Kazimierz is one of Kraków’s most charming districts, but it also contains many steep descents, thresholds and sections of traditional cobblestones — often a surprise for people with strollers, seniors or families with large prams. A route optimized for flat stretches lets you explore more calmly, rest more often and better enjoy the atmosphere of this part of the city.
For small groups (2–6 people) this kind of plan works perfectly: you move at an easy social pace, can change the route on the spot, pop into selected interiors and quickly find a place for coffee or lunch. This article offers a concrete, friendly route through Kazimierz, practical tips and a list of recommended spots to rest and eat. Stay flexible — sometimes the best views and atmosphere are found when you step slightly off the main path.
Start: Plac Nowy — the district’s most "level" point, easy to reach from the centre or by tram. It’s a great place to begin with a quick look at the stalls and street food.
Direction: ul. Estery and ul. Józefa — wide sidewalks, lots of cafés and galleries; the route is suitable for moving around without having to climb stairs.
Scenic option and riverside walk: head toward the Vistula boulevards (gentle slopes but no steep stairs on the pedestrian sections) — nice views of Wawel and a good place to rest.
Return: around ul. Dajwór and Plac Wolnica — some short cobbled sections, but many cafés and restaurants with level entrances or ramps. If you plan to enter specific historic sites, check access before your visit.
1) Plac Nowy — start here. The square is level and easy to find a place to sit; on weekends there’s a market and food trucks — a quick meal without climbing stairs.
2) ul. Estery — a broad street leading toward ul. Józefa; along the way there are many eateries with level entrances, which makes access easier for strollers or groups.
3) ul. Józefa — the heart of Kazimierz’s artistic quarter: galleries, bookshops and cafés. Many interiors have low thresholds or swing doors, but it’s worth asking staff for the most convenient entrance.
4) Vistula Boulevards (short descent) — a riverside walk gives space and a break from the city bustle; some approaches to the boulevard are gentle, but pay attention to the surface.
5) Plac Wolnica and the Dajwór area — places with interesting history and several dining spots with level access.
Note: historic synagogues and some museum exhibits in Kazimierz often have thresholds, stairs or limited access; before planning to enter a specific building it’s best to call or check accessibility information. Many institutions have limitations because of their historic structures.
For small groups: with 2–6 people you can easily ask staff for help opening doors or arranging a table in a convenient spot. A guide can shorten waiting times and adjust the pace to the group.
Kazimierz mixes flat stretches with pockets of cobblestones — the surface can be uneven. Where cobbles are an issue, navigate using wider sidewalks and streets near the squares (Plac Nowy, Plac Wolnica).
Some historic buildings don’t have lifts or adapted toilets — that’s due to the protected, historic fabric. Before entering a synagogue or museum, check the venue’s accessibility information or call ahead. City initiatives to promote barrier-free tourism are developing, but accessibility varies by site.
Low-floor trams operate on many lines; the nearest stops to Kazimierz are along ul. Starowiślna and near Stradom — plan trips so you board low-floor vehicles when possible.
When choosing places, look at ratings and number of reviews — Kazimierz offers atmospheric cafés with outdoor seating and restaurants with level entrances. A few spots that frequently appear in recommendations and have a good reputation: Massolit Books & Café (bookshop with a café, great for resting and reading), Hamsa (Middle Eastern cuisine, popular and often recommended), Plac Nowy 1 (modern bistro at Plac Nowy) and Starka (cozy restaurant on ul. Józefa).
If you find a place with a few steps, ask staff about an alternative entrance or a table outside — many venues have small solutions to improve access. It’s also wise to reserve a table on weekends, as Kazimierz can get crowded.
Mistake 1: planning a whole day on cobbled routes without breaks. Solution: break the walk into shorter stages and plan coffee or short rest stops.
Mistake 2: wanting to visit every single spot without checking accessibility. Solution: before visiting, confirm by phone or via the venue’s information whether alternative entrances or lifts are available.
Mistake 3: choosing the busiest hours (weekend afternoons and evenings). Solution: if possible, visit in the morning or late afternoon — it’s easier to maneuver and to find a table in a recommended café.
Many cafés in Kazimierz have seasonal outdoor seating — in summer this is often the quickest way to sit without climbing steps. Ask for "level" seating when you reserve.
Plac Nowy outside of the weekend market is also a good spot for quick purchases and standing snacks — the popular zapiekanki are served at the round kiosk and are easy to get without architectural barriers.
If you have a small group, use your flexibility: change the plan on the spot — sometimes it’s better to skip entering an interior and instead enjoy a longer break by the Vistula with coffee and conversation.
Are all synagogues inaccessible? - Not all, but many historic buildings have stairs or thresholds; check the venue’s information by phone or online before entering.
Is the route suitable for wheelchair users? - Yes, if you choose the flat stretches (Plac Nowy, ul. Estery, ul. Józefa) and avoid steep descents. Small groups make logistics easier.
Is it worth hiring a guide? - For small groups a guide can adapt the pace, point out the most accessible entrances and tell interesting stories that enrich the walk.
Comfortable shoes — even avoiding stairs, some surfaces may be uneven. A small first-aid kit, a bottle of water and a powerbank are good items for any city outing.
If someone in the group has limited mobility — allow extra time for moving around and choose places with easy toilet access. Reserve a table in advance at popular restaurants.
If you liked this plan — share it with friends or on social media. If you want to spend time in Kazimierz with a guide who knows every corner and can tailor the route to your needs — I invite you to use the guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact and reservation details are available on the website; I’ll gladly prepare a custom route for your small group.
Enjoy your walk through Kazimierz — may it be calm, interesting and free of unnecessary stairs!
