Yes — you can walk around the Main Market Square with a dog as long as you follow common rules (short leash, clean up after your pet and be careful in crowds).
Entering the interiors of the Royal Castle on Wawel and museum exhibitions with a dog is generally prohibited — exceptions are guide dogs and assistance dogs for people with disabilities.
If you are pregnant, sightseeing in Krakow does not have to be difficult, but plan your route and pace: avoid long standing in narrow, steep staircases and choose routes with breaks, seating and restroom access.
Book Wawel tickets in advance (especially in high season) and check opening hours — some routes have limited places and timed entries.
Wawel Hill (courtyard and gardens) is open to visitors, but exhibitions, royal chambers and cathedral interiors have their own rules. In general: dogs are not allowed inside exhibition rooms or the cathedral; only guide dogs and assistance dogs are admitted to interiors.
If you want to enter the courtyard with your dog — remember it can be crowded and the stone surface becomes slippery when wet. Keep your dog on a short leash, prevent contact with displays and crowds, and carry waste bags.
If you plan to visit the Royal Gardens or seasonal routes, check the specific rules for each exhibition before entering; many exhibits do not allow animals.
The Main Market Square is a public space, so walking your dog there is possible, but watch out for large crowds, horse-drawn carriages and heavy foot traffic. The safest option is a short leash and no off-leash walking in busy places.
Be hygienic — always clean up after your pet. Local city guards can issue fines for failing to pick up waste. Carry basic items: water, a collapsible bowl and waste bags.
Restaurants and cafes around the Market differ in pet policy — many places with outdoor seating welcome dogs, while indoor rules depend on the owner. If you plan to sit somewhere specific with your pet, call or ask in advance.
Pregnancy is not an illness, but it is wise to adapt the pace of sightseeing to how you feel. The second trimester is often the most comfortable time for travel, when energy is better and symptoms fewer.
Avoid long queues that force you to stand still and steep staircases (for example some towers and bell towers). If you plan to climb the Sigismund bell tower or high cathedral towers, check the number of steps and think it through beforehand.
Wear comfortable, stable shoes (avoid heels), drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks. Keep your doctor’s phone number and basic medical documents with you and use nearby pharmacies and medical points if needed.
Many Wawel routes require tickets (royal chambers, underground, Dragon’s Den, towers). Tickets can be purchased online and it is worth doing so in advance — spots fill up quickly in season.
If you want to tour with a guide, reserve early — a guide can tailor the route to your needs (pace, breaks, alternatives for places difficult for pregnant visitors or people with dogs).
When planning the day, allow time for meals and rest. Wawel and Market areas are busiest between about 11:00 and 16:00 in high season — early morning or late afternoon are often better choices.
For coffee or lunch after sightseeing: Restaurant Wierzynek (historic spot at the Market) offers traditional interiors and menu; Charlotte (bakery and café) is great for a quick breakfast; Cafe Camelot is a cosy café ideal for relaxing after a walk.
For a more casual meal try outdoor-seating places around the Market — in good weather many cafés have terrace tables where dogs are frequently welcome. Always ask staff before bringing your pet inside.
If you want to try local specialties, look for a pierogi restaurant or a bistro serving traditional Polish dishes — a perfect option after a morning walk.
Not booking Wawel tickets in advance — that often ends in being refused entry or having to change plans; buy tickets online or reserve a spot through a guide.
Ignoring comfortable footwear — the Market and Wawel have uneven stone surfaces; bad shoes can ruin the day.
Being unprepared for weather and crowds — bring a water bottle, a light rain cape and an alternative plan in case of strong sun or heavy rain.
Assuming you can enter everywhere with a dog — check exhibition and restaurant rules beforehand; have a plan B (for example a café with a garden).
Can I enter Wawel Cathedral with my dog? - Usually no; exceptions are guide dogs and assistance dogs. It’s better to leave your pet in trusted care or take a shorter walk around the hill.
Can I take a dog up a tower? - Towers and bell towers have narrow stairs and safety restrictions — they are not suitable for household pets.
Is sightseeing during pregnancy safe? - Yes, if you follow basic rules: avoid strenuous stair climbs, take frequent breaks, wear comfortable shoes and drink plenty of water. If in doubt, consult your doctor before the trip.
Is it worth touring with a guide? - Yes, a guide helps adapt the route to your needs, shares lesser-known stories and ensures the group’s comfort.
Wawel provides solutions to make visits easier: there are assistance devices on the hill and information points — useful also for people planning visits while pregnant.
There are defibrillators on the hill and security services, and some services offer induction loops for visitors with hearing impairment.
Many attractions limit the number of visitors per turn, so a flexible plan and advance reservation are the key to a calm visit.
Morning: a gentle walk around the Main Market Square, then a short coffee at a café with outdoor seating (dog rests beside you).
Late morning: walk to Wawel — enjoy the courtyard and gardens; if you want to go inside, arrange care for the dog or choose a route without indoor museum areas.
Afternoon: a light lunch near the Market and rest on a bench or in a café. Avoid long queues and the busiest hours.
Plan your route with comfort in mind: shorter segments, breaks for sitting and water, and alternatives in case of bad weather.
If you want to visit Wawel with a guided tour, I, Małgorzata Kasprowicz, will gladly help tailor the route to your expectations — pace, themes and duration can be arranged. You can find contact details at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Share this article with friends planning a trip to Krakow — especially those with dogs and expectant mothers. If you’re looking for a private tour focused on comfort and individual attention, contact me and we’ll create the perfect plan for you and your pet.
