Kraków blends historic alleys with wide parks and the Vistula boulevards, so it’s perfectly possible to explore the city with a small child. In practice that means some routes are easy - the wide Planty promenades, the riverside boulevards or the parking areas by Galeria Krakowska - while others need preparation: cobbled sections, small steps or narrow passages in Kazimierz.
When planning a day with a stroller, combine “photogenic” stops with places where you can stay longer — a café with a changing table, a square with benches or quiet courtyards. That rhythm lets you take nice photos and keeps both baby and adults comfortable.
If you want to take pretty photos or short video clips (Reels/TikTok), choose early morning hours or late afternoon — the light is softer and crowds are smaller. With a stroller this also gives you calmer space to manoeuvre and frame shots.
1. Planty and St. Florian's Gate - wide promenades and classic backdrops. The Planty form a green ring around the Old Town and are ideal for stroller walks; St. Florian’s Gate provides a classic historic background for photos.
2. Floriańska Street and the Small Market Square - street character and pastel tenement houses. Floriańska is cobbled so good wheels help, but the Small Market Square offers pleasant frames and places to rest.
3. Kanonicza Street and the Alley of the Unfaithful Thomas - atmospheric, though sometimes narrow. Check the route in advance; in a few spots it’s easier to use a baby carrier.
4. Kazimierz (Szeroka Street, Wolnica Square, Józefa Street) - colourful murals, cafés and memorial places. Kazimierz mixes an artistic neighbourhood vibe with important traces of Jewish history; many corners have cobbles and steps, so choose routes that avoid stairs when possible.
5. Synagogues and the Remuh Cemetery (Kazimierz) - an important place of remembrance. This is a historical and sacred site worth visiting with a child, observing quiet and respect; not all entrances are fully accessible.
6. Father Bernatek Footbridge and the Vistula boulevards - wide riverside spaces, ideal for a walk and sunset photos. The boulevards are stroller-friendly and give many photo opportunities with the city panorama in the background.
7. Zakrzówek - a different side of Kraków with rocky banks and turquoise water. Some accesses involve steps, but there are alternative paths; it’s great for dramatic natural frames.
8. Krakus Mound (and other viewing mounds) - city panoramas. Reaching the top may require a short uphill or steps, so consider a rugged stroller or a baby carrier for the final stretch; the views are worth the effort.
9. Cloth Hall and the Main Market Square - a classic central setting. The Market Square is excellent for photos, but to avoid crowds plan a visit at dawn or in late afternoon.
10. Hidden courtyards and gardens (for example near Kanonicza) - quiet, intimate frames. Look for small enclosed spaces; they’re often less crowded and very “Instagrammable”.
Kazimierz is the heart of Jewish history in Kraków: Szeroka Street, the synagogues (including Remuh Synagogue) and the Remuh Cemetery form a strong historical context. It’s worth telling a child a simple, gentle story about the place and keeping a restrained approach when photographing.
The Remuh Cemetery and the adjacent synagogue have the authentic character of places of worship and remembrance — visit quietly, check opening hours and photograph rules. Some interiors are open only at selected times and entrances can require going down steps, so plan your route with accessibility in mind.
In Kazimierz also look for memorial plaques and sites connected to 20th century history — they are important educational points that can be shown to a child simply, combining a walk with a short, age-appropriate story.
Plan a loop route: for example start from a parking spot or tram stop, walk the Planty, visit the Old Town (short stops at the Cloth Hall and St. Florian’s Gate), take a break in a café, and in the afternoon head to Kazimierz and the Vistula boulevards. This sequence reduces the need for frequent transfers by car or public transport.
Choose places with shelter from rain and access to toilets/changing tables — shopping centres (like Galeria Krakowska) or well-reviewed cafés often have family facilities.
If you’re driving, it’s usually most convenient to leave the car in large underground car parks (for example near Galeria Krakowska) and explore the centre on foot, because the paid parking zone in the centre can be complicated and busy.
Pick places known for good family service: Cafe Camelot (Kanonicza Street) is an atmospheric spot with comfortable interiors close to many attractions; Massolit Books & Café is a great bookstore-and-café in Kazimierz; Metrum Restobistro is often recommended after photo sessions in Kazimierz. It’s always worth calling ahead to ask about space for a stroller or a changing facility.
Places with a play corner or a simple kids’ menu are useful for families. During weekdays some cafés run workshops or activities for children — check the venue’s schedule before going.
For a quick option near the boulevards, consider seasonal food trucks or cafés on Kazimierz that usually have room for a stroller and a short rest.
A rugged stroller or a model with larger wheels will make cobbles and uneven sidewalks much easier. For smaller strollers consider a baby carrier or sling for stretches with many steps.
Useful items: a changing mat, small towels, spare diapers and a light cover for changing weather (a lightweight rain cover for the stroller). A power bank for your phone is handy if you plan longer photo sessions or rely on navigation.
Also bring a small travel first-aid kit with basics (plasters, protective creams) plus a water bottle and snacks — a comfortable child means a more pleasant day for everyone.
Confusing short distances with easy routes — sometimes the distance between two points looks small but cobbles, steps and crowds lengthen the journey. Always add 20–30 minutes for unexpected stops.
Trying to enter everywhere with a stroller — not every synagogue or historic interior is accessible. Instead of awkward manoeuvres, check accessibility in advance or leave the stroller nearby and enter briefly with a carrier.
Ignoring the time of day — the best light and the cleanest frames come early in the morning; in the high season the centre can be crowded from midday. If you want photos without crowds, set off early.
Where is it easiest to park with a stroller? The most convenient places are underground car parks around the centre (for example near Galeria Krakowska). Park the car and explore on foot.
Are synagogues in Kazimierz accessible with a stroller? Not always — some sites have steps or narrow entrances. Check accessibility information before visiting; if needed consider a baby carrier.
Can I use a tripod on the Main Market Square? You can, but during busy hours it’s better to shoot without a tripod so you don’t block passage. Safety and comfort for passersby are more important than a perfect setup.
The Planty were created where the old city walls once stood — it’s a green belt in place of where fortifications used to be. It’s a nice way to tell a child the city used to look different.
The Barbican is one of the few surviving circular fortifications in Europe — its shape and brick structure impress, and children often enjoy stories about old city defences.
In Kazimierz you can find memorial plaques and tributes related to the history of Kraków’s Jewish community — these are important places of remembrance to visit calmly and respectfully.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help other families plan a great visit to Kraków.
If you’d like to explore Kraków with someone who knows the city, its hidden corners and stroller-friendly routes, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz from Zwiedzanie Krakowa can create a personalised route, help avoid crowds and give practical, on-the-ground tips. Contact information is available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
Good luck planning your walk — may it be safe, comfortable and full of beautiful frames with your little one!
