Yes — it’s absolutely possible if you plan the route smartly. The key is to choose gentler approaches to Wawel, avoid the most crowded hours and know where to take a longer, comfortable lunch break. Many stretches of the Royal Route and some streets in Kazimierz are stroller-friendly, but you will encounter uneven pavements and cobblestone sections that are best avoided by picking smoother side paths.
In practice I recommend a slower-paced plan: Wawel and the Vistula boulevards in the morning, then the Market Square and lunch, and an afternoon stroll through Kazimierz with stops in cafés. This split gives you time for feeding, changing and resting — while still seeing the most beautiful spots without the crush of crowds.
A helpful plan that makes getting around with a child and stroller easier: start at the Planty — the green belt around the Old Town — which is softer and easier for a stroller than the crowded Market. From there head to Wawel (the entrances from Podzamcze or Bernardyńska streets offer gentler approaches). After a short visit and photos, descend to the Vistula boulevards — a great place to rest on a bench and scout a restaurant for later.
From the boulevards, continue along Grodzka Street and stop at the Market Square. It’s wise to reserve a table in advance — the best family-friendly spots with space and baby changing facilities can be taken on weekends. After lunch, head to Kazimierz: the side streets (Izaaka, Jakuba) are atmospheric and less crowded than the main promenades, while still full of cafés and child-friendly places.
Wawel Hill can be walked around and explored with a stroller — the two main approaches (from ul. Podzamcze and ul. Bernardyńska) are relatively easy. Keep in mind that some courtyards and interior staircases may require briefly leaving the stroller or using a baby carrier when visiting narrow passages and towers.
If you plan to climb towers or visit certain exhibitions, check accessibility and any restrictions in advance — sometimes it’s more convenient to leave the stroller with a companion or in sight near the ticket office and take the child in a carrier for the shorter, steeper sections.
There are restrooms and spots suitable for changing a baby around Wawel, but in high season don’t rely on single locations — it’s worth knowing nearby cafés that have changing tables.
Kazimierz is a district with a special atmosphere — its side streets offer more calm than the main squares. Recommended places are those with quieter interiors and kids’ corners that let you eat without hurrying. Choose venues that are spacious and have street-level access — that makes it much easier to get a stroller inside.
For families, places that serve simple dishes and desserts work well, where a parent can quickly change and feed the child. If you plan a longer lunch, call ahead and ask for a table without steps and whether they have a changing table.
If you’re looking for family-friendly places with good reviews, consider restaurants and cafés with roomy interiors, stroller access and the option to reserve. Examples families often praise include Szalone Widelce (Old Town) — a place with a dedicated children’s area, Mavericks — spacious and accessible, Otto Pompieri — Italian cuisine with a larger dining room, and the cafés near the Manggha Museum with easy access and a terrace overlooking Wawel.
If your route takes you through Kazimierz, check out smaller local breakfast spots and bars — many have large tables and a relaxed atmosphere for children. On the Vistula boulevards, places with quick service and outdoor benches are convenient, giving you the option to feed and rest in the open air.
Pack a small essentials kit: a blanket, nappies, wipes, a spare outfit and a compact feeding set. Quick emergencies (spills, spit-ups) are easiest to handle when everything is at hand.
Avoid peak hours — morning and late afternoon see the most tourist traffic at Wawel and the Market. If possible, schedule the busiest stops for early morning or later in the afternoon.
Reserve a table in restaurants, especially on weekends and in high season. When booking, ask for a spot without steps and whether the venue has a changing table.
If you encounter cobblestone sections — push the stroller slowly and, when possible, choose stretches with smaller irregularities or use the Park path (Planty), which is smoother.
Consider bringing a baby carrier or sling as an alternative — carriers are often the easiest solution for narrow interiors and staircases.
Not scheduling breaks — parents often try to “see it all” and forget that children need a steady routine. Plan 2–3 longer stops for rest and feeding.
Failing to reserve a restaurant — many tourists assume they’ll find a table easily. In reality, the best family-friendly tables fill up fast, so a phone call the day before can save the day.
Trying to bring the stroller everywhere — not all interiors and exhibitions are stroller-accessible. Check access rules and whether you’ll need to leave the stroller before entering.
Overpacking or underpacking. An overly heavy stroller and large suitcases make it hard to navigate winding streets — leave big luggage at the hotel.
Some cafés near Wawel and in Kazimierz have mini play areas or sensory corners — these spots often get top family reviews.
The Vistula boulevards aren’t only for walks — food trucks and seasonal stalls often operate there. A quick outdoor treat can be a lifesaver with a fussy child.
Contrary to expectations, the best views of Wawel aren’t only from the popular viewpoints — several quieter café terraces on the riverbank offer lovely panoramas, a peaceful option for a calm lunch with a view.
Can I bring a stroller into Wawel Cathedral? — In most of the outer courtyards and external areas a stroller won’t be a problem, but in some interiors and narrower passages you should be ready to leave the stroller for a moment or use a carrier.
Where can I change my baby? — Most likely in cafés and larger restaurants; when planning your route it’s good to list a few places with changing facilities or staff used to families.
Do trams or buses in the centre make travelling with a stroller easier? — Public transport in Kraków is adapted for strollers, but it can get crowded during rush hours. Walking is often the most comfortable option when hotels are close to the centre.
Visiting Wawel, the Royal Route and Kazimierz with a stroller can be enjoyable and relaxing if you treat it as a family adventure, not a checklist. Choose roomy places, reserve tables and don’t hesitate to ask staff about facilities.
If you’d like help planning a stroller-friendly route, I offer guided walks tailored to families and can prepare the most comfortable plan for your group — please contact me through the guide’s site for details and booking. If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — let’s make family sightseeing in Kraków pleasant for everyone!
