Blindtraveller guides
Krakow
When planning an accessible trip to Krakow, it's essential to consider transportation, accommodations, and the accessibility of attractions. Here's a guide to help you navigate Krakow comfortably:
Key Considerations:
Transportation:
Krakow's public transportation system is improving its accessibility, with many trams and buses now equipped with ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs. However, it's always best to check routes and schedules in advance.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are available, and some companies offer accessible vehicles.
Airport
There are various options to and from Krakow International Airport with taxi’s buses and private hire mini buses and cars always available. The easiest option is probably the train, running from 5.15am to 11.14pm. The train terminal is near the airport entrance and takes about 20 minutes into Krakow Central Station, which is a further 10 minute walk into the centre of Krakow. The single fare is 20 PLZ about £4/$5 and assistance can be arranged from the airport station to the terminal check in.
https://www.krakowairport.pl/en
http://www.krakow-info.com/train2Krakow-airport.htm
Accommodation:
There is a huge range of accommodation in Krakow to meet all budgets and needs.
Many hotels in Krakow offer accessible rooms with features like wider doorways, grab bars, and roll-in showers.
When booking, confirm the specific accessibility features of the room and the hotel's common areas.
Blind Traveller tip
I normally make a list of places I like the look of (from some of the many hotel booking websites), check the hotel (or hostel) website and then find the cheapest price.
Be careful when booking through a third party and not direct with the hotel, that the room you are booking is in fact what you need.
Attractions:
Old Town:
The Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) is generally accessible, although the cobblestone streets can be challenging.
Wawel Royal Castle has varying levels of accessibility. Some areas are accessible by wheelchair, while others have limited access. It's advisable to check the castle's website for detailed information.
Electric golf cart tours are a very good option for seeing the old town.
Auschwitz-Birkenau:
The memorial and museum are partially accessible, with designated routes for wheelchair users. That said, there are areas that are simply not accessible for some.
It's recommended to contact the museum in advance for specific accessibility information.
https://www.auschwitz.org/en/visiting/
Blind Traveller Tip
The museum gets very busy especially in the summer months, as all visits are with an official guide, book early via the museum website in order to book the correct language guide. I made the mistake of booking late and ended up with a Polish group and had to sneak on the back of an English tour halfway around.
Wieliczka Salt Mine:
Parts of the mine are accessible, but due to the underground nature of the site, there are limitations. Contact the mine for the most up to date access information.
https://www.wieliczka-saltmine.com/
Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter):
While some areas have cobblestones, much of Kazimierz is accessible. Electric golf cart tours are also a great option here.
Vistula River cruises:
Many of the river cruises offer good access and are a wonderful way to see the city.
Helpful Resources:
Local Tour Operators:
Companies like "Poland Active" specialize in accessible tours, providing tailored experiences for travelers with disabilities.
"GetYourGuide" also provides many tours, with the option to filter for wheel chair accessibility.
My Guide Krakow:
This website provides local information, and has information on accessability within Krakow.
Restaurants and Bars
I am not even going to try and list as the choice is endless…..
A few of my Favourites
Czarna Kaczka/ Black Duck
https://czarnakaczka.pl/
Sheraton Grand Krakow Someplace Else and the Roof Top Terrace
A great sports bar with decent (but pricey for Krakow) food and the roof top terrace is amazing.
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/krksi-sheraton-grand-krakow/dining/
BaniaLuka
Banialuka Florianska Street
Just off the main square with really cheap drinks open until silly am, accessibility is an issue with the place being really busy and also expect a wait for the toilets/restrooms.
C.K. Browar
Podwale 7, 31-118 Kraków, Polska https://ckbrowar.pl/en/contact/
I have been going here for years, very popular with a great choice of food and craft beers, try the 5 litre pipe of craft beer….
Lost Souls alley
Just try this, the full size coffin outside did not put me off, however, will I be back???? Probably not.
Blind Traveller Tip
Krakow has some amazing bars and restaurants and during the last 30+ years I have been travelling there, it has grown immensely, spreading out hugely from the main square. The most important things to remember and check out before buying anything
toilets and menu.
Some places are very accessible, nice and reasonably priced. Due to the influx of stag and hen weekends, you may well find 2 toilets at the bottom of a spiral staircase with groups of drunks standing in a river of urine and vomit, waiting their turn to go in…
Summary
Plan your itinerary in advance, considering the accessibility of each location.
Contact attractions and accommodations directly to confirm accessibility details.
Allow extra time for travel between locations, as accessible routes may take longer.
Consider traveling with a companion who can provide assistance.
By doing some advance planning, you can have a wonderful and memorable trip to Krakow.
Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
When planning an accessible trip to Krakow, it's essential to consider transportation, accommodations, and the accessibility of attractions. Here's a guide to help you navigate Krakow comfortably:
Key Considerations:
Transportation:
Krakow's public transportation system is improving its accessibility, with many trams and buses now equipped with ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs. However, it's always best to check routes and schedules in advance.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are available, and some companies offer accessible vehicles.
Airport
There are various options to and from Krakow International Airport with taxi’s buses and private hire mini buses and cars always available. The easiest option is probably the train, running from 5.15am to 11.14pm. The train terminal is near the airport entrance and takes about 20 minutes into Krakow Central Station, which is a further 10 minute walk into the centre of Krakow. The single fare is 20 PLZ about £4/$5 and assistance can be arranged from the airport station to the terminal check in.
https://www.krakowairport.pl/en
http://www.krakow-info.com/train2Krakow-airport.htm
Accommodation:
There is a huge range of accommodation in Krakow to meet all budgets and needs.
Many hotels in Krakow offer accessible rooms with features like wider doorways, grab bars, and roll-in showers.
When booking, confirm the specific accessibility features of the room and the hotel's common areas.
Blind Traveller tip
I normally make a list of places I like the look of (from some of the many hotel booking websites), check the hotel (or hostel) website and then find the cheapest price.
Be careful when booking through a third party and not direct with the hotel, that the room you are booking is in fact what you need.
Attractions:
Old Town:
The Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) is generally accessible, although the cobblestone streets can be challenging.
Wawel Royal Castle has varying levels of accessibility. Some areas are accessible by wheelchair, while others have limited access. It's advisable to check the castle's website for detailed information.
Electric golf cart tours are a very good option for seeing the old town.
Auschwitz-Birkenau:
The memorial and museum are partially accessible, with designated routes for wheelchair users. That said, there are areas that are simply not accessible for some.
It's recommended to contact the museum in advance for specific accessibility information.
https://www.auschwitz.org/en/visiting/
Blind Traveller Tip
The museum gets very busy especially in the summer months, as all visits are with an official guide, book early via the museum website in order to book the correct language guide. I made the mistake of booking late and ended up with a Polish group and had to sneak on the back of an English tour halfway around.
Wieliczka Salt Mine:
Parts of the mine are accessible, but due to the underground nature of the site, there are limitations. Contact the mine for the most up to date access information.
https://www.wieliczka-saltmine.com/
Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter):
While some areas have cobblestones, much of Kazimierz is accessible. Electric golf cart tours are also a great option here.
Vistula River cruises:
Many of the river cruises offer good access and are a wonderful way to see the city.
Helpful Resources:
Local Tour Operators:
Companies like "Poland Active" specialize in accessible tours, providing tailored experiences for travelers with disabilities.
"GetYourGuide" also provides many tours, with the option to filter for wheel chair accessibility.
My Guide Krakow:
This website provides local information, and has information on accessability within Krakow.
Restaurants and Bars
I am not even going to try and list as the choice is endless…..
A few of my Favourites
Czarna Kaczka/ Black Duck
https://czarnakaczka.pl/
Sheraton Grand Krakow Someplace Else and the Roof Top Terrace
A great sports bar with decent (but pricey for Krakow) food and the roof top terrace is amazing.
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/krksi-sheraton-grand-krakow/dining/
BaniaLuka
Banialuka Florianska Street
Just off the main square with really cheap drinks open until silly am, accessibility is an issue with the place being really busy and also expect a wait for the toilets/restrooms.
C.K. Browar
Podwale 7, 31-118 Kraków, Polska https://ckbrowar.pl/en/contact/
I have been going here for years, very popular with a great choice of food and craft beers, try the 5 litre pipe of craft beer….
Lost Souls alley
Just try this, the full size coffin outside did not put me off, however, will I be back???? Probably not.
Blind Traveller Tip
Krakow has some amazing bars and restaurants and during the last 30+ years I have been travelling there, it has grown immensely, spreading out hugely from the main square. The most important things to remember and check out before buying anything
toilets and menu.
Some places are very accessible, nice and reasonably priced. Due to the influx of stag and hen weekends, you may well find 2 toilets at the bottom of a spiral staircase with groups of drunks standing in a river of urine and vomit, waiting their turn to go in…
Summary
Plan your itinerary in advance, considering the accessibility of each location.
Contact attractions and accommodations directly to confirm accessibility details.
Allow extra time for travel between locations, as accessible routes may take longer.
Consider traveling with a companion who can provide assistance.
By doing some advance planning, you can have a wonderful and memorable trip to Krakow.
Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance