Yes - with good planning two days are enough to feel the atmosphere of Zakopane, see the main sights and do a short mountain walk. The key is clear priorities (what is a "must see"), early departures from Krakow, buying tickets online where possible, and a flexible plan that accounts for weather and possible traffic. This guide will help you plan a step-by-step route specially for small groups of 2–6 people - so it stays intimate, comfortable and with minimal waiting in lines.
Zakopane is popular year-round - in summer it attracts Tatras hikers, in winter skiers, and during holidays and long weekends crowds can be large. That is why good preparation is half the success. The plan below also offers alternatives if you prefer more walks instead of attractions that usually have long queues.
Day 1: Depart Krakow in the morning, arrive in Zakopane before noon, go up Gubałówka or walk, stroll along Krupówki, optional visit to Wielka Krokiew, dinner at a recommended restaurant and evening relaxation - thermal baths or a cosy walk.
Day 2: Choose one major attraction - Kościeliska Valley or Chochołowska Valley (easy, beautiful routes), or ride the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch and do a short ridge trek; return to Krakow in the afternoon/evening.
If you prefer a slower pace, swap one attraction for relaxation at Chochołowskie Thermal Baths or Bukovina Thermal Baths and return to Krakow later.
Leave Krakow early in the morning - ideally between 6:00 and 7:30. This way you avoid the worst traffic and have plenty of time for relaxed sightseeing after arrival. The drive usually takes 2–3 hours by car (depending on conditions and traffic), about 2.5–3.5 hours by bus, and roughly 2.5–3 hours by train.
Start with Gubałówka - it is a great viewpoint over the Tatra panorama and a convenient warm-up after the journey. The funicular gets you to the top quickly; if you want to avoid queues, try visiting in less popular hours (for example before 11:00) or, in poor weather, walk up.
After returning from the viewpoint take a stroll along Krupówki - you'll find regional products, galleries and cafés. For dinner choose highly rated places and reserve a table if you travel on a weekend. Consider local mountain inns (karczmy) serving oscypek and kwaśnica, or more upscale restaurants with good reviews. In the evening the thermal baths are a perfect way to relax after a mountain day.
On the second day choose one of two options: peaceful valleys (Kościeliska or Chochołowska) or a more mountainous experience with the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch. The valleys are ideal for small groups, offering beautiful views, caves and mountain huts; they are easy to walk and don't require special preparation.
If you dream of a panorama from higher altitude, plan an early departure and buy cable car tickets for Kasprowy online - this often saves time and helps avoid queues. The choice depends on fitness and weather: Kasprowy offers spectacular views, but routes may be limited in bad weather. Return to Krakow in the afternoon; be prepared for possible traffic on the way back in high season, so allow extra time.
Car: the most flexible option, travel time 2–3 hours (depending on traffic). Remember about parking - in season finding a spot close to the centre can be difficult.
Bus: a convenient option for small groups; services from Krakow to Zakopane are regular and the trip usually takes 2.5–3.5 hours. For groups of 2–6 people check minibus or private transfer offers - sometimes a private transfer is worth it.
Train: a scenic and comfortable choice, with IC and regional connections between Krakow and Zakopane. Average travel time is about 2.5–3 hours, and trains can be more predictable than driving in high season.
For a small group it can be worth hiring a private transfer - the cost is split among participants and you gain maximum freedom in your schedule.
Buy tickets online where possible - especially for cable cars (Kasprowy) and popular attractions. Online tickets often allow timed entries or dedicated access.
Plan an early start - the first hours after opening are usually the least crowded. If possible, choose weekdays instead of weekends.
Swap popular "top" attractions for less crowded alternatives. Instead of busy Morskie Oko pick Kościeliska Valley or Smreczyński Staw - they are quieter and just as picturesque.
Reserve restaurants and accommodations in advance. In season popular places fill up fast, and booking a table will save you from lining up at the door.
To try local cuisine choose well-rated karczmy serving traditional Podhale dishes. In Zakopane, several mountain inns and bistros are highly regarded for food quality and atmosphere. Book a table, especially for evening meals in season.
If you plan an evening of relaxation, consider Chochołowskie Thermal Baths or Bukovina Thermal Baths - a great way to recover after a mountain day. Buy thermal bath tickets online in advance, especially for weekends.
For accommodation choose places with good reviews and convenient locations - close to the centre or with easy access to trailheads, depending on your activity plan. For small groups of 2–6 people smaller guesthouses or apartments are good options, offering privacy and comfort.
Not allowing extra time for the return trip - roads can be congested in season: add at least 1–1.5 hours buffer.
Not reserving tickets for cable cars, thermal baths and restaurants - this is the easiest way to waste time waiting in lines. Book ahead.
Dressing "for the city" instead of in layers - mountain weather changes fast; even in summer bring a light waterproof layer and something warmer.
Underestimating trail distances - check length and elevation before choosing a route to match the whole group's fitness level.
Are 2 days enough? Yes, if you choose priorities and don't try to do "everything at once". One day for the town and short attractions, the second for a valley or cable car is a sensible plan.
When is the best time to go? The quietest times are weekdays outside main holidays and school breaks. Spring and early autumn are a good compromise between weather and smaller crowds.
Do you need to reserve parking? In season it's better to plan parking in advance - central and popular trailhead parking fills up fast.
Do you need to book thermal baths? Yes, especially on weekends and in high season; online tickets secure entry at the chosen time.
Wielka Krokiew in Zakopane is an arena for international ski jumping events - if you catch a competition the atmosphere is unforgettable.
Oscypek, the famous smoked sheep cheese, is a must-try local treat - look for authentic versions sold by local shepherds (bacy).
Many attractions in Zakopane have seasonal opening hours and limited ticket allocations - check before you go, because buying online can sometimes be cheaper and faster.
When planning a trip for a small group of 2–6 people focus on quality of experience: a relaxed pace, good meals and one main activity each day. That is the recipe for a stress-free trip without queues.
If you decide you want to make the most of your time and see Zakopane 'your way', consider arranging a private guided experience with Małgorzata Kasprowicz from zwiedzaniekrakowa.com - she organises personalised tours for small groups. Share this article with friends or on social media if you think it will help them plan - enjoy the preparations and have a great trip!
