How to explore Kraków with a stroller and while pregnant? A practical, friendly guide

How to explore Kraków with a stroller and while pregnant? A practical, friendly guide
Private Tour Guide in Krakow - Margaret Kasprowicz

Margaret Kasprowicz

Can Kraków be friendly for strollers and expectant mothers?

Yes - if you plan your route sensibly. Kraków has many places with paved paths, accessible boulevards and parks, and the city publishes guides and apps describing site accessibility. With good organization, a walk along the Planty, the Vistula Boulevards or a visit to selected museum branches can be comfortable even with a stroller or during the second trimester of pregnancy. However, watch out for a few traps: the cobbled streets of the Old Town, steep approaches to Wawel, and short flights of steps at some historic entrances.

In this guide I suggest practical routes, places to avoid or to prepare for in advance, and a concrete list of aids and apps that will make sightseeing easier. Everything is designed so you can enjoy Kraków without stress and with greater peace of mind.

Materials and tools to have before you go

Before you set out, download and check the official guide “Kraków for a tourist with a disability” and any mobile apps that describe accessibility of attractions - they contain routes, accessibility pictograms and lists of venues with facilities.

Use public transport - the municipal operator (MPK) is steadily introducing low-floor buses and trams, and vehicles have designated spaces and boarding aids for strollers. This is a comfortable alternative to long walks.

It is always worth carrying spare water, a small cushion or abdominal support belt (for belly comfort), wet wipes and contact details for the places you want to visit - many museums and institutions ask visitors to report access needs in advance.

Routes and places particularly friendly for strollers and pregnant visitors

Planty - the green ring around the Old Town: wide paths, benches and shade make this an excellent choice for a calm walk without crossing the cobbled parts of the Market Square. It is a natural bypass when you want to see the Old Town while avoiding crowds and uneven cobbles.

Vistula Boulevards - sections with flat, paved paths: many parts of the boulevards have comfortable asphalt surfaces, rest points and river views; however, some sections have stairs between levels - plan your route to use ramps and paved connections.

Wolski Forest and the Zoo → Piłsudski Mound route - paved forest alleys: I recommend this if you want a break from city noise. This is a relaxing, flat stretch ideal for a lightweight stroller.

Boulevards on the southern side of the Vistula (Bulwar Poleski, Wołyński, Podolski) - long mainly asphalt promenades with cafes and places to rest; check chosen sections before leaving, because not all level connections are fully paved or drained.

Selected museum branches (for example some exhibitions at the Museum of Kraków or Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory) have elevators and accessible routes - however accessibility varies by branch, so check the specific location and report your need to enter in advance.

Additionally: many municipal institutions publish accessibility pictograms and maps - use them rather than relying only on intuition.

What to watch for when visiting the Old Town and Wawel

The Old Town has beautiful historic cobbles on main streets and the Market Square - this can be uncomfortable for stroller users, especially with small stroller wheels. When possible, choose routes along the Planty or side sidewalks with even surfaces.

Wawel Hill has approaches and sections with stairs; the Castle is actively improving accessibility (an elevator to the cloisters and special solutions), but much depends on the exhibition route. It is essential to contact the Reservations Office or tourist information in advance - staff can arrange access and point you to the best entrance.

Remember, not all parts of the castle or exhibitions are accessible - some displays have narrow passages or steep stairs. Find out in advance which parts are fully or partially accessible to avoid an unpleasant surprise.

Transport and logistics - how to move comfortably around the city

Public transport: Kraków trams and buses increasingly include low-floor vehicles and designated spaces for strollers. Boarding and alighting are eased by ramp plates and buttons to alert the driver for assistance.

Taxis and specialist transport: if you need step-free drop-off (for example right at an entrance), consider a taxi - in some cases you can request a vehicle adapted for reduced mobility. The city also has rentals for rehabilitation equipment and larger-wheeled strollers, which are helpful to know about before your visit.

Parking and stops: official city information often indicates parking spaces for people with disabilities and the most convenient tram or bus stops. Plan shorter walking legs between the stop and the attraction.

Where to eat and rest - recommended places (well reviewed)

In the center you will find many highly rated places where you can take a break while sightseeing: the historic Wierzynek restaurant, the atmospheric Charlotte or Cafe Camelot, and family-style places with traditional cuisine such as Miód Malina - these are often recommended by visitors.

Along the boulevards and near Dębniki/Zabłocie there are many cafes and bars with river views - choose venues with step-free entrances and check guest reviews in advance. Staff are often happy to help with getting a stroller inside.

If you have specific needs (for example a changing table, a table for two plus a stroller), call ahead - a reservation and brief information about your needs will help the staff prepare the space.

Most common mistakes and how to avoid them

Assuming "the whole Old Town is fully accessible" - not true: many sections have historic surfaces and short stairs. Instead, plan an alternative route (Planty, side sidewalks, boulevards).

Not contacting the attraction before visiting - before you go to a museum or the castle, call to confirm elevator access, an accessible restroom and the most convenient entrance. This will save time and stress.

No plan for breaks - a longer walk during pregnancy needs more frequent rests and restroom access; plan your route so you have a place to sit every 20–30 minutes.

FAQ - quick answers to frequently asked questions

Do I need to book entry for a person with reduced mobility? - It is a good idea to report your needs in advance, especially for popular attractions; many institutions can prepare a special entrance or assistance.

Can I get into Wawel with a stroller? - Yes, accessibility is arranged, but it depends on the exhibition route; it’s best to contact staff and schedule your entry.

Which routes do you recommend for a short (1–2 h) stroller walk? - A walk along the Planty around the Old Town or a short stretch of the Vistula Boulevards offers lots of space and comfortable surfaces.

What about public transport? - Most buses are already low-floor and many trams have designated stroller spaces; this is a convenient way to travel between more distant points.

A few surprising, useful facts

Kraków has an official, detailed guide and an app describing the accessibility of attractions - not every tourist knows about them, yet they are excellent tools for route planning.

Many parks and boulevards include stretches with paved surfaces as good as sidewalks - sometimes it’s enough to change to the other side of the river or choose a different section of the boulevard to avoid stairs.

When visiting museums, look for accessibility pictograms published by institutions - they quickly show whether an exhibition has an elevator, an accessible toilet or an induction loop.

Suggested gentle one-day route

Morning walk on the Planty - a short coffee break in one of the nearby cafés. Then take a tram to the Zoo/Wolski Forest - walk the paved alleys (I recommend the Zoo→Piłsudski Mound route instead of steep walks). In the afternoon return along the Vistula Boulevards (choose a ramped, stair-free stretch) and have a light meal at a well-reviewed restaurant near Wawel or the Market Square. Finish by the riverbank where it is easy to find a place to rest.

Practical final tips

Check accessibility maps and guides before your trip and save phone numbers of places you want to visit. A quick call can save a lot of time if you need something arranged.

Avoid the busiest hours at the Market Square - if you want to see the Main Square, choose morning or later evening hours. Replace some visits with walks along the Planty or the Boulevards to have more space and flat surfaces.

If your stroller has small wheels - consider bringing a blanket and a lightweight tote, because small wheels handle uneven surfaces worse. For longer stretches, think about renting a stroller with bigger wheels (rental options exist in the city).

Invitation and contact

If this guide was helpful - share it with friends or on social media. I wish you calm walks and many pleasant discoveries in Kraków!

If you want to explore with someone who knows the city, its accessibility conditions and can adapt the pace to your needs - you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz; contact details are available on the guide's page.