Podgórze has a special atmosphere: fewer crowds than the Main Market, more greenery and more open space. It’s a neighbourhood where you’re more likely to find quieter sidewalks, cafés with roomy interiors and the riverfront boulevards — perfect for a relaxing roll with a good coffee.
The city is gradually improving accessibility in public spaces, and much of Krakow’s public transport runs on low‑floor trams and buses with dedicated wheelchair areas. That means you can usually get to Podgórze and move around there without major problems.
If you only have one day, Podgórze gives a good balance of sights, nature and tasty places to eat — many venues welcome guests in wheelchairs, but it’s worth confirming details ahead of time.
Morning: coffee and breakfast in Podgórze - start at one of the wheelchair‑friendly cafés (for example Zielonym do góry on Lwowska Street) that offer easy entry and space for a chair. A calm start before exploring the area.
Late morning: Podgórski Square and surroundings - a short roll around Rynek Podgórski, the Ghetto Heroes’ Square and the riverside boulevards. Most of these areas are flat and easy to cover in a wheelchair.
Noon: a light lunch at a restaurant near Rynek Podgórski or one of the nearby cafés. Choose places with wide entrances — a few recommended spots are listed below.
Afternoon: relax by the Vistula or in one of Podgórze’s parks - if the weather is nice, the boulevards are ideal for watching the city. Alternatively, visit a few interesting local points using a low‑floor tram or a taxi if you want to save energy.
Evening: dinner in a welcoming restaurant — Podgórze has an engaging local food scene, from Polish cuisine to international flavors.
Zielonym do góry (Lwowska 1) - friendly breakfasts, spacious interior and step‑free entrance. Recommended for families and wheelchair users because of the easy access and the layout of the dining area.
Cafe Manggha (by the riverfront) - a café with Japanese‑inspired food and a terrace with a view; the venue has a ramp for wheelchairs and a baby changing facility. A great spot for a relaxed breakfast or coffee overlooking the Vistula.
W Biegu Cafe (Podgórska 34) - reported as wheelchair accessible: ramp at the entrance, wide doors and an adapted toilet. It’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm opening hours and possible parking.
Mazi / Kropka and other places around Rynek Podgórski - around the square you’ll find several venues of different characters. Many have roomy interiors; if you need step‑free entry, pick a place with no stairs or ask staff for help getting in.
World cuisines in Podgórze - small family‑run spots (for example Vietnamese or Middle Eastern cafés) often serve authentic flavors and are located in low townhouses with simple access. Check entrance accessibility before you go.
Call or message ahead - the easiest way to confirm whether the entrance is step‑free, whether the toilet is adapted and whether there’s enough room inside to manoeuvre your wheelchair.
Ask about the best entrance - some venues have side doors without steps or ramps used for deliveries; staff will often show you the easiest way in.
Request a table by an aisle or wall - this makes parking a wheelchair easier without blocking walkways.
Check for an accessible toilet - if the venue doesn’t have one, ask staff about nearby alternatives.
Trams and buses: Krakow’s public transport (MPK) includes many low‑floor vehicles with designated wheelchair spaces. When boarding, look for the wheelchair pictogram and use the stop‑request button to tell the driver you are getting off — this helps ensure the vehicle stops safely.
Tickets and connections: if you plan several journeys, a day ticket or a multi‑day option is convenient — check the current ticket rules and prices before your trip. MPK staff and the city helpline can help with the shortest connections if needed.
Taxis: to avoid architectural barriers or to move faster, order a taxi (ask for a vehicle that can assist with wheelchairs or for help with boarding).
Parking: there are parking spots in the center and near Rynek Podgórski; not all are marked as disabled parking, so check parking maps or contact the venue ahead of arrival.
Avoid rough surfaces in the middle of the day — the Old Town has many cobbled streets and uneven sidewalks. Podgórze often has smoother surfaces, but you can still meet thresholds or narrow passages.
Bring a phone charger and a small first‑aid kit — it’s more comfortable to be prepared when you plan a day away from your hotel.
Ask for help — most venues and institutions in Krakow are willing to assist with entry or directions if you notify them shortly before arrival.
Plan shorter walking (rolling) distances and take breaks at the boulevards or in cafés — these are perfect places to enjoy the city without rushing.
Can I move around Podgórze in a wheelchair without problems? - Most main routes and the riverfront are accessible, but individual building entrances, some small cafés or cobbled areas can be challenging. It’s always wise to check specific places before your visit.
Where can I find accessible toilets? - Not every venue has an adapted WC. If this is important, ask the restaurant before you go or look for public municipal buildings marked as accessible.
Can I rely on low‑floor trams? - Yes, a large share of the fleet is low‑floor and has designated wheelchair spaces. When boarding, use the stop button and position yourself in the marked area.
Do restaurants reserve space for wheelchair users? - Some venues prepare tables that make it easier to position a wheelchair; when booking, mention you need space near an aisle or close to the entrance.
Plan one main culinary stop and a few shorter coffee breaks — Podgórze has many cozy places perfect for resting.
If you want to visit more than one indoor museum or attraction, check entrance accessibility and lifts in advance to avoid surprises.
Be curious and enjoy local flavors — Podgórze has atmospheric family restaurants serving great, authentic dishes. A few places to consider: Zielonym do góry, Cafe Manggha, W Biegu Cafe and the cafés around Rynek Podgórski.
Have questions about a specific venue or want a personalized one‑day route? Write to us — we’ll gladly help tailor the plan to your needs.
