Kraków is famous for its historic centre and cobbled streets, but it also has many places and routes that can be enjoyed comfortably without steep climbs. A well-planned outing means less fatigue, more photos and a more pleasant time for the whole group.
The Planty and the Vistula Boulevards are two natural “corridors” of the city — even, pedestrian-friendly paths with many benches and gentle surfaces, ideal for a first contact with Kraków without the need to climb steps.
If you want to avoid stairs, choose attractions with level entrances, museums with elevators or routes that bypass representative but steeper sections — for example, approach Wawel from the riverside boulevards instead of the castle stairs.
Start: the Planty (enter from Szpitalna Street or Grodzka Street) — a flat, green ring around the Old Town with frequent benches and soft tree shade.
Heading toward the Main Market Square: stay on the main sidewalks and avoid narrow, uneven side passages. On the Market Square, take breaks on a bench or in a café with level indoor access.
Wawel: instead of steep steps, choose the approach from the Vistula Boulevards — you’ll get beautiful views of the castle and river without having to climb the castle terraces. Many viewpoints can be enjoyed from the level of the boulevard.
Kazimierz has flat stretches ideal for walks: Szeroka Street – Miodowa Street – Kazimierz Market – Wolnica Square. This route includes many places to eat and benches for resting.
Pick venues with level entrances or ramps. In many places the staff will gladly point out the most convenient entry.
If you plan to visit synagogues or small museums, call ahead to ask about entrance accessibility and possible alternative touring routes.
Start: Bernatka Footbridge — wide approaches and easy access from both riverbanks.
The Vistula Boulevards toward Wawel and onwards to Podgórze feature broad, paved paths ideal for wheelchairs and people who want to avoid stairs.
At Podgórze Market and nearby you’ll find calmer cafés and resting spots that often welcome guests with reduced mobility.
Many city institutions and museums in Kraków offer facilities: elevators, accessible toilets, tactile routes for people with visual impairments, and special accessible tour routes. Several municipal institutions publish information about accessibility and implement solutions friendly to visitors with different needs.
Always ask at the ticket desk about: alternative entrances (with a ramp or no steps), the location of elevators, barrier-free tour routes and the availability of an accessible toilet.
If a museum has several floors, check that the elevators are operational and whether there are any limitations (not all rooms may be accessible). Staff often offer shortened or modified routes to avoid stairs.
Public transport: Kraków runs many low-floor trams and buses — check in advance which lines have low entrances and which stops are closest to the places you plan to visit.
Taxis and passenger transport: there are taxi companies and carriers that provide vehicles adapted for transporting wheelchairs. When booking, inform them of the need for a ramp or additional luggage space.
Parking: pay attention to parking zones and designated spaces for holders of a disabled parking card. Near major attractions parking can be limited — it’s better to plan access ahead.
Public toilets: some cultural venues and modern facilities have accessible toilets. When touring the Old Town, it helps to plan longer breaks in places with reliable access (cafés, museums).
More and more socially engaged cafés and accessible places are opening in Kraków. Look for venues that create a safe, welcoming atmosphere and are often recommended for a pleasant break during a walk.
Choose places with wide, level entrances, no thresholds or with a ramp; you can always call ahead to ask about space for a stroller or a wheelchair and table spacing.
Hotels with accessible rooms are worth booking in advance — even if you don’t plan to stay overnight, many offer accessible restaurants and restrooms you can use if needed.
Not checking the entrance before arrival — many places have several entrances, and one of them may be step-free. Call or check the venue’s information.
Ignoring the surface — cobbles and tram tracks are picturesque but can be difficult for wheelchairs and strollers. Plan routes on harder, even sidewalks, the Planty and the boulevards.
Not scheduling breaks — even short pauses every 30–60 minutes help seniors and children. Look for benches and cafés along your route.
Not informing companions or staff about your needs — a single sentence at the ticket desk often opens the door to the most accessible entrance, an elevator or staff assistance.
Can I see Wawel without climbing stairs? Yes — many striking views of the castle are available from the Vistula Boulevards and from the Kanonicza side; plan the easiest approaches and you can minimise stair use.
Are trams friendly for wheelchairs? Many vehicles in Kraków are low-floor trams and buses, but schedules and vehicle types vary by line. It’s a good idea to check line information beforehand or ask the carrier’s helpline.
Where can I find an accessible toilet? Most reliably in museums, larger municipal institutions and some cafés or hotels. Planning a break in such a place gives peace of mind.
Are there carriers offering vehicles adapted for wheelchairs? Yes — when planning transfers from the station or airport it’s advisable to order a vehicle adapted for passengers with reduced mobility.
In many historic areas it’s often easiest to ask a staff member (for example a museum attendant or a city warder) for help — they usually know which passage is most suitable for a wheelchair.
Not all museum elevators reach every floor — sometimes the most interesting exhibits are placed on a special accessible route that avoids stairs.
When planning photos, remember that the most representative shots of Wawel or from the Boulevards can be taken without climbing terraces — you’ll save time and energy and still get beautiful images.
Kraków can be welcoming for visitors who want to sightsee without stairs — with a good route, a few phone calls before you go and flexibility while touring. Thoughtful planning lets you enjoy monuments, views and local cuisine without unnecessary effort.
If this guide helped you plan your trip, share it with friends or on social media — your recommendation may make someone’s visit to Kraków easier.
If you’d like to explore Kraków at a relaxed pace with attention to the needs of visitors avoiding stairs, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details and offers are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
