You have only three days and want to see Krakow, plus squeeze in a quick Tatras getaway for the long weekend? Great - this is perfectly doable if you set priorities and use a train or bus to Zakopane. Before booking tickets and accommodation, answer three questions: do you want to spend the mountain day actively (a short trail, the Gubałówka funicular) or rather stroll Krupówki and try oscypek; would you prefer to return to Krakow the same day or stay overnight in Zakopane; and how much do crowds and higher long-weekend prices bother you. Your answers will shape the plan and help avoid surprises.
In short: book accommodation early, buy train/bus tickets in advance if you travel on a long weekend, get up early on the day you go to Zakopane and be prepared that places fill up quickly in season. Recent seasonal patterns show that during popular long weekends occupancy in Zakopane can be very high and prices rise.
Remember that although Krakow runs seasonal lines and special trams for long weekends, you cannot reach Zakopane by tram - you need a train or bus. Krakow does add extra urban transport services on the most touristic routes in the city, which makes getting between sights easier.
If you want to save time - stick to priorities: combine Krakow classics (Old Town, Wawel, Kazimierz) with one farther day trip - a full-day visit to Zakopane is an ideal choice.
Let's start planning!
Morning: start at the Main Market Square. The Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica and wandering the little streets around are a must. If you like heights, climbing the St. Mary’s tower gives a short but striking view of the city. In season, buy tickets online where possible to skip queues.
Midday: walk to Wawel - the castle and cathedral. Even if you don’t visit every chamber, the castle terraces and the view over the Vistula make great photo backdrops. Book entry to the royal chambers in advance if you want to see them.
Afternoon and evening: Kazimierz. The former Jewish district teems with cafés, small restaurants and atmosphere. It’s a perfect place for dinner - look for smaller family-run places with local specialties. In the evening take a short walk along the Vistula or through the Planty park - the city feels completely different after dark.
Practical tips for today: carry a multi-trip public-transport ticket or a ticket app - the center is best explored on foot, but it’s useful to have tickets ready for transfers. For the long weekend check planned events and possible tram route changes in advance.
If you happen to visit when seasonal lines or historic trams run - treat them as an extra attraction, not the only way to get around the city.
Morning: visit one of the museums - choose by interest: history exhibitions, art museums, or shows about Jewish culture. Booking tickets online helps avoid lines on a long weekend.
Afternoon: walk through Kazimierz and the former Jewish quarter - you’ll find synagogues, atmospheric cafés and galleries. Alternatively head outside the strict center - Kościuszko Mound offers a city panorama, or Zakrzówek is perfect for nature lovers.
Evening: try local restaurants away from the tourist-packed core - compared with the Main Square you can often find better value and a more authentic atmosphere.
On a long weekend keep in mind some public-transport lines may run altered timetables or holiday schedules - check official city announcements beforehand.
If you want to escape the bustle, take a short boat trip or a riverside walk at sunset - a simple and very pleasant way to end the day.
Leave early in the morning - if you plan a full-day trip from Krakow to Zakopane, the best strategy is to take the earliest convenient train or bus. On long weekends trains and coaches fill up fast, so buy tickets in advance. Practically: you’ll be in the mountains from morning and can use the whole day there.
Train or bus? - the train is comfortable and lets you relax without driving. The fastest train connections take roughly 2 to 2.5 hours, while many regional trains are slower. Coaches sometimes reach Zakopane in about 2 hours on direct routes, but on busy long weekends expect congestion on the road (Zakopianka). Check both rail and coach operators and buy the best option with some lead time.
How to plan the day in Zakopane? - two realistic options: 1) active: Krupówki in the morning, the Gubałówka funicular, and a short hike (for example to the Strążyska Valley) and return in the evening; 2) more relaxed: stroll Krupówki, enjoy regional food and soak up the Tatra atmosphere. If you consider Morskie Oko, remember that it’s an intense and time-consuming trip and usually requires more than a single day.
