Krakow is a city where medieval walls, Renaissance townhouses and modern museums sit close together — you can get to know it in three days, even with a stroller. This guide will help you plan a route focused on architecture and history while taking into account everyday family needs: breaks, baby changing areas, easy approaches and spots worth lingering at. We don’t promise a sprint — we promise a well-paced sightseeing rhythm.
The tips here are based on the experience of visiting families and practical local parenting resources, so you’ll find concrete places and solutions tested in practice. If you like, you can adapt the plan to your child’s pace and your own interests.
Choose a stroller that can handle cobblestones — a lightweight stroller with suspension and larger wheels will make getting around the Old Town much easier. It’s also worth having a baby carrier or wrap for stairs and narrow passages.
Plan short sections: it’s best to visit 2–3 spots a day with breaks for feeding and play. Early mornings (before the crowds) and late afternoons are the best times for photos and relaxed walks.
Check access in advance — some historic sites have steps or narrow entrances. Museums such as Oskar Schindler’s Factory and larger municipal institutions usually have lifts and changing facilities, but it’s always worth checking opening hours and whether reservations are needed.
In the center it’s convenient to walk, but trams and taxis help for longer transfers. Watch out for pedestrian bridges — the Father Bernatek Footbridge has gentle approaches and is a comfortable link between Kazimierz and Podgórze.
Planty is the green belt around the Old Town — walking along it lets you avoid the most cobbled sections and find spots to rest. Many parks and squares (for example around Wawel or along the Vistula) have benches and lawns ideal for a break.
Avoid the steepest staircases (for example some routes up Wawel Hill). Instead, use approaches from the embankment side, or take a short taxi ride if you want to save energy and time.
Start the day at the Main Market Square — the heart of the medieval city plan. Look at the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) as an example of a Renaissance trading space and notice the facades of townhouses and St. Mary’s Basilica with its impressive altarpiece, one of Poland’s most important sculptural works.
Wawel and the Cathedral are a must. The hill shows the city’s layers: from early medieval relics to Baroque residential buildings. For families: choose an approach that avoids the steepest route and plan a shaded break on the embankment above the Vistula.
In the afternoon take a stroll along Floriańska Street and see the Barbican — a fragment of the old defensive walls. In the evening relax with a coffee at one of the cafés near the Square.
Kazimierz is a district whose history is closely tied to the city’s multicultural past. Walking streets like Szeroka or Plac Wolnica you’ll see historic synagogues, townhouses and small atmospheric corners.
From Kazimierz cross to Podgórze via the footbridge. Podgórze contains places connected with 20th-century history — the Ghetto Heroes Square and the area around Oskar Schindler’s Factory recall the occupation years and show how history fills urban space and architecture.
If you want an added treat for the child, head to Lasek Wolski with the Zoo and playgrounds — a great complement to the second day. It’s a good moment for a longer rest and time in the greenery.
Dedicate the third day to a choice: a museum or a green outing. MOCAK and other contemporary art venues are a good fit for families who enjoy modern art set in former industrial architecture in Zabłocie. Oskar Schindler’s Factory combines an exhibition with an important chapter of the city’s history.
An alternative to a museum is Kościuszko Mound or Krakus Mound — both offer city panoramas and are fun for children. Lasek Wolski with the Zoo is another way to turn historical sightseeing into a day of recreation.
At the end of the day return with a relaxed walk along the Vistula, sit on a bench and watch the Old Town skyline reflected in the river. It’s an ideal moment to talk with your child about what you’ve seen.
Choose places with good reviews and space for strollers. Recommended spots in the center include Cafe Camelot (a cozy café near the Old Town), Massolit Books & Café (a bookshop with a café, often praised for its friendly atmosphere) and Starka in Kazimierz — all known for a family-friendly vibe.
If you’re looking for traditional Polish cuisine with solid reviews, consider well-established restaurants near the Market Square. When choosing a place check for a changing table and whether there are steps at the entrance — many places mention this in their online descriptions.
For a quick bite or snack head to cafés and patisseries around the Planty and Kazimierz where there’s more room and it’s easier to bring a stroller.
Choose a hotel or apartment near the center to minimize long transfers. Hotels often recommended for families include Hotel Stary and PURO Kraków Stare Miasto — both have good locations and family-friendly amenities like lifts and larger rooms.
If you prefer an apartment, look for listings with a kitchen and washing machine — they make life with a small child much easier. When booking, ask about a baby cot and optional extra cleaning service. Remember that staying near the Planty allows you to reach most attractions on foot.
The Wawel Dragon is a legend you can turn into a game — near Wawel you’ll find a dragon statue that breathes fire, which often amazes the youngest visitors.
Planty park was created where the medieval city walls used to stand — the park’s ring is a visible trace of the old fortifications, a nice link between history and green city spaces.
The Kościuszko and Krakus mounds are not only viewpoints but also remnants of ancient burial mounds and symbolic places of memory — telling their origin can be a fascinating introduction to Polish history for children.
Trying to see “everything” in three days — it’s better to know a few places well than to tick off a long list without feeling the city’s atmosphere.
Not preparing for cobblestones and stairs — choose a suitable stroller and have a carrier or sling as a backup.
Skipping rest breaks — plan breaks every 1–2 hours, and find cafés with changing tables or green spots to relax.
Are there baby changing facilities and feeding spots in Krakow? Yes — larger museums, shopping centers and some cafés have changing tables; it’s always good to carry a small portable changing mat just in case.
Are trams stroller-friendly? Most modern trams have low floors and space for a stroller, but some stops or older vehicles may have steps — use central stops or plan for short taxi rides when needed.
How to get around Wawel with a stroller? The easiest approaches avoid the steepest stairs; if possible, approach from the embankment side and use gentler paths.
Are card payments widely accepted? Yes — most shops, cafés and museums accept cards, but it’s handy to have some cash for small market stalls or street vendors.
If you’d like help tailoring a route to your family’s rhythm and seeing Krakow at a pace that lets you enjoy architecture and history without rushing — feel free to get in touch. Private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers individual family-friendly routes; contact details are available on the guide’s website.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media. Wishing you a wonderful stay in Krakow and many lovely moments with your family!
Pack a small first-aid kit, sunscreen and weather layers — Krakow weather can change during the day, and having these basics makes outings easier.
Public toilets in the center are available but sometimes limited; larger museums and shopping centers are the safest bet for clean changing facilities.
If you travel with a stroller on public transport, try to use off-peak times to avoid crowds and make boarding easier.
Comfortable stroller with good wheels
Baby carrier or sling
Portable changing mat and basic toiletries
Water, snacks and a small toy
Charged phone and a map or offline navigation
