Yes - many of Kraków’s attractions are accessible with little effort: a walk around the Market Square, a visit to Wawel or a relaxed stroll through Kazimierz are experiences that can be adapted to the expectant mother’s rhythm.
Zakopane also has plenty to offer: the atmospheric Krupówki, the funicular to Gubałówka and short scenic walks are possible even for pregnant visitors - but they require careful planning and caution when choosing activities.
Before you pack your suitcase, speak with your prenatal doctor. Every pregnancy is different and it’s important to confirm that travel, the length of walks or any time spent in the mountains is safe for you.
Plan shorter sightseeing stages interspersed with breaks - Kraków has many benches, cafés and the green Planty park, perfect for resting. Start from central points: the Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall and Wawel are close together, so you don’t waste energy on long transfers.
Choose museums and attractions that offer seating and ways to avoid long queues (buy tickets in advance or pick off-peak times). Avoid standing for hours in crowded lines - it’s tiring and can raise blood pressure.
Favor flat routes and easily accessible parts of the city: the Planty, the Vistula boulevards, the area around Wawel and short walks in Kazimierz make a great day without excessive exertion.
In Zakopane choose low-effort activities: a walk along Krupówki, a ride on the Gubałówka funicular or a short drive and rest with a view instead of long mountain hikes. Avoid demanding trails and prolonged stays at high altitude without medical consultation.
If you take a cable car, check whether it has seats and whether the ride is smooth - not all lifts are equally comfortable. Remember that weakness or dizziness can occur with altitude changes, so plan brief stays at viewpoints.
If you dream of a short contact with the mountains, consider easy valley walks (for example the Tatra valleys with gentle profiles) with a professional companion or a drive into one of the scenic valleys.
Kraków and Zakopane have medical facilities and pharmacies, but it’s wise to know the nearest hospital and to carry your insurance card and your obstetrician’s contact details. In the mountains mobile signal can be weak in places, so have printed information about your health and any medications you take.
Stay hydrated and eat regular meals. Changes in altitude and a different climate - especially in the mountains - can be more taxing than you expect. If you feel dizzy, short of breath or have other worrying symptoms - stop the activity and contact medical care.
Bring a light thermos with a drink, comfortable shoes and light layered clothing - the weather can change quickly, especially around the Tatras.
In Kraków look for accommodation near the center (Old Town, Kazimierz) - shorter walks or quick taxi rides make sightseeing easier without too much moving around. Choose hotels with an elevator, comfortable beds, breakfast available and the option of early check-in so you can rest after travel.
In Zakopane it’s worth choosing guesthouses or hotels located not far from the center to avoid long, tiring climbs and walks on steep sections. If you plan a short trip into the mountains, arrange accommodation as your base with convenient access to valleys and lifts.
Traveling by train or car both have advantages - the train allows you to stand up and stretch more often, while a car gives flexibility for breaks. If you use taxis, choose recommended companies or trusted apps.
In Kraków I recommend places friendly to customers, with comfortable seating and a good reputation - cafés like Cafe Camelot or Charlotte are great for a relaxed breakfast or dessert, and in Kazimierz restaurants serving homestyle dishes, such as Starka, offer a welcoming atmosphere and reliable menus.
In Zakopane choose places with regional, lighter cuisine and options that are less heavy (soups, pierogi, lean meats) and restaurants with comfortable seating and shorter waiting times. During long sightseeing plan a break for coffee or a warming drink in a place with a view.
If you have special dietary needs - check the menu online or call the restaurant in advance. In high season some places are very busy, so reserving a table is a good idea.
Overexertion from planning too long a day - plan fewer attractions and more breaks. Comfort is more important than ticking everything off the list.
Underestimating the weather and clothing - mountain weather changes fast, so dress in layers and wear stable, comfortable footwear.
Not consulting your doctor before the trip - this is the most common and serious mistake. Before heading to the Tatras or planning an intense sightseeing day, make sure there are no medical contraindications to travel.
Can I take the cable car to Kasprowy or other high points? - Many cable cars allow passengers, but it’s best to consult your doctor. Short scenic rides are usually safer than long exposure to high altitude.
Are special vaccinations required before traveling to Zakopane? - In most cases there are no extra vaccinations required for travel within Poland; discuss with your doctor, especially if you plan a long stay or trips off the beaten path.
What should I do if I feel unwell during a walk? - Rest immediately, sit down, hydrate and contact someone nearby or medical staff. Always carry a pregnancy information card and your doctor’s number.
Use shorter, themed walks instead of all-day marathons - for example a morning walk around the Planty, a coffee break, then a short route through Kazimierz with lunch and a return to the hotel for a nap.
Many museums in Kraków offer benches and rest areas, include them in your daily plan instead of standing outside in a crowd.
If you want a souvenir photo with mountains in the background, choose a viewpoint accessible by cable car or car instead of forcing a hiking trail - often the view is just as spectacular without the effort.
If you like comfort and want to discover Kraków at a relaxed pace with a person who can advise routes tailored to your needs, you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - her offer and contact details are available on the guide’s website.
Share this guide with friends or on social media if you think it can help another expectant mother. If you have questions about a daily plan, a specific place or need an individual route - use the contact available on the guide’s website, I’ll be happy to help!
