If you want to see the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) before setting off to Zakopane, plan your morning so you won't be rushing. The Market early in the morning has the nicest atmosphere and makes it easy to quickly visit the upper galleries, browse craft stalls and grab a coffee. When choosing a place for a morning break, pay attention to parking nearby and the possibility of loading luggage quickly - this will reduce stress if you plan a several-hour drive to the mountains.
If you care about visiting the Sukiennice properly, remember that upstairs there is a permanent exhibition of 19th-century Polish painting - a great complement to a short walk around the Market before your departure.
Around the Market you will find both elegant restaurants and intimate cafes perfect for a short break before the road. If you want to feel tradition and dine in a representative interior, consider Restauracja Wierzynek or Szara Gęś. For a quick coffee and dessert, Camelot Cafe is a great choice, and if you fancy a view of the Market, look for a terrace seat at the Cloth Hall.
For groups and families it is practical to choose a place where you can reserve a table - it saves time and provides a clear meeting point. For a shorter stop pick cafés that offer breakfast sets or quick lunch options so you don't delay the journey.
A few extra tips: check opening hours in advance (especially off-season), ask for a receipt to go if you are continuing by car, and choose a place with easy access to toilets - particularly important when traveling with seniors or children.
If you are driving, the choice of where to leave the car matters. The most convenient options are parking lots near St. Florian's Gate and along the Planty, the underground garages by Galeria Krakowska (quick access to the Main Railway Station), and parking options on the other side of the Vistula if you want to avoid the city center. When reserving a spot pay attention to elevator availability and a short walk to your starting point.
For people who prefer to leave the car for the whole day, check for the possibility of advance reservations or car parks with a fixed daily rate. If you travel with mobility-limited companions, choose parking with low curbs and a step-free, short walk. Also remember to check rules for parish and private parking lots - some have special regulations on holidays and during events.
From Krakow to Zakopane most people take the Zakopianka (national road no. 7). In normal conditions the trip takes about 2 hours, though in the summer and winter seasons travel time can be longer - plan a buffer. If you want to avoid the worst traffic, leave early in the morning, ideally before 7:00.
On the route it is worth planning one or two short breaks every 1.5-2 hours. Popular stops are Myślenice, Rabka-Zdrój and the area around Nowy Targ - places where you can stretch your legs, take photos and restock supplies. Keep in mind that the views and local shops selling regional products (for example oscypek) can be a pleasant addition to your travel plan.
Alternatives to driving are train or bus - trains from Krakow to Zakopane are comfortable and eliminate the parking issue. Seasonal buses and private carriers offer various departure times, so check timetables in advance.
If you have only one day, focus on a few highlights: a walk along Krupówki, a ride on the funicular to Gubałówka for a panorama of the Tatra Mountains, and if time and fitness allow - a short outing toward Kuźnice or Morskie Oko. Gubałówka gives a quick "wow" effect without strenuous walking, and Morskie Oko offers a beautiful lake view on a relatively easy, paved trail from the parking area.
For those who want to relax after walking, thermal baths are an excellent idea - the region has complexes such as Bukovina, Bania and Chochołowskie Thermal Baths, where you can unwind in pools and saunas after the mountains. If you plan to take the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch consider booking tickets in advance - queues are common in high season.
In Zakopane it's worth choosing local, well-rated places. A few popular and appreciated options include U Wnuka - a traditional, historic spot with regional flavors; Karczma Po Zbóju - rustic atmosphere and generous portions; Gazdowo Kuźnia - a pleasant interior and typical highland dishes. Near the thermal baths and on Gubałówka you will also find friendly cafés and bars with simpler menus.
If you plan to have lunch before returning to Krakow, reserve a table ahead, especially on weekends and during holidays. For older visitors choose places with comfortable seating and without steep stairs to the dining area. It's also worth asking for lighter or vegetarian options - many restaurants offer them.
Underestimating travel time is one of the most frequent mistakes - traffic on the Zakopianka can add hours to your plan. Solution: leave earlier and include a time buffer in your schedule.
Not booking in popular restaurants at the Market or in Zakopane often ends in long waits. Reserve in advance or choose non-peak morning hours. Another mistake is ignoring the needs of mobility-limited travelers - plan shorter distances, resting spots and restroom availability.
Being unprepared for sudden mountain weather changes - always bring an extra layer and a light rain shell, even if Krakow feels warm in the morning.
Is it worth visiting the Cloth Hall before leaving for Zakopane? Yes - a morning stroll and a light snack on the Market nicely open the day and let you see key sights before the crowds arrive.
How long does the drive from Krakow to Zakopane take? Usually about 2 hours, but in season and on weekends it can be significantly longer. Plan extra time and breaks every 1.5-2 hours.
Where to park in Zakopane if I want to go to Morskie Oko? The nearest parking lots are at Palenica Białczańska - they are busy in season, so it's better to arrive early in the morning or consider alternatives.
The Cloth Hall is more than souvenir stalls - upstairs operates a gallery with a collection of 19th-century painting, which many visitors discover only after going up. If you have a moment, a quick cultural stop before the trip is worth it.
Finally: share your plan with your travel companions - agree on meeting times and specific meeting points. Make a short list of essential items for the car (water, medications, power bank, snacks) so every break is calm and pleasant.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media - and if you prefer someone to handle logistics and to lead a guided walk in Krakow before your departure, consider arranging a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz; contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
