Did you know that Zakrzowek used to be a quarry transformed into a park with turquoise pools and a public bathing area? After revitalization, paths, viewing piers and bathing zones were created — in an official city announcement the site was described as having five basin areas of different depths intended for visitors. It is a great place to rest after busy days of sightseeing.
This article offers a practical five-day plan, explains how to get to Zakrzowek, where to catch a Vistula cruise, what to eat and how to avoid common tourist mistakes in Krakow. Everything is written so you can relax, see more and leave Krakow with good memories.
Day 1 — Old Town and the Main Square: Start at the Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica. A walk along the Royal Route naturally leads to Wawel — it’s worth visiting the courtyard and the cathedral. For the evening I recommend dinner at a well-reviewed restaurant near the Square to soak up the city atmosphere.
Day 2 — Kazimierz and local flavors: Spend half a day in the Kazimierz district: synagogues, atmospheric streets and cozy cafés. The afternoon can be on the Vistula Boulevards. An evening cruise on the Vistula is a great way to see the city from another perspective — cruises usually last 30 to 60 minutes and are sometimes available with an audio guide.
Day 3 — Zakrzowek and nature: Reserve half a day (or a full day) for Zakrzowek — it’s an ideal spot for a walk, picnic and time by the water. After the revitalization the park offers viewing piers, paths and a supervised bathing area. Check the bathing rules and the best public transport routes beforehand.
Day 4 — Museums and lesser-known places: This is a good time to visit museums (for example Oskar Schindler’s Factory) or discover less obvious corners of the city. You can also take a short water tram ride to Tyniec or join a longer sightseeing line on the Vistula.
Day 5 — Relax by the Vistula and last-minute shopping: End your stay with a relaxed walk along the boulevards, a short cruise if you haven’t yet taken one, and a visit to your favorite café. It’s a good moment for small purchases and preparing to depart.
Zakrzowek is a recreational area covering about 50 hectares in the southern part of the city — a former quarry with several flooded basins often showing an intense turquoise color. After revitalization, promenades, viewing piers, lookout points and a bathing area with several basins of varying depth were opened to the public.
Transport: The easiest way to get there is by public transport — trams and buses serve the park area. Official city information lists bus lines 101, 112, 162, 194, 219 and 578 and tram lines 11, 17, 18, 22 and 52 as options to reach the vicinity of Zakrzowek. Still check timetables on the day of travel because routes and stops can change.
What to bring: comfortable shoes (paths can be stony), sunscreen, a water bottle, a towel and something to sit on. If you plan to swim, bring swimwear and check the bathing area’s opening hours — in season there is a lifeguard on duty. Remember rules for nature protection and keeping the place clean.
A cruise on the Vistula is an easy and pleasant way to see Krakow’s panorama from the water. Several operators moor along the Vistula Boulevards offering short sightseeing cruises; the water tram operates seasonally and audio guides in various languages are often available on board.
Duration and routes: A typical cruise lasts 30–60 minutes. The most popular routes include the stretch past Wawel, Kazimierz, Salwator and the Grunwaldzki Bridge; some operators also run longer cruises to Tyniec. In season the water tram usually runs daily on set schedules — commonly from May to September.
Where to buy tickets and what to bring: Tickets can be bought at the pier or in advance online. For short city cruises bring a camera, a light jacket for windy days and some cash for snacks — some boats sell drinks and refreshments. If you want commentary in Polish, choose the audio-guide option in that language when booking.
Krakow has a wide gastronomic offer — from traditional milk bars to high-end restaurants. If you’re looking for well-regarded places popular with visitors, check classic venues near the Market Square and in Kazimierz serving Polish and regional cuisine. Examples often recommended by visitors: Wierzynek (Main Market Square) — a historic restaurant; Starka (Kazimierz) — home-style cooking in a charming spot; Cafe Camelot — a cozy café for a quieter rest.
Accommodation: When choosing a location, think about your priorities: proximity to the Old Town (easy access to monuments), quieter neighborhoods like Podgórze or Dębniki (closer to Zakrzowek) or Kazimierz (livelier nightlife). Boutique hotels and well-rated central apartments make it easy to get around on foot. Book early in season, especially if you plan a weekend stay.
Check opening hours and seasonality of attractions — some cruises and the water tram operate only in season (usually from May to September). When planning your day don’t assume everything will be available year-round.
Avoid the crowds at the Market Square between 11:00 and 16:00 — mornings and late afternoons are nicer for strolling around the Old Town. If you want to swim at Zakrzowek, plan for a weekday or early morning to avoid crowds.
Bring a city travel card or electronic transport tickets — public transport is a convenient way to reach Zakrzowek. Don’t pack too heavily if you plan lots of walking: cobbled streets and paths up to Wawel can be tiring.
Zakrzowek is one of the most popular diving spots in Poland — under the water’s surface you can find remnants of the former quarry. After revitalization the area gained the form of a park with infrastructure for different kinds of visitors.
From the river many well-known Krakow landmarks look completely different — bridges, embankments and facades create photo-worthy frames from a boat. Short cruises often offer a different perspective on the city’s topography and are a pleasant break after a busy day of sightseeing.
Is Zakrzowek safe for swimming? - Yes, after revitalization a supervised bathing area with several basins and lifeguards operates in season. Always check current opening hours and rules before you go.
Where do cruises depart from? - Most cruises start from the Vistula boulevards near Wawel or from piers by popular riverside restaurants. Some operators also begin near Salwator or other points along the boulevards.
How long is a Vistula cruise? - Short city cruises usually last 30–50 minutes; longer routes to Tyniec take more time. Pay attention to the cruise description when buying a ticket, as there are options with audio commentary and evening departures.
Is there an audio guide on the cruise? - Many cruises offer audio guides in several languages; if this matters to you choose that option when booking.
If you like, I can help tailor this plan to your pace and interests — Krakow has many faces and it’s great to see it with someone who knows shortcuts, the best cafés and lesser-known viewpoints. On the website you will find contact details for the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — if you want a personalized Zakrzowek walk, a commented cruise or a plan adjusted to the weather and season, contact her directly.
If you found this article useful — share it with friends or on social media. Enjoy your stay in Krakow and have safe, memorable walks!
