Yes — it’s possible, and it can be quite pleasant. Kraków has many areas you can move through without steep stairs: the wide squares of the Old Town, stretches of the Planty, accessible entrances to some museums and gentle approaches to Wawel. You just need to plan the route with small legs and strollers in mind.
This article gives you a ready, family-friendly route step by step, a list of places especially suitable for preschool children, practical advice about surfaces, public transport and breaks, and an FAQ with quick answers to the most important questions.
Preschoolers cope better with longer walks when they don’t have to climb many steps, and parents with strollers don’t have to search for ramps or ask for help. A step-free route also reduces the risk of tripping, allows more frequent short breaks and makes it easier to plan stops for feeding or changing a nappy.
Additionally, these routes often pass through parks, playgrounds and family-friendly cafés, so the outing becomes a pleasant, rhythmic day for the whole family rather than an obstacle course.
Start: Main Railway Station / around the Planty. If you arrive by train or tram, this is a convenient starting point — wide pavements and quick access to the Planty.
Morning: Walk the Planty toward St. Florian’s Gate. The Planty are a green belt around the Old Town — the paths are even and you can push a stroller without major difficulty. Enter the Old Town through St. Florian’s Gate onto Floriańska Street and head to the Main Market Square. The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and parts of the Square are flat, open surfaces that make moving with a child easier.
Midday: A short visit to a family-friendly museum — good options are the Natural History Museum or the Museum of Illusions (Krakil). Both locations offer exhibits attractive to little ones (animals, interactive displays) and relatively easy access. Alternatively, visit the Archaeological Museum, which provides some facilities and staff happy to help.
Afternoon: Take Grodzka Street toward Wawel. Grodzka is often more comfortable than many narrow passages from the Square to Wawel. When approaching the castle hill, choose the path with fewer steps and use the accessible walkways that lead up the slope.
Green break: Jordan Park or the Planty. If the children need to burn off energy, Jordan Park has playgrounds and lawns, while the Planty offer benches and shady paths perfect for a stroller nap.
An alternative for families seeking calm: the Podgórze district and the Vistula Boulevards — many riverside stretches are flat and free of steep stairs (watch for sections that lead down to the riverbank).
Natural History Museum — short routes, exhibits on living themes and displays that spark young children’s curiosity. You can usually visit with a stroller.
Museum of Illusions (Krakil) — the interactive, hands-on nature of the exhibits makes children feel like explorers; it’s an easy way to catch a preschooler’s short attention span.
Archaeological Museum — if you’re lucky to find family-friendly hours or themed visits, prehistoric displays are often short and concrete. Before visiting, it’s worth calling to ask about step-free access.
Legends of Kraków — the short film‑and‑robot show attracts attention with effects and stories; it’s a great break activity for kids, especially on cooler days.
Cobblestone streets (setts) are the biggest challenge in the historic center. If you have a stroller with large, air‑filled wheels, the comfort will be much better. Lightweight umbrella strollers manage on the Planty and the Market Square, but on narrow sidewalks you may need stronger arms or a backup plan.
Use the Planty and the wide pavements along main streets — sometimes a few extra metres will let you avoid a stretch with rough cobbles or steps.
Low-floor trams and city buses make travelling with a stroller easier. Before a planned trip, check whether a given tram has a low floor and where the nearest step-free entrance is located.
Bring a changing mat, an extra sweatshirt for naps and a few snacks. Short breaks every 45–60 minutes help keep a preschooler happy and maintain a good pace.
Around the Market Square and Grodzka Street there are many well-rated places — if you value comfort with a child, choose cafés with wide entrances and tables near the walkway. It’s a good idea to call ahead and reserve a table, especially in high season.
A few popular, highly rated spots in the centre: Massolit Books & Café (for families who like books and a calm atmosphere), Charlotte (fresh bakery products and roomy space), Wierzynek (for those looking for a historic atmosphere). When choosing a venue, check whether they have a family-friendly restroom.
If your child needs a quick meal during the walk, look for small cafés near the Planty or by the Station — they usually serve sandwiches and desserts, and staff are often happy to accommodate a stroller.
Assuming the entire Old Town is easy to navigate — not every gate and passage is accessible. Instead of improvising, stick to main streets and the Planty.
Not contacting the museum in advance — not all exhibitions or rooms are open every day. A quick phone call or email avoids disappointment and lets you arrange staff assistance.
Not planning breaks and food — preschoolers need regular pauses. Plan a stop about every hour and keep water and snacks handy.
Can you get to Wawel without stairs? Yes — there are approaches with fewer steps and marked paths, but some sections may require assistance. The safest option is to ask at the information point.
Do museums have changing tables and family restrooms? Many larger institutions have these facilities, but not all. Before visiting, it’s worth checking the museum’s website or calling.
Is the route suitable for a few-month-old baby? Yes — most of the suggested stretches work well with a small baby in a carrycot or stroller, provided the stroller is suitable for cobblestones.
Along the Royal Route you can find tactile models of monuments — a delightful, unexpected attraction for children curious about textures and shapes. Look for them as you walk from St. Florian’s Gate toward Wawel.
Some museums offer special, shorter family circuits or materials that make visiting with children easier — ask for them at the ticket desk and request tips at the entrance.
The best times for quiet sightseeing are early weekday mornings — there are fewer tourists, it’s easier to manage a stroller and you’ll reach the most interesting spots faster.
Visiting Kraków with a preschooler without stairs is possible and can be an enjoyable experience for the whole family. Choose your route with comfort in mind, plan breaks and use the family-friendly spots in the centre and parks.
If you’d like help planning a route tailored exactly to your child’s age and pace, consider the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her services are available through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media so other families can benefit from these practical tips.
