Are you planning to come to Krakow during the Night of Museums and worried that an injury (e.g., a fresh sprain, a broken leg in a cast, or an overloaded joint) will spoil the evening? You’re in the right place — it can be done well and enjoyably. This text will suggest how to organize a private night tour so it’s safe, comfortable, and still full of meaningful experiences.
Here you’ll find: practical tips before booking, what to agree with your guide, which route to choose (avoiding stairs and difficult surfaces), and advice on transport and breaks. Everything is written in plain language with you in mind — someone who wants to see Krakow but needs to account for mobility limitations.
If you wish: use the checklist provided here when speaking with me — Małgorzata Kasprowicz — when booking a private tour. I’ll take care of the pace, breaks, and accessibility of places. (Contact via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com).
Note: many museums in Krakow prepare special accommodations (audio descriptions, Polish Sign Language interpretation, loanable audio guides, elevators, or ramps) — it’s worth confirming these in advance because entry organization during night events can differ from daytime.
In this text I use official information about the accessibility of specific venues, but all the tips are given in a practical, friendly way — so you can enjoy the Night of Museums without extra stress.
The Night of Museums is a great opportunity but has features that can make moving around difficult: larger crowds, limited entries to popular exhibitions, sometimes elevators not fully operating, or the need to use stairs on special routes.
Additionally, in central Krakow the surface is often cobblestone — for someone limping or in a cast this is a serious obstacle. During the Night of Museums not all venues offer the full standard of accessibility, so contacting and booking in advance is necessary.
On the plus side: many Krakow museums have policies to adapt their offerings for people with limited mobility — they provide elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms, and staff assistance. That's why planning and talking in advance will solve most problems.
In practice: don't assume 'it will be fine' — it's better to ask directly about what's important for your injury (places to rest, number of stairs, possibility to avoid tight passages). That way a night tour will be a pleasure, not a challenge.
Some venues have permanent accessibility solutions (e.g., elevators, audio description, Polish Sign Language interpretation, or barrier-free interiors) — choosing them will minimize the risk of surprises.
1. Tell what your injury is and what you need: whether you use crutches, a wheelchair, are in a cast, or need frequent sitting breaks. These basic details will allow tailoring the route and pace.
2. Ask about the accessibility of specific venues during the Night of Museums: whether a given exhibition will have limited access this year, if entries are planned via stairs, etc.
3. Set the maximum length of walks and the number of breaks. A private tour lets you stop as often as needed — take advantage of that.
4. Check whether museums offer elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms, and places for short rest. Ask which parts of the exhibition are available to people with limited mobility.
5. Ask about the possibility of early entry or skipping the line — private tours often allow entering at a convenient time, which reduces crowds.
6. Make sure you can be accompanied by a companion and whether the companion receives a concession/free ticket (some venues offer discounts for accompanying persons).
7. Discuss transport: where to stop, where the nearest drop-off point is, whether the guide can arrange a taxi with a ramp or help reach the route without long walks.
- How much walking will we actually do? (specify distance and number of stops)
- Where can we sit during the tour? Will there be benches or chairs on the route?
- Can I avoid stairs and narrow passages? (ask for an alternative route)
- Which venues on the plan are fully accessible and which parts are limited?
- Will the guide help when getting on/off a tram/taxi or assist at places with high curbs?
- What happens in case of sudden deterioration? (location of the nearest medical point, pharmacy, emergency number)
- Can the date be rescheduled without cost if health worsens?
An open conversation provides comfort and allows you to refine the route so you don't waste energy on surprises. Private touring is our advantage: we adapt the route and pace to you.
The route below is an example of a rather relaxed evening plan with short walks and venues that have amenities. The route is flexible — elements can be omitted or swapped according to your needs.
- Start: a short introduction and pickup from a convenient place for you (hotel, parking, drop-off point).
- Stop 1: Pałac Krzysztofory (public entrance, short routes, convenient central location) — a short history presentation and a seated break.
- Stop 2: Rynek Podziemny — in many editions part of it is accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility; it's an interesting, covered part of the evening without the need for long walks on cobblestones.
- Stop 3: National Museum (a selected branch adapted to needs) — galleries with elevators and accessible toilets, audio guides, and the possibility to reserve entry outside the queue.
