Planning a short trip from Kraków and wondering if it’s worth going to Zakopane? Yes — it’s a classic combination: morning sightseeing in Kraków and an afternoon on Krupówki with a view from Gubałówka. For many visitors this is the best way to feel the contrast between the historic architecture of Małopolska and the mountain atmosphere of Podhale.
Combining both places is also practical: guests can see Kraków’s center (the Market Square, Wawel, Kazimierz) and still enjoy Tatra panoramas — Gubałówka is close to the Krupówki promenade and gives quick “mountain” impressions without a long hike.
If you travel with a group of 30–60 people, a well-planned daily schedule will help avoid chaos: set a departure time, reserve a restaurant in advance and allow for travel time and possible traffic during the tourist season.
Krupówki is the heart of Zakopane: a pedestrian promenade with stalls selling oscypek, regional karczmas and atmospheric souvenir shops. A stroll there is always an experience, but it also means crowds in season — it’s best to visit early or in the evening if you want to avoid peak foot traffic.
Gubałówka is a perfect quick viewpoint: you can reach the top by funicular or walk up on foot. At the summit you’ll find viewing terraces, eateries, a toboggan track and family attractions. The view of the Tatras is one of the most beautiful, especially on clear days.
In practice, check the weather before you leave — mountain conditions can change quickly. If you plan to take the funicular, account for waiting times in high season and consider tickets early in the morning or late afternoon.
Transport: trains, buses and private minibuses run between Kraków and Zakopane. The choice depends on budget, comfort and group size. For 30–60 people it’s worth considering hiring a coach or arranging several minibuses — this simplifies logistics and reduces coordination time.
Timing: start early to be sure you can see Kraków in the morning and still make the afternoon program in Zakopane. Allow extra time for transfers, meals and possible stops.
Luggage and clothing: temperatures in the mountains can be lower than in the city — bring a light jacket and comfortable shoes. For large groups it’s helpful to inform participants in advance about recommended clothing and the day’s schedule.
Organizing meals for 30–60 people requires advance booking and a clear agreement on the menu. Prefer places experienced with large groups, offering group menus or catering options.
Rzeźnia Restaurant (Ribs on Fire) in the city center is an example of a place with a room for about 60 people — a good solution if you want the whole group in one space. Such venues often provide a limited group menu and the option of plated service or a buffet.
Catering options and bistros offering group meals are a convenient choice for tour groups: meals are served efficiently, prices can be lower, and the staff can adapt portions and dietary preferences. Ask about sample prices for group lunches and dinners; many places offer a basic group lunch at affordable rates, while dinner can be arranged as a buffet or set menu — clarify this when booking.
If you need a training room or a hall where food can be served (for example, a corporate meeting before a shared dinner), there are venues with rooms for 30–50 people equipped with basic multimedia — a useful alternative when the group wants to combine a meeting with a meal.
When booking for 30–60 people, agree on: the arrival time (preferably outside the restaurant’s busiest hours), whether service will be waitstaff or buffet, vegetarian/vegan and allergy options, the possibility of splitting the group into smaller zones in a very large room, and payment terms (single invoice or split bills).
Ask the restaurant for a proposed group menu with a price per person and sample portions. Well-rated places that accept large groups usually have set packages and experience with quick service, which saves time and nerves.
If you prefer catering at the accommodation or in a hired hall, ask about serving times and the number of staff — for 30–60 people make sure the food will be served efficiently.
Lack of advance booking — the most common mistake. In the tourist season restaurants and event halls fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Unclear menu arrangements — leaving choices “on the spot” risks delays and dissatisfaction. Decide on concrete sets and inform the kitchen about allergies in advance.
Poor transport planning — for large groups it’s worth booking a coach or coordinating several minibuses. Designate one person responsible for the attendance list and schedule.
Can you do a one-day trip from Kraków to Zakopane and visit Krupówki + Gubałówka? Yes — it’s a popular option, but it requires an early start and good logistics.
Will restaurants in Kraków accept a group of 50 people without problems? Yes, provided you book well in advance and arrange a group menu. Look for venues with dedicated event rooms or use catering services.
What to do if the weather in the mountains gets worse? Have an alternative plan: a walk around Zakopane’s center, a visit to a local museum, or a longer meal in a reliable restaurant — flexibility will save the day.
In Zakopane you’ll find attractions tourists often don’t expect: small parrot houses (interactive mini-zoos), historic villas in the Zakopane style and atmospheric cemeteries with artistic tombstones that tell the region’s story.
Besides the panorama, Gubałówka hides small surprises: apart from viewing terraces there are tiny chapels, playgrounds and spots with local treats — allow your group a short free stroll on the summit. If you want to escape the crowds, consider quieter valleys like Kościeliska or Chochołowska.
If you plan a meal after returning to Kraków, choose places with good reviews and experience serving groups — this reduces organizational stress and improves participant comfort.
For the group organizer (quick checklist): book transport, confirm the restaurant reservation with menu and number of people, prepare emergency contacts, and inform participants about times and meeting points.
For participants: comfortable shoes, a rain layer, small cash for market stalls, a phone powerbank, ID if needed and allergy information given to the organizer.
If you travel in season, have a plan B for city-based activities in case of bad weather.
If you want the trip to be stress-free and carefully planned, you can use the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she can help plan the route, make restaurant reservations and take care of the group.
If this guide was helpful, share it on social media or send it to friends planning a trip to Kraków and Zakopane — good planning makes better memories!
