Yes — and it can be very pleasant. If you want a route that is friendly for people with limited mobility, families with small children, or you simply want to avoid steep inclines and stairs, you can plan a weekend itinerary based on flat stretches, tram rides and short stops at sites connected to John Paul II.
In practice this means focusing on outdoor spaces (squares, river boulevards, church facades, commemorative plaques), using public transport for longer segments and choosing one modern museum or sanctuary with good accessibility (for example the Sanctuary and John Paul II Centre in Łagiewniki).
Below you will find the route step by step, practical tips and alternatives for different weather or energy levels. Everything in a friendly tone — as if I were guiding you personally through Krakow.
If you want, I will adapt this route to your specific accommodation location, the group's pace or additional requests — tell me where you start from and how much time you have.
Note: it is always worth checking opening hours of interiors and any transport disruptions in advance, especially during long holiday weekends.
Krakow is one of those cities where the memory of John Paul II weaves through the urban fabric: from universities and churches, through places of prayer and youth meetings, to modern sanctuaries. In the centre you will find spots that often appear on remembrance routes — Collegium Maius, St. Mary’s Basilica, Wawel and Skałka. Further south is the Sanctuary and John Paul II Centre in Łagiewniki and sites related to events from the Communist era and social change.
Kazimierz itself is more strongly associated with Jewish history and the district’s cultural life, but it is a wonderful place for an evening stage of a walk — the nearby Vistula Boulevards, the charm of Wolnica Square and the cafés give color and time for reflection after a day of visits.
In this article I combine those facts into a practical weekend route that minimizes steps and steep climbs.
The route is based on outdoor visits to historic points, short tram rides and one more 'interior' modern sanctuary with good accessibility for people with mobility limits.
Goal: to experience the atmosphere of places connected with the life and ministry of Karol Wojtyła without forcing stairs.
Kazimierz is a natural finalé for a day of sightseeing: evening light on the Vistula, cafés and a calmer pace make it easy to gather your thoughts after an intense day full of history. Even if many formal John Paul II memorials are located in the centre and the south of the city, Kazimierz offers a moment of respite with an authentic local atmosphere.
Additionally, a walk along the Vistula Boulevards is an easy flat stretch — ideal for people avoiding stairs — and access to Wolnica Square and Szeroka Street is largely barrier-free (watch out for some uneven pavement sections).
So: Kazimierz does not have to be forced into a ‘John Paul II’ theme — it can be a place for reflection and good food after a day of remembrance.
In the plan below I treat Kazimierz as the evening portion: the accessible approaches and the flat riverside route help avoid stairs.
If someone in your group has mobility limits, an evening in Kazimierz is a great idea to finish the day at a gentler pace.
Start: Main Market Square (a flat area around the square). A short outdoor introduction: St. Mary’s Basilica (facade and historical context) and the area around Collegium Maius — the courtyard is a short walk without the need to climb stairs.
Walk: Royal Route / Grodzka / Franciszkańska — mostly flat or with minor uneven cobbles; choose the wider sidewalks and walk slowly. If anyone prefers, part of this stretch can be covered by tram (lines that run through the centre).
Stop outside Wawel — a stroll on the forecourt below the castle and a short outdoor commentary. Note: some interior parts of Wawel require stairs; if you want to avoid them, view the hill from the outside.
Tram ride south to Łagiewniki (the 'Kraków Sanktuarium' stop or the nearest tram stop). The Sanctuary and John Paul II Centre is a modern complex with good accessibility — plan a longer stop here to visit exhibitions and spend time in prayer or reflection. Allow at least 60–90 minutes.
Return by tram to the city centre, then a short walk (or tram) to Kazimierz: head down to the Vistula Boulevards (a flat riverside stretch), walk along the river to Wolnica Square. The final metres in Kazimierz may include cobbled sections; a slower pace and sticking to main routes will make movement easier.
Evening: dinner or coffee on Szeroka Street / around Wolnica — welcoming places to sit and talk about the day’s impressions.
Estimated time: 8–10 hours with breaks (can be split across two days).
Option: if you absolutely want to avoid longer walks, consider more tram rides and shorter stops at each point.
Main Market Square and the area around Collegium Maius — a great starting point, plenty of space, places to rest and public toilets nearby.
St. Mary’s Basilica (from the outside) — you don’t have to enter the interior to tell the story of the Church’s role and the meetings that shaped Karol Wojtyła’s life.
Wawel (external area) — walk around the outer courtyard and talk about the cathedral’s role in the city’s spiritual life. Interiors and crypts often involve stairs — view them externally if you want to avoid steps.
Łagiewniki — the Sanctuary and John Paul II Centre. Modern facilities with accessibility for people with limited mobility, ideal for longer reflection and thematic exhibitions.
Vistula Boulevards — a flat stretch perfect for rest, a quick picnic and conversation. It is also a good place to change the group’s rhythm and energy.
