Kraków is a city you can explore with a stroller — it just takes planning: choose gentler approaches, shorter walking stages and places for a break with a changing table or play corner. The same goes for Wieliczka — the walk around the mine and the underground route require attention, but you can organise an outing so it’s comfortable for both parents and children.
The most important things: pick routes with fewer stairs (for example, approach Wawel from Bernardyńska Street), plan breaks in cafés that offer family facilities and check availability of changing tables in museums or at tourist information points.
Many families start at Wawel — the hill, the Dragon’s Den and the view over the Vistula are big attractions, and the castle grounds are publicly accessible, so you can enjoy them without entering ticketed exhibitions. If you want a smoother path with a stroller, plan your approach from Bernardyńska Street, which is gentler than the shorter, steeper climb from Podzamcze. In very crowded places allow extra time to manoeuvre the stroller.
The Royal Route from Florian Gate to the Market Square has plenty of spots ideal for a short pause every few minutes of walking — this is a good strategy with a small child: shorter sections and frequent stops. Plan your day around the child’s nap schedule and the hottest hours; a break in a café with a changing table will make the day more comfortable for everyone.
In the city centre and along tourist routes you’ll find venues regularly recommended by parents: cafés and restaurants with play corners, changing tables and high chairs. Popular options include Szalone Widelce (Old Town) — with a dedicated children’s area; Café Manggha by the Manggha Museum — terrace with a view of Wawel, ramp access and a changing table; and Lajkonik cafés that often have a children’s corner and facilities close to the Market Square. There are also family-run places offering larger rooms and children’s menus. When choosing, look at parent reviews and consider reserving a table during busy hours.
If you want cafés with a more extensive family offer, check local family guides or directories — they usually list contacts, addresses and practical notes about changing tables or on-site animators. It’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm that amenities are still available.
Pack the essentials in a comfortable backpack: nappies, a spare outfit, snacks, a bottle with a drink, a small blanket and wet wipes. A spare change of clothes can save the day after spills or if someone gets wet.
Set a realistic plan: it’s better to see fewer places calmly than to try to check everything off and end the day with an exhausted, crying child. A baby carrier is a great alternative for cobbled streets or stairs; keep the stroller for even routes and breaks.
Check maps of walkways, locations of toilets and changing tables (for example at tourist information points), and options to reserve a table — small cafés fill up quickly on weekends.
A visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine can be challenging with a stroller: the underground route has stairs and uneven surfaces, so for the underground tour it’s better to use a baby carrier or plan so caregivers can take turns carrying the child. On the surface, around the entrance and the open-air exhibition areas, there are spots where a stroller can be used without major problems — but it’s worth checking accessibility details before buying tickets.
If comfort is important, consider splitting Wieliczka into two stages: a short surface walk and playtime, and then later a visit underground in a format that suits your family best (for example using a carrier). Contact the mine’s staff in advance to ask about accessibility and possible assistance.
Thinking "we’ll do everything today" — with a child it’s better to keep distances short and take more breaks; plan no more than a few main highlights.
Ignoring the weather and nap times — arrange activities for the times when your child is usually calm; have a plan B for rain (a café with a playroom or a small museum).
Not confirming reservations — many family-friendly venues have a limited number of spots in their play corners; a quick phone call the day before can save disappointment.
Is Wawel accessible with a stroller? - The Wawel grounds and courtyard are accessible, but some areas and exhibitions have stairs or restrictions, so plan your approach from Bernardyńska Street and check accessibility for specific exhibitions before visiting.
Where can I change a nappy near the Market Square? - Many family-friendly cafés and tourist information points have changing tables; it’s worth asking before you go in or keeping a short list of venues with facilities.
Do you recommend a carrier or a stroller for sightseeing? - Both have advantages: a stroller is great for calmer sections and breaks, while a carrier is excellent for cobbled streets or stairs. Often the best solution is to have both, or at least a carrier as a backup.
Some family-friendly cafés run workshops, reading mornings for the little ones or film mornings in café-cinemas — these are great opportunities to rest while your child is entertained. Check event listings at cafés before your visit.
Keep a small repair kit for the stroller (tape, a small wrench) — minor breakdowns can ruin a day, and a quick fix often gets you back on track.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — parents find trips easier to plan when they have reliable tips.
If you’d like a personalised route in Kraków or help planning a trip with a stroller and small children, I offer private guiding services — details are available on my website. I’ll gladly tailor an itinerary to your family’s rhythm and suggest the best cafés and routes.
Phone numbers: have a local taxi app or the taxi number saved in case you need a short ride.
Cash/card: most cafés accept cards, but small stalls and some weekend markets may prefer cash.
Public transport: trams and buses in Kraków are generally accessible; check exact routes if you plan to use them with a stroller.
Start near Bernardyńska Street and approach Wawel Hill for a gentle climb and views over the Vistula.
Walk through the castle grounds and head toward Stradomska or Podzamcze, stopping for a coffee at Lajkonik (Stradomska or Szewska locations have baby facilities).
Continue along the Royal Route toward the Market Square, taking short breaks every 10–20 minutes and timing the route with your child’s nap.
