The Royal Route is a historic path that runs from Matejko Square past the Barbican and St. Florian's Gate, along Floriańska Street, across the Main Market Square, then Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets up to Wawel Hill. It was once walked by coronation and funeral processions — strolling it is like walking through several centuries of history in just a few dozen minutes.
Wawel is more than a castle and a cathedral. It is a symbol of Polish history, the site of coronations and royal necropolises, home to rich museum collections and intriguing underground spaces. On the hill, allow time for the terraces, the views over the Vistula, the castle interiors and displays, and — if time permits — a visit down to the Dragon’s Den.
Seeing the Royal Route and Wawel with a licensed guide is highly recommended — you gain historical context, local anecdotes and practical tips that make the route more meaningful and engaging for adults and children alike.
A typical guided tour of the Royal Route with entry to Wawel lasts between 2 and 4 hours, depending on whether you include some castle exhibitions. Families with small children should plan shorter, themed stops and regular breaks.
When buying Wawel tickets, check in advance the available routes and age recommendations — some routes (for example the most valuable treasures or the undergrounds) have age guidance and require climbing stairs, which affects accessibility for strollers or guests with limited mobility.
A good guide will also help arrange a meeting point, suggest the best time to start (early morning or late afternoon outside weekend peaks) and advise which exhibitions are worth seeing with kids and which can wait for another visit.
Meet at Matejko Square — a short story about the Grunwald Monument and the history of the place. Then walk past the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate with an explanation of medieval fortifications.
Walk along Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square — stories about the Cloth Hall, the trumpeter’s call and the famous townhouses. On the Market Square it’s a good idea to take a break for ice cream or a short meal, especially if there are children in the group.
Proceed via Grodzka and Kanonicza to Wawel — along the way you’ll see interesting houses and churches and hear about daily life in historic Kraków. On Wawel there’s a short hill route, a viewing terrace and, depending on the chosen option, part of the castle interior exhibition.
Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for stairs — parts of the route are cobbled and include stone steps. A stroller can be useful but you may not be able to push it along the entire route; your guide will suggest convenient alternatives and places to briefly leave a stroller.
Ask the guide about public toilets and shelter from rain — there are key spots on the Market Square and near Wawel worth knowing ahead of time. In summer consider an early start to avoid the biggest crowds and heat.
If you plan to enter specific exhibitions at Wawel, buy tickets in advance online, particularly on weekends and holidays. Also check opening hours and days when parts of the complex may be closed.
Blossom (ul. Rakowicka) — a specialty coffee shop that pairs great coffee with a family-friendly food offering. Known for excellent barista equipment and a menu that includes items for children.
Coffeece (ul. Przemysłowa) — a modern spot focused on high-quality beans and alternative brewing methods. Large tables and a calm, friendly atmosphere make it a good pause with kids.
Café Noworolski (Main Market Square) — a historic café with the atmosphere of old Kraków. More of a tourist landmark, it impresses with its interiors and history and is a classic place to sit near the Cloth Hall.
Bistro Charlotte — a cosy place serving breakfasts and pastries in a Western-European style. Works well for family visits when you want to sit comfortably inside or on a terrace.
Family cafés with play areas — Kraków has dedicated venues for parents with children offering play zones and special children’s menus. Choose well-reviewed places recommended by other families for safety and good service.
Check for seating space and stroller access. Places with large tables or ground-floor areas are more convenient for families.
Look for children’s menu options and a baby-changing facility in the restroom. These are not always standard, so ask in advance or check reviews.
Choose cafés highly rated by other parents — reviews often mention atmosphere, noise level and availability of toys or highchairs.
Wawel houses the Sigismund Bell — it is rung only on major occasions. Hearing it is a memorable experience, but do not expect daily ringing at set times.
The Royal Route includes not only grand official sights. Notice small details on the townhouses — commemorative plaques, lesser-known stained glass or old shop signs that tell about the everyday lives of former Kraków residents.
For children, the legends about the Wawel Dragon are usually the highlight — look for the Dragon’s Den and tell the story in a short, lively way.
Trying to see everything in one day — Wawel and the Royal Route contain many layers of history, so it’s better to set a relaxed pace and stop for a coffee than to rush through everything.
Not reserving tickets or ignoring opening hours — during the tourist season some exhibitions sell out quickly; buy tickets in advance or pick less crowded times.
Being unprepared with children — don’t forget snacks, spare clothes and a plan for shorter stops. Short themed stories and small games (e.g., searching for dragons or sculptures) make the walk more appealing to the little ones.
Is the Royal Route suitable for children? Yes — the route can be fascinating for children if you adjust the pace and include stories, play breaks and snacks.
Do I need a ticket to go up on Wawel Hill? Access to the hill is usually free, but tickets are required for selected exhibitions and interiors. Check current ticket information before your visit.
Can the route be done with a stroller? Most parts of the Royal Route are cobbled streets; Wawel has sections that are harder for strollers. Ask your guide for the most stroller-friendly route options.
If you’re looking for a private, personalized tour of the Royal Route and Wawel, consider booking a licensed guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers guided walks in Polish and adapts pace and content to family groups, taking care of practical aspects of the visit.
On the guide’s website you will find suggested tour durations, prices and practical information about meeting points and additional options (for example headset sets). Contact details and reservation instructions are provided on the site.
Kraków experienced with a guide tastes different — the Royal Route and Wawel tell the story of Poland and can bring great joy to families when you plan the walk with children and include regular rest stops.
If you found this guide helpful — share it on social media or send it to friends planning a trip to Kraków. If you’d like to tour with a local guide, remember the offer of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — all practical details and contact information can be found on her website.
