It’s possible — but it’s worth planning your route, transport and meals so you don’t waste time on unnecessary delays. The most common approaches are a weekend in Krakow with one day spent in the Podhale region, or a focused one-day trip from Krakow to Zakopane. Below you’ll find sample plans, practical tips and concrete breakfast suggestions to help you travel cheaply and enjoyably.
In travel guides and offers you’ll find a wide range of prices for weekend packages and day trips — from the cheapest school-trip-style options to more comfortable weekend offers. That means you can find something that fits your budget if you compare options and choose the right transport and accommodation.
If you plan a short trip, priorities should be: a good daily plan, breakfast in a place that gives you energy for sightseeing, and a realistic buffer for travel time and possible delays.
Budget weekend: Day one — walk around the Old Town and Kazimierz; day two — a quick visit to Wawel and museums in the morning, then an afternoon trip to Zakopane (or the reverse, depending on your preference). Booking a hostel or budget guesthouse can significantly reduce costs.
One-day trip to Zakopane from Krakow: depart early (first buses/trains), stroll along Krupówki, take the funicular to Gubałówka or explore an easier trail such as parts of Dolina Kościeliska, then return in the evening. The key: start as early as possible and avoid returning during peak traffic.
An intensive one-day plan can be tiring, so if you value comfort consider staying overnight in Zakopane or extending your Krakow stay by an extra day.
The cheapest and most popular options are minibuses (buses) and trains; bus services run regularly from the main station and several city points. Booking tickets in advance often yields promotional prices. Travel time is usually around 2–3 hours, but in high season or bad weather expect possible delays.
If you travel in a group, compare public transport prices with private transfers — a small extra fee can sometimes shorten travel time and add convenience, which is valuable for a short trip.
Practical tip: check schedules in advance and leave a time buffer between the end of sightseeing and your planned departure. Mountain weather can change plans quickly, so flexibility is an asset.
Breakfast is the best time to plan your day — a good meal gives you energy for several hours of walking. Consider places with consistent positive reviews: Charlotte bakery (known for great bread and simple breakfasts), Massolit Books & Café (perfect for book lovers and coffee), Café Camelot (atmospheric interior and breakfasts in the city centre).
If you want a local, quick and cheap option, "milk bars" (bar mleczny) and small bakeries offer healthy, inexpensive breakfasts — a good way to taste local flavors without overspending.
A few practical tips: choose places with good ratings and clear reviews; if time is limited in the morning, order simple breakfast sets rather than complex dishes that may take longer to prepare.
Hostels and small guesthouses in the centre offer the lowest night costs, but pay attention to guest ratings and reviews about cleanliness and location. Sometimes a small price difference gives significantly better comfort, which improves the stay.
Alternatives to hostels include rooms in apartments or budget hotels — booking in advance or outside high season can bring attractive offers. Check whether breakfast is included; in many places breakfast is available for a small fee and saves you morning time.
Avoid the absolute cheapest options with extremely low ratings — savings may be illusory if surprises like noise or lack of basic amenities appear.
A walk around the Old Town, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the Market Square and the courtyards around Wawel is a classic that can be done without tickets. Check free days or reduced-price entry times for museums and attractions in advance.
Kazimierz and the surrounding area are great for independent discovery — atmospheric streets, synagogues and galleries often offer inexpensive exhibitions or events. Planning routes on foot is also a way to save money and maximize experiences.
If your time is limited, invest in one paid attraction that interests you most — you won’t see everything, but you’ll see what matters most to you.
Don’t leave transport and accommodation bookings to the last minute during high season — prices and availability can spike. Book basic parts of the trip in advance.
Don’t underestimate mountain weather — conditions in Zakopane can change quickly; bring appropriate shoes and clothing even if you plan only town walks.
Don’t plan too many attractions for one day — better to have one well-enjoyed highlight than to rush from place to place and remember little.
Many popular trips combine Krakow with other Lesser Poland attractions — from the Wieliczka Salt Mine to Ojców National Park — letting you compose an interesting plan without big extra costs if you pick one organiser or synchronize transport wisely.
On the Podhale you should try local cheeses (oscypek) and small regional stalls — souvenir prices vary, so compare a few places before buying.
In Krakow you’ll find many spots offering homemade local food at affordable prices — you don’t have to go to Krupówki to find tasty, authentic dishes.
How long is the Krakow–Zakopane trip? Travel time is usually around 2–3 hours, depending on transport and road conditions.
Is it worth booking a guided tour? If you have limited time and want key facts without planning, an inexpensive guided tour can be worth it. If you prefer your own pace, independent sightseeing is cheaper.
How to save on food? Choose breakfasts in cafés away from the main Market Square, look for places with high ratings and breakfast menus — a breakfast set is often better value than ordering separate items.
When planning a short trip, balance sightseeing pace with rest — choose two or three things you really want to see instead of a long "must-see" list that dilutes the experience.
If you travel on a tight budget, look for savings: early-bird tickets, breakfast in a pleasant but affordable café, accommodation with a good price-to-quality ratio. In practice, this usually lets you see more without big extra expenses.
Finally: share your impressions and photos after you return — recommending tried-and-true places helps other travelers and is a nice gesture.
If this text was helpful, please share it with friends or post it on social media — every recommendation counts and helps others plan a better trip.
If you want to explore Krakow more comfortably with personal support, I encourage you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the guide’s website.