Kazimierz — Wolnica Square, Szeroka Street and the Boulevards as safe, flat places for an evening stroll. Some side alleys have uneven surfaces, so stick to the main arteries.
The most convenient option for a weekend is a 24- or 72-hour MPK ticket — it allows unlimited tram and bus rides and makes it easy to avoid long walking sections. You can buy it in the mobile app or at ticket machines at stops.
Many trams in Krakow have low floors on several lines, which helps with strollers and wheelchairs — check the line numbers to Łagiewniki and those running through the centre and near Kazimierz.
For a logical sequence: take a tram from the centre to Łagiewniki (a short ride) and back by tram or tram + short walk to Kazimierz. This helps avoid steep approaches.
If someone in the group needs special assistance, use low-floor trams and choose stops with ramps. For larger groups, short breaks every 45–60 minutes are helpful.
In case of rain or transport restrictions, have an alternate plan — more tram rides and shorter walks between points.
Always contact the facility in advance if you plan to enter exhibitions or chapels — many places offer separate entrances or ramps after prior arrangement.
Avoid narrow side passages with lots of cobbles — even a short section can be difficult for wheelchair users. Stick to main sidewalks and the boulevards.
Bring a small first-aid kit and power banks — the group’s comfort means fewer breaks and more willingness to walk. Water bottles, comfortable shoes and a sun hat are must-haves for a weekend tour.
If you travel with someone who needs assistance, agree on short roles: who carries the backpack, who assists, and scheduled rest times. Small things make a big route easier.
If needed I can prepare an even more reduced-walking version of the route — tell me your preferred mobility level and I will adapt the plan.
Day 1 - centre and south: Start at 9:00 at Collegium Maius, a short story about Karol Wojtyła’s student years, walk the Royal Route to St. Mary’s Basilica (view from outside), stop at Wawel (outside). In the afternoon take a tram to Łagiewniki — sanctuary, exhibition, prayer/quiet time. Return in the evening to Kazimierz for dinner.
Day 2 - relaxed sightseeing and reflection: morning on the Vistula Boulevards, a short walk in Kazimierz (Wolnica Square, Szeroka Street), time for local cafés. Alternatively add a visit to Rakowicki Cemetery (a place of memory for the Wojtyła family) — if the group wishes and the surface is suitable for everyone.
Timing: each day can be shortened or lengthened; this is a framework that is easy to adapt to the group’s pace.
Family option: spread the route out with more breaks, include playgrounds in parks or a seasonal ferry crossing on the boulevards — children often enjoy that.
All places listed in the plan can be visited over a weekend without forcing steep stair climbs.
If you wish, I will prepare a mapped version of the route with stops and suggested tram stops.
24/72-hour MPK ticket or the mobile app with an active ticket.
Comfortable shoes, light jacket or umbrella depending on the forecast, powerbank, water and small snacks.
Documents (reduced fare cards if you plan on discounts), phone with an offline map in case of poor reception.
A list of opening hours or contact numbers — for larger groups it is worth reserving entrances in advance.
Note: during long holiday weekends prior reservations are helpful and expect queues at popular places.
If someone in your group has dietary requirements, plan one main meal break at a restaurant with reservation options — this saves time and stress.
Is the route suitable for a wheelchair? Yes, most of the route is planned on flat stretches and includes tram rides. However, some central and Kazimierz sections have uneven surfaces — we recommend short tram segments or sticking to main sidewalks.
Do we have to go inside churches? No — you can do most of the route outdoors and in selected accessible buildings (for example the Sanctuary in Łagiewniki). Interiors are optional for those who do not have trouble with steps or after checking accessibility in advance.
How much will such a weekend cost? Costs are mainly MPK tickets, any museum entrance fees and meals. With reasonable planning you can keep the budget moderate, especially using 24/72-hour tickets.
Is the route suitable for a pilgrimage group? Yes — I can prepare versions for parish groups and communities, including prayer breaks and places for Eucharist after prior arrangements with parishes.
If you have other questions — write to me and I will adapt answers to your situation.
If you are looking for a route that connects places remembering John Paul II with pleasant, accessible sightseeing in Krakow — this weekend version, designed to avoid stairs, offers a good balance of reflection and comfort. I like to guide at a pace that leaves room for silence and conversation while still allowing you to see what matters most.
If you wish, I can prepare a personalized version: shorter, longer, with more interiors or, conversely, focused only on outdoor points and flat sections. Tell me where you will start and how much time you have and I will prepare the route for you.
I wish you a pleasant and memorable weekend in Krakow — may it be comfortable and full of good stories. See you on the walk!
Małgorzata Kasprowicz - guide in Krakow (zwiedzaniekrakowa.com)
PS: If you would like a ready-made PDF map of the route with marked tram stops and rest points, let me know and I will send it by email.
