Rakowicki Cemetery is more than a burial ground — over two centuries it has grown into a treasury of history, sculpture and local stories. Founded at the beginning of the 19th century, it contains graves of notable Cracovians, sculptural works and chapels that tell the story of the city and region. Visiting with a guide gives you context: who is buried in a given place, which historical styles the monuments represent, and which epitaphs hide little-known but fascinating stories. A guided walk changes how you look at the space — the cemetery becomes a place of memory and art rather than just a sightseeing stop.
A guided tour is practical too: it’s easier to find the most interesting quarters, visit the graves of artists and public figures, and understand the cemetery’s layout. For families there’s an extra benefit — a guide can tell stories in a child-friendly way, pause at “historical puzzles” and adapt the walk’s pace to the group.
The municipal cemetery authority publishes a brochure with a suggested route covering dozens of particularly noteworthy points; walking the full route described usually takes around two hours, which is worth keeping in mind when planning your day.
The route includes individual well-known graves (many created by respected sculptors), chapels and military sections. Pay attention to tombstones of artists, doctors and social activists — each monument’s form and style reflect the tastes and eras of the 19th and 20th centuries.
On the historic part of the cemetery you’ll find a marked route with the most important points: early 19th-century epitaphs, the Resurrection chapel and graves of figures recognizable in Kraków’s history. In the military section, monuments and patriotic plots recall the city’s and the nation’s turbulent past — these are an essential part of the visit.
Visitors often list several “must-see” items: graves of outstanding painters and writers, sculptures with exceptional form, and places linked to major historical events. A guide will also share lesser-known anecdotes about selected figures, which brings the walk to life.
When visiting with children consider the route length and the group’s pace. The full official route takes about two hours, but for families you can choose shorter themed sections with breaks and interactive stories. A guide can tailor the narrative to be engaging and understandable for younger participants.
Some paths are cobbled or grassy — if you have a stroller, check in advance which sections are stroller-friendly. It’s a good idea to bring water, comfortable shoes and light jackets — shaded areas under trees can feel cooler than the Market Square.
Preparing short tasks for children (find an angel, count columns, look for a specific symbol) turns the walk into an educational game and helps keep their attention.
After the visit it’s nice to plan a meal in a family-friendly restaurant — Kraków has many places with play corners, children’s menus and parent-friendly facilities. Here are several tried-and-true options:
Pod Wawelem – Kompania Kuflowa: hearty traditional Polish food and a large covered play area inside the restaurant; great when you need space and a moment to relax. Its location near Wawel also gives you pleasant views after the walk.
Szalone Widelce: located close to the Main Square, with a friendly kids’ corner, changing tables and a homely atmosphere; a good choice for a family breakfast or lunch after a central-city stroll.
La Forchetta (La Forchetta na nowo): a slightly more refined spot with a simple children’s corner and Italian flavors — good if grown-ups also want a high-quality meal.
Verde near Aleja Pokoju / Viale Verde: a green terrace and a larger play area; a nice option when you prefer more outdoor space.
Cafés like Lajkonik and other spots with changing tables: perfect for a short coffee-and-cake break, especially with small children.
Assuming the cemetery visit only takes 20–30 minutes — many visitors underestimate the time needed to look at monuments and listen to stories. Plan at least one hour, and if you go with a guide and want to see the main points, allow around two hours.
Believing every alley is fully stroller-accessible — some older sectors have uneven ground. If comfort is important, ask the guide for a “stroller-friendly” route.
Not booking in advance at family-friendly restaurants on weekends — places with big play corners can be busy; call ahead to make sure they have space for a larger group.
Rakowicki Cemetery was developed gradually from the early 19th century and today has an almost park-like character, with monumental funerary sculpture that forms an important part of the city’s heritage.
The municipal cemetery authority publishes an established route that highlights dozens of points of interest — this makes it easy to plan a themed walk.
During holidays, anniversaries and national remembrance days the cemetery can be very busy — if you prefer a quiet visit choose morning hours on weekdays.
Is the cemetery open every day? Municipal cemeteries are usually open during daylight hours, but check current opening times and any restrictions before you arrive.
Can you take photos? Yes — photography is allowed, but show respect for the place and for other visitors; avoid disturbing people who are paying their respects at private graves.
Is the walk suitable for children? Yes, when presented in a friendly way. A guide can adapt the stories and a shorter route with activities will interest younger visitors.
What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, water, something for children to write or draw on (coloring sheets or task cards), a camera and a smile. If you plan to eat at a recommended restaurant afterward, consider reserving a table.
If this article helped you plan a day in Kraków, share it with friends or on social media. Recommendations from fellow travelers often make choosing a place or route easier.
If you prefer a comfortable visit with live storytelling presented in a friendly, family-oriented way, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers guided tours tailored to families and to your pace. You can find contact details and full information about tours on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Thank you for reading — enjoy a day of discoveries in Kraków!
