Wawel, Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall — a Weekend Step-Free Walk for Seniors with Małgorzata Kasprowicz

Is this walk for me (for seniors and people with limited mobility)?

Yes — I’ve prepared a special, calm version of a route through the most important places of the Old Town that minimizes stairs and steep climbs. The route is designed to be comfortable for older people, those using a cane, crutches or light assistance, and for anyone who prefers a gentler pace.

Important: “step-free” does not always mean the total elimination of uneven surfaces (cobblestones, curbs, small thresholds). Please tell me about your needs when booking — I will adapt the start point, pace and rest stops.

Why choose this route on a weekend?

The weekend is a great time for a walk — in Krakow you can feel the city’s atmosphere: the Market Square buzzes with life, the Cloth Hall offers local handicrafts, and Wawel impresses in every season. By planning times and rest stops carefully, we avoid the largest crowds and give seniors time to rest.

I recommend meeting in the morning (around 9:00–10:00) — then the Square and its surroundings are more pleasant, the air fresher and the crowds smaller. If you prefer a later start, we can begin a bit later and skip the hottest or busiest hours of the day.

Walk plan — step-free version (details and order of stops)

Duration: 2–4 hours (I adapt the pace to the group). On request I can prepare a shorter 1.5–2 hour route focusing on the key sites.

1) Meeting point: Main Market Square — usually by the Adam Mickiewicz Monument. This is a convenient and well-known meeting place with benches for a short warm-up before the walk.

2) The Cloth Hall: a short visit and stories about Krakow’s trading history. The Cloth Hall has level access to the square — depending on crowds we either go inside or admire the stalls from outside and take a coffee break in one of the neighboring cafés.

3) St. Mary’s Basilica (outside / optional entry): we hear about the famous altarpiece and the trumpeter’s hejnał. If the group wants to enter, we’ll plan a short, controlled stop (entry may require tickets and waiting).

4) Grodzka Street — a wide, relatively flat walk towards Wawel. Grodzka is a good route for people avoiding steep climbs; we stop at notable points and benches.

5) Wawel — viewing the castle and cathedral from outside while sharing stories about history and legends. For those who wish to enter interiors, we’ll discuss accessible entry options and tickets. Entering the cathedral or some exhibitions may involve a few short steps — I always warn in advance and propose an alternative (for example, a longer rest on the lawn with the view).

Between stops there are regular breaks planned (benches, cafés, restrooms) — these pauses are a key part of the route for seniors’ comfort.

Practical tips before the walk

Footwear and surfaces: central Krakow has many cobbled sections — please wear comfortable, stable shoes. For people sensitive to uneven ground I recommend a support stick or a light folding travel stool (if someone has one).

Weather: bring a hat, water and a light jacket — weekend weather can change. In case of rain the route is modified so we spend more time in covered sites and cafés.

Toilets and rest: I plan breaks every 30–45 minutes at places with access to toilets and benches. If anyone has medical needs (for example, medication on hand), please inform me before the walk.

Tickets: tickets for some interiors (e.g. the Cathedral, certain museums) are paid separately. I can help with ticket purchase and advise whether entering a particular interior is worth it on the day (queues, special exhibitions).

Payment: I accept cash and card; we arrange details at booking.

Practical information — booking and prices (approx.)

Tour length: the standard route “Wawel and the Royal Route” lasts 4 hours, but I also offer shorter 2–3 hour options tailored to seniors’ needs.

Approximate pricing (seasonal promotions may apply): I offer 2/3/4-hour packages. The price depends on length and group size. When booking, please tell me the group size and preferences — I will prepare a clear quotation.

Tickets to attractions: some places (for example St. Mary’s Basilica, Wawel Cathedral) require separate entrance fees — it’s a good idea to include them in the plan and budget.

How to book: contact me by phone or e‑mail — we arrange the meeting place and start time, discuss route details and tailor the pace. Booking helps avoid surprises on weekends.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: How long is the walk and can it be shortened? — A: Standardly 4 hours, but we can do a 2–3 hour version or concentrate only on the Market Square and Wawel. Pace and duration are flexible.

Q: Do we need to buy tickets in advance? — A: For some interiors it’s worth having tickets ahead (especially on weekends). I can help buy them or advise which entries to skip if time is limited.

Q: Is the route suitable for wheelchair users? — A: The route minimizes stairs, but some interiors and sections may still present barriers. If someone uses a wheelchair, please tell me when booking — I will prepare a detailed accessibility plan with alternatives.

Q: How to report special needs (slower pace, more frequent breaks)? — A: Best when booking. I adapt pace and number of stops to the group’s needs.

What else to pay attention to — good practices when touring with older people

- Agree on a clear meeting point and a contact phone: in a big city it’s easy to get separated. I usually meet groups at a well-known spot on the Market Square.

- Plan breaks for coffee or lunch at a venue with easy access — it’s an opportunity to rest and share stories.

- If someone has health uncertainties, it’s better to choose a shorter route or ask a companion to join.

- I aim to tell stories in an accessible, engaging way and weave in anecdotes so the walk is interesting but relaxing.

Contact and booking (how to sign up)

If you want to book the walk or have questions about availability and the senior-friendly route, please contact me by phone or e‑mail. During the call we’ll set the best weekend date, the tour length and any special needs.

When booking, please give: date, number of people, approximate pace (e.g. slow, medium) and information about mobility restrictions — this helps me prepare the perfect plan.

A few friendly words at the end

I want sightseeing in Krakow to be pleasant and stress-free — especially for older visitors. I tell the city’s stories with passion but always adapt pace and route to the group. If you’d like to spend a weekend in Krakow in a warm atmosphere, with memorable stories and well-timed breaks — you’re very welcome.

See you at the Market Square!