Did you know that one of the oldest stone churches in Poland stands almost in the middle of Kraków’s Main Market Square? It’s the small, unassuming St. Adalbert’s Church — a Romanesque building from the 11th–12th centuries whose floor today lies below the level of the square. It’s a great starting point for a city walk before you head to Wawel or set out on a day trip to the Tatra Mountains.
This article will help you plan a day (or two) so you can see the highlights: visiting the interior of St. Adalbert’s Church, buying tickets and entering Wawel Cathedral, and a practical trip to Zakopane — all without rushing and avoiding common tourist mistakes.
The most popular option is by bus or minibus — departures run almost hourly from the MDA station (next to the Main Railway Station) and from other points in the city. The journey usually takes about 2–3 hours, depending on road conditions and the season. Trains run less frequently and travel time can be longer or similar — check the PKP timetable before you travel.
In winter and on long holiday weekends expect traffic jams leaving Kraków and approaching Zakopane. If comfort and flexibility matter, consider hiring a private transfer or a private minibus for your group. For a quick getaway, direct minibuses are usually the best choice — no unnecessary changes.
When planning your return to Kraków, leave extra time — evening services can be full and road delays happen more often than midweek.
If you have just one day, pick a few highlights rather than trying to “see everything.” The most touristy but still worth-visiting spots are Krupówki — the main pedestrian street with local stalls and restaurants — and the Gubałówka funicular, which offers a wide panorama of the Tatra range. It’s a perfect spot for quick photos and a coffee with a view.
If the weather is good and you start early, consider visiting Kościeliska Valley or Chochołowska Valley — short scenic walks give you a taste of mountain air without long climbs. Morskie Oko is a classic, but a day trip from Kraków may be too tight — it’s better reserved for a full day or a weekend trip.
Visit local churches and sanctuaries if you like, but remember that Zakopane’s best experiences are the landscapes, local cuisine and wooden architecture. If you have time, the Tatra Museum (Muzeum Tatrzańskie) or the Wielka Krokiew ski jump add cultural context to the highlander culture.
The small St. Adalbert’s Church stands at the corner of the Main Market Square and Grodzka Street and is one of the city’s oldest stone sacral buildings. Its Romanesque form has survived despite later renovations — inside you’ll find Baroque elements and traces of older walls. Because of its age and location the church has a unique atmosphere — a perfect short haven in the city centre before further sightseeing.
Entering the interior requires going down slightly below the Market level, which is itself an interesting detail: over centuries the square’s level has risen and the church today sits lower than its surroundings. The lower part houses a simple archaeological display. Photographers will find intimate compositions here, and history-lovers will appreciate the stories about the early days of Christianity in these lands.
If you want to attend Mass or see specific interior details, check service times — during the tourist season the church’s schedule sometimes balances visitors with parish life.
Wawel Cathedral is a place of great historical and spiritual importance — royal tombs, the Sigismund Chapel and the Sigismund Bell are the main attractions that draw visitors. Entry to the Cathedral and the Archdiocesan Museum is ticketed; there are several options: a basic admission ticket, an audio-guide ticket and tickets that include additional spaces. Ticket prices vary by offer, so plan a budget for entry and an audio-guide if you want one.
The Cathedral has set visiting hours and days when it is closed to tourists because of liturgical celebrations. When planning your visit check the current opening times and regulations — photography is prohibited in some areas, modest dress is requested (covered shoulders) and silence should be observed. The Sigismund Bell rings on special occasions — hearing it in person is memorable, but access to the tower is not always available.
Tickets can be bought at on-site ticket offices or online; some tickets are valid for a specific time or for a limited period from purchase, and certain entries (e.g. the tower or crypts) often require separate tickets. To avoid queues, plan a morning visit or reserve tickets in advance.
If you have only one day, set priorities: spend the morning at Wawel and the Cathedral (arrive early to avoid crowds) and the afternoon walking the Market with a visit to St. Adalbert’s Church. A same-day trip to Zakopane is possible, but to avoid a rushed experience it’s better to go to Zakopane the next day or dedicate an entire day to the Tatras.
A good two-day layout: day one — Wawel, the Cathedral and a stroll through the Old Town (including a short stop at St. Adalbert’s); day two — a full-day trip to Zakopane with an early departure from Kraków. This way you’ll see the highlights without time pressure and have space for good meals and rest.
For visitors short on time: consider an early bus or train to Zakopane, spend the day in the mountains, return to Kraków in the evening and do a quick Wawel visit the next morning.
Check what is closed due to services or celebrations — the Cathedral is sometimes unavailable to tourists during important liturgies, so check the parish or ticket sales information before you arrive.
Don’t try to “see everything” in one day. This is a common mistake — it’s better to focus on a few highlights and enjoy them slowly. An overpacked schedule leads to fatigue and a weaker appreciation of the sites.
In Zakopane remember the weather: mountain weather changes quickly, so bring a waterproof layer and sturdy shoes. At Wawel and in churches wear something that covers your shoulders — this is both a cultural expectation and often a rule.
Avoid peak seasons (May long weekend, August, winter holidays) if you want quieter visits — everything is more expensive and crowded then. If you can’t avoid peak times, book tickets and accommodation well in advance.
In Kraków, after visiting Wawel, sit down for lunch at a restaurant serving well-reviewed Polish and regional cuisine. Tried-and-true places include classics such as Pod Wawelem (traditional Polish dishes) and cosy cafés near the Market like Cafe Camelot or Massolit Books & Café — perfect for a coffee and cake break. Choose places with good reviews and reserve a table in season.
In Zakopane pick restaurants offering local cuisine with positive reviews — highlander inns (karczmy) serving hearty mountain dishes are a reliable choice after a day on the trails. If you plan to stay overnight, look for accommodation near the centre if you want to be in the heart of the action, or closer to the valleys if hiking is your priority. Book early in both winter and summer seasons.
How much time is needed to visit Wawel Cathedral? One to two hours will allow you to see the main points: the nave, the Sigismund Chapel, the royal tombs and a short museum display. If you plan to climb the tower or spend more time in exhibitions, allow 2–3 hours.
Do I need to buy Cathedral tickets in advance? Not always, but in the season and on weekends it’s recommended to buy tickets online in advance or arrive early to avoid queues. Remember some entries (tower, crypts) may require separate tickets.
Can you see Zakopane in one day? Yes, but it will be intensive — choose a limited route such as Krupówki and Gubałówka or a short valley walk. For relaxed sightseeing and mountain trails plan a whole day or a weekend.
How should I dress for the Cathedral and St. Adalbert’s Church? Dress modestly — cover shoulders and avoid extremely short skirts or shorts. On cool days bring a light sweater because interiors can be colder than outside.
If you appreciate photography — the best views of Wawel are from the river boulevards at golden hour (before sunset). For a different perspective of the city try Kanonicza Street.
Keep a printed or screenshot copy of your ticket and a photo ID for concession tickets — some entrances require proof of discount eligibility.
If you liked this guide and think someone else would find it useful — share it on social media or send it to friends. If you prefer to explore with a knowledgeable local, you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. This is a great way to uncover hidden stories of Kraków and better plan a trip to Zakopane.
