Kraków in the pre-Christmas period is one of the most beautiful places in Poland: illuminations, wooden stalls, the scent of roasted nuts and pierogi, and live music create a unique atmosphere. The largest market takes place on the Main Market Square, and smaller, atmospheric fairs also appear in the Kazimierz district (including Wolnica Square) — great for strolls and holiday shopping.
If you’re planning a 3-day visit and you’re pregnant, you can see the most important sights while also taking care of rest and safety. Below you’ll find a concrete three-day plan, medical and practical tips, and a list of places friendly to expectant mothers.
Day 1 – Main Market Square and surroundings: start with a morning walk around the Market Square, visit the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and St. Mary’s Basilica (short entry, many benches nearby to rest). In the afternoon, head towards Wawel — the castle and cathedral are good for a short, not too strenuous walk with places to sit along the Vistula.
Day 2 – Kazimierz and Wolnica Square: go to Kazimierz in the morning or late morning — atmospheric streets, cafés and smaller Christmas markets. Wolnica Square is often less crowded than the Market and has a local, artistic character, which makes for a calmer visit.
Day 3 – Museums, cafés and shopping: plan an easy day visiting one museum (choose short exhibitions rather than full-day tours) and take breaks in cozy cafés. This is a good time to buy gifts, souvenirs and spend last moments at the market before leaving.
The best times to visit are early morning (when stalls open) and early afternoon — crowds are smaller, shops and cafés are not yet full, and the holiday lights still impress. In the evenings the markets are beautifully lit but can be crowded — if you tire easily in crowds, plan your walk for a less busy time.
Kraków’s markets traditionally run during Advent — usually from late November through December (sometimes some stalls stay open into early January). Check exact dates before you arrive, and plan for changeable weather and shorter daylight hours.
Listen to your body — plan shorter walking segments and regular breaks. Markets and historic streets often have uneven, stone surfaces — choose comfortable, stable shoes with flat soles.
Avoid long standing at stalls and in queues. If you want to try local food, choose hot, freshly prepared dishes (e.g., soups, well-heated pierogi). Limit alcohol — the popular mulled wine (grzaniec) contains alcohol; for a warm drink, choose hot chocolate, tea or non-alcoholic mulled juices.
Be cautious with raw or undercooked meats and with unpasteurized cheeses and dairy products — if unsure, prefer reputable cafés or restaurants instead of some street-food stalls.
Stay hydrated and nourished: cold air and extended walks increase energy needs. Carry protein- and carbohydrate-rich snacks (sandwich, nuts, pasteurized yogurt).
Have basic medical documents and information about your pregnancy ready (for example, your doctor’s phone number) and your insurance card. Ask your hotel reception for information about nearby pharmacies and clinics.
Safe choices: hot soups (e.g., barszcz), well-heated pierogi, baked potatoes and roasted vegetables, bread and baked goods from trusted places. Cafés such as Camelot or Charlotte are good spots for a rest and for pasteurized desserts, coffee and tea.
Avoid: cold-served raw sausages, soft cheeses of unknown origin (possible unpasteurized), dishes made from offal, and of course alcohol. If you’d like to try local sweets, opt for bakeries and cafés with good reputations.
If you want traditional flavors, ask the vendor how the dish is prepared — ideally the whole process should be visible and the food served hot.
Public toilets near the Market are usually paid and located at several points around the Main Square. Many cafés and restaurants offer toilets for customers — it’s convenient to use them after buying a drink or dessert.
If you need to rest, look for cafés with seating or benches in parks and along the Vistula boulevards. Central hotels often allow a short rest in the lobby before check-in — ask politely at reception.
Accessibility: many Kraków trams have low floors, but not all stops are fully adapted. If mobility is an issue, consider taxis or ride-hailing apps — they’re quicker and help avoid long walks.
Choose a hotel or apartment near the Old Town or Kazimierz to shorten distances to the markets. Important criteria: a comfortable bed, the ability to bring luggage close to the entrance, an elevator, a private bathroom and the option to order meals to the room.
Check distances to a pharmacy and a medical facility — hotel reception should provide the nearest addresses. If possible, book accommodation with a flexible cancellation policy and the option for early check-in — this gives peace of mind when planning.
Main Market Square — the heart of Kraków and the main Christmas market. Short walks around the Cloth Hall and the Town Hall Tower let you feel the holiday atmosphere, and there are comfortable cafés nearby for breaks.
Wawel — the castle and cathedral with benches and viewpoints above the Vistula. A walk along the boulevards can be relaxing, and the route is easy to pause at any time.
Kazimierz and Wolnica Square — more intimate markets and an artistic atmosphere; a good place for a calmer day with breaks in cozy cafés.
Cafés and restaurants to consider: Camelot — an atmospheric café near the Old Town; Charlotte — a bakery and bistro at Plac Szczepański; Wierzynek — a historic restaurant on the Market Square (if you want to experience the atmosphere of old Kraków).
Are the markets safe for pregnant women? Yes, provided you plan short walks, avoid crowds and dress warmly and comfortably. Make sure to take breaks and have access to drinks and food.
Where can I find toilets and places to sit? Around the Market there are several paid public toilets; it’s more comfortable to use a café or restaurant after a small purchase. Hotels and shopping centers also have facilities. Benches and seating are available along the boulevards and in parks.
Can I drink mulled wine (grzaniec)? Mulled wine contains alcohol, so it’s best to avoid it during pregnancy. Choose non-alcoholic options, hot chocolate or warmed juices instead.
What if I feel unwell? Stop sightseeing, sit down, drink water and eat something light if needed. Ask hotel staff for help finding a pharmacy or the nearest medical facility.
- Comfortable, stable shoes with non-slip soles.
- Layered clothing: a warm coat, a light sweater, scarf and hat — easy to adapt to changing weather.
- A small thermos with hot tea or water, healthy snacks (nuts, a cereal bar, pasteurized yogurt).
- Copies of medical documents, your doctor’s phone number, insurance card and a list of medications (if you take any).
- A phone with local SIM or roaming, a power bank and comfortable headphones for short rests with music.
When planning 3 days in Kraków, think first of comfort. It’s better to see less but enjoy it without excessive fatigue than to try to “tick everything off” at the expense of your health.
If you’d like help tailoring the route to your pregnancy pace, hotel reception and local guides arranged through the hotel can prepare shorter, calmer routes with breaks. The guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com often shares practical tips for different types of visitors — it’s a good source of inspiration.
Wishing you a pleasant, peaceful stay in festive Kraków — warm, tasty and with care for yourself. If you want, I can refine this plan to your preferences (walking pace, favorite flavors, availability of gluten-free/vegetarian options, etc.).
