Do you want to see two different faces of Kraków in one day — the austere, post-war Nowa Huta and the beautiful, buzzing Main Market Square with the Cloth Hall? You’ve come to the right place. This plan combines history, architecture, fun for kids and time for a shared meal. I prepared it to be convenient for families: little walking distance, attractions suitable for the youngest, and the possibility to reserve tickets to avoid queues. At the end you’ll find practical tips and an FAQ.
This guide was created with families in mind: short stories, interactive stops and breaks for ice cream or lunch. If you like, I can lead this day for you — booking ahead gives peace of mind and a better experience.
- We don’t start with anything too heavy: Nowa Huta is full of social history and interesting spaces to explore; the Market Square gives a ‘wow’ effect and lots of attractions in one place.
- You can reverse the plan depending on the weather and museum opening hours.
- The whole thing can be done at a family pace (with breaks) and will take about 7 to 9 hours depending on how much time you spend inside museums.
08:45–09:15 — Meet in Nowa Huta or travel there from the city centre.
09:15–11:30 — Walk through Nowa Huta’s highlights: Central Square, the housing estates, the Ark of the Lord church, and stories about the district’s creation.
11:30–12:30 — Lunch break at a family-friendly restaurant in the Nowa Huta area.
12:30–13:00 — Travel to Kraków city centre (about 20–30 minutes by public transport or car, depending on conditions).
13:00–14:30 — Main Market Square: Cloth Hall, a short history, games and tasks for children, and, weather permitting, an optional carriage ride.
14:30–16:00 — Visit the Rynek Underground (Market Square Underground) or the Krzysztofory Palace (book tickets), and time for ice cream and rest on the Square.
16:00–17:00 — Short walk to Wawel (if the children still have energy) or an additional nearby museum.
17:00 — End the day at a cosy café or return to your accommodation.
Why start in Nowa Huta? It’s a chance to show children that cities have different faces: here you’ll feel the spirit of post-war planning and work, and the estate architecture is visually appealing on its own.
Recommended spots: - Central Square — the heart of the urban design, a great place for a short introduction and photos. - The church on Słoneczne estate or another nearby place of worship — these often impress children. - Museum of Nowa Huta (branch of the Historical Museum of Kraków) — if you’re interested in the district’s history, plan your visit and check family showtimes. - The Garden of Experiments or other interactive places in the area — if available, these are excellent stops for the youngest.
Practical tip: in Nowa Huta move briefly and concretely — children like clear plans and predictability. If any site offers workshops or family activities, booking in advance is a good idea.
- Duration of the block: 2–2.5 hours, including a mid-morning snack or a break.
- Transport: the tram from the centre is a quick option, but if you have a stroller or a large group consider a taxi or ride-hail.
Choose restaurants with a simple kids’ menu and quick service. Nowa Huta has family-friendly places offering homestyle food and generous portions.
A few practical tips: - Check meal times — avoid peak hours in touristy restaurants. - If you have allergies or special needs, inform staff on arrival. - It’s wise to carry small snacks and a bottle of water for the kids during the trip to the centre.
If you want to save time you can bring a picnic and eat it on a bench at Central Square or in a nearby park — children usually love that.
- Time: about 45–60 minutes, depending on the children’s ages and rest needs.
- Card payment: most places accept cards, but for small local cafés keep some cash just in case.
The Main Market Square is the essence of Kraków — a huge square, music, craft sellers and a perfect backdrop for family photos. The Cloth Hall is where culture meets commerce: you’ll find souvenirs inside and sometimes exhibitions on the upper floor.
What to plan: - Entry to the Rynek Underground — if you want to visit the underground museum beneath the Square, book tickets in advance; the exhibition is multimedia and attractive for children. - A short city game for kids: prepare a few simple tasks related to the Square — for example, find a particular sculpture, count small towers, or search for the dragon legend. - Cloth Hall — go upstairs, browse craft stalls and enjoy a break with ice cream.
Practical tip: pay attention to the bugle call from St. Mary’s Church (played from the tower every hour) — it’s a moment that children often remember.
- Some museums and exhibitions have visitor limits and timed entries — booking ahead saves time.
- If you want to enter Wawel, plan it as an extra afternoon activity or move it to another day.
I strongly recommend booking tickets where possible: the underground Market museum, exhibitions in Krzysztofory Palace, and also Wawel or special temporary exhibitions. Reservations give predictability and save you from standing in lines, especially during peak season.
A few practical booking tips: - Check museum opening hours and ticket availability a few days before your planned trip. - If you plan a guided route, book the guide in advance — this lets me prepare tasks and stories for the children. - Some museums offer family discounts or combined tickets — ask when booking.
When reserving, remember to give the number and ages of children — this allows the guide to adjust stories and pace.
- For busy tourist days, schedule entries for specific times and allow extra time to move between points.
- If a place offers audio guides or headsets, these can be a convenient option for older children.
Items worth having with you: - Water and a few snacks — children often need energy at unexpected moments. - A small backpack with a spare sweater or light raincoat, especially outside summer. - Wet wipes and a spare shirt for the youngest. - Powerbank for your phone (useful for photos and maps). - Pain reliever or small plasters for blisters. - Documents and tickets (they can be on your phone, but a paper copy is sometimes helpful).
For families with a stroller: plan routes with short stops and use entrances with ramps where possible.
- Bring small games or simple tasks for waiting times in queues — this helps keep the day frustration-free.
- Tell children a little bit of the story before you go — emotional preparation works wonders.
- If someone in the family has special needs, mention that when booking — most institutions will happily facilitate access.
Transport between Nowa Huta and the centre: trams and buses connect the areas efficiently. Travel usually takes 20–30 minutes, but add extra time during rush hour.
If you travel by car, remember there are paid parking zones in the centre. For a day with small children a quick taxi or rideshare may be more convenient.
Accessibility for strollers and people with limited mobility varies — some historic interiors have stairs, so check ahead.
- When moving around the Square, watch the crowds — keep children close, especially in high season.
- Many museums have lifts and family restrooms, but it’s best to verify this when booking.
Is this plan suitable for very small children? - Yes, but adapt the pace. For strollers choose shorter walking sections and more breaks.
How far in advance should I book a guide and tickets? - Generally it’s a good idea to reserve at least a few days in advance; in season even 1–2 weeks before your planned date.
Do children pay for museum tickets? - Many museums offer reduced tickets for children and family packages. Provide children’s ages when booking.
Can I change the plan during the day? - Of course. A good guide will adapt the pace to you. If reservations are flexible you can shift entries, but timed tickets have consequences if changed.
Does the guide provide gadgets for children? - I can prepare simple task cards, maps for the youngest and short themed games to make the day more engaging.
- What if the weather is bad? - If it rains it’s easier to focus on museums and interiors; you can reverse the plan and start in the centre. Remember rain jackets and wellies for the kids.
My name is Małgorzata Kasprowicz and I’ve guided many families around Kraków. I like to combine accurate storytelling with humor and children’s tasks so everyone leaves the tour smiling and with a new curiosity.
If you’d like me to lead this day for you, write in advance with the planned date, number of people and children’s ages — I’ll prepare a route perfect for you. Booking ahead guarantees a suitable time and a better-tailored programme.
A few things I can offer: - a programme adapted to the children’s ages, - playful materials and tasks, - tips for breaks and family-friendly spots.
I look forward to discovering Kraków together at a friendly, family pace! If you want, I can also prepare a two-day version of this plan with more focus on Wawel and the National Museums.
- I make bookings in advance — send the date and preferences and I’ll take care of the plan and logistics.
