Yes — Krakow is steadily improving its accessibility and many attractions can be arranged to be usable by people with limited mobility. The city runs “Krakow without barriers” programs and publishes guides for visitors with disabilities with information about accessible routes, transport and service points. In practice this makes it possible to plan an intensive but comfortable four-day stay for integration groups.
It’s a good idea to schedule most sightseeing in the morning — streets are less crowded then, trams and buses make it easier to board with wheelchairs, and museums and the castle usually have fewer queues. In the morning it’s also easier to arrange assistance or support in places that require it.
Below you’ll find a detailed, practical 4-day plan and a set of tips and recommended places for guests using wheelchairs and people with other needs.
Start early with a walk (or ride) to the Main Market Square — the morning light and views are charming, and the crowds are just waking up. The Old Town has some cobbled surfaces, so choose wider routes where possible (Floriańska Street, the Cloth Hall, the square around St. Mary’s Basilica). The city offers a special Royal Route designed with people with disabilities in mind, including tactile models and audio recordings — it can be a wonderful experience for the whole group.
In the afternoon, visit Wawel — some courtyards are accessible to wheelchairs and many exhibitions have adapted communications; when planning entry to specific chambers or museums, check accessibility of lifts and any restrictions in advance. Finish the day in one of the recommended restaurants near the Market Square that offer accessible facilities and menus tailored for guests with vision and mobility needs.
Practical tips: reserve tables and tickets in advance, request a table without steps and ensure easy access to an adapted restroom.
Kazimierz is a district to explore slowly — narrow streets, atmospheric cafés and galleries. Many venues have threshold-free entrances or ramps, but you will find places with steps — plan the route using main streets and squares.
Visit the Remuh Synagogue and the historic Jewish cemetery in the morning — early hours bring peace and a chance to explore at a calm pace. If you plan museum visits, check opening hours and wheelchair access in advance. An afternoon Vistula river cruise (if accessible boats are available) can be a restful alternative that shows the city from a different perspective.
Around Nowy Square you'll find many food options — choose places with good reviews and accessibility. For larger groups, inform the venue in advance about the number of participants and specific needs.
Nowa Huta is an interesting alternative to the classic centre — wide avenues, modernist space and smaller crowds. You can find monuments and memorials that are accessible for wheelchair users. The city has extended its guides with a Nowa Huta route, making it easier to plan a logical and approachable itinerary.
If the group prefers nature, pick Jordan Park or riverfront areas along the Vistula — paved promenades can be even and predictable, offering a good rest after intensive sightseeing. Note that some park paths are surfaced with gravel — check the surface in advance, especially for wheelchair users.
If you have bookings for cultural events, confirm access to seating and assistance options for people with special needs.
Reserve the morning for visiting one or two museums chosen for best accessibility. Many Krakow institutions publish details about accessibility, lifts and adapted restrooms. Keep the afternoon free for a favourite café, souvenir shopping or a relaxing coffee break.
If you want to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine as a day trip from Krakow, remember that parts of the underground route may be inaccessible for traditional wheelchairs — check in advance which sections are listed as accessible or choose surface attractions as an alternative.
To end the day, plan a shared meal at a well-reviewed restaurant that is adapted for people with various needs — consider venues that participate in city accessibility initiatives.
Krakow’s public transport is gradually modernizing its fleet and infrastructure for accessibility. Many trams and buses have low floors, and the municipal operator provides information about accessible lines. For those needing special vehicles, the municipality organizes dedicated transport — check regulations and reservation numbers in advance if you require a vehicle with a lift.
There are designated parking spaces in the centre for people with a disabled parking permit, and the city publishes lists and maps of these spots. When planning a comfortable start to each day, reserve accommodation with parking right by the entrance and verify lift availability in the building.
Practical phone tip (for reservations and transport inquiries) — municipal transport services operate under local regulations and have dedicated reservation lines; book ahead, especially for larger groups.
The city cooperates with restaurants that prepare menus in Braille and introduce accommodations for guests with different needs. Many well-known and highly rated places near the Old Town and Market Square have taken part in accessibility programs — a good choice when you want to combine great food with comfort.
When choosing a venue look for: step-free entrance, adapted restroom, ability to arrange a table for a group, and reviews mentioning service for guests with disabilities. Reserve an evening table specifying needs (wide passage, space for wheelchairs).
If your group values socially engaged places, consider cafés and restaurants that employ people with disabilities — these initiatives combine local character with meaningful social experiences.
Pick a hotel that advertises adapted rooms for people with disabilities, an elevator and accessible restrooms. Many central hotels offer adapted rooms, but the level of adaptation varies — some have wide bathrooms with grab bars, others offer more basic facilities.
When booking, ask for a detailed description of the room: door width, type of shower (roll-in or with seat), lift availability, distance to reception and parking at the entrance. For larger groups you can negotiate extras such as early breakfast, luggage storage or help with carrying luggage.
Several city hotels near the train station and in the centre state they have accessible toilets and lifts — always confirm details by phone before finalizing the reservation.
Along the Royal Route you’ll find tactile models of the most important monuments with Braille descriptions and audio recordings — a lovely inclusive attraction that appeals to whole groups.
Many municipal initiatives offer special tours and events dedicated to people with disabilities — following the city’s “Without Barriers” sections gives information about events and support.
Not every pavement near historic sites is even — plan alternative routes and ask local tourist information desks for the most comfortable approaches for wheelchairs.
Not verifying an attraction’s accessibility in advance — don’t assume that “city centre” means “barrier-free.” Always ask about specific facilities.
Last-minute bookings — for large groups and special needs it’s better to reserve weeks in advance.
Being vague about needs when contacting a restaurant or hotel — describe exactly how many people will need assistance and what your expectations are regarding restrooms, passage widths and space for wheelchairs.
Is it worth arriving in Krakow in the morning? Yes — morning is the best time to stroll the Market and visit the most popular attractions without the crowds.
Where to find reliable accessibility information? The city publishes guides for visitors with disabilities and “Without Barriers” sections with up-to-date information; it’s also worth contacting museums and hotels directly.
Does public transport accommodate wheelchairs? Yes — many trams and buses have low floors; the municipality also organizes special transport for those who need a vehicle with a lift or personal assistance. Book in advance if you need transport with specific equipment.
What about the Wieliczka Salt Mine? Some parts of the underground route may be unsuitable for conventional wheelchairs — check in advance which sections are accessible or consider surface alternatives.
The city provides lists of parking spaces for people with disabled parking permits and publishes information about dedicated transport; use municipal materials and call transport services in advance when planning.
When booking remember to confirm: number of seats, table arrangement, restroom access and the possibility of vehicles driving up to the entrance. For larger groups tell the venue you may need extra time for service.
If you plan to hire an assistant or an interpreter for guests with other disabilities, check availability and costs before you arrive.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it helps other people planning a similar trip.
If you would like your visit planned step by step with the needs of an integration group in mind, contact local guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her offer includes itineraries and services adapted to a variety of needs.
Good luck planning and see you in Krakow — a city that is opening up more and more to everyone!
