Short answer: yes - but with a few caveats. If you only have one day, you can feel the atmosphere of Kraków and make a quick trip to the Tatra area, but you must choose priorities and expect an intense day.
In practice I suggest treating the plan as two options: 1) focus exclusively on Kraków and explore the city center without rushing; 2) do a morning 'must-see' in Kraków and then rush to Zakopane (or the other way around) - this is possible but requires an early start and factoring in travel time.
If you are traveling with children: pick a gentler pace and leave Zakopane for a separate day, unless the kids enjoy longer rides and can nap during the trip. In this article you will find a ready plan, tips about Wawel tickets, transport options to Zakopane and a list of child-friendly cafes.
Below I offer a practical daily timetable and tips that help you avoid stress and long queues.
Note about prices and schedules: I give approximate travel times and price ranges - timetables and fares may change, so check exact departure times and ticket availability before you go.
06:30-08:00 - if you plan the Zakopane+Kraków option: depart very early (bus or train) to make the most of the day in the mountains; if you stay in Kraków, start with a walk around the Old Town.
08:30-10:00 - Wawel: stroll the courtyards; if you want to enter the Cathedral or a paid point (crypts, the tower, castle rooms), plan an entry time and have tickets in advance.
10:15-12:00 - Main Market Square: St. Marys Basilica (optionally go up to the gallery), Cloth Hall, a short walk through the streets around the Square and along the Planty.
12:00-13:30 - Lunch at a family restaurant or a cafe with a kids corner - time to recover.
13:30-15:30 - Kazimierz: Jewish quarter atmosphere, synagogues (walking outside) and atmospheric cafes; a great place for a second coffee and playtime for little ones.
15:30-18:00 - If you have time and energy: walk along the Vistula boulevards or return to a favorite cafe; if you are traveling to/from Zakopane - arrange your return according to the timetable, remembering a 2-3 hour travel time.
Evening - a calm end to the day: a short walk along the Planty or dinner in a place where children have a play corner.
Wawel consists of several separate parts: courtyards (mostly free to access), the Royal Castle interiors (different exhibition routes), the Cathedral with crypts, the tower with the bell and more. Many of these points require separate tickets.
When planning, decide what matters most to you: chapels and crypts in the Cathedral? Climbing the tower and seeing the bell? Or the castle rooms and tapestries? Each attraction can have its own ticket, and visiting everything can be considerably more expensive than just spending time in the courtyards.
Safest option: buy tickets online in advance for a specific entry time - especially in the tourist season and on weekends. If you don't buy online you may face longer queues or no availability for the route you want.
For families: check discount rules for children and youth and look for combined tickets. Some exhibitions offer reduced fares, and on certain days there may be free or cheaper entry - worth checking ahead.
Practical tip: if your time is limited, choose 1-2 paid points and spend the rest of your time walking the courtyards and enjoying the hill views - that also gives a great experience without high cost.
Bus option: buses to Zakopane run frequently and the trip usually takes about 2 hours (depending on traffic on Zakopianka). This is a fast and usually the most flexible option - many carriers run hourly or more often.
Train option: the train from Kraków to Zakopane usually takes 2-3 hours depending on the type of train. Trains can be comfortable and avoid road traffic, but check departure times - they do not always fit an extremely early start.
Prices: bus tickets can be very affordable; in promotions you can find fares from around 19 PLN one-way, while regional trains and TLK/InterCity options vary widely in price. Note that in holiday seasons and long weekends you should book in advance.
Organizing the day if you go to Zakopane: choose a very early departure (for example the first morning bus/train) and plan to return no later than evening - remember fatigue after mountain activities.
For families: if you travel with small children, a bus may be more convenient (more frequent stops, sometimes quicker on less congested routes), while a train offers more space to stretch - both options are fine depending on your preferences.
Kraków has many places that consciously prepare their space for families: play corners, changing stations, kids menus and high chairs. When choosing a venue, check the offer before you go and call ahead if you plan to come with a larger group.
Types of places to consider: cafes with a dedicated play area, restaurants with a kids corner or family venues that run workshops and activities on weekends. These places make meals and a short rest much easier for parents.
If you have a small child: check whether the venue has a changing table and easy access with a stroller - this greatly speeds up and simplifies planning breaks during the day.
Practical advice: reserve a table for peak hours (for example right after Wawel visiting times), choose places with space where a child can occupy themselves for a while (books, a toy corner). This reduces stress and makes the afternoon nicer for everyone.
If you want specifics: look for venues that advertise children zones or participate in local family-friendly lists or contests - cities like Kraków often maintain lists and recognitions for family-friendly places which can help your choice.
Packing and logistics: bring a light snack, a water bottle, wet wipes, a spare outfit and a power bank. Small things can save the day, especially with kids.
Tickets and reservations: buy Wawel tickets online if you plan to enter the interiors - it saves time. For transport to Zakopane, reserve seats in season.
City transport with children: trams and buses in Kraków have ramps and spaces for strollers, but during rush hour boarding can be difficult - allow extra time.
Breaks and pace: plan shorter sightseeing blocks and longer breaks for play or meals. A day with a few magical moments is better than rushing from one attraction to another.
Safety: always have a local contact phone number, take a photo of your accommodation, and be cautious at pedestrian crossings - traffic in big cities can be fast.
09:00 - Coffee and breakfast near the Market Square, short walk along the Planty.
09:45 - Wawel: walk the courtyards and visit a selected paid point (book an entry time).
11:15 - Walk to the Market Square: St. Marys Basilica (optional entry), Cloth Hall, town-hall area.
12:30 - Lunch at a venue with a kids corner - time to rest.
14:00 - Kazimierz: stroll, snack in a cafe, a little playtime.
16:00 - Vistula boulevards or return to a favorite cafe-restaurant for dinner.
18:00 - End of the day, return to your accommodation and relax.
When planning a single day remember: less is more. It is better to spend quality time in a few places than to rush through everything and remember nothing.
If you want to see Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains properly, plan a separate day just for them - a proper walk in the mountains requires at least half a day plus travel time.
Use family-friendly places - they save time and nerves. Many venues in Kraków offer special amenities for children and the city promotes such initiatives.
If you like, I can prepare a personalized family plan for one day in Kraków (or with a quick trip to Zakopane) - just tell me who you are bringing (ages of children, sightseeing pace, food preferences) and I will prepare a practical schedule.
Enjoy your visit - Małgorzata Kasprowicz
