The Barbakan is one of the most characteristic gateways leading into Krakow's Old Town. It is a massive Gothic defensive structure from the late 15th century, once connected to St. Florian's Gate and the city walls. Today the Barbakan is not only a monument but also a place families walking the Planty and tourists curious about medieval fortifications like to visit.
The interior of the Barbakan is sometimes open to visitors in season — you can see the thick walls, the floors with embrasures and imagine how the city's defence once worked. The building often hosts exhibitions or historical events, and in summer there are demonstrations, festivals and outdoor film screenings.
For families the Barbakan has a big advantage: it sits right next to St. Florian's Gate and Floriańska Street, so when you visit you can easily combine a short history lesson with a walk to the Market Square, the Planty, or head toward Kazimierz — it’s a convenient central starting point.
The Barbakan is part of the collections of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow and is open to visitors seasonally. In practice this means the interior and the fragment of the defensive walls are usually accessible in the warmer part of the year — before you go, check current opening dates and hours, because in winter the site can be closed.
The route typically includes both the Barbakan and a stretch of the city walls. Tickets are usually bought on site at the ticket office (combined tickets are sometimes available), and visits follow a set route. If you plan a short trip with a little one, allow about 30–60 minutes — for small children the outdoor space and imaginative play will often be more important than long exhibits.
A few practical tips: on hot days the area inside the walls can be cooler, and narrow passages and steps make a stroller difficult to use — bring a carrier or be prepared to carry the stroller. If you prefer fewer crowds and more comfortable hours, consider a morning visit or late afternoon.
After a walk by the Barbakan most families look for a place where kids can eat, play a bit, and parents can enjoy good coffee. Krakow has many venues with play corners, high chairs, changing tables and children's menus. Below are some practical suggestions in different styles and locations — from places near the Market to cafes in Kazimierz and neighbouring districts.
Kinocafe KIKA (southern districts / near Ruczaj) - a combination of a small cinema and cafe aimed at families. It’s a good choice if you want to pair coffee with a short children’s screening or prefer a cafe atmosphere with family-friendly facilities.
Nova Resto Bar (Kazimierz) - a venue that advertises weekend kids’ corners and facilities like high chairs and a changing table. Kazimierz is also a great area if you plan a further walk by synagogues, the riverside or the neighbourhood streets.
Szalone Widelce (Old Town / near the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre) - a restaurant with several play areas, including a larger corner in the basement. It’s a good option for a longer family meal; keep in mind there are stairs to the basement area and it’s wise to reserve a table if you come with a stroller.
Family-style restaurants and cafes with play corners - parent guides and local listings include many venues with details: children’s menus, changing tables, entertainment or the option to host birthdays. These directories are a handy source when you need specific amenities.
Kinocafe KIKA - a good choice if you want to combine cafe atmosphere with cultural activity. Family-friendly, often offering children's screenings and space more adapted to families than a standard café.
Nova Resto Bar - praised for its welcoming attitude toward families, with some offerings for children and simple dishes suitable for the youngest guests. A convenient option for a quick lunch after exploring Kazimierz.
Szalone Widelce - a restaurant with two play corners (ground floor and basement), a changing table and high chairs. Works well when you plan a longer meal and want children to have a place to play near the table.
Mozaika Resto Bar (outside the strict centre) - on weekends it offers family attractions and a toy corner; a good pick if you have more time and prefer a roomier place with parking.
Cafes with ice cream and a simple menu (Grodzka Street and Market area) - in the heart of the city you'll find small cafes and ice cream shops that, while not always having large play corners, are family-friendly and offer quick snacks for children.
Start: the Barbakan and St. Florian's Gate - give a short introduction to history: show your child the thick walls, the small openings (embrasures) and imagine medieval times. It’s a great spot for a few photos and a short story.
Walk: Floriańska Street toward the Main Market Square - a few minutes on foot and you are at the Square. If your child likes horses, trams or large open spaces, the Market has many attention-grabbing sights. You can also buy ice cream or small snacks there.
Coffee and rest: choose a cafe by the Market or head toward Kazimierz (a few streets away) - there you often find venues with play corners. If you prefer a larger place with a playground, consider travelling a little further outside the strict centre.
Finish: playground or the Planty Park - if the kids still have energy, the Planty and nearby playgrounds are a great way to end the day.
Check opening hours in advance - the Barbakan and the walls are open seasonally and may have different hours than central museums. Confirm current information before you leave.
Stroller or carrier? - historic spaces around the walls and inside the Barbakan have steps and narrow passages. If your child is in a stroller, consider using a carrier for the visit or be ready to carry the stroller.
Reservations and crowds - on weekends and in high season Krakow’s centre can be very busy. If you want a calmer visit and a guaranteed table at a cafe, reserve in advance or come outside peak hours.
Little emergency kit - wipes, snacks, an extra change of clothes and a favourite toy can save the day. A city map on your phone and some cash for small purchases at local stalls are also useful.
Safety and play - a short story about what the Barbakan was (guards, walls) can turn a simple walk into an exciting adventure. Give a child easy tasks: count the turrets, find the smallest window, take a photo of the "coolest" brick.
Combining a short visit (the Barbakan and a stretch of the walls) with a coffee break and playtime in a cafe works very well with small children: curiosity is sparked and you also get a moment to rest and eat.
Krakow offers variety - from the historic, narrow streets of the Old Town to the more relaxed Kazimierz and the green Planty. Children usually remember places where they can move freely or take part in a simple activity, so plan breaks and small attractions.
You don't need to see everything at once - a few interesting points and a good coffee are better than rushing from monument to monument. That way the trip will be remembered fondly by the whole family.
The Barbakan is a must on walking routes around the Old Town - a short, concentrated history lesson easily reached from the Market and the Planty. For families it’s an excellent base.
After visiting, look for cafes with a kids' corner, a changing table and a children's menu — Krakow has plenty of such places, especially in parent guides and local listings.
Plan a short route: Barbakan → Market Square → cafe/Kazimierz → playground/Planty. Bring a carrier in case of stairs and a supply of small snacks for kids.
If you like, I can prepare a short version of the route tailored to your children's ages (e.g. 0–2, 3–6, 7+), or provide a list of cafes with short notes about facilities. Let me know which option you prefer!
