Kraków is a charming city, but it also has stone pavements, stairs and crowded spots — so it’s worth planning visits a little more gently, more slowly and more practically.
During pregnancy your body needs more frequent breaks, easy access to restrooms and places to sit. It’s also sensible to avoid long stretches on uneven sidewalks or steep stairways. Fortunately many attractions can be visited in a slightly modified way so the walk becomes an enjoyable break, not a strain.
If you’re travelling with a dog or cat, add pet-friendly places to your plan — parks, cafés and green areas where your companion can rest. This guide offers route ideas and practical tips to combine the mum-to-be’s comfort with the pet’s safety and ease.
Practical note — bring shoes with good soles, a water bottle, some snacks and any relevant medical documents. For a longer walk consider shorter stages and clearly planned rest points.
Błonia — a huge, flat meadow very close to the city centre. Perfect for a relaxed, unhurried walk, a picnic on a blanket and breathing exercises. For an expectant mother it’s an excellent open-air option without stairs or cobbles.
Planty — the green ring surrounding the Old Town. The route is flat, with many benches and plenty of tree shade, which lets you move between sights without pushing into the Market crowd.
Jordan Park and Krakowski Park — parks with paved paths, benches and gentle avenues. Quieter than the busy centre and still close to public transport and main attractions.
Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden — ideal for a calming walk among plants. Quiet alleys, benches and space to rest. If you have a dog, check the entry rules first; green enclaves are often perfect for a short stroll before heading to the centre.
Zakrzówek (the area around the reservoir) — lovely views and a chance to be closer to nature. Some paths by the reservoir can be more demanding or rocky, so choose easy trails and avoid steep descents.
Wawel — the hill and the courtyard are accessible without a ticket and you can simply sit on a bench with a view of the Vistula. Museum interiors can be more demanding (stairs, narrow passages), so enter indoor spaces only if you feel comfortable.
Main Market Square — explore it in short segments: sit in the shade by the Cloth Hall, listen to the trumpeter’s call and enjoy a quick coffee. The best times to avoid crowds are mornings and late afternoons on weekdays.
Churches and cathedrals — many offer seating and cool interiors that are good for a short rest. Remember that visiting interiors sometimes involves steps, so plan accordingly.
To avoid long queues or standing in crowds, opt for shorter visits and buy tickets online where possible.
Kraków has an increasing number of pet-welcoming places — from public green areas to cafés and some restaurants. In practice this often means water bowls, gentle entrances and a friendly staff attitude.
Dog parks and fenced play areas — the city has many designated dog runs and open spaces where dogs can run off-leash. Local maps and mobile apps list these spots and make them easy to find.
Cafés and restaurants — more and more venues allow dogs on terraces and sometimes inside; some provide bowls or small beds. If you plan to bring your pet indoors, call ahead or check the venue’s rules.
Pets in museums and historic interiors — most museums and indoor monuments do not allow animals because of exhibits and conservation rules. Consider alternating: one person visits the interior while the other rests with the pet in a nearby park, or split the visit into shorter stages.
Use local pet-friendly directories and apps to find tested cafés, parks and hotels; these tools are handy when planning a day out with a furry friend.
In the centre and in café-friendly neighbourhoods you’ll often find places that accept dogs or are happy to host them outside. Choose cafés with comfortable chairs, quiet corners and easy access to restrooms.
If you want peace and quiet, look beyond the Main Square — smaller streets in Kazimierz and districts such as Dębniki or Podgórze usually have calmer venues. Always ask the staff about bringing a pet inside.
Popular, cosy cafés like Cafe Camelot, Massolit Books & Cafe or Charlotte are often comfortable choices for a quiet break — call ahead to confirm their current pet policy.
If you need privacy or calm during your rest, pick a smaller café or visit outside peak hours.
Many Kraków museums and cultural institutions have gentle ramps and lifts, but some historic sites still include narrow passages and stairways. Check an attraction’s accessibility information or call ahead to confirm options useful for pregnant visitors.
