Yes — Kraków is becoming increasingly accessible. Many museums and major attractions now have lifts, ramps and sensory aids, plus programs for people with mobility, vision and hearing impairments. At the same time, remember that Kraków is an historic city with old streets and areas of cobblestones, so planning your route and a little preparation before you go will make the day much easier. If you’re visiting with a dog (especially an assistance dog), many places welcome assistance dogs and outdoor areas — the riverside boulevards, the Planty and Kazimierz — are great for walks and short breaks.
It’s worth using the available tools before you visit: city accessibility guides and apps that describe facilities, checking information about accessible restrooms and staff assistance. Some attractions require a short reservation or a note about using the lift — that saves time and reduces stress.
The “Kraków for people with disabilities” app is a practical tool: it contains route descriptions, information on facilities (lifts, toilets, wheelchair rentals) and themed GPS routes. It can work offline after downloading content and often includes audio description modules and guidance for visitors with vision or hearing impairments.
Besides an app, download or print brief notes with opening hours and contact numbers for the main sites — Wawel, the National Museum, the Market Square Underground, Schindler’s Factory and the tourist information office. Many institutions ask that you let them know in advance if you need assistance or a lift.
Wawel is a must-see but it needs planning. The hill is becoming more accessible thanks to the “Wawel Accessible” efforts: there is an exterior lift and platforms that help bypass steps in certain places. Use of the lift is often possible only with a staff member present — best practice is to inform the Reservations Office or ticket desk in advance to reduce waiting time.
Watch for technical limits: some platforms and lifts have dimension and weight restrictions. Not all rooms are fully accessible — parts of some exhibitions still present architectural barriers. Ask staff for the easiest route and about the availability of an accessible restroom.
The Market Square Underground (Museum of Kraków) is a special experience: the exhibition lies several metres below ground and was prepared with visitors in mind. Entrance to parts of the museum is by lift, so people using wheelchairs can access the displays, and accessible restrooms are available.
Around the Main Market Square keep in mind the cobblestones and crowds — plan shorter walking stretches and breaks in nearby cafés or in the adapted spaces around the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice).
Kraków’s museums are steadily expanding their accessibility offers: the National Museum has been recognised for consistent accessibility work; many branches provide lifts, induction loops, tactile graphics and other aids. The Oskar Schindler Factory Museum has lifts and routes adapted for visitors in wheelchairs; some materials are available as audio description and sign language. The Museum of Kraków (including Krzysztofory Palace and other branches) also welcomes people with assistance dogs and points out the most barrier-free spaces.
If you plan to visit several museums in one day — pick a maximum of two main sites and allow time to rest between them. Many institutions offer materials for people with sensory impairments; ask about audio description and staff assistance.
The Planty is a convenient, flat route encircling the Old Town — ideal for a short walk with a dog or a rest stop. The riverside boulevards along the Vistula are gradually opening seasonally and in many sections have even surfaces, benches and viewpoints over the river. They’re great for dog walks, but check current openings and any ongoing works.
Kazimierz is a charming neighbourhood full of cafés and restaurants; streets can be uneven, but many establishments on the main routes have street‑level entrances or ramps. When planning your route, include shorter distances and places where you can sit down quickly.
Assistance dogs are accepted in most museums and public cultural venues — it’s a good idea to mention this when booking. Other dogs are treated differently depending on the institution: most indoor museum and exhibition spaces prohibit animals for conservation reasons unless it’s an assistance dog.
Outdoors (the Planty, boulevards, parks) dogs are generally welcome but should always be on a leash and owners must clean up after them. If you plan rest stops in cafés or restaurants, choose pet‑friendly places or those with outdoor seating — that makes breaks easier and more comfortable for everyone.
When choosing cafés and restaurants, pick places that are both popular and often noted as accessible. A few well-known spots that frequently receive good reviews and are convenient for tourists: Cafe Camelot (cozy café on Św. Tomasza), Jama Michalika (the historic art café on Floriańska) and restaurants serving traditional dishes near the Market Square, such as Pod Baranem. Call ahead to check the accessibility of the entrance and restrooms.
For accommodation, central hotels increasingly offer rooms and bathrooms adapted for people with disabilities — when booking, state this need, ask for photos or a floor plan of the room, and confirm access for a car and possible parking for people with a disability permit.
A few surprises for visitors: Wawel offers tactile materials and Braille books for children; several museums provide ready audio descriptions you can download to your phone; some traditional Vistula boat trips allow assistance dogs with crew support.
It’s also surprising that some historic buildings, despite their age, can provide portable rails or temporary ramps if you notify them in advance. Don’t assume the entire Wawel complex is fully accessible — parts of the site still require planning and staff help.
Mistake 1: Not checking lift and platform limits. How to avoid: ask staff before entering, give the wheelchair dimensions and request the recommended route.
Mistake 2: Assuming every venue near the Market Square has an accessible restroom. How to avoid: check the accessibility map in an app or on the museum’s site, or ask the café before going in.
Mistake 3: Failing to notify a venue about an assistance dog. How to avoid: when booking tickets or contacting the site, call or write and inform them you will arrive with an assistance dog.
Can I enter a museum with a dog? — Assistance dog: usually YES; other dogs: depends on the institution’s policy. Best practice: contact the venue in advance.
Are all Wawel routes accessible for a wheelchair? — Not all. Many parts are accessible thanks to lifts and platforms, but some exhibitions have limitations. Ask for the easiest route and notify staff if you need to use the lift.
How to get around the city without a car? — Low‑floor trams and buses with ramps run on many lines, but check routes before you travel. Taxis for people with disabilities can be booked by phone or via apps dedicated to accessible transport.
1) Fully charged phone and a powerbank if needed. 2) Saved contact numbers for the places you’ll visit (ticket offices, receptions, information desks). 3) Documents and a disability parking card (if you have one) to ease parking or other privileges. 4) Water, a small snack and planned breaks every 60–90 minutes. 5) Information about your wheelchair dimensions and any limitations so staff can respond quickly.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it might save someone’s day of sightseeing. If you want to explore Kraków comfortably with a detailed route tailored to your needs and with an assistance dog, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz (tour guide). Contact details and full offer information are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website — the guide will gladly prepare a route matched to your expectations and needs. Thank you and enjoy calm, pleasant walks around Kraków!
