Yes — it’s possible! Kraków has a compact, walkable Old Town and many attractions are close together, so with sensible planning you can experience the essence of the city even with a little one. Keep in mind a few limitations: cobbled streets (small stroller wheels can struggle), stairs in historic sites and crowds at peak times.
The key is pace: plan shorter walking segments (for example 60–90 minutes), then allow 15–30 minutes for a break for feeding, changing or a coffee. Choose wide gates, the Planty park and the Market Square ring instead of narrow passages, and have alternatives ready for places with narrow stairs (a viewpoint, café or terrace).
Consider a stroller with larger wheels or bring a lightweight carrier/soft-structured carrier as a backup — these are the most practical “Plan B” options when visiting historic towers and narrow staircases.
Start: breakfast near the Market Square — pick a café with space for a stroller and a changing table if possible. Then walk the Market Square circuit — Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (admire the interior from outside or pop in for a short visit).
Next: a short walk to St. Florian’s Gate and the Planty — the Planty is an excellent, even route for a stroller, perfect for a shady break and a second snack. From there you can head toward Wawel (the lower areas of the hill are accessible; however, access to some cathedral stairs and certain rooms can be limited).
Afternoon: return to the Market Square, rest under the Cloth Hall arcades, have coffee and dessert. Evening: a gentle stroll through nearby streets and dinner at a highly rated family-friendly restaurant — choose places with easy entry and room for a stroller.
The Town Hall Tower is a historic symbol of the Market Square and the last surviving fragment of the old town hall. It has a distinctive slim silhouette and several exhibition levels.
Practically speaking: the viewpoint is reached via a narrow, winding staircase — stone steps, often uneven, with many stairs (commonly reported as about 100–110 steps). There is no lift serving all floors and the ticket desk is reached by stairs. For these reasons, bringing a stroller up the tower is difficult and for many families simply impossible.
How to proceed: usually it’s better to leave the stroller at the entrance and have one caregiver use a carrier or sling if they want to go up. Another option is to admire the tower from the Market Square and spend time on more stroller-friendly attractions. If a panorama is essential, consider one of the alternatives listed below.
Sukiennice terrace and museum galleries with views: not every museum has a terrace, but some gallery spaces or restaurants offer elevated views — ask about stroller access or level access to upper floors.
Wawel: the lower courtyards are accessible and give a great impression of the hill, though many towers and parts of the cathedral require stairs. Kopiec Kościuszki and Kopiec Krakusa offer wide panoramas of the city and are good alternatives for families who prefer to avoid steep tower staircases.
Hotel and restaurant rooftops — several places in the city have rooftop terraces with views over the Old Town; these can sometimes be easier to reach with a stroller than historic towers.
Public toilets in the centre can be infrequent — the most convenient options are toilets in museums, larger cafés and service centres. Planning breaks every 60–90 minutes makes the day easier.
Cafés and restaurants: pick spots with good reviews and space for a stroller. Around the Market Square there are many family-friendly cafés and bistros that welcome children; venues with step-free entrances and indoor space will be most comfortable. If you need a specific place to change a nappy, it’s worth phoning ahead or checking reviews to confirm facilities.
For feeding: look for calm arcades or quieter cafés on side streets. The Planty and courtyard spaces often have benches in the shade.
Assuming the whole Market Square is perfectly smooth — while the Market Square slab is level, most surrounding streets are old cobbles and small stroller wheels can get stuck. Use a stroller with bigger wheels or keep a lightweight spare stroller/bumbo or carrier.
Trying to climb towers with a stroller — most towers have narrow stone stairs. If you plan to visit towers, bring a carrier instead of expecting the stroller to work everywhere.
Not planning breaks or snacks for the child — even short routes take longer with a baby; plan stops at cafés and on the Planty.
Start with a route that begins at the Market Square and circles around the perimeter — it’s easier to stay on even ground and quickly return to service points. Make short visits to ticketed attractions (one or two maximum) and view the rest from outside.
Wear comfortable, cushioned shoes — walking on cobbles can be tiring even for adults. Pack a small changing bag, extra nappies, water and snacks for both you and your child.
Call or check opening hours and available facilities (ticket office, toilets) online for the places you plan to visit — seasonal changes can affect opening hours and last entry times.
The Town Hall Tower is the remaining part of the old town hall demolished in the 19th century — looking at the tower is like seeing a fragment of the city’s long civic history. From its upper levels you can spot the characteristic roofs of the Old Town.
The tower’s spiral stone staircase is an impressive historic feature but also limits access for strollers and visitors with reduced mobility. For that reason, carrying your child in a sling or carrier is a useful backup option.
For the latest practical information on opening hours, facilities or ticketing it’s a good idea to check the Museum of Kraków’s page or contact the Town Hall Tower branch directly before your visit, as seasonal rules and last-entry times (often set about 30 minutes before closing) can change.
Can I climb the Town Hall Tower with a stroller? Generally no — the staircases are narrow and stone, and there’s no lift, so climbing comfortably with a stroller is usually impossible. It’s best to use a carrier or leave the stroller at the entrance with a companion.
Where is it easiest to move around with a stroller? The Planty, the Market Square perimeter and the wider pavements toward the Vistula boulevards. Small cobbled side streets can be difficult.
Are there changing facilities in the centre? Most of the facilities are in larger museums and cafés; bring a change mat and use planned breaks near places with toilets.
Kraków in one day with a stroller is a realistic and enjoyable experience if you adapt pace and route to your child’s needs. The Town Hall Tower is a beautiful historic landmark to admire from the outside, but reaching the summit usually means leaving the stroller behind and using a carrier to go up.
If you’d like a tailor-made route — with short breaks, locations that offer changing facilities and the best family-friendly restaurants — consider arranging a guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz, a private guide who specialises in family-friendly walks around Kraków; more information is available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media to help other families plan a great day in Kraków!