Outdoor exhibits and open-air displays are a great solution — you can move at your own pace, take breaks and more easily accommodate your pet if allowed on the grounds.
If you plan to enter interiors with a lot of steps, consider a short pause beforehand, bring someone to help or postpone that part of the visit for when you feel up to it.
Remember that public transport often provides priority seating; use those seats to make moving around the city easier and less tiring.
Morning coffee and an easy walk across Błonia — wide open space, little effort and lots of fresh air. A perfect way to start the day for both mum and dog.
Short visit to Wawel (grounds only) — take photos from the courtyard and rest on a bench overlooking the Vistula. If you want to enter the museum, break the visit into shorter parts.
Walk along the Planty to the Main Market Square — a fairly flat, shaded route with many benches. Stop for a quick coffee in a quieter café away from the square.
Afternoon at the Botanical Garden or Jordan Park — relaxing surroundings, a light snack and time for the pet. In the evening you can return to your accommodation or consider a short Vistula river cruise (check pet rules beforehand).
Keep the plan flexible — shorten or lengthen stages based on how you feel and how your pet is doing.
Listen to your body — if you feel tired, have cramps or dizziness, stop and rest. Don’t try to catch up on the itinerary at the expense of your health.
Avoid peak crowds — the Market Square and parts of Kazimierz can be tiring for both an expectant mother and a dog. Choose quieter times to visit.
Bring a small first-aid kit: bandages, plasters, a basic pain reliever if your doctor approves, plus food and water for your pet.
Check the weather and plan regular hydration breaks — summer heat can lead to overheating, and winter may bring slippery pavements. Always carry water and a short lead to keep your dog safe in crowds.
Choose comfortable transport for longer distances — trams and buses have accessibility features, but if the vehicle will be crowded, consider a short taxi ride to avoid strain.
Pet-friendly apps and directories — local Polish catalogues and apps list restaurants, parks and hotels that welcome pets. They simplify planning days out with a companion animal.
Accessibility maps and venue info — check details about ramps and lifts before visiting — many accessibility options intended for people with reduced mobility also help expectant mothers.
Local groups and forums — neighbourhood and pet-owner communities often share up-to-date tips about seasonal offers, closures and animal-friendly events.
A simple rule — always call ahead when going somewhere with your pet: it avoids surprises and helps you plan your day better.
Q: Can I take my dog on public transport in Kraków? A: Dogs are usually allowed on public transport but must be on a short lead and, depending on size, wear a muzzle or be transported in a carrier. Carry a towel or blanket so your pet can sit comfortably and check current rules before travelling.
Q: Are there benches and toilets available in the main tourist areas? A: Yes — Planty and the Market area have many benches and several public restrooms, but it’s good to note restroom opening hours and locations for planning breaks.
Q: What should I do if I need medical help? A: Keep your medical documents with you and note the nearest clinic or hospital to your accommodation. Ask your host or receptionist for the quickest route.
Q: Are there veterinary clinics open late? A: Kraków has emergency veterinary services; save a local vet’s number when you travel with a pet, just in case.
Q: Is tipping expected in cafés and taxis? A: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 10% for good service is common practice.
Kraków can be very welcoming for expectant mothers — a bit of flexibility and planning will let you enjoy shorter stages and plenty of green spaces. The city offers many gentle routes and friendly venues that make resting easy and walking pleasant rather than exhausting.
If you’re travelling with a pet, use pet directories and choose green areas and places that accept animals. Small preparations will make the day enjoyable for everyone — for the mother and the four-legged friend alike.
If you’d like, I can prepare a shortened walking plan tailored to your accommodation location, fitness level and your pet’s needs — tell me your starting point and I’ll put together a pregnancy- and pet-friendly route.
Wishing you peaceful, joyful walks in Kraków — Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz).
