Yes — many Erasmus groups and students do this regularly, but it takes planning. Energylandia in Zator is a big park with dozens of attractions that can take a whole day, while in Kraków the most “Instagrammable” shots are usually found on short walks: the Main Market with St. Mary’s Church, Kazimierz, the Vistula boulevards, Zakrzówek and a few less obvious corners. Below you’ll find ready-made routes, practical tips on how to get there, what to bring and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
You’ll also learn when it’s worth climbing St. Mary’s tower, where to set a tripod (and when it’s better not to), and which cafés and bars work well as backgrounds for Instagram and TikTok.
If you’re travelling in a group — especially an Erasmus group — I include route variants tailored to a limited budget and shorter timeframes.
Location and getting there: Energylandia is in Zator, roughly 45–60 minutes by car from Kraków’s centre depending on traffic. Trains and buses also run from Kraków to Zator; the regional train to Zator Park Rozrywki takes about an hour to 1 hour 20 minutes. For large groups, consider coach hire or scheduled shuttle services.
Tickets and planning your day: buy tickets online if you want to skip queues. It’s easy to spend a full day in the park — set priorities (extreme rides, water park, family attractions) and agree meeting points in the group, because mobile signal can get patchy in crowds. Take a water bottle, comfortable shoes and sunscreen in summer.
Budget tips: food in the park is varied but can add up; student groups often save by bringing a light packed lunch for the morning or by buying promotional meal packages in advance. If you travel as a large group, look for multi-day or group promotions when available.
Safety and restrictions: some rides have height/weight limits — check requirements before queuing. In peak season consider a Fast Pass or visiting outside the busiest days (early weekday visits are calmer).
The trumpet call (Hejnał): the St. Mary’s trumpet call is played every hour from the highest tower of St. Mary’s Basilica and famously stops mid‑melody — one of Kraków’s best-known legends. It’s a great moment for a short TikTok clip, but remember to show respect for anyone praying inside the church.
Climbing the tower: the tower is open to visitors seasonally in short timed entries; expect to climb around 200+ steps (to the very top there are roughly 239 steps) for panoramic views. Students often get discounted admission — bring your student ID.
Inside the church: the Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) altarpiece, stained glass and Gothic details are impressive, but avoid long photo sessions inside — the basilica is an active place of worship. Better photo locations are outside: views from the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), a perspective from the pavement on Floriańska Street or frames looking toward the Small Market (Mały Rynek).
Main Market and the Cloth Hall — classic shots with St. Mary’s in the background. Best early in the morning or late at night to avoid crowds.
Kazimierz (Szeroka Street, Józefa Street) — atmospheric cafés, murals and string lights in courtyards; perfect for lifestyle shots.
Zakrzówek — turquoise water and rocky shores create a mini‑paradise effect. Important: not all areas are open for access, so take care and follow posted rules.
Vistula Boulevards and Father Bernatek Footbridge (Kładka Ojca Bernatka) — river views and Wawel in the distance; gorgeous at sunset.
Kanonicza Street and the nearby lanes — medieval vibes and cobbles ideal for classic city frames.
Krakus Mound and Kościuszko Mound — great panoramic viewpoints, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Zabłocie — murals and an industrial atmosphere for raw, cinematic shots.
Cafés with character: Massolit Bakery, Café Camelot, Cheder and Cafe Botanica — each has a distinct interior that’s great for photos and short videos.
Morning walk: start at the Main Market at sunrise — you’ll find the fewest people and the best light. Take a quick trip up St. Mary’s tower if you want panoramic views.
Late morning in Kazimierz: wander Józefa and Szeroka Streets, stop for coffee in a local café and capture quick mural shots.
Afternoon: Vistula Boulevards and, if weather allows, Zakrzówek — natural surroundings give beautiful photos; Zakrzówek often looks most turquoise in the afternoon.
Evening: dinner in an affordable, atmospheric eatery in Kazimierz and short night shots back on the Main Market. Budget option: replace Zakrzówek with Krakus Mound or the Błonia meadow — cheaper and still very photogenic.
Day 1 (Energylandia): depart Kraków in the morning, spend the day in the park and return in the evening. Choose accommodation in Kraków near the centre so you can rest quickly or get straight back out to the city.
Day 2 (Kraków): a lighter sightseeing plan: Wawel, the Market, Kazimierz and the boulevards. If part of the group is tired, split the route and set clear meeting points.
Transport: for big groups it’s often cheaper to hire a minibus or use the regional train to Zator. Check timetables in advance and keep e‑tickets or printed confirmations handy.
Reservations: during summer reserve tables in popular restaurants and check St. Mary’s tower opening hours — schedules sometimes change with the season or due to weather.
Cafés and bars for photos: Massolit Bakery (bagels and baked goods near the bookshop), Café Camelot (romantic interior close to the Planty), Cheder in Kazimierz (a culturally rich space and great background) and Cafe Botanica — each offers photogenic interiors and good coffee.
Where to eat cheaply: small buffets on Kazimierz, food trucks by the boulevards and budget chains or local burger spots — filling portions for reasonable prices. Don’t miss local street snacks like zapiekanki (toasted open baguette with toppings) and obwarzanki (Kraków’s ring‑shaped bread) for quick, cheap bites.
Pro tip: if you plan a photo session inside a small café, call ahead and ask the best time to come — big shoots can disturb staff and other guests.
Trying to see “everything” in one day — spread attractions over two days, especially if you include Energylandia.
Not checking opening hours and promotions — parks, towers and museums change schedules seasonally; always verify before you leave.
Underestimating queues and crowds at the Main Market — mornings and late evenings are quieter; plan photos then.
Forgetting documents — students and Erasmus participants should always carry student IDs for discounts, and a passport or ID for identification.
Risky shots at Zakrzówek — don’t go down to unmarked cliffs or swim where it’s prohibited; safety matters more than a photo.
Can I take a backpack up St. Mary’s tower? Usually backpacks are discouraged or need to be kept under control — better bring a small daypack.
How much time do I need for Energylandia? At least a full day; to visit most zones comfortably plan 8–10 hours.
Is Zakrzówek accessible to everyone? Partly — some areas are open but many spots have steep descents or restricted access; not every corner is safe for a photo session.
Can I record the trumpet call? Yes, but do it respectfully — many visitors record a short fragment as a souvenir. Avoid loud behaviour near people praying.
Are there student discounts? Yes — some museums and attractions offer student discounts; always carry your student ID.
The trumpet call can be heard all day long — capturing it at night gives a unique mood for video.
Krakus Mound often has few visitors — sunrise from there produces less common, magical city panoramas.
Looking for a rustic backdrop? Villa Decius (Willa Decjusza) and the gardens in Wola Justowska are lesser‑known photo gems outside the centre.
Want a cinematic, Netflix‑style vibe? Zabłocie with its murals and post‑industrial spaces works perfectly for raw, filmic frames.
If you like this plan — share it with your friends or on social media. Great routes for Erasmus students and students are often built from recommendations, so every tip helps.
If you’d like to explore Kraków with a local guide, I invite you to consider guided tours by Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she offers private walks and sample routes that help you see more in less time and discover local anecdotes you won’t find in standard guides.
Good luck planning your trip — have fun, take beautiful photos and stay safe!
