Kraków is a city that acts as a natural set — historic townhouses, park greenery, the Vistula with its riverfront boulevards and the city’s characteristic hills offer a huge palette of frames. Good news for young families: you don’t have to give up an outdoor wedding session, you just need to plan it wisely so it’s comfortable for the person with the stroller and safe for the child. This article will help you pick places and a route and includes practical tips to avoid the most common problems during a session in Kraków.
Błonia — a large, flat meadow near the center, ideal for romantic, spacious shots. Paths across Błonia are wide and even, so pushing a stroller is easy, and in good weather the light just before sunset is perfect.
Vistula Boulevards — long riverside walkways offer beautiful views and, on many stretches, modern even surfaces. The boulevards allow frames with the river and bridges in the background, and benches and ramps make short breaks and rearranging with the child easier.
Jagiellonian University Botanic Garden — a lovely green spot in the heart of the city. Paths can be narrow in places, but main alleys are usually wide enough for a stroller. This location works when you want soft, natural backgrounds and floral accents.
Planty (around the Barbican and St. Florian's Gate) — the Planty ring has partly cobbled and partly planted alleys that give a classic Old Town backdrop. You can use a stroller here, though expect some small irregularities underfoot.
Kraków Park and other city parks (for example Park Jordana) — attractive, wide paths and lots of greenery, great for family-style shots with a natural setting.
Wawel makes a spectacular background, but keep a few logistical limits in mind. Around the castle and courtyards there are sections with cobblestones and small steps that make maneuvering a large stroller more difficult. The most convenient approach for people with strollers is along the sidewalks from the boulevard side and paths that descend more gently on the southern slopes of the hill.
The Dragon's Cave is an attraction that can look great in photos, but the cave itself has narrow stairs and is not always accessible with a stroller. If you want a shot by the cave, the best solution is to photograph at the entrance and on the surrounding areas. For interior shots consider taking a baby carrier or sling and arrange a short entry with one parent while the other looks after the stroller.
If you plan an intensive session around Wawel, consider arranging an assistant (for example, help from the photographer or a close person) to look after the stroller and personal items. Short photo sequences, changing locations and breaks are usually the most efficient approach so the child can rest and be fed comfortably.
Short, half-hour route: Wawel (quick shots by the walls and a view of the Vistula) — Vistula Boulevards (a few frames with the river) — short stop at a café on Bernardyńska Street. This is an option for quick, impressive photos with minimal moving around.
Two-hour route, stroller-friendly: Błonia (open spaces, a variety of framing styles) — cross through the Planty to the Main Market (short shots around the Cloth Hall) — Kazimierz (walks on wider streets, break in a café). This route offers a variety of backdrops and lets you control the pace.
More photographic route with details: Botanic Garden (plant-focused, delicate backgrounds) — Old Podgórze (the riverbank, atmospheric steps; be mindful of sections with steps) — return along the Vistula Boulevards at sunset. This route requires good planning and short carried sections if the terrain becomes uneven.
Talk with your photographer in advance about equipment and the session pace. A photographer experienced with families and outdoor work will plan shots to minimize moving the stroller and lifting the child.
Consider an assistant for the stroller. An extra pair of hands for changing locations, dressing or holding a wind umbrella is a huge relief and allows for calmer, more composed photos.
Dress the child comfortably but stylishly. Layers are best — Kraków’s weather can change quickly. Bring a small blanket, an extra nappy and spare clothes in case of messes.
Prepare protective accessories for the stroller: a liner, sunshade and umbrella. If you plan to feature a stylish stroller in the frame, clean it before the session, because cobblestones and grass collect dust and leaves fast.
Timing matters. The best light is the golden hour in the morning or evening, and with a stroller you’ll also want to avoid the hottest part of the day. Morning sessions are often less crowded, which makes photographing popular spots easier.
Central Kraków has many family-friendly places with changing tables and children’s corners. Many cafés and restaurants around the Market Square and in Kazimierz offer comfortable restrooms and the option to warm food. Recommended cozy cafés where you can relax and feed the little one include Camelot Café and Massolit Books & Cafe, both respected for their friendly atmosphere and central locations.
If you need a changing table, ask the staff in advance — places with family seating and spacious restrooms are usually the best option. It’s also worth checking for changing facilities in large shopping centers or at the train station if you plan a longer stay in the city.
Remember short breaks to oxygenate and play with the child. Even 10–15 minutes of play on a blanket with a favorite toy can make the rest of the session go much more smoothly.
If you plan a full day of shooting and want a reliable place to eat during a break, choose family-friendly restaurants with good reviews. One classic in the Wawel area is Restauracja Pod Smoczą Jamą — traditional Polish dishes in a convenient location. Around the Market Square you’ll find many venues with good value and cafés perfect for a short rest after the session.
When choosing accommodation we recommend hotels and apartments with family amenities: a baby cot on request, the option of an extra bed and easy access to the center. When booking, check guest reviews about staying with a small child and the proximity of parks and restaurants.
If you want to split the session across several days, consider staying in a central location to cut down travel time between shooting spots.
Not scheduling breaks — couples often want to "fit everything in" in a short time. The result is a tired child and less natural photos. Plan a rhythm with breaks every 30–45 minutes.
Ignoring the surface underfoot — when choosing old cobbled streets, test the route with your stroller beforehand or swap for more stroller-friendly stretches. A large off-road stroller helps, but it’s still good to anticipate tricky sections and ways to bypass them.
Poor communication with the photographer — the photographer should know your walking pace and the child’s needs. Agree in advance whether the photographer expects short shots or longer scenes and how much time each location may take.
Trying to enter tight attractions with a stroller — for interiors with narrow stairs or caves it’s better to use a sling or carrier and leave the stroller in safe care.
Do we need a special permit to take wedding photos in public spaces? Usually non-commercial (private) photos in public spaces don’t require formal permission, but professional commercial shoots or using tripods and extra equipment may require consent from the site manager. Ask in advance, especially around historic monuments and museums.
Is the Dragon's Cave accessible with a stroller? The cave itself has narrow stone steps and is not stroller-friendly. We recommend photos at the entrance and, if you want interior frames, a short entry using a carrier or sling.
How to cope with crowds at the Market Square and Wawel? Schedule the session very early in the morning or later in the afternoon, outside peak tourist times. Alternatively, choose less obvious locations like parks or side streets in Kazimierz.
Where can I comfortably change a baby in the center? Many cafés, restaurants and shopping galleries have changing tables. It’s a good idea to mark a few possible stop points on your map when planning the session.
Use city elements as props: an open umbrella, a blanket spread on the Błonia grass, a subtle floral garland on the stroller or a few balloons against a soft historic background can add dynamism and charm to photos.
Natural reflections and frames: use bridges, railings along the boulevards and doorways of townhouses as "frames" for the couple and the stroller. This composition helps focus attention on you and creates an intimate mood despite the urban surroundings.
Intimate details: shots of hands holding the stroller handle, the child’s little shoe next to the bride’s shoe or a close-up of the stroller gently rocking — these details convey the family character of the session and often have strong emotional impact.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends planning a session in Kraków — passing on these tips can really simplify someone’s preparations. We also encourage tagging locations or sharing frames on social media so others can draw inspiration.
If you’d like, I can also help organize the route and the session as a private guided visit — as guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz I offer practical support tailored to the needs of a couple with a child. You can find information about guided services on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
Good luck planning your session and enjoy the photos — Kraków is very generous to the camera when the route and the child’s comfort are well planned.
