A walk from MuFo Rakowicka: slow travel in Kraków — accessible and photographic

A walk from MuFo Rakowicka: slow travel in Kraków — accessible and photographic
Private Tour Guide in Krakow - Margaret Kasprowicz

Margaret Kasprowicz

First steps

A walk from MuFo Rakowicka: slow travel in Kraków — accessible and photographic. MuFo, housed in the former armory at Rakowicka 22A, is an excellent starting point for a short, mindful outing that combines exhibitions, a cemetery and the Vistula boulevards. It’s a place where you can start the day with coffee in the museum café, see an exhibition and move on — at a pace suited to the group. Plan the route so you don’t rush yourself or your companions — slow travel is not a race through an attractions checklist but savoring the city.

MuFo often hosts guided walks and photographic events: from short exhibition tours to neighborhood photo walks and themed visits to Rakowicki Cemetery. Some events begin with a light meal in the museum space, which fits perfectly with the slow travel idea.

If you’re planning a trip for the May long weekend, remember that it’s a busy tourist period. Booking museum tickets and places on organized walks in advance helps you start the day calmly.

Who this route is for

This walk works well for wheelchair users, families with small children, photography enthusiasts and anyone who wants to explore Kraków without hurry or crowds. The route connects urban attractions with green spaces along the Vistula, offering places to rest and viewpoints over the city.

Many activities at MuFo and nearby are designed with different needs in mind: seating areas, relaxation zones and events with limited numbers of participants, which all support a calm visit. For people with visual impairments the museum provides audio description, tactile graphics and a Braille guide. If you have special needs, it’s worth contacting the museum in advance.

If you expect to pack many activities into a short time — this is not the best route. This walk is about stopping, noticing details and moving slowly.

The route — step by step

Start: MuFo Rakowicka (Rakowicka 22A) — the museum has a spacious entrance area, clear information and places to rest; during many events the lobby hosts brunches or snacks. From the museum it’s an easy, short walk to Rakowicki Cemetery.

Rakowicki Cemetery — a walk through the cemetery lets you pause at historic graves, study sculptural details and memorial photographs; many paths through the necropolis are paved, but some sections may be uneven, so choose the main alleys where possible.

Vistula boulevards — after the cemetery head toward the boulevards: most riverside routes are flat and paved, making them friendly for wheelchairs and strollers. This is a perfect spot to rest with a river view; in season you’ll also find seasonal cafés and food stalls.

Return or further options — the route can be extended to the Planty or a short trip into the Old Town, but expect cobbles and narrow sidewalks there — plan those sections ahead.

Accessibility at MuFo — what to know

The Museum of Photography in Kraków provides a range of amenities: at the information desk in MuFo Rakowicka you can borrow a wheelchair for the visit; there are elevators connecting levels; and in the lobby and main exhibitions you’ll find places to rest (sofas, poufs).

Accessible restrooms are available on level +1 and level -1. Exhibitions are accessible to wheelchair users, and some displays include tactile materials, tactile graphics and audio description. Magnifying lenses are also available to borrow at the information desk. If you need extra assistance, museum staff are willing to help — it’s a good idea to notify them about specific needs in advance.

In practice MuFo is a comfortable starting point for visitors with various requirements, and many events are run in formats friendly to guests who need more attention and comfort.

Vistula boulevards and wheelchair-friendly stretches

The riverside boulevards are among Kraków’s most wheelchair-friendly walking sections — most paths are asphalted, flat and well maintained, which makes them convenient for wheelchair users and families with strollers. The Southern Boulevard (between Zabłocie and Dębniki) and paths along the right-bank Vistula offer long, calm stretches without steep inclines.

Along the boulevards you’ll find seating, seasonal food points and the Father Bernatek Footbridge — be aware that popular viewpoints can get crowded on weekends; to avoid crowds choose early morning hours or quieter late-afternoon times.

If you plan a longer ride along the river, check in advance where there are accessible ramps and paved descents to the riverbank — not every access point has an even asphalt slope.

Food and breaks — good places to sit

On-site: MuFo has a museum café, a convenient option to start or pause during events and walks. On special days the museum often serves brunches and light refreshments, which ties in well with the slow travel philosophy.

By the river: Forum Przestrzenie is a popular riverside spot with a large terrace area, relaxed atmosphere and wheelchair access. It’s a good choice for a longer break with a variety of food and drink options and pleasant river views.

If you’d like something more intimate in the center, highly-rated cafés and restaurants near the Old Town usually offer good service; remember that walking from the boulevards or MuFo to the very center may include cobbles.

Practical tips for the May long weekend and other seasons

Book tickets and spots in advance — the May long weekend attracts locals and tourists, and popular MuFo events can have limited capacity. Allow extra time in your plan to avoid rushing and crowds.

Dress in layers and bring water — May weather can be changeable; sunny afternoons can turn cool in the evening. A light windbreaker is useful on the boulevards and at the cemetery.

Check opening hours a day earlier and call the museum if needed — for visitors who need specific assistance it’s good practice to confirm wheelchair availability and audio description by phone.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Planning too tightly — without buffer time for rests or stops: that’s a slow travel mistake. Schedule short breaks every 20–40 minutes.

Ignoring surface types — entering the historic center with a wheelchair without checking the pavement can mean difficult cobbled sections. Prefer flat boulevards or main paved alleys.

Not contacting venues ahead of time — if you need a particular accommodation (e.g. a reserved table spot for a wheelchair at a café, an accessible restroom), call in advance to make sure staff can prepare.

A few surprising details worth knowing

MuFo offers more than exhibitions: tactile materials, audio descriptions and tactile graphics are available — a fascinating addition for people with visual impairments and for anyone who wants to experience photography through touch as curated by the museum team.

The museum runs short photographic walks and themed events that often begin with a small meal in the museum space — a pleasant blend of culture and relaxation.

Although the Vistula boulevards are known for lovely views, they can be busy on weekends — the best conditions for quiet walking and photography are early morning or late afternoon.

FAQ — practical answers to common questions

Is MuFo accessible for wheelchair users? Yes — MuFo Rakowicka declares accessibility: elevators, accessible restrooms, the possibility to borrow a wheelchair and access to selected educational materials in visitor-friendly formats.

Is the route to Rakowicki Cemetery wheelchair-friendly? The main alleys are generally accessible and passable, but some parts of the cemetery can be uneven — choose the main paved paths and take care.

How do I best reach the start of the walk? MuFo is centrally located and accessible by public transport; if you plan to travel by tram or bus, check in advance for low-floor vehicles on the lines you intend to use.

Summary and invitation

If you want to experience Kraków slowly, mindfully and comfortably — the route starting at MuFo Rakowicka, through Rakowicki Cemetery and along the Vistula boulevards is an excellent choice. It combines culture, history and nature while offering comfortable sections and places to rest.

Share this guide with friends or on social media if you think someone will benefit from a slow-paced guide to Kraków. If you prefer a tailored, private visit adapted to your needs, feel free to book a private guided walk with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — services are available via the ZwiedzanieKrakowa site. Have a great trip in Kraków!