Yes — it’s possible to see Krakow’s main sights in two days and squeeze in a short trip to Zakopane if the plan is well thought out. This article is written for groups of 7–30 people: those who want to experience the city together without wasting time on logistical chaos. I’ll suggest how to pace the days, what to book in advance and where to go in the evening so the group gets culture and good fun — for example, the Pinball Museum.
I divided the plan into practical blocks: day one focuses on the Old Town and evening attractions; day two on Kazimierz, Podgórze and options for a Tatra outing. At the end you’ll find an FAQ, common mistakes, and food and accommodation recommendations suited to medium-sized groups.
Remember: flexibility is key. A group of 7–30 people already has its own dynamics — leave buffer time for breaks, photos and the unexpected.
Morning start at the Main Market Square: gather the group, take a short walk through the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church and by St. Florian’s Gate. Allow 2–3 hours for this part so you don’t rush and so there’s time for photos and short stories — a guided visit to a single site usually takes about 1 hour.
In the afternoon consider visiting Wawel (the Cathedral, the Courtyard) and optionally the Market Cellars (Podziemia Rynku) — if you plan to visit the cellars, book ahead because group sizes are sometimes limited and prior reservations are required.
For lunch choose a well-rated place near the Market — reserve tables for groups. Options range from budget-friendly cafés to restaurants highlighted in local guides — for a special culinary experience consider a restaurant recognised by gastronomic guides; book in advance.
Evening: Pinball Museum — an excellent idea for group bonding and relaxing after a day on foot. The venue usually offers hourly and whole-day ticket options, and its atmosphere — often in historic cellars — makes it appealing to both younger and older participants. Check opening hours and prices and consider booking for your group to secure availability.
Start the day in Kazimierz — walk along Szeroka Street, visit Plac Nowy, see the synagogues and learn the district’s history. For groups of 7–30 a walk with a local guide gives excellent historical and cultural context while remaining manageable logistically.
In the afternoon you can choose one of two routes: stay in Krakow (Wieliczka, Market Cellars, or a culinary workshop with obwarzanek baking) or head to Zakopane for a full-day trip. If you decide on Zakopane, remember travel time is about 2 hours each way — plan it as a full day and allow extra time for the return journey.
An alternative for groups preferring less travel: an afternoon in Podgórze, visits to small local museums, or a seasonal cruise on the Vistula. Match pace and attractions to your group profile (families, adults, young people).
A trip to Zakopane is a great option if you have a whole day. The Krakow–Zakopane transfer usually takes about 2 hours one way by car or minibus — allow extra time for traffic in peak season. In practice the whole outing from departure to return takes about 9–10 hours if you plan to visit Krupówki, ride the Gubałówka funicular and make a short stop at thermal baths.
If you plan to use thermal pools, book entries in advance — pools and spa zones have limited capacity and larger groups need prior reservations. In high season coordinate departure times with traffic conditions and reserve transport seats.
For medium groups it’s worth hiring a minibus or using a carrier experienced with group travel — it simplifies logistics and helps manage time. Remember to pack clothing suitable for mountain weather; temperatures in Zakopane can be noticeably lower than in Krakow.
Pinball Museum is a special spot, ideal for an evening of team bonding — restored pinball machines and arcade cabinets from different decades, often set in atmospheric historic interiors. Tickets are usually available by the hour or for the whole day; opening hours and prices vary by season — check current details before visiting.
For groups it’s worth contacting the venue directly — ask about group bookings, space availability and possible discounts for larger parties. Evening reservations should be planned in advance, especially on weekends.
Pinball is a great integration activity: you can organise mini-tournaments, prize competitions and short machine tutorials — it loosens the atmosphere after a day of sightseeing and leaves memorable impressions.
For groups of 7–30 the most convenient options are properties offering multi-bed rooms or hotels with flexible breakfast and half-board options. Hostels with group offers can provide attractive prices and booking flexibility, while mid-range hotels often have meeting rooms and the option to reserve whole floors.
When it comes to food, I recommend booking tables at well-rated, reputable restaurants. Krakow has establishments recognised in national and local guides — for a standout culinary experience consider a restaurant with gastronomic awards; for a more relaxed outing choose highly-rated places serving traditional Polish cuisine.
Examples worth considering include restaurants that consistently receive strong guest reviews and appear in local recommendations. For working groups and families choose restaurants that offer group menus or set menus. Advance reservations and information about allergies are essential for larger groups.
Planning with no time buffer — don’t book attractions “on the dot”; leave 30–60 minutes between program points.
Not booking in advance where group limits apply — museums and exhibitions often restrict visitor numbers; check limits ahead of time and consider hiring a second guide if needed.
Mismatching transport to the group profile — if you need to move equipment or have participants with mobility issues, choose a bus with suitable facilities.
Failing to prepare participants — give everyone a simple packing list (comfortable shoes, ID, cash for small expenses) as well as an emergency contact and a meeting plan in case the group splits up.
Should I buy tickets to main attractions in advance? Recommended — especially for the Market Cellars, the salt mine and popular exhibitions.
How big a vehicle should I hire? For groups of 7–30 a minibus with 9–20 seats or a small coach usually suffices; for 25–30 people consider a coach or two vehicles depending on desired comfort.
Is the Pinball Museum suitable for all age groups? Yes — it works for families, youth groups and adults; just check any age rules and ticket prices.
What about accessibility for people with disabilities? Not all historic sites are fully accessible; contact the venue beforehand to confirm entrances, lifts and barrier-free routes.
Many central Krakow attractions are located in historic cellars and underground spaces — this adds charm but sometimes limits access for people with mobility difficulties.
Krakow has restaurants and venues recognised by prestigious culinary guides — for groups wanting to highlight their trip, a dinner at a noted restaurant can be a real highlight.
A less obvious idea: if your group enjoys games, consider interactive workshops (for example, making local snacks or short pinball tournaments) instead of a standard restaurant outing — these activities create better memories and group dynamics.
If you’re bringing a group to Krakow, plan time to balance “must-see” sights with moments to rest. Book tickets for major museums in advance and set a clear meeting point in case the group gets separated.
If you’d like help tailoring the plan to specific dates and your group profile, I’m happy to prepare a personalised proposal. On the website you’ll find contact details for Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a private licensed guide who can help coordinate the route, bookings and guiding services for your group.
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