The May long weekend in Kraków brings festive walks, local events and increased tourist traffic. For families with small children, a private tour offers clear advantages: a flexible pace, breaks for feeding and naps, and a route adapted to stroller use. The Czartoryski Princes Museum, while small, houses one of the city’s biggest attractions — Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine — and is best enjoyed without rushing or fighting crowds.
Booking early and choosing the right time of day significantly improves comfort. You can avoid May holiday crowds by picking morning hours or less popular visiting times; a private guide can plan a route that minimizes waiting in lines and unnecessary backtracking.
The Princes Czartoryski Museum sits close to the Main Market Square and offers a short but outstanding collection — including the famous Leonardo da Vinci painting. The museum is adapted for visitors with strollers and limited mobility: wide passages between rooms, no threshold barriers at key points and an elevator to move between levels.
There is a museum café, restrooms with a baby changing table and a small shop, which are very convenient for families. Last admission is usually around 40 minutes before closing, so plan your visit with some time to spare.
Tickets are available at the desk and online; during busy periods (May holiday, public holidays, free-entry days) booking online increases the chance of entry at your preferred time and shortens waiting time.
Choose a lightweight, easily folded stroller — narrow lanes, cobblestones and crowds make a small, maneuverable model more practical than a heavy pram. A baby carrier or sling is handy in case some spaces feel too tight for a stroller.
Bring a rain cover and a thin blanket or stroller liner — May weather can be changeable. Also pack wet wipes, spare diapers and a small first-aid kit.
Check whether your planned stops (museums, cafés) have changing tables and family restrooms. It’s wise to carry a small portable changing mat if access to a changing table might be limited.
Start: Main Market Square — a short stroll, a quick photo and a possible break in one of the cafés near the square. Then: the Princes Czartoryski Museum (Pijarska Street) — take your time to see the collection and relax in the museum café.
After the museum: walk through the Planty and head toward Wawel Castle. The outer areas around Wawel are stroller-friendly and offer plenty of space for walking and a picnic. Optional: stroll to the Vistula boulevards — in good weather they are a lovely place to rest.
Afternoon alternative: choose one of the family-friendly museums or cultural spaces that offer child amenities and barrier-free access. Keep the route flexible — shorten it if needed and leave room for a longer play break in a park or a relaxed café stop.
The Princes Czartoryski Museum is adapted for stroller users. Also consider other institutions that provide accessible entrances, elevators and child-friendly facilities, as well as outdoor spots ideal for a rest with a little one.
Before visiting, check current opening hours and any temporary closures — some museums adjust hours seasonally or for holidays. Free-entry days tend to be busier, so if you want a quieter visit choose paid hours outside free-entry times.
The museum café is a convenient spot for a quick rest with your child. Around the Main Market Square and along the suggested route, pick places with good reviews and spacious interiors where you can comfortably maneuver a stroller.
Look for cafés and restaurants that have family toilets or changing facilities to reduce stress during longer breaks. If you plan a sit-down lunch in the May long weekend, consider reserving a table in advance — popular places fill up quickly.
If you need recommendations for specific family-friendly cafés or restaurants near the Old Town, your private guide can suggest options tailored to your tastes and the pace of your day.
Not checking opening hours on public holidays: during May some institutions may change opening times or add breaks. Verify hours the day before your visit.
Failing to reserve tickets for popular venues: certain days (for example, free-entry days) bring long lines — buy tickets online when possible.
Bringing an oversized, heavy stroller: bring a light model or a baby carrier. Narrow passages and cobbled streets are less comfortable for large strollers.
Not planning breaks: children need time for feeding and play — schedule short stops in parks or cafés.
The Czartoryski Museum displays one of Poland’s most famous paintings — Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine — which makes even a short visit special. The museum’s interior blends historic architecture with modern solutions that improve accessibility for families.
Tuesdays are sometimes free-entry days in several institutions — that can be a great opportunity but also the busiest time with the longest lines. Many visitors appreciate the museum’s light-filled glass courtyard, a lovely spot for a quick family photo.
Avoid very crowded trams and buses during peak hours; if you use public transport, choose trips outside rush hour. Many stops have ramps and spaces for strollers, but some entrances require a short set of steps, so plan routes that use accessible platforms when possible.
On foot, central sidewalks may be uneven due to cobblestones. Prefer the Planty or the Vistula boulevards as smoother and more comfortable walking routes, especially with a stroller.
If you travel by car, remember the paid parking zone in the center; it’s often easiest to leave the car in a car park and continue sightseeing on foot.
Can I visit the Czartoryski Museum with a stroller? Yes, the museum is adapted for stroller access — wide passages and an elevator help with touring.
Do I need to book tickets for the May holiday? It’s recommended to buy tickets in advance online, especially during periods of increased tourist traffic and on free-entry days.
Where can I change or feed my child? The museum offers restrooms with a changing table, and there are many family-friendly cafés near the Market Square.
Is the Lady with an Ermine on display? The painting is a regular part of the museum’s collection and is usually on display, but it’s a good idea to check for temporary changes to exhibitions before your visit.
Is a private tour more expensive than exploring on my own? The cost of a private guide depends on the length and scope of the service, but a private tour gives you the convenience of a pace tailored to your family, help with planning breaks and practical tips for moving around with a stroller.
Exploring Kraków during the May holiday with a stroller can be enjoyable and relaxing if you plan your route, choose the right equipment and book tickets ahead. The Princes Czartoryski Museum is a must-see — its compact yet exceptional collection and family-friendly facilities make the visit manageable and rewarding.
If you want the day to be truly stress-free and tailored to your family’s needs, consider booking a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — the guide behind zwiedzaniekrakowa.com can arrange the pace, breaks and route to suit your child and preferences. Have a lovely May holiday and many happy walks around Kraków!
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