Yes — but realistic time planning is essential. Kraków has a compact historic centre that can be sensibly seen in one intensive day (the Royal Route, the Main Market Square, Wawel, and a short walk through Kazimierz). Energylandia in Zator is a full-day attraction — the park is large and queues can be long in season. If you only have a weekend, the best solution is to spend the first day in the Old Town and the second day at Energylandia. If you want to do both in a single day, expect an early departure from Kraków and a late return, and note you will only see Kraków in a condensed form.
The Royal Route is a classic: start your walk near Bracka/Matejko Square, pass through St. Florian's Gate, head to the Main Market Square, visit St. Mary’s Basilica, then continue along Grodzka Street to Wawel Castle. If you have more time, add Kazimierz (Szeroka Street, Meiselsa, Plac Nowy) and Podgórze (Schindler’s Factory, the Grunwald Bridge). You can tailor stops to your interests: museums, the cathedral, the Market Underground, or a short climb up St. Mary’s tower.
In practice: plan about 2–4 hours for the main route with brief visits to attractions, or a whole day if you want to explore museums in depth. The best times for a walk are early morning (8:00–10:00) or late afternoon when crowds thin out.
If you hire a local guide — for example Małgorzata Kasprowicz — the route can be personalized to your interests: history, legends, family-friendly Kraków, or thematic stories about Jewish culture in Kazimierz.
By car you can reach Energylandia in Zator from Kraków in about 45–60 minutes, depending on the route and traffic. The fastest option is usually the A4 highway with a connection onto national roads toward Zator.
Alternatives without a car: regional trains from Kraków Główny to Zator take roughly around an hour (times vary by connection), or seasonal coaches and shuttles run directly on the Kraków–Energylandia route. From Zator station it's a short walk or a local connection to the park entrance.
If you are travelling in a group, consider hiring a minibus or using direct transfers offered in season — this saves stress and gives flexible return options.
Buying tickets online is very convenient: you save time at the entrance and secure admission for the specific day you planned. The official park website sells single-day, two-day and multi-day tickets as well as annual passes; prices are seasonal.
A standard ticket covers access to most park attractions; food and other paid services are extra. Check the current price list online before purchase, as fees can change with the season.
If you are buying gifts — Energylandia also offers gift tickets in attractive packaging, valid within set dates. This is a handy option when purchasing in advance for family or friends.
The Energy Pass is a "fast pass"-style solution available at the park: after purchase you get priority access to selected attractions using a contact card and usually can use priority once per attraction included in the package.
For families with small children, visitors short on time, or anyone who wants to enjoy major rollercoasters without multi-hour queues, the Energy Pass can be very cost-effective.
Where to buy? You can buy the Energy Pass online together with your ticket or on-site at sales points in the park. If you plan to visit during a busy weekend or holiday period — purchase priority in advance, as availability may be limited.
Day 1 — Kraków: morning along the Royal Route (St. Florian's Gate, Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica), a one-hour coffee break for local pastries, afternoon at Wawel and a stroll through the Planty gardens. Dinner in Kazimierz or near the Market Square.
Day 2 — Energylandia: depart Kraków around 8:00–9:00, arrive before park opening if you want to make the most of the first rush of attractions. Bring drinks, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. If you bought the Energy Pass — start the day by using priority access for the most popular rollercoasters. Return to Kraków in the evening.
For families with small children it's better to plan a gentler pace: a relaxed morning in Kraków and an afternoon trip to Energylandia if you only plan a few attractions — or separate full days for each destination.
If you have only one day and want to see Kraków and visit Energylandia the same day — start very early. I recommend a brief 2–3 hour visit to the city centre (Main Market Square, Wawel), a quick return to your accommodation to drop bags, then travel to Zator. Remember this is a very intense plan and can be tiring.
A better alternative when time is limited: choose between a full day in Kraków (richer city experience) and a full day at Energylandia (complete park experience). The decision depends on whether you prioritise adrenaline or discovering the city's history and atmosphere.
For breakfast and coffee: Café Camelot (ul. Św. Tomasza) and Charlotte (near the Main Square) are popular for atmosphere and good reviews.
For traditional Polish dishes near Wawel try Pod Wawelem or Chłopskie Jadło for hearty regional cuisine. In Kazimierz, Hamsa and Ariel offer Middle Eastern- and Jewish-influenced menus in atmospheric settings. For great pierogi try Przystanek Pierogarnia or Pierogarnia Stary Młyn.
If you’d like, I can prepare a personalized list of top cafés, restaurants and bars tailored to your budget and culinary preferences.
Not allowing time for travel: quoted journey times (45–60 minutes by car Kraków–Zator) are approximate for normal traffic; in high season and on weekends they may take longer — leave a buffer.
Buying tickets on-site during peak season: queues at ticket offices can be long — purchase tickets online and consider the Energy Pass if time is important to you.
Trying to "see everything" in one day: both Kraków and Energylandia deserve an unhurried pace — better to skip some attractions than rush and remember little.
In the Old Town, pay attention to side streets — small craft workshops, cosy cafés and charming corners often hide there and aren't always in guidebooks.
Besides rollercoasters, Energylandia has many family attractions and a water area — if you travel with children, check in advance which zones suit them best.
In season the number of trains and coaches between Kraków and Zator may be increased — check timetables a few days before your trip.
Is the Energy Pass worth buying? If you don't want to spend many hours in queues and want to ride as many attractions as possible in one day — yes, especially during high season.
How long is the train ride from Kraków? Around 60 minutes depending on the connection and stops.
Do theme-park tickets need to be printed? Usually an electronic ticket or QR code in an app is enough, but keep it easily accessible (a printout or a screenshot is handy).
Is Energylandia suitable for small children? Yes — the park has dedicated zones and attractions for the youngest visitors; check height and age restrictions before planning rides.
Comfortable shoes and clothes — both the cobbled streets of Kraków and a busy day at the park demand comfort.
Water, sunscreen, a small first-aid kit and a powerbank — summer heat and long queues can be tiring.
Offline copies of your plan and tickets (screenshots) — mobile coverage and connection stability can vary, so keep confirmations accessible without internet.
If you want to discover Kraków without hurry, with a local guide who will tell stories, anecdotes and show places a solo walk may miss — I encourage you to use the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and offer specifics are available on the guide's website.
If this article was useful — please share it with friends or on social media. If you have questions about planning the route, Energylandia tickets, or want a tailored list of recommended restaurants — write to me, I'll be happy to help.
Wishing you a wonderful stay in Kraków and unforgettable fun at Energylandia!
