A walk around Krakow with a little one doesn’t have to mean giving up a good coffee or lunch — a few simple preparations are enough. Call the place and ask about a step-free entrance, room for a stroller at the table, a changing table in the restroom and a high chair. If you plan to walk through the Old Town and Kazimierz, remember the cobbled sidewalks and tourist crowds — it’s usually easier to park the stroller right by the cafe entrance than to maneuver across the Planty.
Plan your meal outside peak times (for example before the typical lunch rush or after 3 p.m.). During quieter hours it’s easier to find a spot, the play corner is less crowded and staff have more time to help position the stroller. If you’re heading further out of town (for example to Zakopane), consider a baby carrier or sling — on mountain terrain a stroller often won’t work as well.
A simple checklist before you go: call the venue, reserve a table by the entrance, bring a toy/colouring book for the child, a light changing mat, wet wipes and a spare set of clothes.
Kazimierz is one of Krakow’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods, but not every place will be stroller-friendly. Look for ground-floor venues with roomy interiors and helpful staff. In practice many places in Kazimierz have tables by the entrance or spacious rooms that make arranging a stroller easier.
If you’re looking for tried-and-true addresses: small restaurants and cafés that offer family-friendly menus and play corners or changing tables are recommended. Consider both cosy breakfast spots and larger restaurants with space for strollers — in Kazimierz you’ll find options from snug brunch cafés to restaurants serving child-friendly meals.
Some practical notes about Kazimierz: streets can be narrow and crowded — it’s best to approach with a stroller from Plac Nowy or from quieter side streets. At lunchtime consider booking a table. For a stroller walk I recommend routes along the Vistula or the boulevards — fewer cobbles and a pleasant view after your meal.
In the centre, stroller convenience is mostly about a step-free entrance and space at the table. Venues near the Market Square and Main Station often have large rooms or ground-floor entrances, which is a big plus. Bear in mind that the Old Town has a lot of cobblestones — plan for shorter stroller stretches where possible.
Recommended types of places: cafés with comfortable chairs and a changing table (great for a short break), family restaurants with high chairs and spots with simple, quick children’s menus. If you plan a coffee-and-dessert break after sightseeing, choose a place with room for a stroller right at the entrance.
If you want to eat near the train station — look for places with wide interiors and step-free access. Requesting a “table by the entrance” when you reserve usually prompts staff to suggest a spot that’s easy to handle with a stroller.
Outside the strict centre, Krakow has many neighbourhood cafés and restaurants naturally set up for families with small children. Venues in Podgórze and Grzegórzki often have larger spaces, easy entrances and dedicated play corners.
Examples include places with roomy dining halls and playrooms where tables are set close to the children’s area — ideal if you want to eat more peacefully. Local pizzerias or cafés in Czyżyny and other districts usually offer basic amenities: changing tables, high chairs and space for a stroller.
If you have more time, visit cafés that combine a coffee spot with a playroom — a great solution for a longer, more relaxed break, especially when travelling with several children.
Step-free entrance or ramp - the basic criterion. If the venue has an elevator or a low threshold, that’s a big help.
Space for the stroller at the table - make sure there’s enough room at the table; ask for a table by the entrance.
Changing table and a parent-friendly restroom - when there’s a changing table, diaper changes are quick and comfortable.
High chair and children’s menu options - even simple, healthy dishes for little ones make life much easier.
Play corner or at least a few toys/colouring books - useful during longer waits for the meal.
Family-friendly staff - friendly and helpful staff can solve many small problems (moving a table, warming food, etc.).
Place the stroller so it doesn’t block the passage — ask for a spot “by the entrance” or at the end of the room where it’s easier to manoeuvre. In many venues staff are happy to point out the most convenient space.
Bring a light changing mat — although many places have changing tables, your own mat adds comfort and speed. Wet wipes, a plastic bag for wet items and a small bag for dirty clothes are also useful.
Travel toys and extra sets of crayons are a simple thing that will save the peace at the table. For younger children keep a favourite pacifier or blanket within reach.
If you breastfeed, check whether the venue has a quiet corner or the possibility to sit at a less busy table. In some places staff proactively offer a less crowded spot.
Not calling the place ahead — many stresses can be avoided by a 30-second question: “Do you have a step-free entrance and space for a stroller?”.
Trying to enter a tiny, crowded venue at lunchtime — if the place is very small, better to find an alternative or arrange a different time.
Ignoring the route conditions — old Krakow pavements can be uneven; shorter stretches on smooth surfaces mean less lifting of the stroller.
Not being prepared for surprises (stains, spills) — a spare outfit and wet wipes always come in handy.
Will a stroller be a problem in central Krakow? - In most places, no, but the Old Town has areas with cobbles and narrow streets. Choose venues with ground-floor entrances or ask staff for help entering. Shopping centres often offer the most convenient amenities (elevators, family restrooms).
How do I find a restaurant with a changing table? - The surest methods are: call ahead, check venue descriptions on their websites or look at lists of family-friendly places. Local neighbourhood venues are more likely to have changing tables than tiny tourist cafés in the centre.
What if the play corner is in a basement? - If the play area is down a steep set of stairs, ask for a table on the ground floor. Sometimes staff can bring toys upstairs or suggest an alternative solution.
Ask for a table by the entrance to the restroom with the changing table — even if the changing table is elsewhere, staff can prepare a spot that makes the route quick and easy.
Small bakeries and breakfast places are often the best option for a morning outing with a stroller — they serve quickly, have space and usually ground-floor entrances. For families this is often more convenient than a formal restaurant with long waits.
Some larger restaurants and multitap venues have family-adapted rooms with dedicated play zones — it’s worth booking near these areas if you want the child to have something to do.
Szalone Widelce - a place praised by parents for its play corner and high chairs; when booking, ask for a ground-floor table unless the staff offer help getting to the lower level.
Mavericks (Old Town) - large, spacious interior with no steps, good for a break while walking through the centre and close to the train station.
Viale Verde / Verde - places with a terrace and a children’s area, often praised for space and the possibility to position a stroller.
Cafés like Lajkonik or breakfast spots (for example Ranny Ptaszek in Kazimierz) - convenient for a short break with a little one, often with changing tables and feeding chairs.
Neighbourhood cafés and family venues (for example Przekawka in Czyżyny) - practical for longer stays in the city and when travelling with several children.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — travelling parents will appreciate it. If you’d like a personalised map of stroller-friendly spots in a chosen Krakow neighbourhood, let me know — I’d be happy to prepare such a list.
If you want extra help, consider booking a private guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she can help plan routes that prioritise family comfort and point out perfect places for stroller breaks. Contact details and full offer are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Enjoy your meals and happy walks in Krakow!
If you have favourite spots of your own — share them in the comments or send information through the site so this guide keeps getting better for families visiting Krakow.
