Florian Gate (also known as the Gate of Glory) stands on the northern edge of the medieval Old Town and marks the beginning of the famous Floriańska Street leading directly to the Main Market Square. It’s a great place to start a walk along the Royal Route and set the plan for the rest of the day.
A little curiosity for families: until the mid-20th century a tram used to pass through Florian Gate, so this detail often interests children — the story of a “tram through the gate” can be a nice introduction to a walk around Krakow.
Start: Florian Gate → walk along Floriańska to the Main Market Square. Admire the townhouses on the way and tell short stories to the kids in the form of little anecdotes.
Continue: Main Market Square — a short stop, a photo by the Cloth Hall, then either walk toward Wawel (via Grodzka) or head directly south to Kazimierz (across Grunwaldzki Bridge or via the Vistula Boulevards) — choose the route depending on the family’s pace and energy.
Destination: Kazimierz — plan a longer break here; the district has many cozy cafés and places where children can run around in courtyards. I recommend taking breaks every 30–45 minutes so little ones don’t get too tired.
Jama Michalika (Floriańska Street 45) — a historic café and restaurant with the atmosphere of Art Nouveau bohemia. It’s a place with interesting décor and famous caricatures on the walls; for families it’s also an opportunity to show children a piece of the city’s artistic history.
Cafe Noworolski (Cloth Hall, Main Market Square) — a classic, elegant café with a terrace overlooking the Square. A good spot for a short break after exploring Floriańska; keep in mind that prices and crowds in the center are often higher, especially on weekends.
If you’re looking for a quick, less touristy stop — choose small cafés on the side streets off Floriańska. They usually offer better value and a quieter atmosphere for families.
Galeria Kazimierz / Fikołki Club — inside Galeria Kazimierz there’s the Fikołki play club with a Fikołki Caffe. This is a convenient solution when you want children to be able to play while parents enjoy a calm cup of coffee.
Famiga and other family cafés — Krakow has venues aimed at family visits: play corners, activities for the youngest, and kids’ menus. Keep a few of these places in mind when you plan longer breaks.
LikeKonik coworking-cafe and cafés that offer workshops — check the program before visiting; on weekends there are often creative sessions for children, which can be a great addition to a walk through Kazimierz.
Toilets and changing facilities — make sure the place has a restroom with a changing table or that there are public toilets nearby (for example in shopping centers or larger venues).
Space for a stroller and high chairs — if you travel with an infant, pick a place with space for a stroller; if you have small children, check whether the café provides high chairs.
Kids’ menu and quick meal options — when sightseeing it’s useful to choose places with simple, quick dishes (sandwiches, shareable plates, desserts) so small hungers are satisfied without long waits.
Mistake: booking a café at the last minute on the weekend. Tip: in the season or on weekends, reserve ahead — especially if you want a table at a popular spot on the Market or in Kazimierz in the evening.
Mistake: choosing the only place on the main street assuming it’s the best experience. Tip: side streets and courtyards often have a more authentic atmosphere and fewer crowds — it’s worth stepping off the main route.
Mistake: not planning breaks for children. Tip: plan shorter sightseeing stages with breaks every 30–45 minutes — children won’t get overly tired and the walk will be more enjoyable for everyone.
On Floriańska you can show children traces of the city’s former defenses — the Barbican and fragments of the city walls are nearby and give a nice context for stories about medieval towns.
In Kazimierz look for cafés hidden in passageways and courtyards — these places often have a very friendly atmosphere and are less crowded than spots around Nowy Square.
If your children like books, search for cafés with a small library or reading corner — it’s an easy way to enjoy a calm break and some shared reading time.
Is the route Floriańska → Kazimierz easy with a stroller? Yes, but remember that cobbled streets (especially in Kazimierz) can be uneven. A stroller with larger wheels will be more comfortable than a small lightweight one.
Where can I find a changing table and toilet along the route? Larger shopping centers, some museums and selected cafés offer restrooms with changing tables. It’s worth asking staff before ordering.
Do I need to reserve a table in season? At popular cafés on the Market and in Kazimierz, reservations are recommended on weekends and during the tourist season.
09:30 Start at Florian Gate — a short story about the city walls and a walk down Floriańska.
10:15 Short stop at the Market — photo at the Cloth Hall, a snack.
11:00 Walk toward Kazimierz, light snack on the way.
12:30 Longer break at a café with a kids’ corner (for example Fikołki Caffe) — lunch or a more substantial snack, time to rest.
14:00 Walk through Kazimierz courtyards, quick visit to synagogues and time for ice cream.
If this guide was helpful — share it with friends or on social media. Tell others about your favorite café in the comments — other travelers and families will appreciate the tip.
If you want to experience Kazimierz and the Old Town with stories, anecdotes and a route tailored to your family — consider hiring the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
