Wawel Hill and the surrounding Planty are the heart of Kraków: history, green spaces and short distances between sights make them a convenient destination for families with small children. In addition, the Planty contain two modern playgrounds ("Plantuś" and "Dzikie Planty") designed with children’s curiosity and learning in mind — perfect for short stops during your visit.
The Planty form a green ring around the Old Town, so combining a visit to Wawel with a rest in the park gives a good balance: tour the interiors of the monument, then play or enjoy coffee on the grass or in a nearby café.
Most important for parents: the route can be easy to plan — short walks, available toilets and changing facilities (in the Wawel Promotion and Information Center) make life with an infant or toddler much simpler.
In recent years Wawel has undergone concrete adaptation works: an external lift and platforms have been installed to help overcome stairs on selected routes, and parts of the exhibitions are accessible to visitors in strollers or wheelchairs.
Not all displays are accessible — some rooms and routes (for example the "Wawel Odzyskany" exhibition or parts of the Treasury/Armory) include narrow or steep stairs and may be unavailable for wheelchair users. On the other hand, the "Wawel Zaginiony" exhibition and parts of the first floor are accessible along the whole route for wheelchair users.
Practically speaking: the lift at Wawel is usually operated only in the presence of staff — it’s worth reporting your need when you arrive, at the ticket office or in advance via the Reservations Office to reduce waiting time.
On the hill there are toilets adapted for people with disabilities as well as special "comfort" toilets and changing tables in the Promotion and Information Center — a big help for families with small children.
As a city park, the main alleys in the Planty are usually paved and quite stroller-friendly — ideal for a walk with a pram or for short breaks. Keep in mind that in some sections, especially near historic entrances, there may be cobbled surfaces (so-called "cobblestones") that are less comfortable when pushing a stroller.
There are two playgrounds in the Planty: "Plantuś" (near the Archaeological Museum) with educational elements and boards accessible for children with visual impairments, and "Dzikie Planty" (around the area of the Royal hotel) where natural forms and nature-inspired play equipment are the main theme.
Benches and rest areas are arranged along the paths — these are good landmarks if you need to stop for feeding or changing your child.
If you’re looking for a place to sit with a little one and keep the stroller nearby, here are several tried-and-tested places (it’s wise to call ahead to confirm ramp access):
Dziórawy Kocioł (Grodzka Street) — a café that has been recognized locally as family-friendly; it’s close to the Planty and the Old Town, which makes it a convenient spot for a break after a walk.
Cafe Camelot (Świętego Tomasza Street) — a cosy place near the Planty with comfortable tables and desserts, popular with families. Check the entrance — some cafés in historic tenement houses have steps, but many venues offer help bringing a stroller inside.
Famiga (various locations / Old Town) — a family café-club designed for children: play corners, workshops and a menu adapted for the youngest guests. A good place for a longer rest after intensive sightseeing.
LikeKonik (All Saints’ Square) — a family café-club with play rooms and events for children; welcoming to families and often organizing themed meetings.
Practical note: many cafés in the central area of Kraków are located in historic buildings — before you go check whether there is a ramp or whether staff can assist with the stroller. If you need a changing table or a private space to feed your child, ask in advance.
Plan a morning or late-afternoon walk to avoid the biggest crowds at Wawel entrances and in cafés. It’s best to book tickets online for specific exhibitions, and if you need a lift or special assistance — notify the Reservations Office in advance.
Factor in short breaks at the Planty playgrounds — they are a great way to let children burn off energy before more sightseeing. If you plan to enter the Castle interiors, check in advance which routes are stroller-accessible and book staff assistance for the lift.
If you arrive by car, check for parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities around Wawel and the Old Town; in the center it’s best to use designated spots and remember that they are in high demand during the season.
Assuming the whole of Wawel is accessible — this is a frequent mistake. In practice some exhibitions and rooms have stairs or narrow passages; check route maps and accessibility information before your visit and plan alternatives.
Not informing staff about needing the lift — because the lift often works only with personnel, failing to notify staff can extend waiting times.
Ignoring surfaces in the Planty and nearby lanes — historic cobbles can make pushing a stroller difficult; choose the main Planty alleys or ask for help on uneven sections.
Not checking café entrances — many places have steps; call ahead or look for venues with clear ramp access.
There is an area in the Planty with elements dedicated to blind and partially sighted children — some installations and educational boards are designed to be accessible by touch.
In recent years Wawel has implemented investments to improve accessibility: an external lift, platforms on the route and so-called "comfort" toilets — examples that even historic sites can gradually dispel the myth of being inaccessible.
At many cafés around the Planty local owners are used to family visits and can offer quick practical solutions (for example moving a table or preparing a changing space) — it’s always worth asking politely on arrival.
Can I take a stroller up the whole of Wawel Hill? - Yes, there are ramps and accessible sections on the hill, but not all exhibitions and castle chambers are adapted. Check the accessibility of particular exhibitions before your visit.
Where can I change my child on Wawel? - The Wawel Promotion and Information Center has a changing table and a family-friendly toilet; there is also access to a toilet with a ramp near the "Wawel Zaginiony" exhibition courtyard.
Are the Planty safe for a stroller? - Generally yes: the main alleys are paved. Avoid sections with heavy cobbles or steep steps at some entrances.
Do I need to reserve lift assistance in advance? - Not always, but doing so simplifies the visit. It’s best to notify the Reservations Office, the ticket desk or staff at the entrance.
Check the availability of chosen exhibitions on Wawel’s official site or by phone.
Book tickets online and report the need for a lift or staff assistance.
Call the café you plan to visit if a ramp or changing table is important to you.
Bring: a small blanket, spare wipes, a lightweight rain cover for the stroller and a power bank — queues can be long in the center and it’s useful to be prepared.
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or on your social profiles — you’ll help other families plan a more comfortable stay in Kraków.
If you’d like to explore Kraków with personal support and a tailored route (especially when traveling with children or when accessibility assistance is needed), consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa site. Good luck and enjoy your walk around Wawel and the Planty!
