Kraków tells its history on many levels: the elegant interiors of the Hipolitów Tenement sit alongside the quiet, heavy atmosphere of WWII memorial sites. For pregnant visitors two things matter most — physical comfort and the option to limit emotional strain. This plan combines short, walkable sections with places to sit, drink water and rest, while still showing authentic traces of the past.
The route is designed to minimize long, uninterrupted walks and to offer easy transport alternatives (tram, taxi) where stairs or uneven surfaces appear. It’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon — fewer crowds, softer light for photos and more seating available. If you prefer, you can skip the interior of the Hipolitów Tenement and view the building from the Main Market Square instead. (If you don’t want to enter the indoor exhibition, the route still makes a valuable historical walk.)
Start: Main Market Square — Mariacki Square. A short stop at the Hipolitów Tenement (Plac Mariacki 3). If you decide to go inside, remember the tenement is a historic building with rather steep stairs — there are three steps down at the entrance and no elevator, so the interior exhibition may be difficult for some expectant mothers.
After viewing (or looking from outside) walk slowly toward Kazimierz — I suggest taking Szeroka and Miodowa Streets, where you can spot post-war traces, façade details and quiet corners. Plan short rests on benches or in cafés along the way.
Next: Podgórze. Cross the pedestrian bridge or take a short tram/taxi ride to the area of the Plaza of the Heroes of the Ghetto. This is an important memorial site — there is a monument and a small museum housed in the former Pharmacy 'Under the Eagle'. A walk in Podgórze can be kept brief and calm, with attention to places to sit.
If you feel up to it, visit Pomorska Street (a branch of the city museum) — note that this site has heavy content and includes narrow cellar spaces. Alternatively, instead of Pomorska you can take a taxi to the former Płaszów camp area, where open memorial fields require less stair-climbing and enclosed spaces.
Return: tram or taxi back to the centre, and relax in one of the recommended cafés by the Market Square. Remember to take breaks every 20–30 minutes during longer walks.
The Hipolitów Tenement is an authentic historic townhouse with an exhibition showing urban life from the 17th to the 19th century. Entrance is from Mariacki Square; inside there are staircases leading to upper floors and cellars. The building often hosts temporary exhibitions, so check what’s on before your visit.
From an accessibility point of view: this is a historic interior with many level changes — no elevator and no restrooms adapted for visitors with limited mobility. There are three steps at the entrance. For pregnant visitors this means touring the interior may be tiring — consider a short internal visit or save the full interior tour for a day when you feel best. On the ground floor there is a ticket desk and often a small café or seating area.
If you have questions about accessibility, tickets or the possibility of a shorter visit, ask staff at the ticket desk — personnel are usually willing to help and advise the best way to see the exhibition.
Plaza of the Heroes of the Ghetto (former Plac Zgody) in Podgórze — the central point of Kraków’s ghetto, now marked with a monument and cast-iron chairs scattered across the square as a symbol of absence. This is an essential stop on a memory route.
Pharmacy 'Under the Eagle' — a small memorial museum at the Plaza of the Heroes of the Ghetto where, during the occupation, the only pharmacy in the ghetto operated. It is emotionally powerful but small in scale, allowing for a focused, relatively quick visit.
Pomorska Street — the pre-war Dom Śląski building occupied by German security units; today it houses a museum branch with preserved cells and cellars. This site shows the material remnants of the repression system — remember the emotional weight of the exhibits.
The former Płaszów camp area — an open memorial space with remains and commemorative places. Walking here is more open and generally less stair-intensive than the museum on Pomorska, though you may need a taxi to reach it. Local maintenance and adaptation work sometimes occurs, so check access beforehand.
In Kazimierz and the Old Town wartime traces are often read in details: patches of plaster, differences in brickwork, inscriptions and memorial plaques. Look slowly — start with the bigger picture, then move to detail — and allow emotional breaks.
Plan regular breaks — rest about every 20–30 minutes during longer walks. Benches by the Market Square, cafés in Kazimierz and green areas in Podgórze make good short-stop points.
Avoid stairs and narrow cellars if you feel uncomfortable — many sites have outdoor alternatives or can be viewed from the outside. At the Hipolitów Tenement ask at the ticket desk for the shortest route through the exhibition or for staff assistance.
Bring a bottle of water, light snacks and any medical documentation if you have special needs. Public transport and taxis allow you to shorten the route quickly if necessary. If you’re out after dark, choose well-lit, frequented streets and use short taxi rides.
If you have medical doubts, consult your doctor about the route. The information here is practical travel advice, not medical guidance.
Around the Market Square and Mariacki Square you’ll find well-rated places where you can sit comfortably: restaurants serving traditional Polish cuisine and cafés suitable for a quick rest. Choose venues with good reviews and short wait times to avoid standing in lines.
In Kazimierz there are many cosy cafés and restaurants with a calm atmosphere, ideal for a break after visiting memory sites. Guaranteed seating and simple menus help you regain energy.
If you want gentle food for the stomach, choose light dishes, soups, salads and drinks with limited sugar. Avoid heavy meals if you plan to continue walking afterwards.
Treating the route like one long marathon — plan shorter segments with breaks instead of one long walk without rest.
Arriving too late to museums and exhibitions — check opening hours and buy tickets in advance to avoid queues and unnecessary standing.
Lack of flexibility with limited mobility — have transport alternatives ready (tram, taxi) and don’t hesitate to use them. Many memory sites have outdoor viewpoints and information boards that can be seen without going into cellars.
Underestimating the emotional weight of memorial sites — plan a short recovery time after visiting intense places and return to more 'safe' spaces like a café or park.
Does the Hipolitów Tenement have an elevator and an accessible restroom? — It’s a historic building with many stairs; there is no elevator and no restroom adapted for wheelchair users. There are three steps at the entrance. If accessibility is crucial, ask at the ticket desk for the most comfortable visiting option.
Are the memorial sites safe for pregnant women? — Physically they are safe. Keep in mind that some exhibitions are emotionally demanding. If you are sensitive to strong emotions, plan shorter visits and include places where you can quickly step away.
Is it better to visit Pomorska or Płaszów? — Pomorska is an exhibition in raw, cellar-like conditions; if you prefer open spaces and fewer stairs, choose the Płaszów memorial fields. Both options are educational but differ in presentation.
Surprising fact: in central Kraków many 'war' traces must be read in small details — differences in plaster, fragments of original portals or tiny inscriptions. Often the most important stories hide in a small piece of a façade or on a single memorial plaque.
If you liked this plan and want to explore Kraków more comfortably, feel free to share this article with friends or on social media. You can also book a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a calm, friendly pace will let you see Kraków without rush and in comfort. We wish you a peaceful, beautiful visit to Kraków!
