Kraków is a city that blends history, universities and lively student life — and at the same time it’s a convenient base for nearby attractions. Energylandia in Zator is no more than about an hour by car and fits perfectly as a break from city walks: one day full of adrenaline, the next — monuments and cafés.
For Eramus students and university students this is a great combo: you get to learn about local culture and history while bonding as a group during a typically youthful day of fun. That mix makes a long weekend memorable and varied.
Two nights, three days — an optimal way to see the must-sees in Kraków and to spend a full day at Energylandia. Below is a proposal you can easily adapt to your own rhythm.
Day 1 (afternoon/evening): arrive in Kraków, walk around the Old Town — Main Market Square, Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica, lunch on the Market Square or in Kazimierz. In the evening try Kazimierz: bars and cafés. If you want a different view of the city, consider a seasonal cruise on the Kraków Water Tram.
Day 2: Energylandia — a full day at the amusement park in Zator. Leave Kraków in the morning, return in the evening. Option to stay overnight near the park (for example WesternCamp) or go back to Kraków.
Day 3 (optional): choose a short excursion — the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the Tyniec Abbey, or a relaxed breakfast and café time before heading home. If your time is limited, don’t try to “do everything” — pick one attraction and enjoy it at a comfortable pace.
Energylandia is in Zator, relatively close to Kraków — by car the trip usually takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on route and traffic. Times vary with road conditions (A4/DK44/S7) and the hour you depart.
Buses and trains run seasonally and locally — public transport typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. In summer check for special bus lines and direct trains to Zator.
The park has large parking areas, but during peak season and long weekends it’s worth arriving early. For groups it can be cost-effective to use organized transport or rent a minibus. Also check accommodation options near the park (WesternCamp) — convenient if you plan to stay late.
Plan to spend a full day at Energylandia — the biggest rides and themed zones will take several hours. Best to arrive just before opening and start with the most popular rollercoasters to avoid the longest lines.
The park offers various online ticketing options and extra services to skip queues (priority/fast pass or similar). If you want to maximize rides in a short time, check available options and prices — sometimes it’s worth paying extra, especially during a long weekend.
Remember comfortable shoes, a powerbank for the day, and agree with your group which attractions are priorities — that helps planning and reduces wasted time.
For the thrifty and sociable: Greg & Tom (hostel chain) — popular among students, central location near the Market Square and many social events. Good if you want to be close to nightlife and group meetups.
Close to Energylandia: WesternCamp — a quirky Wild West-style accommodation, very convenient if you want to stay by the park after a full day of fun. The site offers cabins, tipis and cowboy wagons.
For those seeking comfort: Kraków has hotels and aparthotels across price ranges — book ahead for long weekends.
For a lively, standout evening I recommend places with awards and high ratings — Molám (Thai cuisine, Bib Gourmand in the Michelin guide) is a great pick for an energetic, flavourful night. For a refined, special experience try Bottiglieria 1881.
Some reliable choices for traditional dishes or group dinners: Starka (Kazimierz) — friendly Polish menu and atmospheric interior; Wierzynek — the historic Market Square restaurant for those who want a sense of old Kraków.
Cafés perfect for breakfast or a meetup before sightseeing: Karma (coffee roastery and café), Blossom Coffee Roasters, Café Camelot (romantic atmosphere), Gossip Cafe and Mo-ja Cafe — these places serve good espresso and have a student-friendly vibe.
Check student discounts — many places (museums, some attractions, and sometimes group tickets to Energylandia) offer reduced rates on presentation of a valid student ID or ISIC card. Keep your ID and a photo ID with you.
Buy tickets online in advance — this avoids queues at ticket offices and often gets lower prices. During long weekends entry numbers can be limited, so booking early is safer.
If you travel with a larger group — negotiate prices and transport. Many places have special offers for school and student groups, and a private minibus can turn out economical for larger groups.
Trying to “do everything” in one day — result: tiredness and the feeling that you didn’t see anything properly. It’s better to shorten the list and focus on a few highlights.
Not booking popular attractions or restaurants — long weekends see the best places full. Book tables and tickets in advance.
Poor packing for the park — large backpacks can be a nuisance on some rides. Pack light and use lockers if the park offers them.
Zator is not only Energylandia — the area also has themed mini-parks (for example dinosaur parks, insect parks), and the Carpathian Carp Valley region has local history and cycling routes if you want to add outdoor activity to your trip.
The Kraków Water Tram (seasonal) gives a different perspective on the city and is a pleasant alternative to a typical walk — on nice days consider booking an afternoon cruise.
Park authorities and local accommodation sometimes offer packages (stay + entry + transport) — for student groups these can be more economical than buying everything separately.
Is Energylandia suitable for adults? Yes — the park has zones for young children as well as extreme rollercoasters for adults and a wide food offering.
Is it worth paying extra to skip queues? During a long weekend or peak season — often yes, if you want to make the most of the day. On cooler or less crowded days it may not be necessary.
How to avoid crowds in Kraków? Get up early and visit the most famous spots before midday; in the afternoon head to Kazimierz or less touristy walking routes along the Vistula.
Share the plan with everyone in the group: who’s going, what each person wants, and priorities. It saves nerves and time. A long weekend is a great chance to bond — plan a little time for a spontaneous walk or a really good coffee.
If you need help organising a trip around Kraków — I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details are available on the site. I can help you tailor a plan to your group, taking into account interests, budget and pace.
Share this article with friends if it was helpful — post it on social media or send it to your Erasmus group. Good luck and have a great trip!