Practical return tips: choose a train/bus with time to spare, because returns during peak hours can take longer. If you’re returning the same day and value comfort, reserve a seat where possible.
Note on accommodation and availability - on long weekends Zakopane often has high occupancy and rising prices. If you plan to stay overnight, book well in advance.
During long weekends Krakow runs seasonal lines and special services, sometimes including historic trams and small shuttle buses on selected routes. It’s a nice attraction and a help, but don’t rely on them as your only way to move - regular tram and bus lines also operate, although timetables can be changed.
The main seasonal routes serve recreational places - for example lines to Kościuszko Mound, the zoo or popular bathing spots. Check official city announcements about seasonal and special lines before you travel - do this a day ahead, because timetables are updated depending on weather or events.
Public-transport ticket - if you plan intensive sightseeing, buy a time-based ticket (24/48 h) or a multi-ride ticket, or use the mobile app. On a long weekend it’s better to have the ticket on your phone or printed so you don’t waste time at barriers or in queues.
Small tip: historic trams are often popular with tourists for photos - if you want to ride on vintage vehicles, arrive early.
If you want to travel outside Krakow - for example to Ojców - there are seasonal bus and recreational lines on nice days, which are a convenient alternative to driving.
Book accommodation and tickets early - especially for long weekends occupancy and prices rise; popular dates are often fully booked weeks in advance.
Pack flexibly - mountain weather changes quickly; take a light rain jacket and comfortable shoes even if you only plan a walk along Krupówki.
Cash vs card - most places accept cards, but some market stalls and small local stands prefer cash, so bring a bit of cash for convenience.
Time to rest - three days is an intense pace. It’s better to see less but remember it, than to rush and not enjoy anything. Plan a coffee break in a quiet café and watch city life go by.
Flexibility - long weekends mean crowds and possible transport changes. Have a plan B if a train is full - a coach can save the day; if roads are jammed consider the train.
Day 1 - Krakow: 09:00 start at the Market Square, 11:30 Wawel, 14:00 lunch in Kazimierz, 16:00 walk in the Planty, 19:00 dinner.
Day 2 - Krakow + short trip: 09:00 museum, 12:00 Kościuszko Mound or Zakrzówek (short outing), 15:00 afternoon café discoveries in Kazimierz, 20:00 evening walk by the Vistula.
Day 3 - Zakopane: depart by train/coach around 06:00-07:30, arrive around 09:30-10:00, spend the day on Krupówki, Gubałówka and a short walk in Strążyska Valley, return by train/coach in the evening.
These times are suggestions - adapt them to the train and bus timetables available on the day of travel.
If you plan to return late at night, check the availability of return connections well in advance.
Take care of your rubbish and respect public space - Krakow and the Tatras attract many visitors, so our travel etiquette affects everyone’s comfort.
In the mountains stick to marked trails and check weather forecasts - even short approaches can become longer and more difficult in bad weather.
In the city centre watch out for pickpockets as you would in any larger city - carry bags zipped in front and keep documents in a safe place.
If you plan to taste local cheeses and smoked meats - buy from trusted vendors and pay attention to stall hygiene.
Remember that a local guide, if you choose to hire one, can give context and interesting details you won’t find in guidebooks - and I, Małgorzata Kasprowicz, am happy to help if you want a personalized itinerary.
Three days in Krakow with a full-day trip to Zakopane is a great mix of urban monuments and mountain atmosphere. The key to a successful long-weekend trip is good organisation - booking accommodation and tickets, early departures and flexibility with the crowds.
Use the train or bus to Zakopane - it’s a convenient option that lets you make the most of your day in the mountains. Expect travel times to vary by service, but the most important thing is to have a plan and reservations before you travel.
If you’d like, I can help personalize this plan to your pace and interests - tell me when you’re visiting and what you prefer to do, and I’ll prepare a detailed schedule with recommended places to eat. Enjoy your planning and see you in Krakow!
Best regards, Małgorzata Kasprowicz - zwiedzaniekrakowa.com
