The Main Market Square is one of Kraków’s most beautiful — and at the same time most demanding — places if you’re moving around with a child in a stroller. The Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica and the crowds of tourists are a delight to see, but cobbles, curbs, events and unexpected obstacles can quickly spoil a walk. Instead of improvising, it’s worth preparing in advance — that’s the easiest way to make the outing pleasant instead of stressful. Preparation means not only choosing a comfortable stroller, but also planning the route, breaks and knowing where the nearest toilet or changing facility is.
It’s useful to know that there is a public restroom under the Cloth Hall that is also available for families and people with disabilities, and that the city maintains sanitary points and family-friendly signs around the Planty and other spots in the centre. This is a practical detail — planning short pauses gives you the space to rest and change plans without panic.
The main problems are uneven surfaces, high curbs and heavy pedestrian traffic during the season. Traditional paving (cobbles and stone slabs) is beautiful, but for a stroller with small wheels it can be tiring. In some places there are still thresholds and steps, and not every curb has a gentle ramp.
Events and service traffic are another factor — fairs, concerts and parades limit free movement. Although the historic zone restricts vehicle traffic, deliveries and technical services may appear at scheduled hours and sometimes unexpectedly. A third element is horse-drawn carriages and other attractions — fun for children but often a source of crowding and obstacles on the route.
Assuming “I can go everywhere” without checking the route. Mistake: leads you to stone thresholds, steps or very narrow passages. Instead: take a quick look at a map before the walk, ask for a stroller-friendly entrance (entrances from the Planty are often gentler) and pick a route with less pedestrian traffic.
Trying to cross the whole Square with a lightweight stroller that has very small wheels. Mistake: the stroller starts to bounce and the child tires from noise and jolts. Instead: if you plan to cross the paved area, bring a stroller with larger wheels or consider a carrier/wrap for the trickiest sections.
Unplanned stops and not knowing where toilets or changing tables are. Mistake: you can get stuck in a ‘no-way-out’ situation. Instead: remember there is a public restroom under the Cloth Hall open in the evenings — a useful landmark for families; there are also toilets and rest spots near the Planty.
Ignoring weather and temporary city measures (for example closure of carriage stands during heat or events). Mistake: you plan an attraction that depends on carriages and end up disappointed. Instead: if you want to use a carriage or watch them, check local notices about temporary restrictions — carriages can be suspended in very hot weather.
Not using the Planty and side streets as an alternative. Mistake: pushing into crowds on Grodzka or Floriańska. Instead: look for routes through the Planty, Szewska Street or Szczepański Square — they often offer gentler ramps and more space to manoeuvre.
Choose a stroller with larger, shock‑absorbing wheels that handle cobbles and rough patches better. If you only have a light city stroller, think about a carrier or wrap for short stretches of the roughest ground.
Bring a small blanket and a thin mat — they’re handy as a changing pad on a bench or in a park. Always carry water and snacks and plan short breaks. A rain cover and sunshade are useful — the weather and sun in the centre can be surprising.
Prepare your phone with an offline map or with marked points: the Cloth Hall restroom, Planty entrances, places with the easiest ramps. That saves time and nerves, especially when it’s crowded.
Cloth Hall and surroundings: under the Cloth Hall there’s a public restroom and a convenient place for a short rest. It’s a central point and a great base for planning the rest of your visit.
The Planty: the green ring around the Old Town often offers more free space and benches — ideal if you want a breather away from the crowds on the Square’s surface.
Family-friendly cafés: around the Square you’ll find cafés and restaurants that welcome families — choose places with space and high chairs. Local recommendations and review apps can help you pick a spot that suits your needs on the day.
Restaurants and cafés around Szczepański Square and along Grodzka are often recommended for good quality and a family-friendly approach. Remember to check busy hours and reserve a table if you plan a meal with a small child.
Instead of trying to cross the whole Square at peak times, consider approaching attractions from the Planty or less crowded side streets. The Planty usually have smoother sidewalks and more space, which makes pushing a stroller easier and helps you avoid the hustle of the main plate.
If you’re coming from the Main Train Station, try walking along Basztowa Street and the Planty — that approach often offers a more gradual ramp than a direct route along Grodzka. Some historic entrances have steps — it’s better to check ramp availability or plan a route around the building.
When events are scheduled (markets, concerts), check local announcements — the Square can be partially closed and access routes changed. That helps you avoid sudden detours and navigating crowds with a stroller.
Pedestrian traffic on the Square can be intense; when pushing a stroller, try to move slowly and signal your intentions so you don’t surprise people. Keep the stroller close to the curb when passing groups and give way where the pavement narrows.
If you use a carrier, make sure your child is secure when the crowd thickens. Don’t leave a stroller parked where it blocks the passage. A simple “excuse me, we’re passing with a stroller” usually solves most tight situations.
In an emergency (heat, large crowds) be cautious — have water for the child, find shade and consider quickly leaving the most crowded area. The city sometimes introduces temporary restrictions or operational changes (for example carriage stands closed in heat) — it’s good to be aware of that.
Are there family toilets on the Square? Yes — there is a public restroom under the Cloth Hall, and you’ll also find additional toilets near the Planty and at several spots in the centre. It’s helpful to memorise their locations before your walk.
Do carriages always operate and can you use them with a stroller? Carriage stands are popular, but operations are sometimes limited — in hot weather or during events the stand may be temporarily closed; getting a stroller into a carriage is not always easy, so plan an alternative.
How can I avoid cobbled and uneven sections? It’s best to move along the Planty or choose side streets with smoother surfaces; for short difficult stretches use a carrier or ask someone to help with the stroller.
Are there places nearby suitable for changing a baby? Besides the Cloth Hall restroom, larger museums and some cafés offer facilities for changing. Don’t hesitate to ask staff of a venue about family rooms or accessible toilets.
Kraków is gradually improving accessibility — ramps and lowered curbs are being modernised where possible, so the situation is slowly getting better.
Not every ‘attraction’ on the Square is planned — short shows, installations or technical works can appear during the day; in such moments it’s best to head toward the Planty or take a side passage to avoid the crowd.
During the tourist season the best times for a stroller walk are early morning or late afternoon — there are fewer people and the sun is less intense on the Square’s surface.
A stroll across the Main Market Square with a child can be a wonderful experience if you approach it thoughtfully. Avoid the most common mistakes: not planning your route, not allowing for breaks, and not adapting the stroller to the conditions. A little preparation lets you fully enjoy the magic of Kraków without unnecessary stress.
If you found this guide helpful — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to explore Kraków with a private guide, consider the services of guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz from zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your walk and many smiles on the Square!
