The Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall are the heart of Kraków: short distances between attractions, lots of benches, easy access to cafés and views that please both grandparents and little ones. After a stroll by the Cloth Hall it’s worth stopping at one of the nearby cafés — a great opportunity for adults to enjoy a pastry and coffee and for the smallest to have a snack, play for a while or change a diaper.
Walking with grandma often means moving at a slower pace and taking more frequent breaks. The area around the Market offers many short routes, benches and sheltered spots where you can sit in the shade or under cover while staying close to the main sights — a convenient solution when your group includes people of different ages.
For a family with a child and a senior three things matter most: access to a toilet/changing table, comfortable seating and a space where the interior or terrace is calm enough for the child to relax. When choosing cafés near the Cloth Hall, look for these facilities.
Start early or pick late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds. A simple plan: a short lap around the Market (Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica), a walk along the Planty or a short visit up to Wawel (if energy allows), then a break in a chosen café by the Market. That sequence balances sightseeing and rest.
In practice it’s useful to schedule breaks every 20–30 minutes — enough to satisfy a child’s curiosity, give grandma time to rest and avoid spending the whole day at a single spot. Reserving a table in a café for example at 12:30 or 15:30 helps avoid waiting on weekends.
If you have a stroller, choose routes with few steps — the Planty and sidewalks around the Market are generally passable, but not all entrances to venues have a ramp. If someone prefers to avoid crowds, a nice idea is to walk along smaller streets off Szewska or Grodzka.
Lajkonik (Szewska 8) — a bakery-café very close to the Market with a dedicated play corner for the youngest and a changing table. A good place for a quick pastry and coffee after a walk; note that there are steps at the entrance, which can make stroller access harder.
Chocoffee (Wiślna Street) — a small chocolate shop and café offering a friendly atmosphere and a little corner for children; a nice option for dessert or a short break with views of the Market area.
De Revolutionibus Books & Cafe — a combination of bookstore and café that works well when you want to sit with a book or read calmly to a child. Such places often host events and readings, so it’s worth checking their calendar.
Cafe Manggha — an atmospheric location a bit further by the Vistula with views of Wawel; family workshops and children’s corners sometimes take place here, especially during cultural events.
Focha 42 — a restaurant recognized in guides for its family-friendly offer: a separate playroom, weekend animation and a children’s menu. A good choice if you plan a longer, relaxed meal with a little one.
A changing table and access to a toilet are primary criteria — small cafés don’t always have them, so ask before you enter or reserve a table at a place that advertises those facilities. A high chair and space to keep a stroller or set it aside also make the visit much easier.
A play corner, a shelf of books or drawing materials let parents and grandparents enjoy their coffee quietly. If the venue has a designated play area, check its size and safety — even a small toy corner can save the peace of the whole family.
The café’s pet policy — many terraces around the Market accept dogs in season, but interiors may have different rules. If you come with a dog and a child, choose a place where everyone will feel comfortable.
Reserve a table on weekends and holidays — many cafés around the Market get very busy. When booking, mention you’ll come with a child and possibly a stroller or a dog.
Plan your walk outside peak hours — early morning or late afternoon is usually less crowded. In summer the middle of the day is busiest, which makes moving a stroller harder and shortens the time you can relax at a table.
Bring a small supply of snacks and water — not all places offer quick snacks for the youngest, and your own sandwiches or fruit can save the situation when a child suddenly gets hungry. A small first-aid kit and spare diapers are also useful.
The Old Town has historic buildings and sometimes stairs or narrow entrances. If you plan to use a stroller, choose venues that clearly state they are accessible to people with disabilities or call ahead to ask about ramp access. Often it’s more convenient to leave the stroller near the café and use a carrier for short sections on crowded streets.
If a senior is in the group, avoid places with many interior steps. Choose a table on the terrace or ground floor. If grandma has mobility issues, plan a route with more benches and shorter walking segments.
If the venue has limited space, ask for a table in a spot sheltered from wind and noise — important when a child wants to nap and the senior needs peace.
The bugle call from St. Mary’s Tower — if you want a child to hear the bugle call, check the times it’s played and plan to return to the Market for that moment. For many children it’s a big experience, and grandparents often remember the call from their own youth.
The Cloth Hall still functions as a market — short visits to souvenir stalls can be combined with coffee, but watch out for crowds and pickpockets. Keep documents and valuables close to you.
Some cellars and narrow nooks of the Old Town can be cooler than the Market — bring a light layer for the child and warmer clothing for the senior in the evening.
Assuming every café by the Market has a changing table — many smaller venues do not. Before going, check the café’s information online or call if a changing table is essential.
Not reserving a table on weekends — this can mean long waiting times and stress. A reservation helps, especially when the group includes someone who cannot stand for long.
Arriving at peak tourist times without a plan B — know a few alternative cafés a short walk from the Market or routes toward the Planty or the Vistula where there is more space and quiet.
Will I find cafés with a play corner near the Cloth Hall? Yes — around the Market there are venues offering small play corners or shelves with children’s books; one example is a bakery-café with a dedicated play area. If you need a larger playroom, plan to go a bit farther from the Market.
Can I go everywhere with a stroller? Not everywhere — historic entrances can have steps. Ask staff about stroller access or choose barrier-free places.
How to avoid noise and commotion? The easiest way is to choose off-peak times (morning or late afternoon), reserve a table and pick a venue with a terrace or a quieter interior.
If you plan several hours of sightseeing with a little one and grandma, sketch a plan: a short lap around the Market, a photo by the Dragon and Wawel (if energy allows), a relaxing break in a café with a changing table and play corner, then a gentle return along the Planty. Such a day combines experiences for all generations.
Feel free to share this guide — if you found it useful, recommend it to friends or share it on social media. For families who want a tailored program of sightseeing in Kraków (pace, shorter distances, child-friendly places) consider booking a private guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers personalized family-friendly tours — contact details are available on the site.
