It doesn't have to be. Kraków has plenty of spaces that are easy to explore with a stroller — the Planty park, the Vistula boulevards, the Kazimierz district and the external areas of Wawel are all family-friendly. The biggest challenges are stretches with old cobblestones and the crowded parts of the Main Market Square, so it's worth planning routes to avoid the bumpiest sections during peak crowds.
In this article you will find suggestions for free places and routes, practical accessibility tips, ideas for breaks with a little one, and a list of common mistakes with ways to avoid them.
Main Market Square (a walk around the Cloth Hall, listening to the bugle call from a safe distance) - watch out for cobbles and crowds.
Planty - the green ring around the Old Town, comfortable alleys and many benches.
Wawel Hill - the courtyard and exterior areas of Wawel are free to visit; some interiors require tickets.
Vistula Boulevards - wide pleasant promenades with lots of places to rest by the river.
Kazimierz - atmospheric streets and the exterior of synagogues; prefer main streets rather than narrow cobbled alleys.
Kraków mounds (e.g. Kościuszko, Krakus) - green viewpoints; some mounds have paved approaches but some paths can be steep.
The Wawel Dragon and the Dragon’s Den (outside) - very popular with children; the fire-breathing sculpture is an outdoor spectacle.
Parks and playgrounds across the city - they turn a walk into playtime for little ones.
Main Market Square - a must-see, but the granite cobbles and summer crowds can make stroller manoeuvring tricky. If you want a calmer look at the Cloth Hall and surroundings, come early in the morning or late afternoon, or stay on the Planty encircling the Old Town.
Planty - the safest “ring road” for a stroller around the Old Town: even paths, lots of trees, benches and orientation points. A Planty walk can be combined with short trips to nearby landmarks.
Wawel - exploring the outside of Wawel is very attractive for children and free; cloisters and some exhibitions usually require tickets or have restrictions for strollers. It’s often easier to leave a bulky stroller during museum visits and avoid narrow passages.
Vistula Boulevards - large open spaces, seasonal cafés and food spots along the riverfront. In summer the boulevards are lively but provide lots of room to manoeuvre a stroller and places for a picnic.
Kazimierz - a district full of atmospheric cafés and restaurants; choose main streets (e.g. Szeroka, Krakowska) rather than side streets with the most uneven stones.
Route 1 - “Classic centre, but without the crowds” (about 1.5–2 hours): Planty from the Barbican toward St. Florian's Gate - pass the Cloth Hall (brief stop at the Main Market Square) - walk to Wawel from the Podzamcze side and then the Vistula Boulevards. Breaks on benches and ice cream on the Boulevards.
Route 2 - “Kazimierz and the Vistula” (about 2 hours): Start at Wolnica Square - stroll the streets of Kazimierz (Szeroka, Józefa) - stop at a café or a small playground - descend to the Vistula Boulevards and rest by the river. This route has calm stretches and many family-friendly dining options.
There are many family-friendly places in Kraków. Look for venues with step-free entrances, spacious interiors and changing facilities. Around the Boulevards and in Kazimierz you'll find cafés where you can easily enter with a stroller and park it next to your table.
A few practical tips: keep a shortlist of a few places on your route in case of rain or a sudden need to rest; cafés with outdoor seating give extra space, and popular patisseries often offer quick snacks for children.
Stroller - a lightweight, foldable stroller is a big help: it's easier to move through crowded spots and board trams. If you have a carrycot, consider a baby carrier for short visits inside narrow museums.
Cobbles and surfaces - avoid long stretches of uneven pavements. Where possible choose Planty, the boulevards and main sidewalks.
Public transport - many modern trams are low-floor; before boarding check if the stop has a ramp. Avoid public transport during rush hours if you can.
Toilets and changing facilities - carry a small changing kit; public changing stations are not always available, but many shopping centres and larger restaurants have facilities.
Underground of the Main Market Square - the exhibition is excellent but not always friendly for large strollers; better to leave the stroller in a nearby storage or visit in turns with another caregiver.
Narrow alleys of Kazimierz and the oldest parts of the Old Town - the cobbles can be uneven and passages tight; a small stroller handles these places better than a heavy pram.
Interiors of some historic sites and museums - check the venue's policy before entering; sometimes you must leave the stroller in storage.
Mistake: entering the Main Market Square in the middle of the day with a large stroller. Solution: plan the Market for early mornings or evenings, or just enjoy a quick view from the Planty.
Mistake: no plan for breaks and toilets. Solution: have a list of cafés and malls along the route and carry a basic hygiene kit in your bag.
Mistake: trying to take the stroller into every attraction. Solution: pick the most important sites, and for others take turns with your companion or leave the stroller in storage.
Planty is actually a park established on the site of the old city walls - walking it allows you to ‘circle’ the whole Old Town without diving into the cobbled streets.
The Kraków mounds offer city panoramas and, on clear days, you can spot the Tatra Mountains in the distance - a great reward after a short nature walk.
On the Boulevards you’ll often find seasonal outdoor events and small food stalls, which are perfect for a short break and trying local snacks.
Can you go everywhere with a stroller? - Not everywhere, but most main outdoor attractions and parks are accessible. Interiors of historic sites may have restrictions.
How to avoid crowds? - Plan mornings or late afternoons outside the high season; on weekends the Market and Kazimierz can be especially busy.
Is public transport stroller-friendly? - Many trams are low-floor, but check stops and avoid rush hours when possible.
Light stroller or foldable pushchair.
Spare diapers, wet wipes, a small blanket and a water bottle.
Map or phone with navigation (download offline maps in case of no signal).
A list of cafés and public toilets on your route and a taxi number for emergencies.
Kraków can be very welcoming to families with strollers — follow a few simple rules: plan your route, choose even pavements and don't be afraid to take longer breaks. That way a walk becomes enjoyable for both adults and children.
If you liked this guide, feel free to share it with friends or on social media. For comfortable, stress-free sightseeing of Kraków with history explained in an accessible way, consider the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz - details are available on her site.
