Yes — you can see Krakow with a stroller in one busy day if you plan your route well and choose family-friendly places. The key is a sensible pace, short breaks and a route that uses the easiest surfaces possible (the Planty park, the Vistula boulevards, wide promenades). Some parts of the Old Town have cobbles and uneven ground, so it’s worth avoiding those or allowing extra time. With a good plan you can comfortably visit Wawel, the Vistula boulevards, Kazimierz and the Main Market Square without rushing.
Below you’ll find a concrete, tested "today" route, practical tips about strollers, public transport, baby-changing places and the best family spots for a break — all written in a friendly style so you can enjoy your day with your child instead of worrying about logistics.
Start: Wawel and the Podzamcze area — begin early in the morning when crowds are smaller; the approaches to the castle from Podzamcze and the Wały side are more stroller-friendly than the stair entrances. Stroll the Vistula Boulevards — wide, flat paths ideal for a stroller and for short breaks on benches by the river.
Kazimierz (the square and nearby streets) — most of the central streets are accessible, but watch out for short stretches of historical cobbles; choose larger squares and pedestrian promenades. Plac Nowy is a good spot for a snack (food-truck area and indoor seating).
Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — the central squares can be crowded; it’s best to come here in the late afternoon or early morning. Avoid very narrow, highly uneven lanes if you have a light stroller with small wheels. Finish the walk along the Planty — the green belt surrounding the Old Town with even, paved paths, perfect for returning to your start point or catching a tram.
The best compromise is a lightweight, stable stroller with larger, all-terrain or city wheels and good suspension — it handles uneven surfaces and cobbles better than small-wheeled day strollers. A folding stroller makes using public transport and storing it in a café much easier.
If you’re traveling with a newborn, bring an infant-car-seat adapter or a baby carrier — in some spots (stairs, narrow passages) a carrier can be more practical.
Pack a rain cover and a thin sunshade/blanket — Krakow’s weather can change, and short stops at attractions are the perfect time to make your child comfortable.
Trams and most buses in Krakow are low-floor and make boarding with a stroller easier; look for “low-floor” signs and spaces for people with reduced mobility. Buy tickets in advance in the city app or at a ticket machine — it saves time.
If you plan to drive into the centre, check restricted traffic zones — the historic centre has special rules and places where car access is banned or limited, which affects parking and arrival. Plan parking outside the core or use park-and-ride options.
From Krakow-Balice Airport: collapsible strollers can often be checked at the aircraft door, and the airport also offers stroller assistance and family rooms, which makes the start and end of the trip easier.
Many museums and popular attractions require tickets — buy them online if possible, especially in high season. Also check information about stroller access, lifts and changing facilities on institution websites — not all historic interiors have easy access.
If you want to visit specific interiors (state rooms, crypts, exhibitions), schedule them at different times of day to avoid queues and the stress of moving through dense crowds.
Bombel Cafe — a parent-friendly spot often mentioned as good for families with small children; it has stroller access and sometimes a play area.
Charlotte and Cafe Camelot — popular cafés near the Market Square; Charlotte is known for its baked goods and spaciousness, while Camelot has a charming interior. Both are well-liked but can be busy at peak times, so prefer them outside the busiest hours.
Restaurants in Kazimierz (for example Starka) — well-reviewed, family-friendly places; Kazimierz has many cozy restaurants serving Polish and European cuisine, ideal for a rest after a morning of sightseeing.
The Planty — the green belt around the Old Town is great for a longer break; the paths are usually even and comfortable for a stroller. Many visitors overlook that it’s the perfect “escape route” if the Market gets too crowded.
Vistula Boulevards — along the river you’ll find flat promenades, benches and nice feeding spots with a view. It’s also a great route between Wawel and Kazimierz without pushing through crowds.
Small hidden public toilets and changing stations — near main attractions there are city toilets and points with changing tables; it’s worth noting their locations in the morning or asking in a café if you need one urgently.
Bringing an overly heavy stroller with small wheels — it leads to frustration on cobbles. Choose a stroller with larger wheels or prepare an alternative (baby carrier).
Not planning breaks and meals — schedule a break every 60–90 minutes; the child (and you) will be happier and sightseeing will be more effective.
Not checking attraction accessibility before arrival — check opening hours, stroller-access rules and whether you need to reserve tickets online.
Do you need to book tickets for major attractions? - If you plan to enter interiors (state rooms, museums, crypts), it’s worth buying tickets online, especially in season.
Can you drive onto the Market Square? - Many Old Town areas are in restricted-traffic zones; car entry is usually prohibited except for exceptions. Plan parking outside the centre or use public transport.
Is there space for a stroller on the tram? - Most modern trams and buses have low floors and designated areas for strollers; look for symbols and the driver can help with boarding.
A lightweight, stable stroller or baby carrier, rain cover, small blanket, spare diapers, wipes, a bottle of water, snacks for the child, phone power bank, tickets (if bought online), a small first-aid kit.
Choose an early morning start — fewer people and nicer light for photos.
If you want to avoid the most uneven surfaces, stick to the Planty and the boulevards instead of the shortest but cobbled shortcuts.
If you plan a longer stay, consider a hotel near a tram hub — it makes returning easier when you have full luggage and a tired child.
If you liked this plan and the tips — share the article with friends or on social media to help other families plan a great day in Krakow.
If you’d like to explore Krakow more comfortably and in greater detail, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and tailored route advice are available on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website. I’ll happily help design a route that matches your family’s pace and needs.
