Kazimierz is a neighbourhood that charms with atmosphere: tenement houses, cafés, synagogues, small markets and riverside boulevards. For families with small children and people using wheelchairs or strollers this area can be either great fun or a source of frustration — it depends on preparation. Fortunately many places are already adapted, and a dozen simple rules will let you visit Kazimierz without stress and with the joy of discovery. This text gathers practical information, tried-and-true tips and a ready 2–3 hour walking plan that you can modify to fit your family's needs.
Don't assume in advance that “old = inaccessible.” In recent years some museums and public spaces have been modernised and are comfortable for strollers and wheelchairs. On the other hand, cobbled sections, entrance thresholds or temporary construction works can make passage difficult, so it’s worth planning your route and having a few alternatives. In the sections that follow I describe specific places, transport, toilets, common mistakes and how to arrange a pleasant, stress-free walk with children. I strongly recommend calling places you plan to visit to confirm their current accessibility.
Kazimierz combines different types of surfaces: from smooth stretches of pavement and modern boulevards to historic cobblestones that can be uneven. The easiest places to move around are the riverside boulevards (mostly flat, though watch for sections under repair), the area around Galeria Kazimierz (the shopping centre has convenient passages and toilets) and selected streets such as Szeroka–Dajwór–Meiselsa where there are local repairs and spots without thresholds.
A useful trick: choose routes along main axes and avoid tight alcoves and passages with many steps. When you see large, uneven cobbles, it’s better to detour down a side street. Planning short breaks improves everyone's mood — 15–20 minutes to rest in a café or on a bench with a view of the Vistula will give more energy than a long, rigid march.
Galicia Jewish Museum (ul. Dajwór) — I recommend this as a good starting point for a walk. Interiors are modern and the exhibition route is designed with accessibility in mind: wide passages, no thresholds on the main exhibition route and a toilet adapted for visitors with reduced mobility. It’s a good place to get historical context before continuing your walk.
Galeria Kazimierz — a practical stop for a rest and a meal. The centre has elevators, wide corridors and accessible toilets. For families with children it’s easy to find cafés, a changing table and a calm space for a break during the day of sightseeing.
Riverside boulevards near Kazimierz — some stretches of the promenade are flat and ideal for leisurely stroller rides; they’re also great for a picnic. Check current construction notices (for example works related to the Kazimierz–Ludwinów footbridge), since some sections may be temporarily closed or require a detour.
Plac Nowy and surroundings — the heart of local life, a market with treats and café terraces. Be cautious: cobbles and market stalls can make passage harder, so I recommend finding venues with level access from the pavement or calling ahead to check access for a stroller.
Religious sites: Remuh and the Old Synagogue — these are important historic points, but their accessibility varies. Not all synagogues have removed thresholds or have lifts; often you need to use a side entrance or special arrangements. Always call ahead to check about access and possible staff assistance.
Trams and buses: most modern trams and buses in Kraków have low-floor entrances and ramps that facilitate boarding with strollers. When planning trips, check information about specific lines and any track works. Remember that not every stop has a raised platform, so conductor assistance or help from another passenger may sometimes be necessary.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps: many ride services let you request vehicles suitable for strollers, but the number of such cars can be limited. It’s useful to keep the number of a local taxi company that declares support for passengers with reduced mobility, or to book a private vehicle with a ramp.
Parking: in the Kazimierz area there are parking spaces for people with permits in the blue parking zone. If you plan to arrive by car, check the exact locations of disabled parking spaces and any time restrictions. On market days or during street events finding a spot close to attractions can be harder.
Accessible toilets can be a lifesaver but sometimes they are locked and the key is at the reception. It also happens that a toilet is technically accessible but paper or soap are out of reach. Have alternatives in mind: shopping centres (Galeria Kazimierz) and museums often have toilets adapted for families and people with limited mobility.
Changing tables: not every place in the centre has baby changing facilities. Parents should plan breaks in shopping centres, larger cafés or petrol stations outside the centre. A baby carrier and a small changing mat are compact items that make outdoor life much easier.
