Only have one day but want to feel the atmosphere of a royal city? A day trip from Zakopane to Krakow is a several-hour adventure that can include a walk around the Old Town, a short visit to Wawel, the Market Underground and the must-do experience of listening to the hejnał from the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica.
The hejnał from St. Mary’s is a symbol of Krakow — a live trumpet tune played from the higher tower of the Basilica every hour. Its sudden stop refers to the well-known legend. It’s a simple but magical moment worth planning into your day.
This guide gives a practical day plan, a list of sights worth buying tickets for in advance, recommended places to eat and tips to avoid queues and fatigue when visiting at a brisk pace.
Leave Zakopane in the morning (for example around 7:00–8:00) to arrive in Krakow before noon and have the whole day for exploring. I suggest starting at Wawel — admire the outside and, if you have a ticket, make a short visit to the Cathedral.
From there walk the Royal Route toward the Main Market Square: see the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), enjoy coffee in one of the atmospheric cafés and visit the Market Underground if you booked a timed ticket.
In the afternoon explore Kazimierz or take a short Vistula River cruise for a restful break. In the evening — if you still have energy — enjoy the Market Square at sunset, have dinner at a recommended restaurant and return to Zakopane. Alternatively, take an evening train or a comfortable bus. Important: plan time for breaks and factor in the number of stairs (for example if you want to climb St. Mary’s tower).
The hejnał is played from the higher tower of St. Mary’s Basilica every hour, day and night, toward the four cardinal directions. It is always performed live by a trumpeter, so arrive at the Market a few minutes before the full hour to get a good spot.
If you want to visit the Basilica interior and climb the tower, remember the ascent is about 239 steps and access can be seasonal and depends on the parish’s schedule. Visits may be limited because of restorations, masses or special events, so check current opening arrangements before your trip.
A neat fact for visitors: since 1927 the hejnał has also been signaled on the air by Polish Radio, while the tune continues to be played live — a connection of modern media with age-old tradition.
The Market Underground is one exhibition you should definitely buy a timed ticket for — it helps avoid queues and saves time. Many visitors plan their visit between about 11:00 and 15:00, so reserving early gives peace of mind.
Wawel and the Cathedral often have limits on entrants — for larger groups and in high season it’s best to book in advance. This is especially important if you arrive on a weekend or during busy holiday periods.
Tickets for St. Mary’s tower are sometimes sold at the entrance, but availability varies with the day, masses and season. If you are set on climbing the tower, check opening hours beforehand; access can be restricted in some months.
The most convenient options are train, bus or car. Trains and buses run regularly, but in summer and on weekends it’s wise to reserve seats in advance. Travel time varies with road conditions — allow extra time for possible delays.
If you are returning the same day, watch the last connections — evening congestion can lengthen the trip. A good idea is to buy return tickets with a small time margin or choose a connection with a comfortable departure time.
Practical tip: leave your car outside the city center or come by train to avoid searching for expensive parking in central Krakow.
Around the Market there are many places to eat, but choose those with good reviews. A few reliable suggestions: Café Camelot for a cozy café atmosphere near the Market, Wierzynek for a historic restaurant for special occasions, and in Kazimierz try Starka — a pleasant spot with regional dishes.
If you want something quick and recommended, bakeries and small cafés on Floriańska and Dietla streets often offer fresh pastries and good coffee. Restaurants near Wawel, such as those on Kanonicza or Grodzka streets, combine excellent location with high guest ratings.
For something local — try kremówki (cream cakes) at a well-regarded patisserie or regional dishes at a restaurant specializing in Małopolska cuisine.
Not planning breaks: intense sightseeing between Zakopane and Krakow can be tiring. Schedule coffee and rest breaks so the day doesn’t turn into a race.
Failing to reserve tickets in advance for the Underground and popular exhibitions — this leads to standing in lines and wasting time. Book when possible.
Assuming the hejnał is only played at noon — it sounds every hour, so if your time is limited, plan around the nearest full hour rather than just 12:00.
What time is the hejnał played? The hejnał is played every hour — arrive a few minutes early to secure a good spot on the Market.
Do I have to buy tickets for St. Mary’s tower? Not always. Tickets are often available at the entrance, but access is seasonal and can be limited — check current information before your visit.
Which attractions should I definitely buy online? The Market Underground and popular museum exhibitions — booking online saves time and stress.
The hejnał’s sudden stop is not a mistake but a reference to legend and tradition — the moment is especially moving the first time you hear it in Krakow.
From the tower the hejnał is played toward the four directions by rotating duty trumpeters, and the connection to radio broadcasting shows how tradition and modernity meet here.
Around the Market and just beyond you can find traces of the old defensive system — from remnants of city walls to Renaissance tenement houses. Watch for these details during your walk.
If you’re planning a day trip from Zakopane to Krakow, a short prepared checklist (online tickets, comfortable shoes, transport plan and a dinner reservation) will make the day enjoyable rather than stressful.
Share this article with friends or on social media if you think someone will find it useful. If you’d like to explore Krakow with personal guidance and discover the city “from the inside,” contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz for tailored tours and local insights.
