Yes — most expectant mothers can visit Wawel, but it’s wise to plan the visit sensibly. The hill and its monuments are beautiful, yet routes often include stairs, narrow passages and underground areas that can be tiring.
If you are pregnant, pay attention to your pace: choose shorter routes, skip long underground tours and strenuous walks in the heat, take breaks and drink plenty of water. These simple rules will let you enjoy the place without unnecessary discomfort.
Many Wawel routes include stone stairs, narrow passages and sometimes significant level changes. The crypts and underground areas are often cooler, darker and tight — interesting to visit, but less comfortable if you lose balance easily, tire quickly or have limited mobility.
Good strategies for expectant mothers include - choosing shorter, surface-level routes (courtyards, arcades, gardens) - avoiding multi-hour loops that combine several exhibitions in one day - asking at the ticket office about shorter entrances and requesting staff assistance when stairs are steep.
Remember that some parts of the complex may have restricted access for people with mobility difficulties — if your pregnancy is advanced or you have other medical indications, plan your route in advance and consider visiting with someone who can help on the stairs.
There are approaches to Wawel with different slopes; approaching from the Bernadyńska side or other less steep streets makes the ascent easier, but some routes will still require stairs.
In high season institutions sometimes provide extra assistance for people with limited mobility (help at entrance, occasionally elevator access as part of organized visits). If you need specific help — write or call the information point ahead of time.
When planning your visit keep in mind: temperature (underground areas are cooler), route length (don’t plan multiple major attractions the same day), and having medication, water and any medical documents handy if you carry them.
Pick early morning hours on weekdays — smaller crowds mean less jostling, shorter lines and easier movement on stairs. If possible, avoid weekends and afternoon peak times.
Book tickets in advance so entry is quicker and less stressful. This also helps you schedule breaks for coffee or rest between visits.
Remember to schedule pauses: 20–30 minutes sitting in a café between routes is often enough to recharge and reach the next stop comfortably.
Krakow has a wonderful breakfast culture — from classic morning meals to creative signature dishes. For expectant mothers important factors are proximity to attractions, restroom access, quiet seating and a menu with light, nutritious options. Here’s a list of tried-and-true places that regularly appear in local rankings and reviews (reserve on weekends if possible):
Poranki (Kazimierz) – known for fluffy waffles, breakfast bowls and a wide selection of child-friendly options; a cozy interior good for a calm start to the day.
Ranny Ptaszek (near the Old Town) – popular for shakshuka and generous breakfast sets; small and snug inside — come early or expect a short wait during busy hours.
Muhabbet (Kazimierz) – breakfasts inspired by Turkish flavors; aromatic, satisfying dishes and hearty portions for those who enjoy bolder tastes.
Massolit Bakery & Café (near the Planty) – great bagels and fresh pastries, with classic filter coffee; perfect for a quick, tasty breakfast before a walk.
Zaczyn (Salwator) – a bakery-café with an extensive plant-based menu; excellent sourdough bread and vegan options, ideal if you prefer light, healthy mornings.
Karma (Krupnicza) – a café focused on specialty coffee and plant-based dishes; recommended for lighter, more mindful breakfast choices.
Mo-Ja Cafe & Bistro (Starowiślna) – a wide breakfast menu including more elaborate options; a good spot to pair breakfast with a longer rest before exploring more.
Marble Café – a trendy place with good coffee and an aesthetic interior; nice for photos and a relaxed breakfast over a latte.
Targowa 2 (Stare Podgórze) – creative, seasonal breakfasts; a great starting point if you plan to walk around Podgórze afterward.
A few tips when choosing a place - for convenience pick spots with easy restroom access and enough tables - if you have dietary needs (vegan/gluten-free) check the menu online in advance - ask for a smaller portion or share a dish if you prefer a lighter meal.
Choose breakfasts that include adequate protein (eggs, salmon, cottage cheese), healthy carbohydrates (whole-grain bread, porridge), plant fats (avocado, olive oil) and plenty of fruit and vegetables. Avoid very heavy, greasy dishes if they make you feel sluggish.
If you eat eggs — make sure they are well cooked. Watch out for raw cheeses and desserts made with raw eggs (for example some homemade creams) — better to choose fully cooked, reliably prepared dishes.
Coffee and tea: in moderation — many mothers can tolerate one small coffee a day, but if you want to limit caffeine choose lower-caffeine options, herbal infusions (unless medically contraindicated) or grain-based milk drinks. When in doubt consult your doctor.
Overpacking too many attractions into one day — rather than skimming many sites, choose fewer and enjoy each one.
Wearing inappropriate clothes — uncomfortable shoes or outfits reduce comfort when walking on cobbled streets and stone steps.
Skipping breaks — remember short rests, water and a snack; they restore energy and prevent faintness.
Not asking for help — ticket or café staff will usually gladly assist, for example by indicating an easier entrance, a good seat or storing a bag.
Failing to check opening hours and entry limits — book ahead and verify details the day before to avoid disappointment.
Can I enter the Cathedral while pregnant? Yes, most expectant mothers can enter the Cathedral, but keep the stairs and crowds in mind. If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, consider staying in exterior parts or make a brief interior visit.
Is it worth visiting the crypts and undergrounds? The crypts and undergrounds are historically fascinating, but they can be tight and chilly — if you lose balance easily, have claustrophobia or strong fatigue, it’s better to skip them.
What should I do if I feel unwell while sightseeing? Find the nearest café or information point, sit down, drink water and ask for help. If needed, call medical services or ask staff to summon assistance.
Can I climb the bell tower? Tower visits usually require many stairs and are not recommended in advanced pregnancy — enjoy the city panorama from lower viewpoints instead.
In Krakow breakfast is more than a meal — it’s a way to start the day: many cafés serve breakfast all day, so even if your sightseeing stretches into noon you can still find a calm place for a late meal.
Several recommended cafés use local products and sourdough bread — these are good options for those seeking light yet filling dishes.
Popular breakfast places can be busy on weekends — if you want a quiet table, reserve in advance or come early.
Documents, insurance card, phone with charged battery, water, small snack, comfortable shoes, anti-nausea medication (if you use it), plan of places to visit and any reservations for cafés or tickets.
Give yourself buffer time — instead of racing the schedule, allow breaks and unplanned pauses. That will make the outing pleasant and safe.
Share your daily plan with a companion or a close person — you cannot always rely on immediate help from strangers, and a companion can react quickly if needed.
If this article helped you — share it with friends, send it to someone planning a trip to Krakow or post it on social media — a simple recommendation can save the day for someone who would be unprepared.
If you want to explore calmly, without stress and at a pace tailored to pregnancy — consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Her offer is available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com, where you can find reservation contact details and more information. It’s a convenient option if you want a route planned for you and on-site assistance.
Wishing you a peaceful visit and tasty breakfasts — Krakow has a lot to offer, and with a good plan and a bit of care the trip can become a beautiful memory before the arrival of your little one.
