Yes — this is a popular plan: a morning walk around the Old Town and a short visit to one of Krakow’s oldest churches, followed by an afternoon and evening at Poland’s largest amusement park in Zator. For many families and couples this mix of history and thrills works great — especially if you want to avoid standard museum routes and focus on outdoor highlights and fun.
St. Andrew’s Church on Grodzka is a spot worth seeing quickly and memorably: it’s close to the Market Square, well preserved and has an interesting history, while not requiring hours of touring. After this brief historical stop it’s easy to head to Energylandia; buying tickets online in advance lets you skip ticket lines and plan your day calmly.
St. Andrew’s Church stands at Grodzka Street (number 56) and is one of the best-preserved Romanesque monuments in Krakow. It was built in the late 11th century and for centuries also served defensive functions, visible in its massive towers and small windows. That makes it an interesting architectural curiosity even during a short Old Town walk.
Inside, look for the baroque altar made of black marble, the pulpit shaped like a boat, and objects and figurines connected to the Poor Clares convent that give the place a specific, intimate atmosphere. The visit does not take long but provides a strong historical backdrop before the modern fun at Energylandia.
The church is not a museum in the traditional sense — you can enter, see the interior and feel the atmosphere without long queues or exhibition fees, though it’s important to show respect for a place of worship and to follow appropriate dress codes.
Buying tickets online is now practically standard and saves time and stress. The official sales system provides a printable ticket or an e‑voucher — keep it handy at the entrance; that’s the fastest way in. A one-day ticket gives access to most attractions, including the water area, while some services inside the park are extra (food, games, souvenirs).
If you plan to visit during peak season or a weekend, buying a ticket online lets you skip the ticket office queue. Energylandia also offers Fast Pass / Energy Pass — a quicker access option for selected attractions; this is useful if you want to make the most of your time and avoid long lines. Note that Fast Passes often have limits (for example, single-use on a given ride) and are usually sold separately.
Always check the refund rules and terms on the day you buy — prices and accessory offers (Fast Pass, annual tickets) can change between seasons.
Energylandia is in Zator, roughly 50–60 km from Krakow’s center. The fastest drive usually takes about 45–60 minutes depending on traffic and the route chosen (the A4 and national road DK44 are the most common). There is a large parking area on site — the daily fee is modest and usually just a few zloty.
Alternatives to driving are train and bus. Regional trains depart from Krakow to Zator — the journey takes about an hour, and from the station it’s a short walk or taxi ride to the park. During the season there are also special bus connections and occasional coaches organized for park visitors. Taking the train can be convenient and more eco-friendly, especially if you don’t want to worry about parking.
If you travel with small children, check schedules and possible connections one day in advance — during peak season timetables or additional services may change.
A simple, reliable plan for a comfortable day starts in Krakow: in the morning take a short walk from the Market Square toward Grodzka and visit St. Andrew’s Church (this takes 20–40 minutes depending on pace and photo stops). Then enjoy a quick lunch in a well-rated nearby café and depart for Zator.
Travel from Krakow to Energylandia will take between 45 minutes and just over an hour. On arrival, head first to attractions that typically have the longest queues in the morning (extreme roller coasters and the most popular rides in the Aqualantis area). If you have a Fast Pass, plan to use it for the most famous coasters.
In the evening, after returning to Krakow, finish the day with dinner at one of the recommended restaurants — a pleasant way to unwind after a day full of excitement.
Do I need to reserve tickets? It’s not mandatory, but buying online is convenient and lets you skip ticket lines. Reservations for accommodation or group transport are worth booking in advance during the season.
How does Fast Pass / Energy Pass work? It’s an extra service that allows faster access to selected attractions. It’s usually purchased separately and should be kept as a printed ticket or e‑voucher. Fast Pass typically allows one-time use on a given attraction during the day.
Do tickets cover all attractions? A standard individual ticket includes access to most rides and the water zone; some services and food outlets are extra. Also note height limits for certain rides.
Is Energylandia family-friendly for small children? Yes — the park has special zones for the youngest visitors with many attractions from age 2 and infrastructure helpful to parents (changing stations, child-friendly food points).
Where can I leave belongings? Large attractions have locker storage; lockers can be limited at popular rides, so plan carefully what to bring for individual rides.
1) No plan for the day - many visitors go with no plan and lose time in queues. Arrive early and start with the most popular attractions. 2) Not checking height rules - children may be ineligible for some rides; verify requirements before buying tickets. 3) Buying tickets from unverified resellers - to avoid entry problems, purchase through the official system or trusted sellers. 4) Ignoring the weather and the water zone - if you plan to use the Water Park, pack a swimsuit and towel; on cooler days the water area may be limited.
After a day of thrills it’s worth choosing well-reviewed places in Krakow. A few long-favored options: Wierzynek restaurant (historic spot on the Market Square), Cafe Camelot (cozy atmosphere in the heart of the Old Town), and the restaurants on Kazimierz offering Jewish and international cuisine. When choosing accommodation, pick a location near the Market Square or the train station — that makes the morning departure to Energylandia easier.
If you need family-friendly lodging, consider hotels near the center with easy access to main roads and parking. For couples, small guesthouses and boutique hotels in the Old Town are recommended — they offer an authentic Krakow atmosphere and convenient connections to the rest of the city. (If you want specific suggestions, I can prepare a list of top places with ratings).
St. Andrew’s Church is not just a pretty facade — it once served as a fortress and was the only Krakow church to survive the Mongol invasion in 1241. That gives an interesting context when you stand on Grodzka and imagine the former role of this part of the city.
Energylandia is more than extreme coasters — the park continually expands its offer and has themed zones for different age groups, including a large children’s area and a water zone. For many visitors it’s their first encounter with a park of this scale in Poland, so it’s worth spending a moment planning the must-see attractions before arrival.
A small tip: if you want to combine Krakow sightseeing and a trip to Zator in one day, pack light and wear comfortable shoes — switching from walking the Old Town’s cobblestones to dynamic rides at Energylandia requires comfort and quick movement.
If you liked this idea for a day in Krakow and Energylandia, share the article with friends or on social media — someone may be planning a similar trip. I also encourage you to use the services of private tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz; you can find contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — Małgorzata will gladly help plan a Krakow route tailored to fit your trip to Energylandia.
If you want, I can prepare a personalized day plan including train times or your food preferences — tell me how many people and the date you plan to travel. Have fun and enjoy your trip!
