Wieliczka and the Main Market Square are two iconic attractions within a short trip of each other — the salt mine offers unique underground chambers and St. Kinga's Chapel, while in the heart of Kraków, around St. Mary's Basilica and Nowy Square, you can enjoy urban classics: pierogi, zapiekanki and cozy cafés. For parents traveling with a stroller, a well-planned route helps avoid stress and makes the day comfortable and delicious.
This article gives you a practical day plan, information about transport, tips on accessibility for stroller users, culinary suggestions and a list of common mistakes — plus how to avoid them.
08:30 - Depart Kraków by regional train SKA / Koleje Małopolskie toward Wieliczka (about 25 minutes).
09:00–12:30 - Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine (Tourist Route: roughly 2–3 hours). Note that the tour begins with a descent down stairs; there are many steps on the route — it’s best to leave the stroller in the luggage storage by the Daniłowicz shaft and use a baby carrier or sling for the underground part.
13:00 - Lunch in Wieliczka (for example the bistro by the Daniłowicz shaft or a local café) or return by train to Kraków for a light culinary route in the centre.
15:00 - Walk the Royal Route, a short visit to St. Mary's Basilica (tourist entry usually via the side entrance) and coffee in one of the family-friendly cafés.
16:30 - Nowy Square (Kazimierz) — try a zapiekanka as a snack, take a short rest, then return to your hotel or continue exploring.
The regional train (SKA1 / Koleje Małopolskie) between Kraków and Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station is the fastest and most predictable option — about 25 minutes travel time, with frequent departures (often every 30 minutes during many parts of the day). A single ticket on this section is very economical.
The bus (for example line 304) runs directly from Kraków centre to the “Wieliczka Kopalnia Soli” stop, but during rush hour it can get stuck in traffic — if you have a booked time slot for the mine, the train is the safer choice.
Driving gives flexibility (there are parking areas near the Daniłowicz shaft), but be aware of possible traffic at the approach and fewer spaces in high season. If you plan to use public transport, bring a lightweight folding stroller and an alternative baby carrier.
The Tourist Route in the mine requires negotiating stairs — at the start you descend about 380 steps, and the whole route contains roughly 800 steps in total. For this reason a stroller is not practical underground; many parents leave the stroller in the luggage storage by the shaft and use a carrier or sling for the child.
Underground there is a constant, pleasant temperature of about 16–18°C, so bring a light warmer layer for the child and adults. The route is around 3–3.5 km and usually takes 2–3 hours, so bring snacks and water if your child needs them.
There are toilets along the tourist route, and at some points you’ll find changing facilities and restaurant areas with high chairs. After emerging, it’s worth visiting Bistro Posolone by the Daniłowicz shaft or local cafés in Wieliczka centre.
Buy tickets online in advance — in season time slots can sell out, and punctuality matters because visits are organized in assigned slots.
Tourist visits to St. Mary's Basilica are usually organized via a side entrance. For people with strollers or wheelchair users the southern entrance is often the most convenient — it avoids the main entrance reserved for worship.
The interior of the basilica is open to visitors at set times; access to some parts (for example higher towers) is restricted by age and safety rules. If you plan to climb the tower, check current age and safety restrictions before your visit.
Good news: in practice St. Mary's Basilica can be visited with a stroller if you use the appropriate entrance and observe the rules of the sacred space (quiet and respect). On site there are ticket points supporting the upkeep of the church.
The Main Market Square and nearby streets offer classic places easy to include in a stroller-friendly route. Try pierogi at one of the recommended central spots (several places specialize in handmade pierogi) — most such restaurants provide good service and child-friendly seating.
Kazimierz is a must on the food map: Nowy Square is the zapiekanka mecca — stands are easily accessible and quick food works well for short breaks with a child.
A few cafés and venues recommended for families: MAK Bread & Coffee (spacious interior), Manufaktura Pierogów (some locations have a kids' corner), Tociekawa and smaller cafés offering comfortable tables and baby changing facilities or easy access to restrooms. When choosing a place check the entrance (steps vs. ramp) and availability of a high chair.
A lightweight folding stroller with large wheels will be more comfortable on Kraków’s cobbles than a stroller with small wheels. Also bring a sling or carrier for sections where a stroller is impractical.
Buy mine tickets in advance online — this avoids queues and the risk of no availability for your time slot. Plan at least 2–3 hours for the visit.
Pack easy snacks, spare diapers and wipes — in some areas it’s not always quick to find a grocery store right next to the attraction. Most cafés in the centre have restrooms with changing tables, but it’s wise to ask before you go in.
FAQ: Will a stroller fit into the mine? — Practically, no; it’s best to leave the stroller in storage by the shaft and take a carrier. Is St. Mary's Basilica accessible with a stroller? — Yes, via a side entrance and with patience; people with strollers should use the appropriate entrance and inform staff if they need help.
Overpacking the schedule — both the mine and a walk around Kraków can take more time than you expect, especially with a small child. Allow buffer time for feeding, changing and rest.
Choosing the bus during rush hour — traffic can delay arrival to Wieliczka. If you have a fixed mine entry time, choose the SKA / Koleje Małopolskie train.
Trying to take the stroller for the entire underground route — the route includes hundreds of steps, so the stroller will be a hindrance. Better option: luggage storage and a carrier.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has sections that reach hundreds of meters underground — the underground St. Kinga chapel is carved from salt and is an impressive sight.
Underground there is a constant microclimate at about 16–18°C — this can be beneficial for allergy sufferers and little ones sensitive to outdoor temperature swings.
Nowy Square in Kazimierz is not only a nighttime zapiekanka spot — during the day you can find quieter stalls and shorter queues, which is more convenient with a stroller.
If you want this trip to be completely stress-free, consider using the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — information is available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A guide can tailor the pace, handle logistics and recommend the best family-friendly culinary spots for your family.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. I wish you many tasty and safe discoveries in Kraków and Wieliczka!
