Yes — the Royal Route (Trakt Królewski) can be done with a baby stroller, but it requires preparation and some compromises. The route links Wawel Hill with the Main Market Square and St. Florian's Gate, and it runs along historic streets that in places have cobbles and narrow sidewalks. In practice this means most sections are passable with a lightweight or compact stroller, but be prepared for spots where you may need to push the stroller over cobbles or carry the child in a carrier for a short stretch. The key is to plan the pace around your little one and include regular rest breaks - that’s the secret to a successful outing.
Book a tour with tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, who has experience with families. She adapts the pace and storytelling to children, points out the easiest approaches and rest spots, and helps avoid the most troublesome steps or narrow passages. Małgorzata often offers two route options: a shorter 1.5–2 hour walk (without interior visits) and a longer 3–4 hour program that includes accessible interiors where comfortable for the family.
Before you go, check the weather and ask Małgorzata about specific stops — not all historic sites have adapted entrances, and some places in high season require ticket reservations (for example certain cathedral areas or special exhibitions). If a smooth stroller route is important, arrange a start point that suits your family (see the 'Where to start?' section).
- Practical note: in summer it’s best to choose morning hours or late afternoon when there is shade and fewer crowds.
- Bring a small first-aid kit and enough drinks — in hot weather you’ll need more breaks.
- Planning with Małgorzata reduces surprises and shortens waiting times at entrances.
- Take a sling or baby carrier as an emergency solution for short stretches where a stroller becomes difficult.
In later sections you’ll find a step-by-step route plan, practical summer tips and a suggested 3-hour family-friendly walk with tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
Choosing the starting point matters a lot when you’re doing the Royal Route with a stroller. The most recommended starts are: Matejko Square (closer to the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate) or the area around Wawel / Powiśle (if you prefer to begin at Wawel Hill). Each has advantages. Matejko Square is a good spot if you arrive by public transport and want a smooth entry to the Royal Route toward the Main Market. Starting at Wawel avoids a steep uphill at the end of the walk and can be more convenient if you came by car or use parking near the castle.
If you want to minimize stairs and narrow passages, discuss alternatives with Małgorzata — it’s possible to reverse the route or use gentler approaches (for example from the Vistula boulevards or Powiśle street), which have smoother surfaces for a stroller.
Families with small children should also check availability of toilets at the chosen starting point and nearby changing or feeding facilities.
1) Wawel Hill - a grand beginning or end to your walk
- Wawel Hill is Krakow’s symbol and a natural highlight: the castle courtyard, the Cathedral and the Dragon’s Den are on most itineraries. Bear in mind that some interior entrances have steps and narrow passages, so with a stroller it’s usually best to stay on the courtyard or plan a short visit only to accessible areas.
- If you plan to enter interiors, ask in advance about accessibility and whether a carrier might be useful. Małgorzata can help with ticket purchase and matching entrances to family needs.
2) Kanonicza Street and Grodzka Street - atmospheric historic lanes
- Kanonicza and Grodzka are picturesque, narrow streets with some steps and cobbled patches. With a stroller some stretches need care — go slowly over cobbles and use wider sidewalk sections where available.
- Małgorzata will tell stories about old residences, bishops and figures associated with Wawel — she can tailor tales to the children’s age and add playful tasks like ‘find the dragon’ or ‘count the towers’.
3) Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall - the heart of the city
- The Main Market is the largest medieval square in Europe, full of market stalls and attractions. Some pavement is cobbled, but around the Cloth Hall and on adjoining streets the sidewalks can be easier for strollers. Expect large summer crowds — mornings or late afternoons work best.
- Entrance to St. Mary’s Basilica can be difficult at some doors because of steps; it’s possible to visit the interior but check which entrance is the most accessible.
4) Floriańska Street - St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican
- Floriańska Street leads to St. Florian’s Gate and the medieval Barbican. This stretch has heavy pedestrian traffic and cobbles. The Barbican and Gate are typical stopping points where Małgorzata will explain medieval fortifications.