Technical assistance: if you need special help (platforms, ramps), notify the venue in advance. Many museums and municipal institutions declare readiness to assist visitors; the level of support varies, but it’s worth asking — staff often help with transport and arranging alternative entrances.
When planning a meal in the heart of Kazimierz, choose places with level access from the pavement or with a low threshold. Good-quality online reviews often mention convenient access, but nothing replaces a quick phone call to the venue to confirm whether you can enter with a stroller.
Galeria Kazimierz is a safe choice for families: many eateries have shared level access, toilets are available and if you need a quick place to change a baby you’ll find suitable conditions there. Around Plac Nowy look for modern cafés with ground-level entrances — these are where you’ll most often find conveniences and gaps in the historic architecture with minimal steps.
Accommodation: when booking a hotel or apartment near Kazimierz, check accessibility declarations: whether the room has step-free access, wide doors and a bathroom adapted for people with disabilities. Reliable properties list these details in the offer, but I always recommend confirming by phone that the access is real and not just a formal statement.
Ignoring surface conditions — plan your route taking the pavement type into account. Cobblestones can be beautiful but often uncomfortable for strollers. Better to plan around the boulevards or main sidewalks. Not contacting the venue before arrival — many problems can be solved with a quick phone call. Call a museum, synagogue or restaurant to confirm entrance access, toilet availability and whether a key is needed for the accessible toilet. Overtiring the smallest participants — plan short legs and breaks. Families often assume “we’ll do all of Kazimierz in one day” — dividing the area into blocks and adding breaks makes the walk much more pleasant. Assuming every “modern” place is fully accessible — check specifics: door width, presence of a ramp and whether the toilet is open or requires a key from reception.
Can I enter all synagogues in Kazimierz with a stroller? No — accessibility varies. Some synagogues have lifts or side entrances, others require ascending steps. Always call ahead to ask about entrance options and possible staff assistance.
Where can I find an accessible toilet in case of an emergency? The most reliable options are toilets in larger venues: shopping malls, museums and some cafés. Remember that some toilets
Start: Galicia Jewish Museum (about 45–60 minutes) — visit the exhibition, use the toilet and plan the next leg. Walk: Szeroka and Dajwór — short stroller rides with a coffee stop by the square. Plac Nowy (about 30–40 minutes) — quick stroll through the market, coffee or a small meal in a venue with level access. Riverside boulevards (about 30 minutes) — relax by the river, take photos and rest. Optional: finish at Galeria Kazimierz if the weather turned or you need a changing table and toilet. This plan is flexible — add breaks every 40–50 minutes and have a plan B in case sections of the boulevards are closed.
Good news for walkers: smaller museums and some cultural venues increasingly implement barrier-free solutions — it’s not always advertised on the main page, but staff are often willing to help if you call in advance. Sometimes accessibility only requires bringing a small ramp or using a side entrance.
Watch for construction works: city investments (for example the Kazimierz–Ludwinów footbridge) can temporarily change routes and access to the boulevards. Ask at the tourist information point or check local notices before you set out.
Toilets are often the key: if you see a sign 'key at reception', make sure you know where reception is and how to get the key — in many places staff will gladly lend it, but it takes a little organisation.
Bring: a small first-aid kit, a bottle of water, a portable changing mat, spare wipes and a powerbank. It’s also helpful to have small sticker labels with contact information (for example a guardian’s number), especially if you go out one-on-one with small children.
Call the place you want to visit — confirm opening hours, entrance access and the availability of an accessible toilet. It takes 2–3 minutes and can save a lot of problems on site.
If you plan more days in Kraków, check the Kraków Guide for People with Disabilities — it’s a useful source of information about concessions, accessibility and municipal contacts.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — that's the best way to help more families discover Kraków with ease. I also encourage you to consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz; guided tours can be adapted to accessibility needs, pace and your family’s priorities, making sightseeing more pleasant and less stressful. Contact and booking information are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa site. Thank you for reading and enjoy your stay in Kazimierz — may every walk be full of interesting discoveries and comfort.
