Fancy a quick walk up Gubałówka and a short stroll along Krupówki, and at the same time visit Wawel? It sounds ambitious — but with planning and a realistic approach you can fit a lot in. In this article I explain what you can realistically see in 3 hours in Zakopane, how much time to allow for Wawel in Krakow and how to avoid common mistakes.
I won’t promise miracles: Wawel is a large complex with several exhibitions and the cathedral, and Zakopane has its own pace and queues. Still, I will suggest combinations that let you make the most of a short window, come back with nice photos and enjoy a good meal.
Wawel is not just the courtyard and the dragon — it also includes the state rooms, the treasury, the armory and the Cathedral with its crypts. A short, most essential visit to the Cathedral with the royal tombs takes about 1–1.5 hours. If you want to add the Representative State Rooms, the Treasury and the Armory, plan rather 3–5 hours, because walking through the exhibitions and looking at objects takes time.
The best strategy when you have a small time window is to set priorities: Cathedral + courtyard (1–1.5 hours) or Representative State Rooms + a quick Cathedral visit (around 3 hours). With limited time it is also worth booking tickets in advance and coming early to avoid queues.
The Krupówki promenade is the heart of Zakopane — stalls with oscypek, handicraft booths, souvenir shops and many food places. Walking the whole length at a pace that allows short stops and photos takes about 30–60 minutes. If you want to sit in a well-rated café or have a regional lunch, add more time.
Krupówki is also convenient for logistics: the lower station of the Gubałówka funicular is within about a 10–20 minute walk from the promenade, depending on where you start.
You can walk up Gubałówka via several routes. The most popular options follow the funicular line or use shorter, steeper paths that start directly from Krupówki. The ascent typically takes 40–90 minutes depending on fitness and pace; descent is usually faster (30–45 minutes). The route is relatively short but can be steep in places and slippery after rain.
If you plan a 3-hour outing covering Krupówki and Gubałówka on foot, a short intensive plan is possible: a quick walk along Krupówki, an ascent at a brisk tourist pace, 30–45 minutes at the top for photos and coffee, then descent. This requires a fast pace and limited stops.
0:00–0:40 - Walk Krupówki: a quick look around, a short stop for oscypek or coffee.
0:40–1:30 - Walk up to Gubałówka (faster pace, choosing the path along the funicular tracks or a shorter steep spur).
1:30–2:00 - Time on the summit: photos, a short coffee or snack, enjoy the Tatra panorama.
2:00–2:30 - Descent back to town.
2:30–3:00 - Final stop on Krupówki: quick souvenir shopping or return to your starting point.
This schedule is intense but achievable. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider taking the funicular up to save 30–60 minutes and spend more time at the top.
The funicular to Gubałówka is a quick solution: the ride takes a few minutes and often avoids fatigue and crowding on steep approaches. It’s a good choice when you have little time, travel with children or worry about weather conditions.
I recommend walking up in summer with good weather for people who want to feel the mountain atmosphere and don’t mind a short effort. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and allow extra time if you plan photo stops or a longer snack break.
Wear comfortable, preferably trekking shoes — the trail can be steep and muddy after rain. Bring a light jacket and a change of layer, because wind on the summit can be surprisingly cool.
Check the weather and the funicular opening hours if you plan to ride. In season, arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon reduces crowds on Krupówki and at the funicular.
If you are timing your visit to match a transfer (for example, return by bus to Krakow), add a buffer of at least 30–45 minutes for unexpected delays.
If you want to taste iconic Podhale flavors after sightseeing, I recommend well-regarded spots: Karczma Sabała - traditional highlander dishes and a large terrace by Krupówki; STRH Bistro Art Cafe - excellent coffee and a modern take on the menu; La Mano Speciality Coffee & Wine - a café for speciality coffee lovers; Cukiernia Samanta - a local patisserie known for its desserts.
Book a table at popular places in season or come outside standard lunch hours to avoid queues. After an intense walk try oscypek with cranberry or a traditional sauerkraut soup (kwaśnica).
Assuming that "everything will fit into 3 hours" without a plan - write down a route and set realistic expectations. If you want a relaxed visit, add an extra hour.
Wearing the wrong shoes - leather sneakers or flip-flops will make the ascent uncomfortable. Weather is changeable - take a light rain layer.
Leaving ticket purchases to the last minute - popular Wawel exhibitions and funicular rides can have queues. It’s worth buying tickets in advance if you plan a specific time.
Krakow and Zakopane are a considerable distance apart: driving or taking the bus usually takes about 2–3 hours each way. Because of that, combining a full visit to Wawel with an ascent to Gubałówka and a walk along Krupówki on the same day is very tiring and not cost-effective.
If you have only one day and want to see both places, consider choosing the key attractions: a short visit to Wawel in the morning (1–1.5 hours) and a fast transfer to Zakopane, or the other way around. You will have a better experience by dedicating a day to Krakow and a separate day to Zakopane.
Is walking up Gubałówka difficult? For someone with average fitness it’s a moderate ascent; there are steep but short sections. After rain the path may be slippery.
How much does the funicular to Gubałówka cost? Prices vary by season, but the funicular is a small cost compared with the time saved - check current fares before you travel.
Can you buy tickets to Wawel online? Yes - many exhibitions and attractions offer advance ticket sales. This is a good way to skip long queues.
Surprise: Gubałówka is not the highest peak in the region, but thanks to its position it offers one of the best Tatra panoramas reachable from the town. The view from the terraces can hold even busy tourists longer than planned.
For nice photos without crowds, combine an early ascent with morning coffee on the summit - the light is gentle then and the air is often clearest.
If you prefer to visit Wawel with someone who will tell stories and anecdotes, consider a private guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details and contact are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com site - a convenient option for those who appreciate history presented in an engaging way and want to save time.
Share it with friends or send it to people planning a trip to Krakow and Zakopane - you’ll help them plan time better and avoid disappointment.
And if you want to visit Wawel and the surroundings with a guide, consider the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz - details are on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. It’s a convenient option for those who value clear history and prefer to spend their time efficiently.