- In narrow or busy spots, keep the stroller close to the curb and be aware of bike crossings.
5) Alternative stretches and short detours
- You can add short detours to the Royal Route: Kazimierz (if you want to extend the walk), the Vistula Boulevards (great for a picnic and river views) or the Botanical Garden as a shady, quiet stop. Małgorzata can propose such alternatives with strollers and children in mind.
- Clothing and weather: wear light clothes, a breathable hat for child and parents, and sunscreen. The Market Square can get very hot in full sun - plan shaded breaks.
- Water and snacks: bring enough water and small snacks — in hot weather you’ll need breaks more often. It’s useful to know where family-friendly cafés and ice-cream shops are along the route.
- Stroller: prefer light strollers or compact models with larger wheels — they handle cobbles better. Carry a small bag with essentials and keep a sling or baby carrier as an emergency option.
- Duration: with a small child, plan shorter segments — 1.5–3 hours with relaxed breaks is sensible. Longer 4-hour programs work best spread over a full day with a longer lunch and rest.
- Reservations and tickets: in summer some attractions and interior entrances may require booking. Check this with Małgorzata before the tour to avoid queues and disappointment.
- Safety: avoid rushing across crowded areas with a stroller, especially near stalls and narrow alleys; keep your child strapped in.
- Experience with children: ask whether the guide has experience leading family tours and special routes for children. Tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz specializes in engaging families and knows playful, educational activities that hold kids’ attention.
- Pace and flexibility: make sure the guide agrees to adapt the walking speed and provide extra breaks on request.
- Route adaptation: a good guide will suggest stroller-friendly variants of the route, advise where to enter interiors and where to stay outside, and point out benches and diaper-changing spots.
- Language and communication: if you want child-friendly storytelling, request the family version. Małgorzata provides maps, stickers or simple field tasks to engage children and turn the walk into a game.
Ask about starting the tour outside peak hours, access to toilets during the program, and advanced ticket purchase for interiors if you plan to enter any buildings.
- 0:00 Start at Wawel Hill — a short presentation of the castle and courtyard, time for photos.
- 0:30 Walk along Kanonicza and Grodzka Streets — stories about medieval residences, simple tasks for children (find symbols, count small towers).
- 1:00 Arrive at the Main Market Square — overview of the Cloth Hall, break for ice cream and rest in the shade.
- 1:30 Short stop at St. Mary’s Basilica (outside or a short interior visit depending on accessibility) and a story about the trumpeting tradition.
- 2:00 Walk down Floriańska Street to the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate — stories about the city’s defenses and old customs.
- 2:30 Finish or optional short trip to the Vistula Boulevards / nearby playground — time to unwind and rest before returning.
This program is flexible — Małgorzata can shorten or lengthen segments and tailor activities to the children’s ages and interests.
- Wawel Dragon — the outdoor statue and dragon legends are always a hit with little ones.
- Child-friendly museum exhibits or interactive displays — include one such place if your child can focus longer.
- Short field games and tasks - Małgorzata can prepare a simple task map (e.g. ‘find the town hall corner’, ‘spot the oldest door’) to keep kids engaged.
- Rest spots: cafés with changing facilities, small parks and the Vistula boulevards are perfect for breaks.
Remember: not every museum or interior will fascinate a toddler — sometimes it’s better to leave one room ‘for later’ and focus on lively stories and outdoor play.
Exploring the Royal Route with a guided tour in summer can be a wonderful family experience — rich stories, shortened and engaging narratives, and a guide who adapts the pace make it memorable even for small children. Be prepared for cobbled sections, summer crowds and possible steps at some entrances, but also make the most of the route’s advantages: proximity of attractions, easy access to rest points and many stops that interest youngsters.
Key reminders: book your tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz in advance, choose a start time outside the hottest hours, bring supplies and consider a sling as an emergency option. A well-designed route and a guide experienced with families will turn a walk along the Royal Route into a pleasant, safe and rewarding day for everyone.
Wishing you a great trip around Krakow — full of discoveries, smiles and plenty of ice-cream stops!
