Did you know that Veit Stoss’s altarpiece in St. Mary’s Basilica is one of Kraków’s most photographed monuments and that parts of it are sometimes only accessible at specific hours? Planning your day around moments like that can make sightseeing more rewarding — especially when you travel with children who have limited patience. In this guide you’ll find practical routes, ticket tips and family-friendly accommodation recommendations. Many suggestions come from long experience as a guide and trusted local recommendations.
If you want to plan the route right away: start early, split sightseeing into shorter stages and allow time for breaks — a playground, a square with a fountain or a quick takeaway can save the day. Below you’ll find ready-made half-day and full-day schemes and practical information on where to stay with your family so everything is within easy reach.
Wawel and St. Mary’s Basilica are must-see on any first trip to Kraków. For families I suggest a simple, not too tiring route: walk from the Main Market through charming streets (the Cloth Hall, Grodzka Street) to Wawel, take a short rest on the Vistula boulevards, then return to the Market and visit St. Mary’s Basilica.
At Wawel it’s worth seeing the external walls, the courtyard and checking options for entering the cathedral or the castle exhibitions — some areas require separate tickets and have limited capacity, so plan ahead. Kids usually enjoy the Dragon’s Den and the dragon sculpture at the foot of the hill.
St. Mary’s Basilica impresses with its altarpiece and the atmosphere inside. Keep in mind that some sections are open only at set times, and tower climbs are often limited and not always suitable for the youngest children — check conditions before you go. After visiting, sit down at the Market; there are restaurants and cafés perfect for a break with kids.
Some sites — exhibitions at Wawel, tower access or places near the altar in St. Mary’s Basilica — require payment and have limited entries. It’s best to check current information at the institution’s website or at the ticket office near the site the day before your planned visit.
Children and young people often have discounts, but there can be age or safety restrictions for narrow, steep towers. If you want entrance at a specific time, arrive early or consider buying tickets online if that option exists.
Remember that during religious services some parts of churches may be closed to tourists. Respecting local rules, plan your visit outside liturgies or treat attendance as an authentic cultural experience.
Old Town — best if you prefer walking everywhere. Short distances to Wawel and St. Mary’s Basilica, lots of restaurants and stalls, but note: it’s louder and more expensive in high season. For families, hotels and apartments with family rooms and breakfast are convenient. Choose rooms facing the courtyard to avoid street noise.
Kazimierz — a great option if you enjoy the atmosphere of cozy cafés, pizzerias and child-friendly places. The walk from Kazimierz to Wawel takes a few minutes and is often more relaxing than staying right in the center. Kazimierz also offers many well-priced apartments and guesthouses.
Podgórze and the boulevards area — quieter with more space for walks along the Vistula. A good choice for families who want to be a bit away from crowds but still close to attractions with a few public transport stops away.
Grzegórzki and Krowodrza — neighborhoods with convenient tram connections, sometimes more budget-friendly than the center. When choosing accommodation, check for an elevator and easy access with luggage — important when traveling with small children and a stroller.
Hotels with family rooms and buffet breakfast — very convenient: they satisfy varied tastes (kids and adults) and let you get going quickly after breakfast. Established hotels often provide baby cots and late check-in.
Aparthotels and apartments — ideal when you need a kitchen or plan a longer stay. More space and privacy; a kitchen helps manage meals for children with allergies or special preferences.
Guesthouses and small family-run places — often offer a personal touch and a homely atmosphere; great for shorter stays when you want local flair and homemade breakfasts.
Practical booking tip: ask for a courtyard-facing room, check cot availability and the breakfast hours — morning sightseeing is easier if breakfast starts at 7:00 or earlier.
Choose places with consistently good reviews for cleanliness, location and family service. In Kraków you’ll find boutique hotels in the Old Town as well as modern chain hotels near tram stops — well-rated places usually have visible guest reviews worth reading before booking.
If you want to eat near Wawel: traditional long-standing restaurants and cafés are good options where you can quickly get a child’s dessert and coffee for parents. Book a table in popular places, especially at weekends.
When choosing a restaurant follow current reviews and ratings — the best places keep steady high scores and often offer children’s menu options.
Arriving at the last minute — in season attractions and restaurants fill up fast. Booking accommodation and tables in advance saves stress.
Poor time planning — trying to see both Wawel and St. Mary’s Basilica in one short afternoon can be tiring. It’s better to split these into two shorter days or visit one in the morning.
Choosing a room facing a busy street — for families with small children, request a courtyard-facing room or a higher floor. Also check if the hotel has an elevator if you travel with a stroller.
Skipping breaks — children need pauses for play and snacks. Plan short stops in parks, on the boulevards or in cafés so sightseeing stays enjoyable, not a chore.
Is a stroller useful? Yes, but note there are cobbled sections and stairs in the center. A lightweight, all-terrain stroller helps, and a baby carrier can be handy for castle exhibitions and narrow passages.
Where can I change a baby? Larger museums and some cafés have changing facilities. It’s also worth asking your hotel reception if you can use a family room for a quick change or feeding.
How to get around with luggage and children? Trams and buses are convenient, but with large luggage consider shorter walks or a taxi. Check whether your accommodation offers luggage storage for arrival or departure days.
Do children pay for everything? Many attractions offer reduced tickets for children and youths, but rules differ by place — check in advance.
Useful items: a small backpack with water and snacks, comfortable shoe covers for kids if needed, and some cash for small purchases. Card payments work well in many places, but souvenir stalls or small cafés sometimes prefer cash.
Surprising tip: while the Market and Wawel are obvious, a short afternoon walk along the Vistula boulevards or a stroll through Kazimierz can defuse tension and give children space to run. It’s an easy way to add relaxation to the day without skipping sights.
If you have time in the evening — an early morning walk through the Old Town with fewer tourists offers a magical atmosphere and better photos. Children often handle early mornings better than long, crowded afternoons.
Kraków is an ideal city for a family trip: compact, with many attractions within short distances, and plenty of places to rest. When planning visits to Wawel and St. Mary’s Basilica, split sightseeing into shorter blocks, choose accommodation suited to family needs and book popular spots in advance.
If you find this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help any family planning a trip to Kraków. If you’d like to explore the city with someone who will show it without hurry and tailor the route to children, I encourage you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and details are available on the guide’s website. Good luck with planning and have a wonderful trip!
