Mały Rynek is one of the most beautiful and picturesque corners of the Old Town — the corner of St. Barbara's Church almost touches the façade of St. Mary’s Church, creating a perfect spot for a short break before continuing your walk. St. Barbara's Church (Mały Rynek 8) has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. Today it is run by the Jesuits and functions as an active parish with regular services. For a family it’s a nice place for a moment of calm, to admire architectural details and to rest in the shade of the surrounding houses before the culinary part of the day.
The church interior hides several interesting details that often escape passers-by — it’s worth stopping at the altar to look at the baroque decorations and older sacred art elements. For families with children the visit can be short but meaningful: tell a brief story about the church’s patron, point out an interesting detail on the altar, and then head off to the planned food crawl around Kazimierz.
If you plan to attend Mass or visit at a specific time, check the current service schedule — hours in city churches can change for holidays and events. Mały Rynek has a cobbled surface and narrow streets — keep that in mind when choosing a stroller for a little one.
Kazimierz is Kraków’s gastronomic heart: within just a few hundred meters you’ll find Jewish, Middle Eastern, Italian and French cuisine as well as lots of street food. I suggest a family-friendly route — short, tasty and unhurried: start with a morning bagel, then a light snack at Plac Nowy, lunch in a family-friendly restaurant and dessert at a café by the river.
Breakfast: Bagelmama (Dajwór) — fresh, filling bagels are a great start for both kids and adults; it’s easy to take something to go and sit on a nearby bench. Snack: Plac Nowy — here you’ll find the legendary zapiekanki and street food stalls; choose a stall that looks clean and busy — that’s usually a good sign.
Lunch: Hamsa (Szeroka) or Zazie Bistro (Józefa) — Hamsa is a friendly spot with hummus, falafel and a number of vegetarian dishes, good when you travel with children who prefer lighter flavors. Zazie is a small French bistro with milder dishes and a cozy atmosphere if you want to sit a little longer. For a more casual family lunch, Plac Nowy 1 or other places with roomy dining areas work well because it’s easier to seat children at a table.
Dessert and rest: after lunch I suggest a stroll toward the Vistula Boulevards — ice cream or coffee at one of the riverside cafés is a great way to recharge, and the playgrounds and grassy areas by the river let kids run off energy before the next stop.
Bagelmama (Dajwór) — a popular breakfast spot; fresh bagels and kid-friendly options make it a great first stop.
Plac Nowy (the round market building with several stalls) — a Kazimierz classic: a zapiekanka is a quick and cheap meal, but pick stalls with higher turnover to get freshly prepared sandwiches.
Hamsa (ul. Szeroka) — Middle Eastern cuisine: hummus, falafel and fresh flatbreads; family-friendly menu and many dishes that are easy to share. Zazie Bistro (ul. Józefa) — French atmosphere and gentle flavors; a place appreciated for consistent quality and a cozy interior. Plac Nowy 1 and Alchemia od Kuchni — if you want more space and quicker service, choose one of these more comfortable, roomy venues.
Vistula Boulevards — perfect for a May picnic: benches, lawns and spaces where children can run. On warmer days you’ll often find seasonal food trucks and stalls, and the area is stroller-friendly for walks.
Family-friendly museums — around Kazimierz and Podgórze you’ll find museums with interactive displays or workshops that engage children; check current offers and opening hours. For older kids, look for museums that tell the story of the city and region, which you can combine with a light educational walk.
Jordan Park and recreational areas — if you prefer a day away from monuments, head to one of the city parks with playgrounds and bike paths; it’s a good way for kids to burn off energy before an evening return to your hotel.
Trying to see 'everything' in one day — Kraków has a dense network of attractions, so plan a comfortable pace: one church, a few food stops and a short walk will keep the family mood pleasant. No reservations during a long weekend — the May long weekend draws big crowds; if you plan to eat in a popular restaurant, reserve a table in advance.
Crowds at Plac Nowy in the evening — Plac Nowy is lively, but for families it’s better to visit for a daytime snack than to go there for dinner at peak party hours. Not enough cash on hand — many small stalls accept cash only; keep some złoty with you, but also bring a card — most restaurants now accept cashless payments.
A stroller that isn’t suitable for cobbles — the old streets have cobblestones and uneven surfaces; a sturdier stroller or a baby carrier will make walking more comfortable.
How long does the proposed route take? — If you start with breakfast and take a relaxed lunch with dessert and a short riverside stroll, plan for 4–6 hours including stops. Is St. Barbara’s Church open every day? — The church is an active parish with regular services; check current opening hours if you plan to visit at a specific time or attend Mass.
Is the route suitable for strollers and small children? — Most sidewalks in the center are cobbled; short stretches can be challenging, but the route is possible with a stroller if you are prepared for some uneven surfaces. Where to park or how to get there? — It’s easiest to use public transport or park in a paid lot outside the immediate center — then walking and eating are more pleasant without worrying about traffic.
Do I need to reserve a table at the recommended restaurants? — For the May long weekend and other busy weekends it’s a good idea to reserve in popular places; at lunch and in the evening it can be difficult to find a table without a reservation.
Bagels in Kazimierz have an interesting history — bagels and obwarzanki have a long tradition in Kraków and the surrounding area, and places like Bagelmama carry on local baking traditions by offering fresh morning pastries. Mały Rynek and St. Barbara’s Church form a very recognizable Kraków scene — this spot often appears on postcards and travel photos, so taking a family picture here is an easy way to make a memory.
During the May holiday many venues may offer special menus and extended hours — check opening hours and any themed events in advance to avoid surprises.
If you liked this idea for a May holiday day — share the plan with family or send it to friends who are coming to Kraków. If you’d like to explore the city with a local guide, I invite you to consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and contact information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your walk, bon appétit and have a wonderful May holiday in Kraków!
If you have additional questions about the route, stroller accessibility or would like the tour tailored to your children’s ages — I’m happy to help refine the plan to match your needs.
