The Main Market Square is the heart of Kraków and an easy place to find a restaurant with a beautiful view — but not always with family-friendly facilities. If you’re traveling with small children, plan the meal so it’s calm and safe: book a table, ask about high chairs or a changing table, and choose a venue with a play corner — these things can save the whole day. Below you’ll find a list of tried-and-true places near the Market, options for shorter and longer stays, and practical tips to make family sightseeing easier.
The text includes the names of recommended venues — I mainly suggest places with good reviews and real amenities for little ones. If you prefer, there’s a short FAQ at the end with quick tips to use during your trip.
No7 Restaurant (Rynek Główny 7) — one of the most convenient options when you want to eat in the very heart of the Market. The venue is housed in a historic townhouse with an interesting story, offers a special children’s menu and a dedicated room or area for the youngest guests. It’s ideal if you plan to continue your walk around the Market afterwards.
Szalone Widelce (around the Old Town) — a popular spot among families with small children. The venue has separate play zones, high chairs and a changing table. Remember to reserve ahead, especially on weekends and during the tourist season, and be mindful of stairs — some rooms are on different levels.
Mavericks / venues near Galeria Krakowska and the train station — a practical choice if you combine a meal with arrival/departure by train. Several places in this area have space for strollers and basic play corners while serving simple, kid-friendly dishes.
Cafe Manggha (near Wawel and the Vistula) — an atmospheric café with a view that often prepares a family-friendly space: high chairs, changing facilities, a simple play corner and sometimes mini-workshops for children. It’s a good choice for a quieter lunch or a sweet break with a beautiful panorama.
Mozaika Resto Bar and similar venues — a little further from the strict Market area you’ll find places with spacious interiors, weekend activities and play corners. If you have more time and want the kids to run around, it’s worth walking a few streets beyond the Market.
Pino Garden / restaurants by the Błonia — if the weather is good, a garden or terrace with a sandbox and room to run is a great alternative. After lunch you can spread a blanket or let the children play on the grass.
A children’s menu or the ability to modify portions — a good venue offers smaller portions, simple dishes without too many spices and the option to serve vegetables or fruit instead of fries. More and more restaurants can prepare versions with no added salt or less fat, which parents of small children appreciate.
A play corner, crayons, colouring sheets — it doesn’t have to be huge, but a few toys, a table with crayons or a bag of blocks make the stay much easier. Check that the play area is safe, well maintained and placed away from hot dishes and service areas.
A changing table and a toilet adapted for parents with children — these are small but key conveniences. In some places the changing table is in a family room, which is a big plus for parents of infants.
Stroller accessibility — in a historic centre this isn’t always obvious. If you have a stroller, ask about step-free access or the possibility to leave the stroller by your table. It’s worth asking when you book.
Don’t book at the last minute in high season — this mistake costs stress. On weekends, holidays and in summer the best places fill up quickly. Booking the time and noting your needs (high chair, location by the play corner) is minimal effort that guarantees peace of mind.
Don’t assume “a pretty place” = child-friendly — many central restaurants have beautiful interiors but lack a changing table or a play corner. Check parents’ reviews or call ahead before you go.
Have a plan B — even in a restaurant with a play corner it can be crowded or the child may not want to sit. Keep a short list of cafés or simple bars nearby where you can eat quickly and step outside for fresh air.
Tell staff about allergies and intolerances — in a good restaurant the kitchen will happily prepare a small portion of fish, pasta or yogurt without extras. It’s better to ask than to worry at the table.
No7 Restaurant (Rynek Główny 7) — huge plus for the location right on the Market, a special children’s menu and a dedicated space. Good dishes for adults and a comfortable option for families wanting to stay in the centre.
Szalone Widelce (around the Old Town) — known among families with small children; they have play corners and equipment for the youngest. Check reservations and tables near the play area.
Cafe Manggha — if you want to combine a meal with a view and some calm, this is a good choice. The play corner and occasional workshops make the visit pleasant for the whole family.
Venues with outdoor areas by the Błonia and Park Krakowski — ideal in good weather when children need space to move.
Do I have to reserve a table if I have a child? - Definitely yes, especially if you want a table near the play corner, changing table or a step-free area. A reservation is a small gesture that saves a lot of stress.
How do I find a restaurant with a changing table? - The fastest way is via parent review sites or by calling the venue directly. Not every central place has a changing table, so it’s best to check.
Are there places in the centre with children’s activities? - Yes, some venues run animations and workshops on weekends. If that matters to you, check the venue’s profile or ask when you book.
What about the safety of play corners in restaurants? - Pay attention to cleanliness, the condition of toys and the distance from hot dishes or the bar. If something worries you, ask staff to move your table.
Many central Kraków restaurants have hidden rooms and cellars at a lower level than the Market — a historical result of raising the square’s surface. Some venues use these spaces for family rooms or play corners, which gives an interesting atmosphere and more privacy.
Not every play corner has to be big to work — a simple table with crayons and a colouring menu can occupy a child longer than an elaborate playroom. Ask the venue about these small touches when you reserve.
After lunch on the Market it’s worth taking a short walk toward the Planty or Wawel — both are great places for children to run after a meal while adults relax.
Plan ahead: book a table, say what you need (high chair, changing table, table by the play corner), check the route and allow extra time to get there. Bring a small comfort kit for the child: a favourite snack, a small toy and some wipes for quick clean-ups.
If you’d like one simple rule that always works: choose a venue with an outdoor option or a garden — even a short step outside for fresh air changes the mood and often saves the meal.
If you’re visiting Kraków and would like help planning your sightseeing route, reserving a table at a family-friendly restaurant, arranging museum tickets or organising transport and accommodation — I encourage you to contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz, a private guide who cooperates with the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com service. Małgorzata knows the best family-friendly places, will help match meal times to your sightseeing schedule and can reserve everything for you — from a table by the play corner to museum tickets.
If this article helped you, share it with other parents — post on social media or send it to friends. And if you have favourite spots near the Market that saved a family day, tell us about them — we’d love to know and update the list.
