Did you know that Kazimierz was a separate town for centuries, and it became home to some of the oldest synagogues in Poland? Today its charm mixes memory, cafés and market atmosphere. For a family spending the May holiday here it’s a great spot: plenty of space to rest, short food stops and attractions you can enjoy at a pace suited to a little one.
Below you’ll find a practical guide for planning a stroller-friendly visit so you avoid tiring stretches of cobblestones while still feeling the traces of Jewish Kraków.
Kazimierz - Szeroka Street and Plac Nowy (the heart of the former Jewish quarter) - perfect for short stops and snacks; the square has stalls and the characteristic zapiekanki.
Synagogues: Old Synagogue, Remah (Remuh) Synagogue, Tempel Synagogue, Izaak Synagogue - admire them from the outside and, if you plan to enter, check current opening hours and stroller access.
Remah Cemetery (next to the Remah Synagogue) - an important place of memory; pathways can be stony and narrow - consider a baby carrier or a compact stroller.
New Jewish Cemetery (Miodowa Street) - a historically important site reachable by public transport or car.
Galicia Jewish Museum - a photography and memory museum with thoughtful, educational exhibits.
Podgórze - Ghetto Heroes Square and Schindler’s Factory (museum) - accessible places linked to WWII history; strolling along the Vistula boulevards is a pleasant, flat route for a stroller.
Vistula Boulevards and the Father Bernatek Footbridge - nice flat promenades and an easy crossing to the other bank of the Vistula.
Stroller - choose a model with larger wheels: many Kazimierz streets are cobbled and uneven; an urban stroller with suspension will make these stretches easier.
Foldable stroller or baby carrier as plan B - for some memorial sites or narrow passages it’s more convenient to use a carrier, especially when visiting Remah Cemetery or some tight synagogue interiors.
Routes without stairs - plan main streets and the Vistula boulevards - these are the easiest sections for a stroller. Avoid steep steps and very narrow passages between tenements.
Stops and breaks - schedule frequent breaks for feeding, nappy changes and short rests. Kazimierz has many cafés and small parks where you can sit with your child.
Changing facilities - larger museums and central locations sometimes have changing tables; keep a changing mat with you just in case.
Weather in May - weather can be changeable: bring a light jacket, sunscreen and a hat for the child. On busy days choose mornings or late afternoons.
Day 1 - Kazimierz and surroundings - start in the morning: begin at Plac Nowy - a great place for an outdoor breakfast and first tastes of local food (zapiekanki, cafés).
Then walk Szeroka Street - short distances between sights make it easy with a stroller. See the synagogues from the outside and, if you plan to go inside, pick one or two to visit - remember interior space can be limited.
Lunch break - choose a family-friendly café or restaurant near Plac Nowy so you can quickly return to the child’s rest if needed.
Afternoon walk toward the Vistula Boulevards and the Father Bernatek Footbridge - flat surfaces and river views make a pleasant end to the day.
Day 2 - Podgórze and memorial sites - start at Schindler’s Factory (Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory Museum) - check opening hours and stroller access in advance. From there it’s a short walk to Ghetto Heroes Square and the Vistula boulevards.
If you have the energy - consider visiting the New Jewish Cemetery (Miodowa Street) or the Galicia Jewish Museum - each offers a different perspective on Jewish Kraków’s history.
Vistula Boulevards - flat, wide space ideal for walking and picnics, with many benches and lawns to rest on.
Plac Nowy - easy access, lots of takeaway food and a place where children can watch city life.
Selected museums - contemporary and photography museums often have elevators and changing facilities; check the museum’s website or call ahead to confirm accessibility.
Plac Nowy - once the market of Kazimierz, now the district’s gastronomic center. Mornings are calmer and you’ll always find snacks and cafés here.
Szeroka Street - the historic center of the Jewish community. Along this street are several synagogues and characteristic tenement houses. Walking it gives a strong sense of place.
Remah Synagogue and Remah Cemetery - one of the key monuments of Jewish history in Kraków. It’s a place of memory and reflection - the cemetery’s paths are stony, so consider stroller limitations.
New Jewish Cemetery - a large memorial site worth a visit if you want to see funerary architecture and the ways memory is expressed in Kraków.
Galicia Jewish Museum - a space of photographic exhibitions devoted to memory and Jewish culture. It’s an intimate museum with thought-provoking displays.
Plac Nowy - stalls with local snacks and zapiekanki - quick and informal for breaks between sightseeing.
Cafés with outdoor seating - many Kazimierz cafés have small terraces where it’s easier to settle with a stroller and change a baby.
Family restaurants - look for places that offer a changing table or family space; during the May holiday making a reservation is often helpful.
Public transport - trams and buses in central Kraków make reaching Kazimierz and Podgórze easier; trams have space for a stroller but can be crowded at peak times.
Parking - if you arrive by car, plan your parking spot ahead. Parking near Kazimierz is limited, so consider parking closer to the Old Town and taking a short tram ride or walk.
Crossings and curbs - not all pavements in the old parts of the city are level; keep this in mind when planning your route.
Memorials and cemeteries - keep quiet and show respect, dress appropriately and remember these are sites of worship and reflection for many people.
Photography - outdoor photos are usually allowed, but check rules in museums and sacred interiors - some exhibitions prohibit photography.
Behaviour with children - explain briefly, at an age-appropriate level, that you are visiting important historical places and that calm behaviour is appreciated. Short, simple explanations help build empathy in little ones.
Can you visit all synagogues with a stroller? - Not all. Some have narrow entrances, thresholds or steps. If you plan to enter, check the site’s information or call ahead to confirm accessibility.
Is Remah Cemetery stroller-friendly? - The cemetery has historic, uneven paths and narrow lanes; a baby carrier or a compact foldable stroller may be more comfortable.
Where is best to stay with a small child? - Choose accommodation near Kazimierz or the Old Town to be close to attractions, restaurants and transport. Short walking distances between points make daily outings with a stroller easier.
What if it rains during the May holiday? - Many cafés and museums offer shelter; bring an umbrella or raincover for the child and plan an indoor alternative (a museum, café or a short family film).
Check the weather forecast for the May holiday and plan layered clothing for the child.
Bring extra food and snacks and a water bottle - breaks with a little one can be frequent.
Carry a lightweight blanket and a changing mat - they make quick nappy changes outside a restroom much easier.
Save or print emergency numbers and the address of your accommodation - it’s handy after a long day.
A May holiday in Kraków with a small child combines history, flavours and gentle walks. Plan your route with short breaks in mind, pick flat sections and have a plan B for narrow or cobbled stretches. Exploring traces of Jewish Kraków can be a sensitive and educational experience for the whole family - do it at the child’s pace and with respect for places of memory.
If you’d like, I can prepare a personalized plan for a specific number of hours or for a full day — I’ll factor in your child’s pace, where you’re staying and your food preferences. Wishing you a wonderful May holiday and beautiful family walks around Kraków!
