Is it possible to sightsee in Kraków while pregnant and still have a great time? Definitely — provided the plan is sensible, the pace gentle, and the route chosen with the expectant mother’s needs in mind. The Planty, which surround the Old Town, form a several-kilometre green belt and are a perfect place for relaxing walks without the harsh city bustle, and many of the main sights are clustered close together — a big advantage when frequent breaks are needed.
Kraków can be intense, but you can experience it slowly: plan shorter sightseeing stages, use public transport, and choose places with comfortable seating. In this article you’ll find practical tips, a sample weekend itinerary, recommendations for reliable cafés and restaurants, and a packing list to make the weekend stress-free and enjoyable. Important note: if you have any health concerns, consult your doctor or midwife before the trip.
The compact Old Town and nearby districts mean many attractions can be visited without long transfers. That makes it easy to pause sightseeing and sit down in a café or park.
Kraków has many green spaces that invite rest — besides the Planty, visit the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden, a quiet oasis, and the Błonia meadow, a wide area ideal for a short walk without stairs or crowds.
The city offers a good public transport network: short tram or taxi rides let you skip the most demanding walking sections and cobbled sidewalks. This matters when you want to save energy and avoid uneven pavement.
Many restaurants and cafés in the centre have comfortable seating and restrooms, and popular museums provide benches and resting areas between rooms. When choosing places to visit, prefer those with visitor amenities (benches, toilets, easy access).
Plan shorter stages: up to 2–3 hours of active sightseeing before a break for rest and a snack.
Dress comfortably and stably: good flat shoes with cushioning are essential — Kraków’s sidewalks can be uneven and cobbles slippery after rain.
Take care to stay hydrated and eat light meals regularly. Bring a water bottle, energy snacks and information on nearby pharmacies.
Check routes for stairs and ramps — if you plan to visit Wawel, the Market Square Undergrounds or some mounds, find out in advance whether there is an alternative, gentler access or whether you can reach a higher point by public transport or taxi.
Book tickets in advance where possible — it saves time and stress. Consider the time of day: mornings and early afternoons are calmer than late afternoons in high season.
Keep in touch with loved ones and carry a charged phone plus your insurance card or basic medical details. If you wish, inform the guide about your pregnancy — they’ll adapt the pace and breaks accordingly.
Day 1 — short and pleasant: morning walk along the Planty, a moment at the Market Square fountain, a visit to the Cloth Hall (a brief stop at the craft stalls) and coffee at a reliable café. After lunch, a light walk up to Wawel — stop on a terrace with a view and skip touring every chamber if you feel tired. In the evening enjoy a calm dinner at a well-reviewed restaurant where you’ve reserved a table and seating.
Day 2 — nature and culture: morning at the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden — lots of benches and shady paths. Then a gentle walk to Kazimierz, where you can explore a few places at an easy pace and have lunch at a spot known for friendly service. If you feel like it, a short visit to the National Museum or Collegium Maius — both offer places to sit and atmospheric interiors. End the day relaxing on the Błonia or in one of the cosy cafés tucked into Kazimierz’s streets.
Alternative to longer walks: use short tram or taxi journeys between points to limit walking on uneven surfaces and stairs.
In the centre choose venues with good reviews and plenty of seating. Pod Nosem is an option for fine dining in a pleasant interior; Café Camelot and Charlotte on Plac Szczepański are known for comfortable tables and a calm atmosphere ideal for a break. In Kazimierz look for places that serve fresh, light food and have good service reviews — they usually offer easier seating and faster service.
If you need facilities like a baby-changing table or easy access to toilets, opt for cafés and restaurants in shopping centres or larger venues near the Market Square. Always ask staff about the nearest toilets, because in some historic buildings access may be limited.
For a light lunch choose soups, salads and dishes with a good source of protein, and schedule regular rest breaks. Avoid heavy meals right before a longer walk if you are prone to heartburn or discomfort.
Friendly: the Planty, the Botanical Garden, the Błonia, some outdoor areas and viewpoints at Wawel, museums with benches (for example the National Museum), plus cafés and the gentle routes in Kazimierz.
Require caution: the Market Square Undergrounds (stairs, low corridors), some mounds and viewpoints with many steps, and sites with limited access (narrow stairs, no benches). If you plan to enter underground spaces or climb a mound, check alternative access and route length before buying a ticket.
If you plan to go to Kościuszko Mound or Piłsudski Mound, consider getting close by public transport or taxi to shorten standing and climbing time. The guide can also suggest a route variant with fewer stairs.
Trying to fit too many attractions into one day — it’s better to see fewer places at a relaxed pace. Plan breaks every 1.5–2 hours.
Wearing unsuitable footwear — you need stable, cushioned shoes; avoid high heels and thin soles.
No plan for sudden discomfort — have the phone number of the nearest clinic, a transport plan and an emergency contact. If you feel unwell, stop sightseeing immediately.
Ignoring weather — in summer wear a hat and carry water, in winter wear warm, non-restrictive clothing. Rain makes cobbles slippery, so postpone more difficult routes if needed.
Wawel has many spots where you can sit with a view of the Vistula — you don’t need to visit all the chambers to feel the atmosphere of the hill.
The Planty were created where the old defensive walls once stood and form a comfortable, flat walking belt around the Old Town — a great alternative to walking on the cobbled Market Square.
The Wawel Dragon breathes fire at the riverfront; it’s a short spectacle you can watch from a distance without standing in the crowd.
Several museums and historical sites provide benches or rest zones — ask staff during your visit about the nearest place to sit.
Documents and doctor’s contact — carry basic medical information and the phone number of your emergency contact.
Water bottle, light snacks (nuts, dried fruit, a protein bar), tissues, a small first-aid kit (basic medicines, plasters), sunscreen and a hat for summer.
Comfortable shoes, a light extra layer for quick cooling/overheating, a small raincoat or umbrella in case of rain.
A charged phone, a transport card if you plan to use trams/buses, and some cash for taxis.
Can I sightsee with a stroller? Yes — most central streets and the Planty are accessible, but some historic interiors and underground sites have limited access. If you have a stroller, plan routes with fewer stairs and use entrances with ramps when possible.
Do I need to book a guide? Booking is recommended — the guide can adjust the pace and route to the expectant mother’s needs, plan more breaks and point out comfortable places to rest.
Do I need special medical checks before the trip? If your pregnancy is progressing normally, this is usually not necessary, but it’s always wise to discuss travel plans with your healthcare provider. For high-risk pregnancies do not plan trips without medical consultation.
Where can I find the nearest toilet? In the centre most toilets are in large cafés, shopping centres and some museums. The guide will help plan breaks at places with easy WC access.
If you want to explore comfortably, without rushing and with someone who knows the city and can adapt the pace to your needs, a private tour with a guide is an excellent solution. Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) will gladly plan a calm route, point out the best resting spots and take care of your comfort during the whole weekend. Contact and booking details are available on the page offering private Kraków tours.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it’s easy to do by sending the link. And if you’re planning a trip to Kraków while pregnant and would like someone to help you see the city in a friendly, thoughtful way, consider a private tour with Małgorzata — booking details are available on the site.
