The Sukiennice are not only iconic photos of the Market Square and beautiful arcades — they are also a modern exhibition space designed with accessibility in mind. An elevator makes it easier to reach the terrace and gallery, and near the terrace there is a toilet adapted for people with limited mobility. This is great news for groups with older visitors: the historic site can be experienced more comfortably if the day is planned properly.
Start with a simple plan: fewer attractions, more breaks, one main museum visit during the day and flexibility in how you move around the city. That way even an intensive day can be enjoyable and safe.
Pacing matters a lot. For many seniors, a long walk without breaks means pain, fatigue and the desire to skip further attractions. It’s better to plan one important highlight during the day (for example a visit to the Gallery in the Sukiennice) and complement it with shorter, flat walks in the Planty park or along the Vistula boulevards.
Plan regular short breaks of 10–20 minutes every 45–90 minutes and one longer break for a meal. This gives the group time to rest, rehydrate and take medications on schedule. Also remember many museums limit the number of visitors at one time, so it pays to reserve tickets or arrive for a set time slot.
Morning: an easy walk through the Planty, a short stop by the Adam Mickiewicz Monument and 15–20 minutes under the Sukiennice arcades to admire the façade and take photos. This is a gentle way to start the day without immediately entering the exhibition.
Midday: visit the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art in the Sukiennice. One museum in a day keeps the pace comfortable. After the visit, have coffee at the café by the Sukiennice terrace and enjoy a longer seated break.
Afternoon: a relaxing stroll along the Vistula boulevards or a short low-floor tram ride to Kazimierz for coffee and a calm walk down Szeroka Street. Evening: dinner at one of the well-rated restaurants around the Market Square and a taxi back if fatigue is high.
Documents and money: ID, EHIC card if applicable, insurance card and a copy of the medication list. Keep everything in an easy-to-reach inner coat pocket or a small crossbody bag.
Medications and small essentials: a day’s supply of medicines plus one spare dose, a water bottle (sip regularly), plasters, tissues, sunscreen, a light outer layer for cooler moments and a small travel cushion or lumbar pad for sitting.
Footwear and clothing: comfortable, well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles and light layers. Kraków weather can change quickly, so layering is the best strategy.
Electronics and communication: a charged phone with emergency numbers and a contact for the accompanying person saved, a powerbank and a card with the name and address of accommodation in case of disorientation.
Comfort extras: sunglasses, a hat, a small medical information card, and reading glasses (for reading exhibit labels or brochures).
Kraków’s low-floor trams connect many tourist points and are a friendly option for people with lower stamina. Short tram or taxi rides can refresh the group and reduce the number of stairs.
When planning a route, check whether a place has a step-free entrance or an elevator — this matters especially for museums and larger venues. The Sukiennice elevator to the gallery and terrace is worth using when you plan your visit.
If you plan to take a taxi, book rides for less busy times when possible and use licensed carriers. This is often the simplest solution at the end of a long day.
The Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art in the Sukiennice has an elevator to the terrace and exhibition floors and an accessible toilet for visitors with mobility impairments. On site you’ll also find a reception desk, a museum shop and a steward who can assist visitors with limited mobility.
Check opening hours before your visit and consider booking tickets, especially in high season. Many museum branches admit the last visitors some minutes before closing, so include that practice when planning your visit. The museum also offers audio guides and guided tours — options that make it easier to enjoy the exhibition without excessive walking.
If you plan to use the cloakroom, check early whether access requires stairs — some venues provide an additional cloakroom adapted for visitors with mobility limitations.
After visiting, sit down at one of the well-rated cafés or restaurants by the Market Square or the Planty. There’s a café on the Sukiennice terrace that’s convenient for a quick rest and coffee after the gallery visit.
When planning lunch for a group with older visitors, choose restaurants with clear menus, indoor seating and no need to climb many steps. Around the Market Square you’ll find long-established places such as Wierzynek or comfortable cafés — remember to reserve a table for a specific time and ask about easy-entry seating.
On hot days pick shaded terraces or air-conditioned venues; on colder days look for heated interiors and easy access.
Overambitious schedule: too many attractions in one day leads to fatigue and frustration. Plan a maximum of one major museum visit and several short walks.
No spare medications or documents: always carry a copy of the medication list and allergy information. Keep copies in two places — with the older person and with their caregiver.
Ignoring breaks and hydration: don’t assume a brief stop is enough. Set regular rest and water breaks.
Not asking about accessibility: before the visit ask the museum about elevators, toilets and any difficult stairs — this avoids unpleasant surprises.
Can I leave larger luggage at the Sukiennice? Yes, the museum has a cloakroom and lockers, but sometimes the main cloakroom is accessible only by stairs — staff can arrange an alternative cloakroom for visitors with mobility needs.
Is the exhibition accessible for wheelchair users? Yes — the Sukiennice has an elevator and step-free passages between some rooms, and the elevator buttons include Braille markings.
How long should a gallery visit last with a senior? For most people a comfortable visit is 45–90 minutes. If the group or individual needs more support, split the visit into shorter stages with a longer break.
The Sukiennice terrace is usually less crowded early in the morning — if you want views without the crowds, choose a morning visit.
The museum has been recognized locally for adapting the building to the needs of visitors with limitations — the space is designed with visitor comfort in mind. Don’t hesitate to ask staff about available facilities.
Plan one short tram ride during the day as a ‘reset’ for tired legs. Sometimes five minutes on a tram and a change of scenery are enough to continue sightseeing with a smile.
If you find this text helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it might make someone’s visit to Kraków easier.
If you want a visit planned from A to Z with the needs of older visitors in mind, consider booking the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Małgorzata can help plan routes, reserve tickets and tables, and organize transport and accommodation logistics — her contact details are available on the article page. With a guide’s support, a day in Kraków can be not only safe but unforgettable. Thank you for reading and enjoy your visit!
