zwiedzaniekrakowa) offers tailored services; contact details are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa website. Thank you and enjoy a beautiful, safe day in Kraków!
