Yes — Rakowicki Cemetery is not only a place of remembrance but also a historic necropolis full of interesting graves, monuments and old avenues that can make for a calm and engaging short walk with the family. It’s a place where you can combine the duty of remembering with a gentle, educational story for children about Kraków and the people who lived here.
Keep in mind that November 1st is exceptionally busy. If you prefer quiet and convenience, plan your visit (see below — when to come) or consider All Souls’ Day (November 2nd), when foot traffic is usually smaller.
Hours and rules around All Saints’ Day can be special — cemeteries often extend opening times and adjust procedures. In practice at Rakowice the gates may open very early (sometimes at dawn) and close only after most visitors have left the grounds.
On November 1st there is a ban on driving into the cemetery except for services and authorized persons. This means parking nearby will be difficult — it’s better to use public transport or walk.
The city and the Municipal Cemetery Authority arrange extra information points, medical assistance and crowd support at this time. These are useful if you are traveling with elderly people or small children.
The highest number of visitors usually arrives in the afternoon and evening of November 1st. If you want a quieter visit to the graves — consider coming very early (right after opening) or late in the evening, when part of the crowd has already dispersed.
For families the morning option is better — it’s cooler, easier with a stroller, and children have more energy for a short walk and to learn about the place. Alternatively — visit Rakowice on November 2nd, when the atmosphere is generally calmer.
Layered clothing — autumn weather can be changeable, and the cemetery is more exposed and windier than the inner city.
A torch or a charged phone — not all paths are evenly lit in the evening.
Comfortable shoes — paths may be cobbled or unpaved; the walk can last from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the route.
A safe place for candles and a lighter — if you plan to light a candle, warn children about fire and keep small hands away from flames.
A small first-aid kit and tissues — always useful; medical points operate on All Saints’ Day but it’s good to have basic items on hand.
Documents with names and grave locator details — if you’re looking for a specific grave, use the grave locator service or note the section, row and number in advance.
Talk to your children beforehand — explain that the cemetery is a place of memory but also a safe space for walking and learning history. Set rules about behavior near graves and around candles.
Stroller vs. carrier — most main avenues at Rakowice are stroller-friendly, but some side paths can be harder to navigate. If in doubt, choose an easier route or use a carrier for the youngest children.
Agree on a meeting point — in crowds it’s easy to get separated. Pick a recognizable landmark (a gate, chapel or a specific monument) as a rally point.
Keep children away from candles — small hands should not get close to flames. Make sure candles are placed safely.
Enter through the main gate and walk along the wide avenue to get a sense of the scale of the necropolis and admire the old trees — this is a good introduction for children without tiring them.
Stop at a few prominent monuments or graves of well-known Kraków residents — this is an opportunity to tell short, age-appropriate stories. Choose 2–3 figures beforehand to keep the walk short.
Take a break on a bench for a snack and a respectful souvenir photo. Remember not to stand on graves and to keep quiet near burial sites.
Finish the visit at the chapel or another distinctive spot from which it’s easy to return to a bus stop or parking area.
Graves of notable figures — for older children you can weave in short stories about people who contributed to art and science. It’s a great way to show that history is close and often personal.
Funerary architecture — sculptures, chapels and ornate monuments attract children’s curiosity and can be a starting point for talking about art and symbolism.
Peace and nature — the avenues, trees and autumn colours provide many aesthetic impressions and allow for a quiet, reflective walk.
On the busiest days the cemetery operates information points, medical stations and extra lighting. There are also logistical solutions like assistance with bringing in elderly visitors — use these services if someone in your group has mobility issues.
Maps, waste containers and community initiatives like a "candle-sharing" spot (where people can leave or take small items in the spirit of mutual help) are available on the grounds.
Check the online grave locator before your visit — entering a surname will make it easier to find a place and shorten wandering time around the necropolis.
Arrange to meet outside the cemetery — agree on a time and place before entering so your group can get inside smoothly.
If you arrive by car, park further away and finish the route by public transport or on foot — nearby areas may have closures and parking restrictions.
Consider splitting the group — someone can go quickly to a specific grave while the rest rests or explores nearby. This saves nerves in a crowd.
November 2nd is usually quieter — if your schedule is flexible, it’s a good time for a more personal, less crowded visit.
If you want to avoid crowds entirely, think about morning walks in other parts of Kraków — a short visit to a park or the Planty can be a gentler way to reflect on memory.
For families with small children it can help to spread the visit across shorter moments — part of the family can visit earlier and others join later.
- documents with grave location details (section, row, number),
- torch / phone with powerbank,
- small bag with tissues and basic dressings,
- spare gloves and a warmer layer,
- water and a small snack for children,
- an extra bag for candles / flowers — helps keep the place tidy.
Rakowicki Cemetery is a beautiful and important place in Kraków — visits on All Saints’ Day can be moving, calm and instructive if you plan them well.
If you need help preparing a walking route tailored to your family or have questions about access and facilities — I’ll be happy to help. Wishing you a peaceful and safe visit and a meaningful moment of remembrance with your loved ones.
