The Royal Route is a historic path linking the Florian Gate, Floriańska Street, the Main Market Square, Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets with Wawel Hill — the route once taken by kings during ceremonial entries. Kazimierz is a separate, atmospheric district south of the Market, with Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy and several historic synagogues as its main highlights. In practice most walks are short stretches between major sights, but cobbles and steps mean that when you plan an outing with a stroller it’s worth choosing the best route and scheduling rest stops.
This guide includes a stroller-friendly route suggestion, a list of recommended places to eat, practical transport tips and a short FAQ for parents with young children. The aim is to make a day in Krakow enjoyable and as stress-free as possible.
Start early — morning hours (around 8:30–10:00) will help you avoid crowds on Floriańska Street and the Market Square and make it easier to maneuver a stroller along pavements and crossings. If you want to reduce the number of uphill or stair sections, plan Wawel and the Old Town as one block and Kazimierz as a separate walk with a break for lunch or coffee.
Choose a comfortable, light or folding stroller — these are easiest to push over cobbled sections. Pack a changing mat, wet wipes, a water bottle and a small first-aid kit. Dress your child in layers — Krakow’s weather can change during the day.
Before visiting specific museums or indoor exhibitions, check rules about bringing strollers and the availability of lifts; in some places it’s more practical to leave the stroller at the ticket desk and carry the child in a sling or carrier.
Suggested easy route: start at Plac Matejki — Florian Gate — Floriańska Street — Main Market Square (short stops at the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s) — Grodzka Street (the best approach to Wawel) — access Wawel from Podzamcze Street (an entrance with fewer stairs) — cross the river using the Bernatka footbridge or continue via Grodzka to Kazimierz — Kazimierz: Plac Nowy and Józefa Street.
Plan your Wawel approach from Podzamcze or Bernardyńska Streets — both have sections that make stroller access easier. Avoid the so-called ‘Bocianie Gniazdo’ (some stair connectors) and certain stepped alleys between Old Town courtyards.
If the walk with a stroller seems demanding, consider a short tram ride to a stop near Wawel or Filharmonia and walk to Kazimierz from the bridge. Trams and buses allow strollers, but at peak times they can be crowded.
Starka (Kazimierz) — a cozy place serving Polish cuisine with a pleasant summer garden; families often recommend it. Large tables and friendly staff make visits with a child easier.
Massolit Bakery & Cafe — a chain of snug cafés around the Old Town and Kazimierz, known for baked goods and a calm atmosphere; a good stop for coffee and dessert with a little one.
Bottiglieria 1881 — a Michelin-recognized restaurant; excellent for a special dinner, though the intimate cellar setting and narrow spaces may be less convenient with a large stroller — reserve in advance and mention you’ll have a stroller.
Plac Nowy — the food-truck and stall area (famous zapiekanki) is a quick outdoor option where you can sit on a bench or in a small outdoor area — handy if you want your child to stretch their legs.
Cafe Camelot — a classic cafe near the Old Town with a friendly atmosphere; a comfortable option for tea and cake after a walk.
When choosing a place, call ahead and ask about space for a stroller, availability of a family toilet or changing table, and whether you can reserve a table near the entrance — these small arrangements make arrival and service much smoother.
At Wawel and in major museums accessibility varies — courtyards and some outdoor routes are stroller-friendly but not all exhibitions have lifts; the best approach is to ask at the ticket desk before entering.
Public toilets in the center and near main attractions sometimes have changing tables, but standards differ — having a portable changing mat is useful. Hotels and larger restaurants usually offer family restrooms.
If you travel by car, the most convenient parking is in underground garages near the train station or around the National Museum / Sheraton area; from there you can continue to the center by public transport or on foot. Parking guidance around Wawel helps when planning a trip by car.
Trying to see “everything in one day” — it’s better to plan shorter sections and allow time for naps and meals. Choose two or three main sights and plan breaks between them.
Not booking ahead in popular restaurants — many places in Kazimierz and around the Market fill up quickly; if you plan to eat with a stroller, call ahead and ask for a convenient table.
Using an unsuitable stroller — a heavy, bulky model makes moving over cobbles difficult; a light, folding or all-terrain stroller will make the walk much more enjoyable.
Kazimierz originally functioned as a separate town with its own administration for centuries — today it’s one of Krakow’s most recognizable and atmospheric districts.
The Royal Route is not just a tourist phrase — it’s a historical path used during royal processions, so some buildings and streets still recall grand ceremonies and parades.
Krakow’s culinary scene ranges from simple street food to high-end dining — in Kazimierz you can find restaurants recognized by Michelin, showing the city’s diversity from casual snacks to top-level cuisine.
Can I visit Wawel with a stroller? Yes — courtyards and some routes are stroller-accessible, but not all halls and exhibitions are. Ask at the ticket office about the easiest entrance and stroller-storage options.
Where can I change my baby in the center? The quickest options are hotel restrooms, larger restaurants or some public city toilets; it’s always useful to carry a portable changing mat.
Is Kazimierz stroller-friendly? Mostly yes, but watch out for cobbles and narrow passages around some courtyards. Stick to wider streets like Józefa Street and Plac Nowy for easier movement.
Visiting the Royal Route, Wawel and Kazimierz with a stroller is definitely doable — it just takes a bit of planning, flexibility and a few practical solutions. Leaving early, using a light stroller, booking restaurants in advance and knowing which Wawel entrances work best for strollers will make your day much more comfortable.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends who might be planning a family walk in Krakow. For a relaxed, stress-free visit tailored to families, consider booking a private guiding service with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — practical details and the full offer are available on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website. Have a safe trip and enjoy your stroll through Krakow with your little one!
