Rakowicki Cemetery is more than a necropolis — it’s a large green space in the heart of Krakow, full of sculptures, old tombstones and intriguing stories. For children it can be a fascinating place to notice architectural details, take part in short “treasure hunts” (for example: angels, reliefs, decorative benches) and enjoy a natural history lesson without the rigidity of a museum. With its paths and park-like character, the place is worth visiting any time of year — winter has a completely different mood than summer, and during All Saints’ Day the cemetery copes with a wave of visitors, which is worth planning for in advance.
The cemetery was established in the early 19th century (the first burials took place in 1803) and covers a large area — keep in mind you won’t see everything quickly. Many graves are works of stonemasonry and sculpture, so a walk can feel like an open-air art lesson. For families it’s also easy to weave in age-appropriate stories about notable Krakow figures.
Rakowice is large enough to offer both quiet paths and wide, stroller-friendly routes — an advantage when you’re visiting with little ones.
Main avenue and old plots: a good place to start — the wide, clearly marked path helps with orientation and is comfortable for strollers. In the oldest parts you’ll find slabs and monuments from the early 19th century that look like carved stories.
The grave of Jan Matejko and other resting places of notable Krakow residents: tell children briefly who Matejko was and use the grave as a way to talk about how we remember important people. The cemetery holds many well-known personalities — instead of naming long lists, pick 2–3 figures whose stories you can tell as short anecdotes.
The chapel and sculptural monuments, e.g. the composition known as the “Angel of Vengeance”: such details often make the strongest impression on children — tall sculptures and sometimes unexpected faces and forms. Encourage little ones to describe what they see and invent their own stories.
Military section and insurgent plots: a short, age-appropriate explanation of these areas can introduce an element of historical remembrance without excessive solemnity. Many graves and monuments have symbols you can “decode” together.
Short educational route (approx. 1–1.5 km, 30–50 min): start at the main entrance on Rakowicka Street, walk along the main avenue, visit Jan Matejko’s grave, make a short loop by the chapel and return. The route is suitable for strollers and young children.
“Detective” route (approx. 45–75 min): plan 5–7 points to find — an angel, an animal sculpture, the oldest plaque, an ornate cross, a fountain or a chapel. Give children a simple checklist or a small map to tick off found items.
Longer discovery walk (1.5–2.5 km, 1–2 hours): for families with older children who enjoy stories. Add tales about different eras, styles of tombstones and take time to stop and sketch details in a notebook. Remember to plan a rest — benches are scattered around the grounds.
If you plan to visit around November 1st, be ready for large crowds and restricted movement — the cemetery operates in a special mode then and paths can be crowded. To avoid the biggest influx, choose early morning hours or the days just before or after the holiday.
Safety and emotions: the atmosphere of All Saints’ Day is stronger than usual — children may be curious but also a bit overwhelmed. Explain beforehand that people come that day to light candles and remember loved ones. Bring a flashlight or a reflector if you’ll be leaving after dark.
Logistics: during the holiday public transport and traffic organization near the cemetery change — plan your trip in advance and expect parking limitations. If you want to avoid queues at the gates, visit outside the peak days.
The cemetery is a place of memory and reflection — remind children to behave quietly, speak softly and respect graves and other visitors. Explain simply that this is not a playground and that climbing on monuments or moving items from graves is not allowed.
Keep children close, especially on busy days. Many paths are stroller-friendly, but during holidays passages can become narrow — hold children’s hands.
Bring tissues, water and a small first-aid kit. There are no food stalls on the cemetery grounds, so pack snacks in advance. Also bring a small bag for trash — if you use single-use items, take the packaging back with you.
Opening hours change seasonally, and during All Saints’ Day there are special schedules and traffic arrangements. It’s best to check current information with the city or the cemetery’s administrator before your visit.
Getting there: the cemetery is on Rakowicka Street and is easily reached by public transport. If you come by car, allow extra time for limited parking and possible traffic. A walk from the city center takes from several minutes up to half an hour depending on your starting point.
How much time: plan 30–60 minutes for a short family walk. If you want to see more graves and stop at more monuments, allow 1–2 hours. During holidays add time for queues and slow movement along the paths.
Near the cemetery you’ll find pleasant, well-rated cafés and spots ideal for a break after a walk. One recommended option is Blossom Café on Rakowicka Street — a family-friendly place with good coffee, homemade pastries and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s convenient if you want to sit down with a child and have something warm.
In Krakow’s center you’ll also find classic cafés and restaurants suitable for families — if you plan to continue exploring, check opening hours and table availability in advance. Choose places based on reviews and menus that offer child-friendly options.
If you prefer something quick, there are small bistros and bakeries nearby where you can buy sandwiches or sweet treats. For larger groups or on holidays it’s a good idea to reserve a table ahead of time.
Planning a visit on All Saints’ Day without time planning: this is a mistake — the cemetery is crowded and getting there and parking are difficult. Solution: choose another day or a very early hour.
Inadequate clothing and lack of weather preparation: the cemetery is an open space and can be windy — even in autumn a rain jacket and comfortable shoes are useful. For children bring an extra layer and a rain poncho.
Playing on graves and climbing on monuments: this may be tempting for children but shows disrespect and can be dangerous. Instead invent observation tasks or drawing activities that satisfy the urge to be active in a safe way.
Rakowicki Cemetery is over 200 years old — the first burials took place in 1803, so walking here is like a small trip through time. It’s a great introduction to how times and funerary art have changed.
There are graves on the grounds that are miniature works of art created by well-known sculptors and stonemasons — a chance for curious kids to compare styles and imagine how such monuments were made.
Some parts of the cemetery were designed like a park — paths, benches and greenery make residents treat Rakowice as a place for walks, not just visits to graves. This can help children understand that spaces of memory can also be spaces of life.
Can I enter with a stroller? Yes — the main paths are stroller-friendly, though there may be uneven spots in older sections. During holidays expect heavier foot traffic and possible obstacles.
Can I take photos? Yes, photography is allowed, but avoid photographing visitors at graves without their consent and refrain from sensational images. Respect is paramount.
Are there toilets? There is limited sanitary infrastructure on the cemetery grounds — it’s better to plan a short break before entering or after the walk at a nearby café.
If you liked this text, share it with family and friends — someone visiting Krakow may be looking for a peaceful, meaningful place for a walk with children. I also invite you to check the offer of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — on her page you can find contact details and arrange a personalized tour of Krakow, including thematic walks that combine history with a friendly, child-appropriate narrative. Have a great journey and happy discoveries in Krakow!
If you’d like, I can prepare a short walking map with find-and-spot points tailored to your children’s ages — tell me how old they are and how much time you have for the walk.
