Kraków is tempting because of its monuments and the atmosphere of the Old Town, but in practice the choice of location should depend on your pace of sightseeing and health needs. For many older people it may be more convenient to stay near the main attractions — then short, frequent breaks are easier — however you should remember uneven pavements and crowds. An alternative is quieter areas near a tram or bus stop that combine transport convenience with calm and places to rest. The most important criteria are distance to the stop, availability of an elevator, proximity of a pharmacy and the ability to reach a hospital or clinic quickly. City programmes and senior activity centres operating in Kraków can also be helpful, offering local support and information.
Kraków’s historic streets have their charm but can be cobbled and uneven — so even if you choose accommodation in the very heart of the city, check whether the entrance has no steps or whether the property offers help with luggage.
If you travel with someone with limited mobility, consider hotels that declare accessibility features: rooms with adapted bathrooms, level access, an elevator and convenient parking. Not all central properties offer these solutions, so always confirm conditions by phone before booking.
Check whether the property has an elevator and whether the room is on the ground floor or a low floor — this is the easiest way to avoid daily stairs. Pay attention to bathroom accessibility: a low-threshold shower, grab bars and a seat in the shower cabin are great aids.
Make sure the description mentions level access to reception, the possibility to drive up to the entrance and availability of parking spaces close to the entrance. Ask about late check-in and early check-out options — flexibility helps when planning the day.
Check breakfast hours and its format — a buffet may be less convenient than plated breakfast. For guests with special diets it is important to have light options and the ability to make tea or a hot drink in the room.
Call before booking and ask about what you can’t see in the listing: door widths (if a wheelchair is needed), whether staff help with luggage, and whether there is a pharmacy or medical clinic nearby. A short phone call often clears the most important doubts.
Old Town: ideal if you want to be close to the Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica and short walks. Downsides are crowds and uneven pavements; choose buildings with an elevator or hotels offering rooms on low floors.
Kazimierz: atmospheric and a little calmer than the Old Town, with many cafés and restaurants. A good spot for people who enjoy evening outings, but check the distance to the nearest tram stop.
Podgórze and the Vistula boulevards: quieter than the Old Town, with easy access to riverside walks and Forts, while still well connected to the centre. Good for guests seeking peace after a day of sightseeing.
Area around the main railway station: useful if you arrive by train or plan frequent trips outside the city. Many station-area hotels have elevators and parking, but some streets can be noisier in the evening.
Mid-range and higher-end hotels often have better amenities: elevators, adapted bathrooms and 24-hour reception. Consider well-reviewed boutique hotels in the centre as well as aparthotels offering spacious rooms with kitchenettes — handy for special diets.
Aparthotels and apartments located in quieter parts of the city provide more privacy and the possibility of preparing meals yourself. If personal contact and on-site support matter, choose a hotel with a staffed reception and concierge services.
Some hotels advertise accessibility features — adapted bathrooms and designated parking for guests with limited mobility. When booking, ask for a specific room with easy access. Examples of larger hotels in the city centre that commonly offer accessible rooms include well-known full-service hotels and some upscale boutique properties.
While sightseeing, plan shorter meals and take breaks more often. In the Old Town and Kazimierz there are many cafés with comfortable seating — examples include book cafés and long-established coffee spots where you can rest between attractions. Pick venues with good reviews and a calm interior to recharge.
If you prefer traditional Polish cuisine, many city-centre restaurants can offer lighter options or adapt dishes on request. Choose places based on guest ratings and comments and check table availability for times that suit you. Reserving a table can save you standing in queues, which matters when energy is limited.
For guests who need constant access to a specific diet, an apartment with a kitchenette or a hotel that offers made-to-order meals is a convenient solution.
Many historic tenement houses do not have elevators — even if a hotel is by the Market Square, a specific room may be on a high floor. Always ask about the floor number and elevator availability before confirming a reservation.
Kraków runs a number of municipal programmes for seniors, from activity centres to home care initiatives. A brief search for local services can make a stay easier, especially for a longer visit.
Although the centre feels compact, walks between attractions can be tiring because of the surface — plan routes with frequent rests and check where benches or cafés are along the way.
Booking without calling the property — online descriptions don’t always show all limitations (stairs, no elevator, noise). A short phone call confirms whether the room meets your needs.
Choosing a budget hostel without checking amenities — hostels often have stairs and shared bathrooms, which can be inconvenient. If comfort is a priority, it’s worth paying more for a hotel with an elevator and a private bathroom.
Not planning breaks and overloading the itinerary — better to plan fewer attractions and more frequent rests than trying to see “everything” in one day.
How to get from the airport? The most comfortable options are a taxi or an organised transfer; if you prefer public transport, check current airport bus connections and their stops.
Is it easy to find a pharmacy in Kraków? Yes — pharmacies are spread across the city, in the centre and residential districts, and many have extended opening hours. You’ll also find medical points and pharmacies near major attractions.
Is public transport convenient for seniors? Trams and buses mostly have low floors these days, but when planning a trip pay attention to stops and access routes — sometimes a short uneven stretch of pavement is required to reach the stop.
Call your accommodation, describe your needs and ask to be assigned a room near reception or on a low floor. Also request help with luggage — most hotels are happy to assist.
Pack a small travel first-aid kit, comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces and pain or dizziness medication if you normally use them. Make a list of phone numbers for the nearest clinic and pharmacy at your destination.
If you plan a longer stay or have special medical needs, consider a property with 24-hour reception and the ability to contact medical care quickly.
If you found this text helpful, share it on social media or send it to friends planning a trip to Kraków. If you want to explore the city comfortably, without stress and at a tailored pace, consider the guided services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on the guide’s website. Wishing you a peaceful and comfortable stay in Kraków!
