Kraków is a city that works very well for family walks: wide boulevards along the Vistula, large green areas (Błonia, Planty) and many places marked as family-friendly. Nearby lies Kalwaria Zebrzydowska – a historic sanctuary and an extensive pilgrimage complex that offers a completely different experience from the urban bustle. For parents with a stroller it’s a calm day trip option, provided the route and transport are planned well.
If you want a break from the cobbles of the Old Town and to stroll in green surroundings, this combination makes sense: a morning walk in Kraków, an afternoon trip outside the city and a relaxed return before evening. In recent years local authorities and institutions have been promoting family-friendly places, so you’ll find many cafés and attractions in Kraków with changing tables, high chairs and stroller access.
Public transport: most tram lines and many buses have low floors, which makes boarding with a stroller easier. When boarding look for places marked with a low-floor symbol and wait for the driver to stop close to the curb – often that’s enough to get on without steps.
Stops and sidewalks: in the centre you’ll find solid sidewalks and wide promenades (the Market Square area; note that Floriańska Street has some cobbled sections). The Planty and the river boulevards are great, flat routes for strolling with a stroller.
Cobblestones and steps: remember that parts of the Old Town are paved with cobbles and have short steps – on those stretches a stroller with larger, suspension wheels will work better. When visiting castles or some churches you may need to fold the stroller and carry your child – having a sling or baby carrier as plan B is useful.
Lifts and ramps: large museums and some municipal buildings have lifts or ramps, but it’s always worth checking in advance whether the entrance you plan to use is stroller-friendly. If in doubt, ask at the ticket office or reception – staff will usually be happy to help.
Main Market Square: wide open spaces and promenades allow a comfortable walk, but be mindful of pedestrian traffic and café terraces. The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) area is generally accessible, although entrances to some historic buildings have steps.
Planty: ideal for a short break – a flat path encircling the Old Town, with many benches and shade under trees.
Kazimierz: atmospheric streets and cafés – some side streets are narrower or cobbled, but the main walking routes are usable with a stroller. Look for cafés and restaurants marked as family-friendly – many offer changing tables and high chairs.
Błonia – a large, flat area perfect for play, picnics and safe running after a ball. The paths across Błonia are straightforward for a stroller and often less crowded than the city centre.
Vistula boulevards – wide walkways along the river, cafés and views; in good weather this is a great place for an afternoon stroll.
Ogród Doświadczeń (Museum of Engineering) – an interactive, open space frequently recommended as family-friendly; there are areas where you can leave a stroller beside the activities.
Wawel Royal Castle is a must-see, but be prepared for stairs and sections with limited access. Some exhibitions require climbing steps, although the complex sometimes offers alternative entrances with ramps or lifts – it’s best to ask at the ticket office.
Churches (including St. Mary’s Church) often have stepped or narrow entrances. If your child is small, bring a carrier – it’s very practical for visiting interior spaces. Don’t skip a short visit though; these sites are an important part of Kraków’s heritage.
If comfort is a priority, plan larger museums or major sites for separate afternoons so you don’t have to rush between multiple staircases.
Nature of the site: Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is an extensive sanctuary and pilgrimage park located outside Kraków. Some paths around the basilica and main points are paved and accessible for strollers, but there are also hilly and short uneven stretches. For that reason it’s worth expecting a mix – a sturdy off-road stroller will make moving on unpaved sections easier.
Choosing the route: plan a loop concentrated around the basilica and main alleys if you want to avoid steep, longer stretches. If necessary, limit your route to the central square, historic chapels and gardens – that’s enough to soak up the atmosphere without strenuous climbs.
Accessibility of sacred buildings: main buildings around Kalwaria often provide step-free entrances or can offer help with carrying – ask the sanctuary staff when you arrive.
Buses and minibuses: there are minibuses and buses run by private carriers between Kraków and Kalwaria Zebrzydowska; travel time is usually about 50–70 minutes depending on the route and traffic. Timetables are updated frequently, so check departures on the day of travel or the day before.
Local transport: from 2025 there are additional municipal connections and a regular network of routes between Kalwaria, Lanckorona and Wadowice, which makes reaching the area from neighbouring towns easier. On site you’ll also find buses connecting the station area with the sanctuary zones.
Car and parking: if you drive your own car, Kalwaria offers parking near the main sanctuary entrances – these are often close to central points, but during peak season spaces can run out. For weekends and holidays it’s wise to arrive early.
In Kraków many venues and hotels have been recognised for being family-friendly – choose places with a changing table and high chairs. There are cafés and restaurants locally praised for their family offerings, where you can usually find a children’s menu and calm spaces for feeding.
Some practical suggestions for the centre: look for restaurants and cafés near the Old Town and on Kazimierz that welcome families – pick those with easy stroller access and a separate WC with a changing table if you need one.
In Kalwaria: around the sanctuary you’ll find places serving simple meals, cafés and ice-cream shops – perfect for a short rest after a walk. Local hosts are often willing to provide a high chair or help with changing if you ask.
Type of stroller: if you plan to combine city walking with a trip to Kalwaria, the best choice is a universal stroller with larger wheels – it will handle cobbles and soft paths better. A folding lightweight stroller is useful for public transport and crowded places.
Extras: a portable changing mat, a diaper bag with supplies (diapers, wipes, spare clothes), a blanket, rain cover for the stroller and a mosquito net. It’s good to have a small backpack with essentials so your hands are free when climbing stairs.
Documents and safety: a basic first-aid kit, your pediatrician’s phone number, insurance card (if you’re travelling from abroad) and a charged phone. For longer outings check the weather forecast and plan regular breaks.
08:30 - Breakfast in a café near the Planty. A short walk through the Planty to get the little one moving.
10:00 - Stroll to the Main Market Square, a brief visit to the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church (depending on the child’s mood).
12:00 - Lunch and rest in a family-friendly restaurant near the Market or in Kazimierz – choose a place with stroller access and a changing table.
13:30 - Return to the bus/minibus station and travel to Kalwaria (approx. 50–70 min).
15:00 - Arrival in Kalwaria: walk the central alleys, visit the basilica, enjoy coffee and ice cream. Focus on an easy route and avoid steep sections.
17:00 - Return to Kraków, enjoy an evening stroll by the Vistula or a light dinner.
Is it easy to find places with a changing table in Kraków? - Yes, more and more venues and public institutions provide family facilities, but not all toilets have a changing table. If needed, ask the staff – they’ll often help.
Is it worth bringing a sling or carrier? - Definitely yes. When visiting historic interiors and on steep sections in Kalwaria a carrier is very practical.
Do buses to Kalwaria run every day? - Yes, there are regular connections, and since 2025 additional municipal lines have improved access. Timetables can vary on weekends and holidays, so check before you travel.
Are places in Kalwaria accessible for strollers? - Some alleys and central points are stroller-friendly, but the terrain varies. Planning a shorter route around the main buildings will make the trip more comfortable.
Traveling with a small child requires a bit of planning, but Kraków and Kalwaria Zebrzydowska offer enough conveniences to make a day spent between the city and the sanctuary pleasant and relaxing. Choose non-peak hours, bring a comfortable stroller and a few essentials, and you’ll see that it’s a great way to discover the area around Kraków without sacrificing your child’s comfort.
If you’d like, I can help create a detailed itinerary (departure times, exact walking routes and a list of restaurants with family facilities) tailored to your child’s age and preferred pace. Wishing you a calm and enjoyable trip!
