Yes — the Sukiennice are adapted for visits with a small child and a stroller. The ground floor with the market stalls is step-free and easy to pass through, and a modern elevator suitable for strollers takes you to the upper floor, where the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art and the viewing terraces are located.
In practice this means you can see both the ground-floor stalls and the museum part upstairs without carrying your child — simply use the elevator and the spaces prepared with visitors with reduced mobility in mind.
If you plan to visit the Sukiennice with a little one, remember the Market Square can get very crowded — especially on weekends and in high season — so a light, nimble stroller or one that folds quickly may be more convenient.
The gallery entrance and elevator are located in the Sukiennice arcade near the ticket office — if you enter from the Market Square you will find the ticket desk, the museum shop and, nearby, glass doors leading to the elevator. The elevator goes to the cloakroom and toilets (first floor) and to the exhibition halls (second floor).
As part of the “New Sukiennice” project the elevator was designed to allow easy access for people using strollers and wheelchairs — it has Braille buttons and there are no thresholds on the route from the entrance to the lift. During busy tourist times there can be a short wait to use the elevator.
If you plan to go up to the viewing terrace with your child, keep in mind that access to the terrace or the café often requires a ticket (sometimes a separate ticket for the terrace/café). Always check the museum’s opening hours and ticket rules before your visit.
The Sukiennice ground floor is a trading hall with stalls — aisles are usually wide, but in high season and during fairs they may become crowded. With a small child it’s wise to keep to one side of an aisle, avoid pushing through crowds and set the stroller brake during short stops.
There are historic staircases in several places — do not attempt to carry a stroller up them. Instead use the elevator located right by the ticket office and museum shop. This solution is both safer and more convenient, especially if you have extra baggage or a bag with baby items.
If you want to take a photo with the stroller or stop at a stall — remember that photography rules vary, and in museum galleries you usually must follow the regulations (no flash, no standing tripods, etc.).
On the upper floor the Sukiennice have a terrace with a café where you can sit, rest and take care of quick tasks like changing a nappy or giving a bottle. The terrace is popular, but it’s accessible with a stroller thanks to the elevator.
There are ground-floor and museum toilets adapted for people with disabilities, and the museum declares family‑friendly facilities and help for visitors with reduced mobility. If you need a changing table or special assistance, ask at the information point by the entrance or at the ticket desk — staff will often help you find the most convenient place to change your child.
If you can’t find a changing table immediately, nearby cafés and shopping centres usually have facilities for changing and feeding. Bringing a small changing mat for trips gives extra comfort and hygiene in any situation.
Children generally need short breaks every 30–60 minutes — plan your route so there are places to sit between ‘points of interest’. The Sukiennice terrace, benches on the Market Square and nearby cafés are natural rest stops.
If you go to the Rynek Underground or the upstairs gallery, remember that museum visits are often more static (standing at exhibits, darker rooms in the underground), which some little ones may find tiring. When planning your visit, check opening hours and allow a short outdoor break after gallery rooms.
On weekends and holidays expect larger crowds. To avoid the busiest times, aim for early opening hours or weekdays outside the peak tourist season.
A well-packed parent bag for the Sukiennice should include: a small changing mat, wet wipes, a spare nappy, a bottle of water, a light snack, a bib or muslin, and a spare sweater for the child (for the terrace or cooler days).
Don’t forget documents and your ticket — if you plan to go up to the terrace or into the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art, consider buying tickets online in advance or check the ticket office hours. It’s also handy to have the museum’s contact number in case you need assistance from staff.
If you use a large stroller, consider a rain cover — the Market Square is open and the weather can change quickly.
Trying to take a stroller up historic stairs is a common mistake — it can damage the stroller, exhibits or cause injury. Solution: use the elevator or ask staff for help carrying items.
Don’t plan long, uninterrupted museum stages without breaks — this is a quick way to make a child impatient. Short, frequent rests (feeding, snack, short walk) will make the visit more pleasant for everyone.
Don’t leave a stroller unattended. The Market Square is a busy tourist hub; while most visitors are honest, it’s best to keep the stroller close or secure your important items.
Can I take a stroller onto the Sukiennice terrace? - Yes, the terrace is accessible via the elevator, though a ticket for the terrace/café is often required.
Where can I change my child? - The museum has toilets adapted for people with disabilities; if you need a dedicated changing area, ask at the information point — staff will help you find the most suitable spot.
Do I need to book a guided tour when visiting with a child? - No, it’s not necessary. If you would like a personalised pace with built-in breaks and family-friendly commentary, I can recommend the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, who offers family‑paced routes around the Market Square and Sukiennice.
If you want a photo from the terrace, choose early morning just after opening — there are fewer people and the light is often nicer.
Tuesdays often have free admission to the MNK’s permanent displays — that can be a good opportunity, but also a busier day; check opening hours and ticket rules before you go.
Local parents recommend taking a short break in one of the cafés on the Market Square or on the Sukiennice terrace — it’s a comfortable spot to rest and change the child with a lovely view.
If you found this guide helpful — share it with friends or on social media, especially parents planning a trip to Kraków.
If you want to explore the Market Square and Sukiennice at a family-friendly pace, I can recommend the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she offers tours that include breaks, changing stops and a comfortable tempo for families. More information and booking are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Good luck and enjoy visiting Kraków with your little one — with a bit of planning and a few practical tricks, the Sukiennice are very manageable!
