Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta) is a place where memory and urban life meet — it’s worth visiting even on a short stay in Krakow. The square is marked by the striking symbolic chairs that form a memorial; this is a gentle opportunity to talk with a child about the history of the place in a simple, age-appropriate way, while also enjoying a quieter moment away from the busiest tourist spots.
The Pharmacy “Pod Orłem” (Apteka Pod Orłem), located on the square, is a branch of the Museum of Krakow connected to the history of Podgórze and the wartime ghetto. The museum has small rooms, welcomes visitors, and is often recommended for families — however, it’s best to check opening hours in advance. For people with a stroller: the entrance may have a small step and exhibition rooms can be compact, so a practical solution is leaving the stroller at the ticket desk or using a baby carrier for a short visit.
If you plan May-holiday walks, choose early morning or late afternoon — the square lies outside the most touristy route around the Main Market Square but can be fairly busy on weekends and public holidays. After visiting, you can continue on toward Zabłocie or the Vistula Boulevards (Bulwary Wiślane), where there is more open space and easier places to rest with a child.
Krakow has many places that aren’t on every "must-see" list but work perfectly for calm sightseeing with a stroller: cozy cafés on side streets, small museums outside the tourist core, and parks with benches and shady trees.
Recommended types of places: small thematic museums (branches of the Museum of Krakow), peaceful walking routes in Podgórze and Zabłocie, the outdoor educational playgrounds like the Stanisław Lem Garden of Experiences for fun learning in the open air, and lesser-known churches and small palaces whose interiors and histories can surprise you. Many of these locations offer benches, toilets and spots for feeding or resting.
If you’re looking for family-friendly cafés, choose places known for thoughtful service — in practice that means wide entrances, space for a stroller beside the table and a changing table in the restroom. Also check lists or city guides labeled “Family Friendly” — they’re a quick way to find tested spots.
Easy and scenic: the Planty — the green belt around the Old Town — has mostly paved paths, plenty of benches and shade; it’s a classic choice for a short first walk with a child. This route lets you reach many attractions without pushing through the cobbled streets of the Market Square.
Podgórze and Zabłocie: less touristy but full of hidden stories. Ghetto Heroes Square, the Pharmacy “Pod Orłem” and the area around Oskar Schindler’s Factory form a logical walking loop with places to stop and rest. The Vistula Boulevards give space to run and play on the grass — note that some parts of the riverbanks have stairs, so pick stretches with gentle ramps if you have a stroller.
A more green option: the loop around Błonia and Jordan Park — wider paths and open spaces make pushing a stroller and finding a picnic spot easy. When planning, remember that after rain some paths may be unpaved or stony, so choose routes accordingly.
Krakow has many well-reviewed cafés and restaurants that welcome families: look for places with a changing table, roomy interiors and space for a stroller at the table. In practice, cafés on quieter streets or venues explicitly marked as family-friendly often have children’s options on the menu.
Plan breaks near larger attractions: around Apteka Pod Orłem and in Zabłocie you’ll find several nice cafés and casual lunch spots; on the Old Town choose side streets to avoid crowds. If you plan to visit popular restaurants, consider reserving a table — especially during a long May weekend.
A good, family-friendly option near Zabłocie is the MOCAK Café (inside the Museum of Contemporary Art) — it has a relaxed atmosphere and outdoor seating when the weather is good. For more local bakery-style stops, choose established cafés where high chairs and accessible entrances are likely available.
Pack a light blanket and a small selection of snacks — in the May holiday benches can be taken and planning snack breaks helps. Bring a thermos with tea or water; early morning and late afternoon are the calmest times to sightsee.
Watch for single steps at entrances to some museums and tenement houses — even if a place declares stroller access, small thresholds or narrow doors may make entry harder. A tiny folding ramp or asking staff for help can solve most situations.
Check museum opening hours in advance (Apteka Pod Orłem and other branches of the Museum of Krakow have specified visiting hours and days with free admission). Booking tickets online when possible saves time and avoids disappointment on busy days.
Assuming the Old Town is the only area worth visiting — Krakow has broad districts with great historical and cultural value (for example Podgórze, Zabłocie and Nowa Huta) that are often easier to explore with a child and a stroller.
Not checking accessibility before you go — even if a place claims to be family-friendly, it’s worth calling or checking current information about opening hours, entrance steps and changing facilities.
Overdoing long routes in a single day — plan shorter sections, more breaks and a backup café or park so the day stays enjoyable for everyone.
Is Ghetto Heroes Square suitable for small children? Yes — the site has deep historical meaning, but it is also an urban space; short, age-appropriate conversations and a calm walk are appropriate.
Is the Pharmacy “Pod Orłem” accessible with a stroller? Many sources indicate the museum is accessible, though there may be a small step at the entrance and exhibition rooms are limited in space — a practical option is leaving the stroller at the ticket desk or checking if there is a side entrance.
How to avoid crowds during the May holiday? Choose early mornings, routes off the Main Market Square and smaller museum branches or parks instead of the busiest attractions.
The symbolic chairs on Ghetto Heroes Square convey a simple but powerful message — they recall absence and everyday items left behind. For many visitors this is a poignant spot for reflection close to busier parts of the city.
In 2025 Krakow continues to develop “barrier-free” initiatives and programs highlighting family-friendly places; if comfort matters to you, look for venues marked as family-friendly or adapted for people with limited mobility.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help other families plan a better May holiday in Krakow. If you’d prefer to explore the city with a local who can tailor the route to your family’s needs, feel free to contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — the private guide featured on this site can adapt walks to strollers and family rhythms.
