Kraków attracts millions of visitors — in 2024 more than 14 million people came to the city. For many, the priority is a comfortable and safe walk through the historic centre without having to climb stairs or steep steps. A step-free route is not only a solution for wheelchair users — it brings convenience to families with small children, seniors and anyone who prefers a calmer pace of sightseeing.
In recent years Kraków has expanded its "barrier-free" offer: special routes have been created, tactile models and audio recordings made available, and the city publishes guides and projects for visitors with different needs. Thanks to these resources you can plan a full day of attractions while still visiting key spots in the Old Town and on Wawel Hill.
A step-free route is also a chance to discover less obvious places — parks, riverside promenades and accessible museum displays can be just as interesting as crowded stairway entrances.
This is an official city initiative designed with accessibility in mind. The route follows the historic centre along the old Royal Route and begins at St. Florian's Gate. Along the way there are 12 bronze tactile models of major monuments that can be touched. Each model includes descriptions in Braille and text in Polish and English.
In addition to the models, audio recordings in Polish and English are available near them and can be played on a smartphone. This way of exploring helps not only visitors with visual impairments — tactile and audio narration also enriches the experience for children and anyone who prefers a slower, multi-sensory way of learning about the city.
The city also provides an extended "Kraków Guide for the Tourist with Disabilities" in several languages — it is worth downloading before your visit, as it contains maps, pictograms and practical information about accessibility at cultural sites and public transport.
Start: St. Florian's Gate - a convenient meeting point, easy to reach and close to tram stops. The route officially begins here, on the edge of the Old Town.
1. Walk along the Planty park or Floriańska Street (the Planty version has fewer curbs) - the Planty ring is a green belt around the Old Town; most paths are flat and wheelchair-friendly. Floriańska Street leads straight to the Market Square but watch for uneven surfaces and cobbles.
2. Main Market Square and Cloth Hall - large areas of the square are flat, and the Cloth Hall ground floor spaces are largely accessible. You will also find several of the tactile models connected with the Royal Route here.
3. Town Hall area (check availability for the Underground Museum) - not every exhibition under the Town Hall is step-free; ask in advance about alternative entrances or lifts.
4. Walk to Wawel Castle (tactile model on the courtyard) - the path follows the historic Royal Route; on the castle courtyard there is an impressive tactile model of Wawel. Access to some interior parts of the castle may require stairs, so plan indoor visits ahead of time.
Afternoon alternative: the Vistula riverside promenade or the Garden of Experiments — both places offer flat paths and pleasant spots to relax.
Trams and buses — many tram and bus lines in Kraków have low-floor vehicles and easier boarding, but not every stop is perfectly adapted. Check the line number and stop accessibility in advance. City information points and official guides list accessible stops.
Equipment rental and technical help - there are rental services and suppliers in the city offering mobility equipment such as wheelchairs; if you need equipment during your stay, check availability before arrival.
Maps and apps - download the official accessibility guide or print maps from the city site; mapping apps don’t always show steps and thresholds, so carry a dedicated map of barrier-free routes.
When choosing places to eat, look for level entrances or a ramp. Around the Market Square and Kazimierz you’ll find many cafés and restaurants with ground-level access or alternative courtyard entrances. Calling ahead is useful — staff are often happy to help.
A few general tips: cafes in the Cloth Hall passages are level with the square and some restaurants along the Planty have simple entrances; along the river you’ll often find wide terraces and level access. If you prefer a table close to the entrance for easier access, ask the staff when arriving.
If you need a venue fully adapted for wheelchair use, call and reserve in advance, especially during the high season. This saves time and stress.
Assuming the entire Old Town is uniformly accessible - cobbles, raised curbs and uneven slabs can surprise you. Make sure your wheelchair has sturdy wheels or ask a companion for help on short stretches.
Not checking interior accessibility of museums and monuments before arrival - many attractions offer alternative entrances or lifts, but these often require advance booking or a note at the ticket office. Don’t leave it to the last minute.
Confusing a "step-free" route with complete accessibility - step-free does not always mean threshold-free or suitable for every wheelchair type. Asking about door widths, surface types and any small thresholds can prevent problems.
Can I explore the Royal Route on my own? - Yes, the tactile models and audio recordings are available for individual visitors; it’s a good idea to download the materials to your phone before you set out.
Do accessible tours need reservations? - Some city initiatives and organized events within barrier-free programs limit participants and require booking — check the organiser’s information ahead of time.
Where can I find a guide to accessibility? - The city publishes a "Kraków Guide for the Tourist with Disabilities" in multiple languages; it’s a great source of maps and practical information.
The bronze tactile models on the Royal Route are not only for people who are blind — they’re a great way to notice architectural details that are hard to see from street level. Both children and adults enjoy them.
The city develops pilot accessibility projects through civic budgets and municipal programs — in 2025 there are more events and walks prepared specifically for people with limited mobility.
The Planty park and the riverside promenades often have better surfaces than parts of the Old Town — if you want to avoid large paving slabs and uneven stones, consider walking along the green belts.
Kraków is becoming increasingly welcoming to all visitors — thanks to the Royal Route for the Tourist with a Disability, tactile models, audio recordings and municipal guides you can plan a full day of sightseeing without climbing stairs.
If you’d like personalised help planning a step-free route, contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her service offers tailored itineraries and practical assistance to match your needs.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — that will help others discover a barrier-free Kraków.
