Is Kraków friendly to people who use wheelchairs? The answer is: yes — increasingly so, but with caveats. The city has an official accessibility guide, cultural institutions are offering audiodescription and support in Polish Sign Language, and public toilets and other amenities are appearing in the centre. That means more opportunities than in the past, but planning and contacting the places you want to visit in advance still makes a big difference.
This should be your starting point before the trip. The guide is available in several languages and includes descriptions of attractions, cultural institutions, hotels, restaurants and practical information — for example where accessible toilets are, where you can rent a wheelchair, and which places have induction loops or Polish Sign Language interpretation. Paper copies can be obtained at city information points and at the municipal department responsible for disability issues, and materials are also provided in electronic form.
The Old Town and the area around the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) are natural must-see spots, but remember historic surfaces. A good alternative for a stroll is the Planty park — the paths around the park avoid the roughest sections and often lead to easier entrances to museums and cafés. More and more museums are preparing special tours and workshops with sensory aids, audiodescription and the option to reserve assistance. Nowa Huta offers an interesting route for those who want to see another side of the city and to find flatter, wider avenues. When planning your route, use the accessibility details for each site from the city guide.
Kraków’s offer of accessible events is growing: museum tours with audiodescription, tactile workshops and classes interpreted into Polish Sign Language. Some institutions provide induction loops and materials in formats helpful for visually impaired visitors. It’s worth booking in advance, because free places on adapted sessions or spots with special support are sometimes limited and require prior registration. If you need a specific date or service (for example audiodescription), call or write to the venue before you arrive.
When choosing accommodation, look for rooms adapted for people with mobility impairments and ask in detail about door widths, threshold heights and bathroom adaptations. Prefer hotels that clearly list accessibility features in their descriptions — city accessibility listings can point you to such places. In restaurants look for step-free entrances or ramps and an accessible toilet. If you plan to dine at a popular restaurant, inform the staff of your needs when booking to avoid a situation where the table is fine but access to the toilet or the approach is not.
The city is systematically marking and providing public toilets adapted for people with disabilities at key central locations and near tourist attractions. Some of these points are near the Planty and around the Main Market Square, and their opening hours can be seasonal, so check current information before you go out. The city guide also lists places where you can use ramps, lifts or platforms.
Plan your route the day before and check for updates: repairs, restricted access and seasonal closures can significantly affect your visit. Don’t assume the centre is uniformly barrier-free — historic sections have uneven surfaces and thresholds. Always ask about a companion’s place or the option of using a side entrance; many places are happy to help, but you need to let them know in advance. Consider the weather: stone pavements can be slippery after rain. A useful practice is to save or photograph the phone numbers of tourist information points and the municipal department responsible for accessibility.
Is the Old Town accessible? Partly — many places have adaptations, but historic surfaces and some entrances may pose difficulties. It’s best to plan a route that avoids the most uneven sections or to use paths by the Planty. How do I find an accessible toilet? The city guide lists public toilets with information about facilities and opening hours. Can I rent a wheelchair in Kraków? Yes — the guide includes information about rental services and equipment repairs. Do I have to have a companion? Not always, but consider bringing someone for longer routes or where a stair-climbing device may be needed; many institutions offer assistance with prior notice.
Not all the best views require climbing stairs — a walk along the boulevards and some viewpoints have accessible approaches and often offer a more interesting, less crowded perspective of the city. Some outdoor events are held in ‘accessible versions’ with dedicated areas for people with limited mobility — follow museum and city event programmes for opportunities to enjoy culture without the crowds.
If you want to tour with someone who knows the city and can tailor the route for accessibility, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are visible on the guide's page. Share this article with friends who might find it useful: simple tips can change an entire trip. If you have questions or need help planning a specific route in Kraków, write — I’ll be happy to help.
