Plac Nowy is iconic: the Okrąglak with its zapiekanki, cafés with garden seating, evening crowds and the unique Kazimierz atmosphere. In summer the square hums with life from morning until late night, which for an expectant mother can mean both charming moments and a few risky situations.
Crowds, noise, market stalls and a limited number of public toilets are seasonal features to keep in mind when planning a visit. Add summer heat, cigarette smoke at night and strong frying smells near the Okrąglak — all these can affect how a pregnant woman feels.
Choosing the busiest hours (14:00–22:00) without a rest plan. During these times Plac Nowy is usually full of people — long standing in the sun or the crowd quickly causes fatigue and raises the risk of dehydration or fainting.
No toilet plan. Kazimierz has a limited number of public restrooms and the single facility right by Plac Nowy is often heavily used. Unplanned toilet hunting in the heat can be stressful.
Eating at the first street stall without checking hygiene. Iconic zapiekanki are delicious, but not every window follows the same standards; greasy or heavy food can worsen heartburn and discomfort in pregnancy.
Wearing uncomfortable shoes and ignoring uneven surfaces. Cobbles and steps are classic Kazimierz — the wrong footwear increases the risk of twisting an ankle.
Ignoring heat and hydration. High summer temperatures pose a real threat for pregnant people — dehydration and overheating have greater consequences than for someone not pregnant.
Moving through night crowds and standing near hot frying stations. Smoke, strong smells and hot fumes can cause nausea or general malaise.
Choose the best time of day: morning (8:30–10:30) or late afternoon (after 17:00, if it’s not too hot). Avoid the middle of the day (about 11:00–15:00) on very warm days.
Take care of hydration: carry a water bottle and sip regularly. In heat you need more fluids than usual; don’t wait until you feel very thirsty.
Plan short walks and frequent breaks. Mark a few shady spots or cafés with garden seating on a map — it’s better to plan a stop than risk overexertion.
Check toilet availability before you go out. If you plan to eat inside a café or restaurant, make sure you can use their restroom. It’s useful to have a list of a few alternative places with easy access to WC.
Choose shoes with good grip and a stable sole. Avoid high heels and soft sandals without support.
Use hygiene as a guide when picking street food: choose stalls where the kitchen looks clean, food is cooked hot and there are many customers (good turnover is a positive sign).
Zapiekanki are a Plac Nowy symbol — if you fancy one, pick a stall with visible fresh preparation and ask for it to be heated so cheese and toppings are served hot. Avoid raw meat, unpasteurized cheeses and dishes stored at improper temperatures.
If you suffer from heartburn or reflux, skip very heavy, greasy toppings. Lighter options include bread with vegetables, vegetable salads or a chilled gazpacho in a good café.
Recommended places to rest and eat: choose well-reviewed cafés with gardens where you can sit in the shade — that usually also means easier access to toilets and water.
Mleczarnia (garden) — an atmospheric garden café with good reviews; often there are free tables during the day, making it a great stop for a drink and shade.
Starka — a cozy restaurant with a summer garden; attentive service and a place where you can eat in peace and use a restroom without long searching.
Okrąglak (zapiekanki) — worth trying for the local experience, but if you need light options and hygiene, choose windows that look the cleanest and have high customer turnover.
If you start feeling dizzy, nauseous, have a racing heart or excessive weakness — immediately find shade, sit down and drink water. Ask a companion for help; don’t try to keep going alone.
For serious symptoms (loss of consciousness, severe lower abdominal pain, bleeding, persistent vomiting) call for medical help — the emergency number is 112. Don’t delay requesting professional assistance.
Find out in advance where the nearest medical point or pharmacy is — in case you need to reach help quickly.
In summer the city can feel cooler because of trees and stone alleys, but in direct sun heated buildings and pavements radiate heat — shade matters more than air temperature alone.
Plac Nowy has one of the few nearby public toilets — it’s often busy in the evening, so planning a break inside a café or restaurant makes extra sense.
The second effect of a crowd: even if you don’t feel short of breath immediately, long periods in a dense crowd can make it harder to move away quickly if needed — always have an escape plan and an agreed meeting point with companions.
Can I eat a zapiekanka while pregnant? Yes, if you choose a stall that observes hygiene and order it served hot. Avoid raw toppings and unpasteurized cheeses.
Where is best to rest when it’s crowded? Look for well-reviewed cafés with garden seating or restaurants with shorter wait times — you’ll also usually get access to a toilet that way.
Is Plac Nowy safe for pregnant women in the evening? During daytime it’s generally calm, but evenings are busier and louder. If possible, pick earlier hours or go with company.
Plan, water, comfortable shoes and shade are the four things that will make a visit to Plac Nowy easiest while pregnant. Good preparation lets you enjoy the Kazimierz vibe without unnecessary risk.
If you’d like, I can help plan a safe walk around Kazimierz with breaks, comfortable routes and recommendations for places to eat and rest — Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers private guiding services; contact details are visible on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media so other expectant mothers can also enjoy Kraków safely!
