Krakow can surprise you: although the historic centre is dominated by cobbled streets, the city offers many tools and initiatives that make sightseeing easier for people with mobility, vision and hearing impairments. Learning a few practical tips will make exploring comfortable, safe and full of discoveries.
The city publishes a printed and mobile guide called “Krakow for the tourist with a disability,” and many cultural institutions continue to expand accessibility features: lifts with voice announcements, induction loops for people with hearing loss, audio description and Braille information.
If you plan your route using the official resources and a few practical rules, you can discover Krakow without stress — including places off the beaten path.
Download or photograph the city’s accessibility guide and any tourism apps prepared for visitors with disabilities — they include lists of sites, routes and information about facilities.
Check opening hours and whether you need to reserve entry — not all sites allow easy access without prior arrangement for assistance.
Bring your disabled parking card (if you have one) and save contact numbers for taxis that are friendly to people with limited mobility.
Print a short route or save it offline on your phone — offline maps and audio guides can save a trip when there’s no signal.
In the centre expect cobbles and uneven surfaces — plan routes through the Planty park belt and larger sidewalks, which are usually more level than the narrow alleys of the Old Town.
Many tram and bus stops in tourist areas have barrier-free access; before heading out, check public transport and the line numbers that will get you as close as possible to your destination.
Use public accessible toilets — in the centre they can be found near the Planty and the Market Square; the city often posts their locations and opening hours.
If you use an electric wheelchair, watch for thresholds and narrow passages in some historic interiors. If needed, ask site staff for help — many institutions have procedures to assist visitors.
Planty: the green belt surrounding the Old Town offers an even surface, plenty of benches and easy access to the main entrances to the Market Square and to adjacent side streets.
Main Market Square: although surrounded by cobbles, it has several spots with flat access and adapted toilets, which makes it a convenient place for short stops and meetups.
Kazimierz: the district requires selecting routes carefully — main streets are usually more accessible than narrow side alleys; pick routes along principal thoroughfares and check access to synagogues and museums in advance.
Nowa Huta: recent editions of the accessibility guide include ready-made routes for this part of the city — a spacious and interesting alternative to the crowded centre.
Many municipal institutions publish accessibility statements: lifts with Braille buttons, wheelchairs available to borrow and audio descriptions in selected branches.
Some congress centres and museums provide induction loops for people with hearing loss and descriptions of routes from public transport stops, which helps with independent planning.
Not all historic interiors are fully accessible — in many cases institutions offer alternative routes or multimedia materials for those who cannot reach every floor.
It’s always worth contacting the ticket office or customer service before your visit — staff can prepare a barrier-free entrance or point you to the most convenient side entrance.
The city publishes maps of public accessible toilets — the most points are located along the Planty and around the Market Square.
There are designated parking spaces in the centre for card holders; however, during peak hours it’s best to arrive outside the busiest times or ask for help when entering.
Check whether chosen cafés or restaurants have step-free entrances — several places around the Market Square and Kazimierz offer such facilities.
When choosing a place for a break look for information about the entrance (step-free access, wide doors) and an accessible restroom. Many eateries in the centre include these details in their descriptions or in apps.
If you want a relaxed taste of local cuisine, pick cafés and restaurants along the Planty or in parts of Kazimierz with wide sidewalks — this gives comfortable access and room to manoeuvre a wheelchair.
If you plan to eat at a popular spot, call ahead and reserve a table close to the entrance.
Some institutions provide audio-described routes from public transport stops — a small help that greatly improves orientation.
Krakow cultural centres are testing services such as online sign language interpretation (PJM) and onsite induction loops — ask about these services when booking or before entry.
In some museums and galleries there are hidden side entrances adapted for wheelchair access — staff will gladly open them if you announce your visit.
Assuming the entire Old Market and all monuments are fully accessible — some historic interiors have limits; it’s better to check accessibility of a specific room beforehand.
Relying only on general maps without checking information about thresholds and lifts — the official city accessibility guide and dedicated apps contain details not always visible on general map services.
Arriving at peak hours without a reservation or a plan B — in high season increased crowds and limited space make it worth having alternative places to rest and eat.
Download the city accessibility app and save offline the map of nearby accessible public toilets.
Call the museum/site to confirm the wheelchair-accessible entrance and possible staff assistance.
Carry a charged phone, local emergency number and copies of documents (e.g. parking card).
Plan your route with longer rest breaks and include an alternative route that avoids cobbles.
Are there special routes in Krakow for people with disabilities? Yes — the city guides and apps propose routes adapted for wheelchair users and themed routes, including those in Nowa Huta.
Where can I find accessible public toilets? Most adapted toilets are located along the Planty and in the Market Square area; the city publishes their list and opening hours.
Can I expect assistance in museums? Yes — many institutions offer staff assistance, wheelchairs to borrow or alternative multimedia materials. Call ahead to arrange details.
Is public transport friendly to wheelchairs? Increasingly more trams and buses have low floors and ramps; check specific lines and stops before traveling.
The guide “Krakow for the tourist with a disability” — printed and mobile editions include routes, lists of sites and accessibility pictograms.
A mobile app with audio guides and city routes — it works offline after downloading data.
City offices and culture centres publish accessibility declarations with information about lifts, toilets and induction loops.
If you want your visit to Krakow to be stress-free and full of discoveries, use official accessibility materials and plan your route in advance. A little preparation makes a big difference to your comfort.
Share this article with friends planning a trip to Krakow, or send it to people looking for practical tips. If you would like to explore Krakow with personal support and routes tailored to your needs, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and information are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable visit!