- Option instead of further walking: take a taxi to MOCAK or another fully adapted venue outside the strict city center — a short visit, a table and coffee, then return to the finish point.
- End: safe accompaniment or drop-off at your accommodation.
We arrange each point of the route individually, taking into account your comfort and mobility. We can also shorten the route to 1–2 places if you prefer a calmer evening.
- Cobblestones and paving: Krakow's center has much historic paving. For someone with an injury it's better to avoid long stretches on cobblestones — choose sites close to each other or plan taxi rides between attractions.
- Taxi / door-to-door: it's most convenient to be dropped off directly at the entrance. When booking a private tour I can help plan drop-off points. It's worth asking in advance about the possibility of a driveway and the nearest place to turn the car.
- Public transport: some stops and vehicles are low-floor, but this may require a short walk on uneven surfaces. If you want to minimize walking, choose taxis or private cars.
- Parking and drop-off points: when booking it's worth finding out which venues have the nearest short-stay point so the person with an injury isn't forced into a long walk.
If a longer walk is necessary, plan stops every 5–10 minutes for rest.
Many Krakow museums offer specific accommodations: elevators, ramps, accessible toilets, audio guides, audio description and sign language interpretation upon prior request. Not all branches have the same conditions, so it's worth confirming before your visit.
Some institutions allow advance reservation of entry or rental of equipment that facilitates touring. For the Night of Museums, reservations and notifications are particularly useful — staff can reserve a spot or prepare an alternative entrance that avoids stairs.
Additionally: many venues allow entry with an assistance or guide dog after prior notice. If you use such help, be sure to inform when booking.
If you want, I can call selected institutions for you and confirm the availability of specific services before booking a date.
Also remember the seasonal nature of the Night of Museums — programs and availability can change year to year, so contacting venues a few days or weeks before the event provides certainty.
- Small first-aid kit: plasters, painkillers, an elastic bandage if you need support.
- Comfortable, stable footwear and a warm, light jacket — it can be cooler even in the evening.
- Phone with a full battery and a power bank; the companion's and guide's numbers saved where easy to find.
- Health documentation if you might need it (e.g., information about allergies, medications).
- If you use crutches, a walker or other equipment — make sure it's well fitted and comfortable for a longer evening. Check in advance about short-term rental options.
- A small backpack or bag so you don't have to carry things in your hands — important when balancing with an injury.
Despite a good plan, someone may feel worse. Therefore when booking let's agree on: a place we can quickly return to for belongings or rest; the nearest cafés/restaurants with seating; and availability of short return transport.
In case of an acute injury: it's best to stop the tour immediately and go to the nearest medical point. If needed, I will help arrange quick transport to a medical facility.
A private route also offers flexibility: at any time we can shorten it and stick to one or two venues to ensure comfort and safety.
Most importantly: don't pretend 'you can still make it' — a break and rest often save the evening and prevent worsening an injury.
During the Night of Museums it's better to prioritize quality over quantity: better to see fewer places well than to 'tick off' many at the cost of your health.
If you want to explore Krakow in the evening and need a guide who will consider your injury — I'm happy to help. A private tour means: an individual pace, breaks when needed, a tailored route, and assistance contacting museums about amenities.
When booking I will ask for brief information about the type of injury and your expectations — this will help me plan the ideal route for you. We can also arrange a shorter trial evening tour instead of an intensive route if you prefer to get to know the city without excessive effort.
You can book a private tour via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — just send the date, number of people and a short description of mobility limitations. I will reply with a proposed plan and a list of additional questions so your evening is calm and interesting.
You're welcome — together we'll make sure the Night of Museums becomes a pleasant memory, not a challenge. — Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
If you wish, I can also prepare a short personalized route based on your preferences (art, history, sacred interiors, etc.).
- Call or write in advance — confirming availability and booking is key.
- Choose a shorter, more focused route with more breaks rather than forcing a long route.
- Avoid long stretches on cobblestones and plan rides between points when possible.
- Ask for entry outside the queue or early entry — this will reduce stress and standing time.
- Come with a companion who will help with getting on/off and during breaks.
- If you have doubts about a specific venue — ask about elevators, toilets and seating.
- Private tours give the greatest flexibility — use this option so the evening is pleasant and safe.
