Kraków is investing heavily in accessibility: more and more museums, public spaces and public transport vehicles offer facilities for people with reduced mobility. That doesn't mean everything is perfect — in a historic city you will still encounter cobblestones, steps and construction sites — but there are already many routes and places you can reliably plan to visit with a wheelchair or with assistance.
In this guide you'll find tested ideas for sightseeing, a list of barrier-free (or partially adapted) venues, practical advice — what to check before you go, where to rent equipment and how to avoid common mistakes. Everything to make your stay in Kraków pleasant and stress-free.
Museums and cultural institutions increasingly offer comprehensive solutions: lifts, wide doors, toilets adapted for people with disabilities, audio description and Polish Sign Language (PJM) interpretation. Large branches of the National Museum and MOCAK — Museum of Contemporary Art — are examples where the building and services were designed with accessibility in mind.
The city runs programs and event cycles called “Kraków really for everyone”, offering tours with audio description, PJM interpretation, assistance and workshops adapted to different needs. City resources provide practical info — lists of accessible toilets, parking spaces for people with disabilities and proposed tourist routes designed for visitors with mobility limitations.
Public transport: the municipal operator MPK is steadily modernizing the fleet — most buses are low-floor, and an increasing number of trams have low floors and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users. Vehicles are equipped with boarding ramps and information systems, and drivers can assist boarding and alighting when needed.
Morning: MOCAK (Lipowa Street) — a modern, step-free building with lifts, adapted toilets and educational support options; a calm way to start the day with a break at MOCAK Café (part of the venue is accessible).
Afternoon: a stroll along the Vistula boulevards — many sections have comfortable ramps and paths, though some parts may be under renovation or open only in stages; check seasonal opening updates before you go.
Evening: Kazimierz — the area around Nowy Square and Szeroka Street has easier approaches from the river boulevards than from some steep, cobbled streets; plan a stop at a café or restaurant with street-level access.
National Museum (including its branches, e.g. the Princes Czartoryski Museum) — many branches have been refurbished with accessibility in mind: lifts, wide passages, tactile and audio markings; some locations offer audio description and PJM routes.
MOCAK — a building designed with accessibility features: no thresholds in key areas, two adapted toilets, lifts and ramps; the museum also provides educational support, guided tours and apps that help with visiting.
Manggha (Museum of Japanese Art and Technology) — the museum describes entrances and ramps on its information pages: there are wheelchair-accessible areas (entrance from Konopnicka Street), but some access paths and parking areas include cobbles or steeper slopes — contacting reception in advance is recommended if you need assistance.
Museum of Kraków and the “Kraków really for everyone” programs — workshop cycles, tours with audio description and PJM, and the possibility of assisted visits. Educational events often require prior booking.
Public transport: choose low-floor trams and buses — they have dedicated wheelchair spaces and stop-request buttons. Boarding often requires a short cooperation with the driver — don't hesitate to ask for help or for the ramp to be deployed.
Parking and parking zones: the city publishes lists of parking spaces reserved for vehicles of people with disabilities; check these lists before your trip, especially if you're coming by car to the center.
Railway platforms and trains: regional and national stations are gradually improving infrastructure, but accessibility levels differ by station — check the station information before you travel and whether you need to request assistance from PKP in advance.
Kraków has rental companies offering rehabilitation equipment: wheelchairs, stair-climbers and anti-decubitus mattresses — both commercial providers and the municipal equipment rental run by social services (MOPS). If needed, call a day ahead so the supplier can deliver and prepare the equipment.
The municipal service “Kraków without barriers” and city departments publish contact details for accessibility coordinators in cultural institutions: you can request assistance, audio description, PJM interpreters or on-site help. Ordering these services in advance makes arrangements easier.
MOCAK Café — located in the museum building, partly accessible as part of the adapted venue.
When planning a meal in the center or in Kazimierz, choose restaurants with street-level entrances or ramps — many tourist-friendly places note step-free access in their reservation descriptions, but it's always worth calling ahead to ask about door widths and accessible toilets.
Look for places with plenty of space between tables — that makes maneuvering a wheelchair much easier.
Does the venue have a step-free entrance or a lift? Not all parts of historic buildings are adapted — check the accessibility description or call ahead.
Is advance booking required for a spot, assistance, audio description or PJM interpretation? Many museums provide these services on request.
Where is the nearest accessible parking? Consult the city's lists of parking spaces for people with disabilities.
Does the walking route include cobblestones or steps? If so — consider alternative routes (Planty, the boulevards) or plan shorter stages.
Assuming the "old center" will be flat and easy — the Market Square and many historic streets have cobblestones and raised thresholds; better plan routes through Planty, newer promenades and the boulevards.
Not contacting the venue in advance — some facilities (assistance, equipment rental, adapted tour routes) require reservations or prior notice to staff.
Relying only on general maps — accessibility maps and parking registries are published by the city; use official information to avoid disappointments.
Not every new investment is immediately open in full — the Vistula boulevards are sometimes opened in stages seasonally, even if shown as "available" on maps; check city announcements before your walk.
Some museums offer free admission or special days for people with disabilities — check event calendars and promotions before you travel.
Several educational institutions and museums run inclusive programs and sensory workshops — these are great options for families and visitors who prefer a more engaging visit.
Will I find many toilets adapted for people with disabilities in Kraków? - Yes, the city provides lists and locations of adapted toilets; however, during peak hours some facilities may be busy.
Can I expect help on trams or buses? - Yes, on low-floor vehicles the driver can deploy a boarding ramp and assist with boarding; press the stop request button and make the driver aware of your need for assistance.
Are there special tours or routes for people with disabilities? - The Museum of Kraków and other city institutions organize the "Kraków really for everyone" cycles with assistance, audio description and PJM; booking in advance is recommended.
When planning your visit — create a flexible itinerary: shorter stages, regular breaks in cafés, and the option to use museum assistance. Bring small comforts (water, a light wrap, a powerbank) and keep a phone number for the places you plan to visit.
If you find this guide helpful — share it with friends and on social media. If you'd like to explore Kraków with someone who knows the city and its accessible routes inside out, consider booking a private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — you can find her contact details on the guide's site. We wish you a safe, enjoyable and inspiring stay in Kraków!
