Wawel is a must on any trip to Kraków — the castle, the cathedral and the views over the Vistula impress both adults and children. Podgórze Market (Rynek Podgórski) is just a short walk or a pleasant stroll along the Vistula boulevards away and has a very different, more intimate atmosphere — less crowded than the Main Market Square, with its own history and local cafés ideal for families. Combining a short tour of Wawel with a rest in Podgórze lets you spread attractions across the day — a bit of “big history,” then relaxation and play for children in nearby cafés and play spaces.
For families this works well because - Wawel delivers the “big moments” and memorable photos - A walk along the river and the footbridge naturally leads toward Podgórze - Podgórze Market is a pleasant spot for lunch and coffee, and the area has cafés and play venues adapted for visits with children.
Below I’ll suggest how to plan tickets, a route and which places are worth considering.
Buy tickets in advance - popular exhibitions and routes sometimes have entry limits, and online sales are often open weeks ahead. Booking online saves time and stress at the ticket office, especially with little ones.
Pay attention to the entry time - tickets for exhibitions are often for a specific hour; being late can mean you won’t be able to enter that day. If you plan a short program with children, choose one or two exhibitions rather than trying to “do everything” in a few hours.
Strollers and large bags - many exhibitions do not allow strollers inside; usually you must leave a stroller in a cloakroom/desk. Plan for this in advance and allow extra time to check items in and out.
Routes and access limitations - some places (for example towers, crypts, narrow rooms) can be difficult to access with a stroller or small child. For the youngest visitors it’s better to focus on more open spaces, such as the courtyard, and on shorter exhibitions.
Reduced tickets and documents - if you use concessions (children, pupils, students, seniors), carry the appropriate documents. Very young children often enter free or at reduced price — check rules when purchasing tickets.
Visiting time - to see 1–2 exhibitions at a relaxed pace allow 1.5–2 hours; if you add a walk around the courtyard and photos at the cathedral, plan 2–3 hours. With small children, shorter visits and breaks work best.
1) Entrance and courtyard - start with the courtyard and a short walk around the castle grounds so children can stretch their legs and take photos.
2) Pick one main exhibition - instead of stressing over many displays, choose one route that will interest the whole family (for example the royal chambers or an armory/treasures exhibition) and make it the main part of your visit.
3) The cathedral and crypts - if children are older and you have time, consider a visit to the cathedral and a short underground route; if little ones are tired, skip it and come back another time.
4) Snack break - after sightseeing plan a picnic on the Wawel Hill grass or a short walk toward the boulevards. Good coffee and a sandwich often act as a “reward” after serious sightseeing.
This route can be flexibly shortened or extended depending on mood and the children’s age.
Podgórze Market is a small, cozy square that once served as the central market of the town of Podgórze — until 1915 Podgórze was a separate town, and after its merger with Kraków it gained new functions and a refreshed look. Town villas and historic tenement houses create a pleasant, intimate atmosphere.
On the square pay attention to the period buildings and town villas, the old town hall and the nearby neo‑Gothic St. Joseph’s Church — together they tell the story of the place’s transformation from a marketplace to the neighborhood it is today. Renovations and revitalizations have returned order to the square and enabled local markets and events that often take place there.
The square is also a great base for short outings — it’s close to the Vistula boulevards, the Father Bernatek footbridge and the direction of Zabłocie, so you can plan a short walk after lunch and coffee.
Around Podgórze Market and nearby you’ll find several places that welcome families with children — some are classic cafés with a play corner, others are play‑café venues with drinks and snacks for parents. Here are practical examples and what to expect from them:
- Stopklatka (Brodzińskiego) - a café known for being family‑friendly with a play corner for little ones; a good spot for a calm dessert or an afternoon visit with a child.
- TuTa - a play‑café offering larger play zones designed for safety and to keep children occupied, which gives parents time to enjoy coffee in peace. It’s an option for a longer stop when kids need activity.
- Chmurkowo - an example of a play‑café with family amenities (changing table, highchairs) and a play area; useful if you plan a more relaxed break after a walk.
- Lwowska Café and other local cafés on Lwowska Street and around the square - cozy places with desserts and coffee; not all have big play corners, but many welcome families and provide highchairs.
Practical note - many family cafés offer: highchairs, changing facilities or access to a restroom with a changing table, plastic tableware for the youngest, and small toys or crayons. If you visit at a weekend, it’s a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Morning start: Wawel - come at opening time or buy tickets for a morning slot to avoid the biggest crowds. A short visit to 1–2 exhibitions and a walk around the courtyard.
Break: walk along the Vistula - go down to the boulevards, cross the Father Bernatek footbridge, let the children run or relax by the river.
Midday: Podgórze Market - lunch at a local restaurant or a café with a play corner. After the meal children can play while adults rest with coffee.
Afternoon: play‑café or a calm walk around Zabłocie - if children still have energy choose a play‑café; if you prefer a walk, Zabłocie has several interesting spots and galleries.
Evening: easy return to the Old Town or dinner at a family‑friendly restaurant. The plan is flexible — the best days allow breaks and adjusting the pace to the youngest.
Is a guided tour worth it? - For families with small children, exploring on your own or using an audio guide can be more convenient because it lets you control the pace. If children are older and enjoy stories, a short guided tour can add color.
What about strollers? - When planning to enter interior exhibitions, be ready to leave the stroller in a cloakroom. It’s useful to have a carrier or wrap as an alternative for narrow passages.
Where to eat with children in Podgórze? - The square and its surroundings have local restaurants and cafés, plus dessert and ice‑cream spots. Choose places with a play corner if you want a short break.
Is Wawel large and tiring? - It depends on the routes you choose. Selecting 1–2 exhibitions plus outdoor breaks (courtyard, boulevards) will make the day pleasant rather than exhausting.
What to bring? - Comfortable shoes, snacks for children, a carrier or baby‑wrap, basic changing supplies, a water bottle and a backup plan in case of bad weather.
