Is it possible to visit Kraków and Zakopane in one day with comfort for a wheelchair user? The short answer is: yes — but it takes planning. In this article I’ll explain how to prepare for a walk around the Old Town (around Floriańska Street), how to get to the Piarist Church on Pijarska Street, and what to watch for when planning a trip to Zakopane — with special focus on parking and real accessibility limits.
Below you’ll find practical tips, a list of recommended places (cafés and restaurants), common mistakes to avoid, and an FAQ to help you quickly prepare a safe and pleasant itinerary. The information is written plainly and kindly. You can jump to the section you need or read everything — there are many useful details. I will refer to specific places in Kraków (Floriańska, around the Piarist Church) and to typical trips offered from Kraków to Zakopane. At the end there’s an invitation to contact the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz if you want help with booking and tailoring a route.
The Old Town in Kraków is in the Paid Parking Zone and spaces right by the monuments are limited. Fortunately the city provides alternatives: underground and multi-storey garages and a register of spaces reserved for people with disabilities. Good options for visitors driving in are the underground car park by the National Museum (close to the centre), multi-storey garages with lifts, and several smaller private car parks near major sights. Check current information about disabled spaces and opening hours before you arrive.
If you plan to get as close as possible to Floriańska Street, remember that stopping directly on that street is very limited. It’s usually better to leave the car in a secure garage with a lift and use a short taxi ride than to hunt for a space at the Old Town gate. The city publishes a list of designated parking spaces for vehicles of people with disabilities — use it before your trip.
When planning, allow extra time for the walk from the garage to the Market Square: the route may include sections with cobblestones and short ramps. Check the route on a map and ask the parking operator for the shortest wheelchair-friendly way to the Old Town.
The Church of the Transfiguration and the Piarist monastery at Pijarska 4 are a charming spot in central Kraków, worth visiting for their Baroque interior and interesting history. The building is embedded in the Old Town fabric and neighbours other historic sites, so there are few convenient parking spaces right at the entrance.
Official descriptions usually cover history and location but do not always give full details about wheelchair access. If you need to get as close as possible to the main doors, contact the parish office in advance — many Kraków churches can arrange assistance at the entrance or open side doors that are easier to use.
Before you go in, ask about temporary exhibitions in the crypt or other events that could mean stairs or restricted movement. This is a good moment to request guidance from parish staff or security — they often can help with a short drive-up or point to a more convenient entrance.
The area around Floriańska Street and the city walls is the tourist heart of Kraków — beautiful but full of uneven surfaces: cobblestones, short steps, narrow passages and crowds in season. For wheelchair users follow these rules: choose wider pavements, use crossings and ramps, and plan visits outside peak hours (early morning or late afternoon are best).
Near the Florian Gate and along the city walls you’ll find places where stairs must be avoided. Museum staff and workers at nearby attractions often give advice and show alternative routes — it’s worth asking. Watch out for narrow spots between stalls and bike parking that can be difficult to pass.
If you want to photograph the walls or travel along Floriańska, plan short stops and rest breaks — cobblestones wear on wheels faster, and brakes and casters need attention. For a relaxed visit plan a calm day rather than rushing from one sight to another.
Trips from Kraków to Zakopane are popular, but not all programmes are adapted for wheelchair users. Many one-day group coach tours state that the route is not accessible for people using wheelchairs. So it’s essential to ask the organiser in advance about the type of bus, availability of a wheelchair lift (platform or stair-climber), and whether planned attractions and thermal baths have wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms.
Zakopane and the Tatra National Park are gradually developing accessibility solutions — for example pilot e-bus connections and adapted transport options for people with disabilities on routes to places like Morskie Oko. Official municipal and national park sites include statements about accessibility and lists of places with ramps or accessible toilets. If you plan a trip, call the Tatra National Park office for current information about adapted transport options.
If you prefer to travel to Zakopane independently, consider staying in accommodation with parking and an elevator (a hotel with underground or ground-level parking). Many attractions in Zakopane are on uneven terrain, but there are accessible areas and routes that can be visited with an assistant or using specialist transport — plan these in advance rather than relying on immediate accessibility on arrival.
Around the Old Town you’ll find many highly rated restaurants and cafés — some have level access from the pavement or a small ramp. Choose places that offer tables without steps and accessible toilets. I suggest calling ahead to confirm access conditions and to reserve a table.
When booking accommodation, pick places with an elevator, the option of a ground-floor room or parking close to the entrance. Hotels and apartments usually list accessibility features — before you book, ask for photos of the specific room and confirmation that the bathroom meets your needs.
A few practical dining tips: reserve a table stating “wheelchair access needed”, ask if they can provide a temporary ramp for small thresholds, and prefer venues known to be family- and mobility-friendly.
Assuming “everything is accessible” — this is the most common error. Even famous attractions can have thresholds, narrow doors or temporary closures. Always call ahead to confirm accessibility.
Trying to park “right by the monument” instead of using a nearby garage — searching for a space on Floriańska often ends in frustration and wasted time. It’s usually better to park in a garage with a lift and take a short taxi ride.
Overlooking accessibility details in trip descriptions — many ready-made trips to Zakopane clearly state whether they are suitable for wheelchair users. If the information is missing, contact the organiser directly.
Relying on spontaneous help — museum, church and parking staff often assist, but it’s not guaranteed. Arrange help by phone or when you book to avoid misunderstandings.
Where is the best place to park near the Old Town if I use a wheelchair? - Look for garage parking: the underground car park by the National Museum, multi-storey city garages, and designated disabled spaces listed on the city’s official register.
Does the Piarist Church have a wheelchair ramp? - Official descriptions give location and history; to confirm the easiest entrance and access with a wheelchair, contact the parish before your visit.
Are trips from Kraków to Zakopane suitable for wheelchair users? - Many organisers offer tours that are not wheelchair accessible. Check the tour description and ask about the bus type and access at attractions. Consider a private transfer or a tailor-made programme with a guide to adapt the route and stops.
How do I avoid difficult surfaces on Floriańska? - Choose wider pavements, avoid peak crowds, use side streets that lead to main points, and ask local staff for the most comfortable route.
Kraków is actively expanding its register of parking spaces for vehicles of people with disabilities — the city publishes updates worth checking before you travel. This can help you find a closer spot than you might expect.
In Zakopane there are pilot projects such as e-bus services and special runs for people with disabilities — good news if you want to reach Morskie Oko or other popular spots using adapted public transport.
Not every popular restaurant has an adapted restroom — even if the entrance is level, call ahead to confirm that the bathroom suits your needs.
If you plan to visit Kraków and take a trip to Zakopane with a wheelchair user, good organisation is key: check the list of disabled parking spaces, call the parish or museum in advance, and confirm accessibility of Zakopane attractions before buying a tour. Small preparations can turn a difficult outing into a comfortable and memorable day.
If you found this guide helpful — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like a tailor-made route, consider booking a personalised itinerary with private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she can help reserve and adapt the programme to the needs of a wheelchair user. Good luck with your planning and safe travels!
