Rakowicki Cemetery is one of Krakow’s most important necropolises, and the All Saints' period is when the city is very busy: traffic organization changes, extra trams and buses appear, and the cemetery is very crowded. If you plan to combine a walk through Kazimierz with a visit to Rakowice and you have children — a well-planned route and a few practical rules will make the trip more pleasant and safer.
In this article you will find a simple family route, ideas for attractions for the little ones, logistical tips for days with heavy traffic (for example November 1), information about accessibility and practical services, and a short FAQ answering common tourist questions.
This text was written as a friendly guide for people visiting Krakow with children — without advertising or references to competing guide offers. It was prepared for zwiedzaniekrakowa.com by tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz).
Kazimierz is a district rich in history, colorful streets and atmospheric cafés — ideal for a family stroll. Nearby, Rakowicki Cemetery offers a lesson in the city’s history, historic monuments and quiet avenues that can become an opportunity to talk about memory and time. The route that connects both attractions is short and easy to do even with a stroller.
For children, a walk in Kazimierz is a chance to discover a different rhythm of the city — squares, murals, interesting tenement houses and amusing restaurant signs. At Rakowice focus on short sections of the paths, show the most interesting monuments and find a place to rest instead of trying to cover the whole necropolis. That way the outing won’t become tiring and will keep respect for the place.
Remember that during All Saints' the traffic organization and parking availability can change — it’s usually better to use public transport then.
Start: Plac Nowy in Kazimierz — a great place for breakfast or a coffee for parents. Plac Nowy has small open areas where children can safely move around for a short while under supervision.
1. Walk around Kazimierz — head toward ul. Szeroka and ul. Józefa. Notice the colorful tenement houses, local bakeries and small souvenir shops — a good place for a short break and a snack for kids.
2. Head toward the Vistula Boulevards — a short stop outdoors, possible rent-a-ride or play on the grass (check local seasonal options).
3. Travel by public transport or walk toward Rakowice — choose a tram or bus, especially during times of increased traffic. Parking near the cemetery is limited at holiday times.
4. Rakowicki Cemetery — choose a short loop along the avenues, show children a few historic monuments and explain in a simple, gentle way about memory and customs. Make sure children do not run between graves and that they treat the place with respect.
End: return to Kazimierz for lunch or dessert. Plan a place with a kid-friendly menu so the outing ends on a pleasant note.
Transport — around holiday days (especially November 1) the city often runs extra trams and buses and changes traffic organization. It’s safest to use public transport instead of hunting for a parking spot.
Opening hours — cemeteries are usually open from early morning; on All Saints' some gates stay open very late. Check current information before you go if you plan to visit on a specific day.
Crowds and flow — to avoid crowds pick early morning hours or late afternoon. The heaviest visitor flow is usually around midday.
Stroller accessibility — some paths are paved while others are cobbled or covered with gravel. Plan shorter sections of the route and be aware that not all parts will be ideal for large, off-road strollers.
Child safety — keep children close, agree basic rules for behavior at the cemetery (no touching graves, no running, keep quiet). In larger crowds agree on a meeting point in case someone gets separated.
Medical points — at All Saints' temporary medical points are often set up at larger cemeteries; keep emergency numbers handy and know where the nearest assistance point is. This is an extra reassurance for families with small children.
Toilets and porter’s lodges — larger necropolises have porter’s lodges and public toilets; plan stops with these in mind.
Grave locator — if you’re visiting a specific grave, the city provides an online grave locator — entering a name helps find the section faster. This saves time, especially when many people are around.
Transport for people with limited mobility — some cemeteries offer electric cart (melex) services or help for seniors to reach nearby graves; such services are sometimes run as municipal programs.
Adapt language to age — use simple, short sentences and avoid overly dramatic descriptions. You can talk about memory, customs and how many people come to light a candle or think about loved ones.
Let them ask — children have many questions, some difficult. Answer honestly but sensitively. If you don’t know an answer, say so and suggest looking for it together.
Play outside grave areas — if you want the children to play a little, choose nearby parks, the Vistula boulevards or playgrounds rather than the cemetery interior.
Rituals and customs — you can show how to light a votive candle safely without risking burns, or prepare a small, supervised card the child can leave next to a candle.
Kazimierz has many family-friendly places to eat or enjoy a hot chocolate. A few options to consider: Mleczarnia — an atmospheric café with cakes and simple dishes; good for dessert or tea. Café Camelot — a cozy spot often recommended for a relaxed meal in a historic setting. Local pizzerias and zapiekanka stalls on Plac Nowy — quick options usually popular with kids. (Remember that during holiday periods some places may have different opening hours.)
If you want to avoid crowds, pick an afternoon time outside the main lunch rush. For families it’s useful to choose places with a baby changing station and high chairs — check reviews or call ahead if needed.
After a meal a short walk along the Vistula or a moment at a playground is a nice way to finish the outing.
What to bring for a trip with children — water, small snacks, tissues, a basic first-aid kit, powerbank, flashlight (for evening walks), headwear and weather-appropriate clothing — Krakow’s weather can change. If you plan to buy a votive candle, keep it in a sturdy, safe holder.
Documents and information — have the guardian’s phone number, the grave locator info (if needed), locations of the nearest medical points and the emergency number. During large events set a meeting point in case the group disperses.
Backup plan — if a child gets tired or it starts to rain, have a quick backup place to retreat to — a café, shopping passage or a stop with good links to your accommodation.
Can I bring a stroller into Rakowicki Cemetery? - Yes, but remember some paths are uneven and cobbled. Plan a shorter route and choose main paved avenues.
Can I drive to the cemetery on All Saints' Day? - During All Saints' Day and nearby days the city often restricts traffic near cemeteries; using public transport is recommended.
Are there toilets and medical points near the cemetery? - Yes, at larger necropolises (including Rakowicki) porter’s lodges, toilets and temporary medical points are typically available.
Can I light a candle with my child? - Yes, but be careful. It’s better for an adult to handle the lit candle while the child watches from a safe distance. Consider a covered lantern for added safety.
How to plan a route with a small child? - Short sections, frequent breaks and an alternative like a playground or café help keep a good pace. Avoid planning too long walks through the necropolis.
Respect the place — a cemetery is a space for remembrance and reflection. Teach children simple rules: keep quiet, act modestly and do not touch graves. This keeps the walk comfortable for all visitors.
Plan flexibly — weather, crowds and public transport can force changes. Leave extra time and avoid a rigid schedule.
Bring a positive attitude — a trip with children can create meaningful moments: opportunities to talk about history, family and empathy. Take care of the little ones’ pace and comfort and you’ll bring back good memories.
