Kraków is a fascinating city, but its historic centre can be challenging - narrow sidewalks, cobbled streets and changing slopes. For people using wheelchairs or strollers and for student groups, the most important things are route planning, checking opening hours and ticket formats (many places offer student discounts). Before you go: plan shorter legs, check accessibility of entrances and lifts, and have a public-transport planning app on your phone (for example jakdojade).
Several dozen interactive places in Kraków offer hands-on attractions and fun for all ages - from illusion museums and arcade game museums to the Garden of Experiments. For students and Erasmus visitors these places often have reasonable prices and short, engaging visits, perfect for an afternoon between classes.
MICET operates in the building of the National Old Theatre and is a great starting point in the heart of the Old Town. It is an interactive space that blends theatre and exhibition, designed so visitors actively participate in theatrical and educational experiences.
The MICET entrance is on Jagiellońska Street - the building is practically next to the Main Market Square, so it is very convenient for people using public transport. Important for wheelchair users: part of the exhibition is in the basement, reached by spiral stairs, but there is also a lift. Using the lift requires assistance from museum staff - it’s worth calling or emailing before your visit to make sure someone will be available when you arrive.
The building has accessible toilets, a cloakroom and a spacious foyer. MICET offers reduced and student tickets, which makes it budget-friendly for students and Erasmus visitors. Typical visit time is about 1.5 hours - ideal for a short, engaging visit.
Interactive museums in Kraków vary in accessibility - some are fully adapted for people with limited mobility, others require climbing a few steps. In the centre you’ll find illusion museums with optical effects, video-game and arcade museums and smaller themed exhibitions that involve movement and play.
The Garden of Experiments and the Museum of Engineering and Technology offer outdoor educational areas and many installations - a great option if you want a break from the stone streets of the centre. Check locations and how to get there: some branches require a tram or bus trip, which for wheelchair users means picking the right line and stop.
If you plan several attractions in a short time, choose those close to each other geographically (for example the Old Theatre and the Main Market Square) and leave farther places for another day to avoid tiring the group. For Erasmus students it’s a good idea to combine an interactive museum visit with a short break in a nearby café - it helps with socialising and resting between attractions.
Start: MICET (Jagiellońska Street) - be prepared to use the lift for some parts of the exhibition; call ahead if you need assistance.
A short walk (2 minutes) to the Main Market Square - stick to sidewalks along the Planty park, where the surface is usually easier than some narrow side streets with heavy cobbles.
Coffee break: choose tried-and-true cafés with good access, for example Camelot Cafe or cafés near Szczepański Square - they usually have entrances without high steps and friendly staff (it’s best to ask in advance about space for a stroller or wheelchair).
Afternoon option: take a tram to the Garden of Experiments (if you plan to visit its exhibits) - tram plus a short walk can be better than struggling over long cobbled stretches. Make sure to pick stops with low platforms and ramps.
Evening finish: a light dinner at an accessible venue or return to your hostel/dorm. For larger student groups it’s wise to reserve a table in advance.
Always carry proof of student status - many places offer reduced tickets on presentation of a student ID or an ISIC card.
Check opening hours and possible promotions (for example ticket + theatre performance) - sometimes you can find a daily deal that reduces the cost of the visit.
Public transport: buy a short-term ticket (for example 20- or 45-minute) or a day ticket if you plan multiple rides. Route-planning apps help you avoid streets with uncomfortable cobbles.
If you are in a group and one person needs assistance, arrange local help in advance - some lifts or doors require force to open or staff presence. It’s better to organise ahead than improvise on site.
Bring a light blanket or poncho in case of rain (especially for the Garden of Experiments) and a power bank - useful for photos, route planning and keeping in touch.
Central Kraków has many well-rated places friendly to students and tourists. Recommended options include classic cafés around the Market Square and nearby squares - choose venues with low entry thresholds and roomy tables that make access with a stroller or wheelchair easier.
For a quick and tasty meal consider pizzerias and bars serving traditional Kraków dishes - ask before entering about table availability near the entrance and any steps. For student groups, look for places with budget menus and the option to reserve a table.
Not arranging lift assistance - many central venues have lifts operated with staff help. If you don’t notify them in advance you may end up waiting. The simplest solution is to call or write before arrival.
Assuming all Old Town entrances are the same - many side streets have uneven cobbles and thresholds. Stick to main routes (the Planty, wide sidewalks) or use public transport for longer distances.
Ignoring breaks and time limits - a student afternoon with several attractions can be tiring. Plan shorter visits and coffee breaks. For large groups it’s worth booking tickets ahead.
Is MICET accessible for wheelchairs? Yes, MICET has an entrance at sidewalk level and a lift to basement parts of the exhibition, but lift use requires staff assistance - call before your visit if you need support.
Do students get discounts? Yes - many interactive museums offer reduced or student tickets; carry your student ID.
Is it possible to explore Kraków with a stroller or wheelchair without major problems? Yes, but it requires planning. Avoid side streets with heavy cobbles, choose routes through the Planty and main promenades, use transport apps and ask about lifts and toilets at places you plan to visit.
What to do if the lift is unavailable on the day of visit? Ask staff for an alternative - often they will offer another entrance or an individual solution. If problems remain, have a local contact number and a short plan B (another attraction or a café).
Is it worth booking group visits? Yes - especially for larger student groups, booking simplifies entry, secures possible assistance and can provide group discounts.
In some interactive venues in the centre (especially where theatre and exhibitions meet) you can find combined promotions with a performance - a bargain way to spend a cultural and educational evening.
Staff at many places are happy to store luggage or help move a stroller during exhibitions; don’t be afraid to ask - employees are usually very helpful to visitors who need assistance.
For students: visit interactive museums outside peak hours (for example earlier in the afternoon) - exhibitions are less crowded then and the experience is more comfortable.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media - you’ll help others plan a better visit to Kraków.
If you’d like local guidance, on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com you can find private walks and contact details for Małgorzata Kasprowicz - a good option if you want a route tailored to the needs of a student group or someone with limited mobility. A little planning and a few simple questions before you go will make discovering Kraków even more enjoyable.
