Kraków is a city rich in history with a dense Old Town, but it also has growing awareness of the needs of people with disabilities. Not every place is completely step-free — many historic sites sit next to cobbled squares and have stairs — but there are institutions and routes adapted to make visiting comfortable and safe.
If you are planning a 4-day summer stay, it’s worth breaking the route into shorter stages, scheduling breaks at places with accessible toilets, and choosing restaurants and museums that declare accessibility features. The most important rule: a phone call or email to the place you want to visit will let you confirm current conditions and any requirements (for example, booking an entrance or using a special access point).
If you’d like, I can prepare a route tailored exactly to your needs (walking pace, type of wheelchair, accompanying assistant) and help with reservations — in my guide you’ll also find the option to use private guided assistance by Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
Collegium Novum is an impressive neo-Gothic building of the Jagiellonian University, located very close to the Main Market Square. Its facade, courtyard and nearby surroundings are a frequent starting point for walks around the University District.
Regarding accessibility, remember that public universities in Kraków are developing support services for people with disabilities: the Jagiellonian University runs an Accessibility Centre (educational support centre), and the university website lists contact information for people and units that can help arrange assistance, building access and adaptations for events or lectures.
When planning your visit pay attention to logistics: the nearest entrances, any ramps or lifts and the meeting point (many tours meet at Collegium Novum). If you plan to go inside for a special event or lecture, contact the building administration in advance.
Start the morning at the Main Market Square — the heart of Kraków and a natural place to soak up the city’s atmosphere. The square is accessible, but the cobbles and paving can be uneven, so plan a slower pace and use the paths by the Planty park (asphalt paths) as an alternative to the trickiest cobbled sections.
The walk to Collegium Novum takes just a few minutes from the Market. Along the way stop by the Nicolaus Copernicus monument and Gołębia Street — a great spot for photos and a short break. If you want to visit nearby museums or exhibition rooms, check accessibility and accessible toilets in advance.
To finish the day enjoy a meal at a well-rated restaurant near the Market — choose places with good reviews and step-free entrances. If needed, reserve a table by phone and ask about entrance assistance.
Wawel is a must-see, but because it is a historic complex not all areas will be easily accessible. Check specific tour routes ahead of time and ask about available entrances and accessible toilets.
After visiting Wawel relax on the Planty — the wide asphalt paths around the Old Town are the best place for a smooth, peaceful ride and a rest surrounded by greenery. From the Planty you can reach Collegium Novum and other university buildings without difficulty.
If you’d like to enter university interiors, contact the Jagiellonian University Accessibility Centre or Collegium Novum administration — they can provide information on possible assistance, lifts and other accommodations.
Kazimierz is a district with a unique atmosphere: cobbled streets, galleries, cafés and synagogues. Cobblestones here are often uneven, but many cafés and galleries have lowered thresholds or ramps. Choose places praised for atmosphere and service — classic cafés and recommended venues are perfect for a longer break.
End your day in Kazimierz at one of the recommended restaurants serving local cuisine or at a cozy bistro with a homely feel. Weekends can be busy — booking or arriving early makes it easier to secure a comfortable table.
If you enjoy books and calm interiors, consider a break at a café with a bookstore — a nice place to cool down after intensive sightseeing and a good starting point for an evening stroll.
Błonia is a large, flat area — ideal for a light picnic and a rest after three days of walking. It’s a great spot to relax, watch locals and enjoy urban nature in the city center.
The Vistula boulevards offer asphalt paths and beautiful river views with Wawel Hill on the opposite bank. In summer pick stretches near the bridges where benches and outdoor cafés are usually available.
If you still have the energy, visit one of the modern cultural centers that have adaptations for people with disabilities — a comfortable, art-focused way to end the itinerary.
When choosing restaurants and cafés, follow guest ratings and reviews, but also confirm entrance and toilet accessibility. In the center consider well-known, highly rated venues — both historic restaurants by the Market and modern bistros in Kazimierz. Good reviews usually go hand in hand with staff who are willing to help with entrance and seating.
For accommodation, comfort and location matter: hotels such as PURO Kraków Stare Miasto, Hotel Stary and Radisson Blu Kraków are highly rated and close to the center. Always ask to confirm whether adapted rooms are available (step-free entrance, wide doors, accessible bathroom) and what additional assistance the hotel offers.
If you prefer intimate places, choose guesthouses and apartments with owners who communicate well — owners often prepare the space to be more comfortable for guests using wheelchairs.
Kraków has an extensive tram and bus network. More and more trams and buses have low floors and designated spaces for people with reduced mobility — check the line number and vehicle type before you travel.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps can be a convenient option for quick trips, especially to avoid uneven cobblestones. When ordering a taxi ask for a car with a trunk and assistance from the driver if needed.
In the center it’s worth travelling short distances on foot or using straightforward routes along the Planty and boulevards — these are the most reliable surfaces for wheelchairs. If you drive, check parking zones and designated disabled spaces; some car parks near attractions have spots that make access to entrances easier.
Not all historic sites are completely inaccessible — many institutions (including universities and museums) have alternative entrances or offer assistance after prior contact. This simple solution can significantly ease visiting.
The Planty around the Old Town are not only a beautiful park — they are also the safest and most even route for a wheelchair, connecting most central attractions without needing to tackle more difficult cobbled sections.
In summer Kraków hosts seasonal cafés and food zones along the Vistula — many are on flat surfaces and offer a pleasant place to rest, often with blankets and deckchairs.
Mistake: assuming “the center is fully accessible.” Cobblestones and historic stairs can surprise you — plan routes and use the Planty or boulevards as alternatives.
Mistake: not contacting museums, theatres or historic sites in advance. Many venues offer assistance or alternative entrances, but you must arrange this beforehand.
Mistake: booking accommodation without checking facilities. Always ask specifics: door widths, lift availability, threshold heights, an adapted bathroom and any help the staff can provide.
A lightweight umbrella or rain cape — Polish summer weather can be changeable; it’s good to have something handy.
A portable cushion or seat protector for your wheelchair, a small first-aid kit with your regular medicines, phone charger and powerbank. It’s useful to carry a list of phone numbers and addresses of the places you plan to visit.
Is the Main Market Square fully accessible? Yes and no — it is accessible on foot and by wheelchair, but the cobbles can be bumpy. Choose the paths by the Planty if you want to avoid the most difficult sections.
Can I visit inside Collegium Novum? Many events and university halls are accessible after prior contact with administration. It’s worth writing or calling the unit that manages the building to arrange entry and clarify details.
Where can I get help at the Jagiellonian University? The Jagiellonian University has an Accessibility Centre that supports people with various needs — they can provide information about assistance, available lifts and other adaptations.
Planning ahead is the best way to ensure a relaxed trip: restaurant reservations, contact with museums and checking accommodation will help avoid unnecessary stress.
Don’t be afraid to ask staff for help — most places in Kraków are happy to assist with entry or setting up a table; venues with good reviews usually have friendly service.
If this guide helped you, share it with friends or on your social media — it’s the best way to help others plan a comfortable trip.
If you’d like to tour with local guided assistance, consider the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and the offer are available on the guide’s page. Individual assistance makes it easier to tailor the route to your needs. With good preparation and contact before arrival, Kraków will show its best side. Thank you for your trust and enjoy your summer in Kraków!
