The Father Bernatek Footbridge is one of the city's most recognizable pedestrian crossings over the Vistula — it not only connects riverbanks but has become a symbol of walks between Kazimierz and Podgórze. In two days you can comfortably see the main sights of the Old Town and Kazimierz, and dedicate the second day to Podgórze, riverside monuments and the modern spaces of Zabłocie. This plan includes breaks at places welcoming to children and routes that make moving around easier for seniors.
Morning: start at the Main Market Square. See the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (it’s worth listening to the trumpet call — the hejnał) and consider a short coffee break at one of the well-rated cafés by the Square. Early hours are best if you travel with a child or a senior because you'll avoid the crowds.
Noon: take a short walk through the Planty gardens to Wawel — the route past the Castle is pleasant, but pay attention to stretches with cobblestones. If someone has walking difficulties, consider taking a tram or taxi to shorten the walking distance by a few hundred metres.
Afternoon: head to Kazimierz — the historic Jewish quarter full of intimate streets, synagogues and atmospheric cafés. This is an ideal place for a longer stop: choose a spot with a play corner for children or comfortable armchairs and accessible toilets.
Evening: if you travel with seniors, plan the return by tram or a shorter walk; Kazimierz after dark has a special atmosphere, but some lanes are less well lit and have uneven surfaces.
Morning: begin by crossing or travelling to the right bank of the Vistula. A walk through Podgórze mixes history with modern public spaces. The Father Bernatek Footbridge links Kazimierz with Podgórze and is a great spot for photos and a short riverside rest.
Noon: visit Zabłocie — here you’ll find the Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków (MOCAK) and Oskar Schindler’s Factory. Both venues often offer family facilities and accessibility options, but it’s a good idea to check the latest visitor information before your visit.
Afternoon: relax in one of the local patisseries or cafés in Podgórze — a good moment to regroup, change a baby or let a senior rest. In the evening you can return to the river to enjoy the city panorama under the streetlights.
Kraków has cafés and patisseries that consistently get great reviews from families. A few places worth considering as stops include Cafe Szafe (an intimate cultural café), selected patisseries in Podgórze known for excellent pastries, and local cafés in Kazimierz that offer family space. In the Old Town and Kazimierz you’ll also find places with children’s menus and changing facilities.
How to choose a family-friendly café: look for venues with a separate play corner, high chairs, bright and spacious interiors and easy access (no high steps). Booking a table in advance will make entry smoother and speed up service.
If you want cafés often recommended by families and well-rated — check reviews on local listing services before visiting, and if unsure call to ask about available family amenities.
Pack a light, sturdy stroller with large wheels — it will make moving around Kraków’s sidewalks and boulevards much easier. Extra clothes and snacks are essential, as well as a hygiene kit and a small first-aid kit.
Plan longer breaks during the day: museum family rooms, the parks by the Planty or a playground near the river boulevards are great ways to burn off energy. Check local event schedules — in season there are often family animations and workshops.
If you travel with an infant, ask a café or museum in advance about a changing table and the possibility to warm baby food.
Choose routes with fewer steep steps and shorter walking segments. Trams and taxis make getting around easier — remember to allow extra time for transit during peak hours.
When planning visits to museums or the castle, check the availability of lifts and alternative routes; many cultural institutions in Kraków provide information about accessibility — it’s worth confirming this before you go.
Wear comfortable shoes and plan places to rest: the city centre has many benches and café terraces where seniors can sit and relax. Also note that some historic interiors have narrow stairs and uneven surfaces.
Surprise: many lesser-known spots in Podgórze have excellent patisseries and small museums — it’s worth spending time wandering side streets instead of sticking only to the main attractions.
Most common tourist mistake: an overly ambitious sightseeing plan. Two days in Kraków are enjoyable if you leave room for breaks, rest and spontaneous discoveries. Long walks without stops tire both children and seniors.
How to avoid this: plan shorter stages, reserve tables in recommended cafés for afternoon rests and have a plan B in case of bad weather (museums, cultural centres, cosy cafés).
Public transport: trams and buses are a fast way to move around the centre; tickets can be bought at machines, in mobile apps and at newsstands. Time-based tickets are often useful for families — they allow flexible transfers.
Museum and castle entries: we recommend buying tickets online for popular sites, especially during the tourist season. This saves time and reduces queues, which is important for the comfort of children and seniors.
Toilets and changing facilities: most larger cafés and museums have toilets, and some offer changing tables; however there may be gaps in a few central spots, so consider carrying a portable changing mat or plan stops at familiar venues.
Is two days enough to get a feel for Kraków? Two days allow you to see the main sights and experience the city’s atmosphere if you keep a balanced plan and include breaks. If you want to explore exhibitions or galleries in depth, consider adding an extra day.
Is the Father Bernatek Footbridge suitable for strollers and seniors? The footbridge is pedestrian and generally accessible for strollers; approaches to the bridge may have gentle slopes — for certainty, plan a route with shorter approaches or use nearby access points. If in doubt, check conditions on site.
How to find cafés friendly to children? Look for places recommended in local family guides and community lists; booking or calling ahead helps confirm the presence of a play corner or a changing table.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help other families and seniors better organise their visit to Kraków.
If you’d like to explore more comfortably and without hurry, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — on the guide’s website you can find contact details and offers tailored to families and older visitors. Contact her to prepare an itinerary ideal for your group.
