Did you know Zakrzówek used to be a limestone quarry that turned into a turquoise corner with swimming pools and wooden platforms? It’s one of the most beautiful — and one of the least obvious — places to visit, a great complement to a classic one-day route in Kraków.
This guide will help you plan a day so you can see the main sights, get to Zakrzówek comfortably and enjoy a relaxed meal with children or seniors — without running and rushing.
08:45–10:15 - Main Market Square: start at the Main Market Square, visit St. Mary’s Basilica (look from close by, without long waits to enter the treasury) and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). Kids usually love the pigeons, so it’s a natural first stop.
10:20–11:30 - Walk to Wawel: a short walk from the Market to Wawel to see the Castle and Cathedral. If you have a stroller or someone with limited mobility, pick shorter routes around the castle instead of long lines of visitors.
11:45–13:15 - Kazimierz / lunch: head to Kazimierz or near the Market for a family lunch. See the “Where to eat” section for specific child-friendly and adult-friendly suggestions.
13:30–15:00 - Short cruise/walk along the Vistula or a cafe with a kids’ corner: if kids need a break, choose a place with a play area or small park.
15:30–17:30 - Zakrzówek: an afternoon by the turquoise water — walk the platforms, relax briefly, swim in season (if weather and bathing season allow).
18:00 - Dinner or coffee before departure: if you’re leaving in the evening, pick a family-friendly place near the station or main road so you finish the day without stress.
Zakrzówek lies southwest of Kraków’s center and is well connected by public transport. Trams and buses (including lines serving the areas near Kapelanka, Norymberska and Grota-Roweckiego) will take you close to the park entrances.
During the bathing season part of the area operates as a supervised bathing site with lifeguards and separate basins of varying depths — this makes swimming easier for children and less confident swimmers. Access to the bathing area is usually free, but limits and rules apply for safety.
Parking is limited — especially at weekends. If you come by car, allow extra time to find a space or use public transport. Small parking lots near entrances exist but fill up quickly.
For families with strollers or people with limited mobility: recent park infrastructure aims to be accessible, although paths near the cliffs can be uneven. If full accessibility is required, ask in advance about the most convenient entrance.
La Forchetta (around the station / ul. Lubicz) - an Italian restaurant with a family-friendly approach; often offers a kids’ menu and comfortable high chairs. Good for a quick, filling meal.
Viale Verde (Aleja Pokoju) - a place with lots of greenery, a terrace and a child-friendly zone; ideal when you need more space for a stroller or running toddlers.
Szalone Widelce (ul. Karmelicka) - great for breakfast or an early lunch; relaxed atmosphere and options for the little ones.
Makaroniarnia - simple, home-style pastas that usually appeal to children. Often generous portions and quick service.
Cafe Manggha - if you want a spot with a nice view of the Vistula and Wawel; a calm place for coffee and dessert near the cultural center.
Rodzinka Cafe (Czyżyny) - a café combined with a play area, a good choice if you want to give children longer playtime after a meal.
Sekret Smaku - homey, “grandma-style” Polish cuisine; for traditional Polish flavors in a friendly atmosphere.
Plan breaks every 60–90 minutes — for kids (and seniors) this makes the day much more enjoyable. The center has playgrounds and cafes with kids’ corners.
Bring water and snacks — queues at popular spots and walking will drain little ones’ energy.
Check the Zakrzówek bathing schedule before you go — the season and lifeguard hours are seasonal and can change.
Dress comfortably and wear shoes suitable for cobbles — Kraków has many cobbled streets and steep approaches near Wawel and the Zakrzówek cliffs.
If you plan to swim, bring towels, sunscreen and a hat — the limestone cliffs and turquoise water areas can be very sunny.
Zakrzówek is not a natural lake — it’s a flooded limestone quarry. The turquoise color of the water is natural and very photogenic, which explains the site’s popularity on social media.
The park around Zakrzówek was redesigned to balance recreation with nature protection — new wooden platforms and bathing basins of different depths were added.
Despite its proximity to the city center, the terrain around Zakrzówek gives the place an intimate, “hidden” feel — it’s worth dedicating an afternoon to it as a contrast to the crowds at the Market.
Trying to “fit everything in” — attempting too many attractions in one day often ends in fatigue and stress. It’s better to choose fewer stops and explore them calmly.
Ignoring public transport - parking at Zakrzówek can be difficult. Trams and buses are often faster and less stressful.
Not checking bathing opening hours and seasonality — an early visit outside the season may mean no lifeguards and closed zones.
No meal plan — on weekends popular restaurants can be full. Reserving a table for family lunch/dinner is a good idea.
Is access to Zakrzówek paid? - In the past access to the bathing area was free and bathing zones were supervised seasonally. It’s always a good idea to check the current bathing season information before your visit.
Is Zakrzówek suitable for small children? - Yes, there are basins of varying depth and zones designed for less confident swimmers, but always supervise your child and use marked supervised areas.
Are family-friendly places easy to find in the center? - Yes. Kraków has many restaurants and cafes with kids’ corners, children’s menus or a welcoming atmosphere — we list several trusted options above.
How much walking is involved? - A standard one-day route usually includes a few kilometers of walking — consider strollers, breaks and the pace of the youngest.
Kraków in one day is a challenge, but with a sensible plan it can be a pleasant experience: sights in the morning, a comfortable lunch, and an afternoon at Zakrzówek as a reward. It’s a great mix of history, food and nature.
If this guide helped you — share it with friends or on social media. If you prefer to explore with a private guide, you can contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
