Yes — many expectant mothers visit Kraków and enjoy walking the Royal Route, the views from Wawel, and a coffee on the Market Square. The key is sensible planning: choose the right stage of pregnancy, keep a gentle pace, take frequent breaks, and consult your doctor. The second trimester (roughly weeks 14–28) is often recommended as the most comfortable time to sightsee, when many unpleasant symptoms ease and energy is higher.
If your pregnancy is progressing without complications, short walks around the Old Town and a visit to Wawel are entirely realistic and enjoyable — provided you schedule rests, stay hydrated, and choose easier entrances. Keep in mind that some museum routes and underground spaces include stairs and narrow passages that may be tiring or difficult for people with reduced mobility.
If you have any health concerns — pain, bleeding, a tendency toward preterm labor, or a doctor's recommendation to rest — postpone more intensive sightseeing and choose shorter, gentler parts of the city.
A suggested relaxed half-day plan focuses on the most attractive and accessible parts of the Royal Route: the Planty — St. Florian's Gate — the Main Market Square (short coffee break) — Grodzka Street — Wawel (rest on benches or in a café). This route links the main highlights while allowing you to shorten the walk at any point.
Start at the Planty (wide paths, benches, shade), walk slowly along Floriańska Street toward the Market. On the Market Square choose a place with access to a restroom and seating — that’s important. Then continue down Grodzka toward Wawel — this route is generally more comfortable than steep, narrow approaches from other directions. At Wawel pick a single exhibition instead of trying to “see everything” in one day. One exhibit or a viewpoint is a good choice.
If you want to avoid stairs and long uphill walks, ask in advance about level-access entrances or step-free routes — many historic sites offer alternatives, and information points can provide current guidance.
Pace: walk very slowly and plan a break every 20–30 minutes — even 5–10 minutes of sitting makes a big difference. If you feel short of breath, dizzy, or very tired — stop the tour and rest in a café or on a bench.
What to bring: a bottle of water, a small protein-rich snack (nuts, yogurt, a sandwich), tissues, medical documents (pregnancy card) and a phone with a charged battery. Wear light, comfortable shoes with good soles and layer your clothing so you can quickly adjust to the weather.
If you plan to travel for more than four hours (for example you arrived by train or plane and want to sightsee immediately), consult your doctor beforehand. For longer journeys consider compression knee-highs, more frequent stops and leg stretching to reduce the risk of swelling and clots.
Wawel is a must-see, but the hill has several levels and sometimes stairs. When visiting Wawel it’s worth planning a specific exhibition rather than trying to see “everything” at once — shorter routes allow for rest and lower physical strain. If you're interested in indoor museum rooms, check in advance which areas offer easier entrances and shortened paths.
The crypts, some towers and narrow passages in historic chambers can be demanding — it's better to skip them if you feel uncomfortable. Instead choose a viewing terrace, the gardens or a relaxed view of the Vistula from the riverside boulevards.
If you want a guided visit to the main monuments, book a shorter route tailored to your needs — a guide can adapt pace and breaks to your comfort.
Around the Market Square and Grodzka Street you’ll find many cafés and restaurants offering seating and quick access to restrooms. Good options for a comfortable break are cafés serving light, nutritious snacks and table-service restaurants — this way you avoid standing in a crowd. Consider well-known, highly rated places that are known for good service and guest comfort.
Examples of easier spots to rest: cafés on the Market Square with comfortable chairs, established restaurants with a tradition of good service, and cafés in Kazimierz and near Wawel. Pay attention to places that provide restrooms for guests and indoor seating (warm, quiet, comfortable).
If you look for accommodation: choose hotels or apartments with an elevator, close to the Old Town or Kazimierz to shorten walking time and reduce steep approaches. When booking check reviews for elevator access and whether there is a restroom on the ground floor.
Planning an overly ambitious day — trying to “see everything” in one go is the most common mistake. It’s better to split sightseeing into shorter stages and come back to interesting places later.
Ignoring breaks and hydration — even short rests every half hour greatly improve comfort. Carry water and a small snack.
Not checking opening hours and the need to reserve tickets — many attractions limit entry. Reserving a time slot makes planning easier and avoids long queues.
Too-heavy luggage and uncomfortable shoes — choose a light backpack or shoulder bag, comfortable well-fitting footwear and clothing that does not constrict.
Surprising: walking the Planty lets you avoid the largest crowds at the Market Square — it’s a pleasant green ring around the Old Town with many benches and natural shade. It’s an ideal spot for a short rest between attractions.
If you want to soak up Kraków’s atmosphere without effort, pick a single café with a view of the Market or a quiet corner — sometimes it’s better to “be” than to try to “see everything.”
Many museums and cafés are happy to reserve tables for guests who need a comfortable spot; it’s worth mentioning your pregnancy when booking — staff will often offer a better table or quicker assistance.
Can I climb the stairs at Wawel? - Yes, but if you have doubts choose gentler approaches from Grodzka or Bernardyńska Street. Avoid tight towers and long staircases if you feel tired.
Do I need a doctor's permission? - It depends on your pregnancy. If it’s progressing normally you can usually travel and walk comfortably, but always consult your doctor about travel plans, especially outside the second trimester or if there are existing contraindications.
Are there changing facilities and accessible restrooms? - Yes, most larger cafés and restaurants and modern museums have restrooms for guests; hotels and tourist information points can help you locate the nearest facilities.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media so other expectant mothers can better plan their visit to Kraków. A bit of planning and care before you go turns the trip into a real pleasure.
If you’d like, I can suggest a personalized route adapted to your pace, starting point and dining preferences — I encourage you to consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and the guide’s offer are available on her website, where you can arrange a route tailored to your needs and comfort level. I wish you a safe and beautiful stay in Kraków!
