Yes — although it requires a good plan. Many visitors combine the mountain attractions of the Podhale region with a short, well-paced walk through Kraków: a morning or afternoon visit to St. Florian's Gate and the city walls, and a full day spent on a trip to Zakopane. The key is choosing priorities (for example Kasprowy/Cable car or Gubałówka funicular vs. a longer stroll along Krupówki) and buying some tickets in advance to save time and nerves. A guide can help arrange an itinerary so you can fit the highlights without rushing.
This article contains practical tips about reduced-price tickets, buying tickets online (skip-the-line) and the most common mistakes tourists make.
St. Florian's Gate is one of Kraków's most recognizable monuments, part of the former city walls and an branch of the Museum of Kraków. A visit usually includes a section of the defensive walls and the Barbican. The site is often open seasonally (typically in warmer months) — before you travel check the current opening hours and closed days, because some museum branches close for winter or for maintenance.
Ticket prices vary by branch and year, but typically include: full-price tickets, reduced-price tickets (for children, youth, students, seniors), family tickets and group tickets. The Museum of Kraków also offers combined tickets and promotions (for example passes covering several branches). Pay attention to free-entry days organized by museums or special promotions that can help you save.
Reduced-price tickets are usually available for children, youth, students and seniors — exact criteria and discounts depend on the institution. To use a reduction you must carry the appropriate document proving entitlement (for example a school or student ID, or proof of age). Some city or family cards (for example the Large Family Card or local Kraków cards) offer additional discounts.
When planning your visit, check if the reduction applies to online purchases — when buying a ticket through the museum's online system be sure to choose the correct ticket type and have your ID ready, because checks may take place at the entrance. Lack of a document may result in having to pay the full price on site.
The most reliable way to 'skip the line' is to buy a ticket online on the official ticketing page of the institution. For branches of the Museum of Kraków, electronic tickets are usually available — buying in advance reserves a time slot and often helps you avoid the longest queues at the ticket office.
If online tickets are not available for a particular branch, check whether the site allows walk-in entry at specific times, whether there are separate entrances for groups and guided tours, and which days are less crowded (for example early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays). For guided groups, booking in advance is usually required and also helps avoid queues.
Check the current price list and opening hours on the museum's website before your trip — prices and rules (including free-entry days) can change depending on season or year. If you are entitled to a reduction, carry the relevant ID.
In rainy or very hot weather queues and the pace of visiting vary greatly — plan breaks, bring water and a place to leave larger luggage. Many museum branches also offer combined visits (passes) — compare whether a pass is cheaper than individual tickets.
For visitors with limited mobility, check accessibility information — some branches offer wheelchair access and other assistance.
From Kraków to Zakopane you can usually travel by bus or train — the trip typically takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on the transport and road conditions. It's best to buy bus or train tickets in advance, especially on weekends and in winter when tourism is heavy.
In Zakopane the main attractions are Krupówki, Gubałówka (funicular and walks), the ski jumps and the cable car up Kasprowy Wierch. Lifts and mountain cableways charge separate fares — full and reduced prices can vary significantly depending on the installation (for example the Kasprowy cable car is more expensive than the Gubałówka funicular). For popular departures in season, consider buying tickets online in advance or be prepared for longer waits.
In Kraków, highly recommended and well-rated places around the Market include Café Camelot (a cozy café), traditional Kraków restaurants such as Pod Aniołami, and contemporary city bistros — check current rankings before you go. After an intense day in the mountains in Zakopane, pick a trusted mountain inn or karczma — for example Karczma u Wnuka is known for its long tradition and local atmosphere.
If you plan to eat right after visiting St. Florian's Gate, choose a place with shorter waiting times or reserve a table in advance — Market-area restaurants are often full on weekends. If you want something less touristy, ask your guide for local, well-rated spots off the main route.
Assuming you can see everything without prior reservations — tickets for popular attractions in season may sell out; buy online where possible with a set entry time.
Not carrying documents that prove entitlement to reduced tickets — sometimes visitors forget student IDs or proof of age and must pay the full price.
Packing too many points into one day — combining mountain hikes with intense city sightseeing is possible but it’s easy to overbook. Leave time for rest and unexpected events.
Is St. Florian's Gate always open? The site is usually open seasonally; check current hours and closed days before you arrive.
How do I buy a reduced-price ticket online? When buying, choose the correct ticket type and be ready to show proof of entitlement if checked at the entrance.
Do I have to reserve group entry with a guide? Yes — for guided groups, booking in advance is usually required. It also helps skip queues and guarantees an entry time.
What is the best way to get from Kraków to Zakopane? Bus or train — buses can be more frequent, trains may be more comfortable in bad weather; buy tickets earlier in high season.
Many Museum of Kraków branches offer combined passes (for example Barbican + City Walls + St. Florian's Gate) — if you plan to visit more than one site, a pass is often cheaper and more convenient.
Kraków runs occasional free museum days; if you are flexible about timing you may hit one of these days and save a lot.
In Zakopane, beyond the classic attractions, look for small mountain huts serving local cuisine where you can try oscypek made in the traditional way.
Check the opening hours of St. Florian's Gate and other museums you want to visit.
Buy tickets online where possible, especially for popular attractions and mountain cableways.
Carry documents that entitle you to discounts (school/student ID, ID card, Large Family Card, etc.).
Plan realistic travel time to Zakopane and allow for delays in season; leave margin for rest and meals.
If you like, I can help design a route tailored to your expectations — a short visit to Kraków with St. Florian's Gate and a full day in Zakopane can be planned to be comfortable and full of highlights. You can contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz for tour services and help with reservations, advice on the best times of day and ticket availability.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — and when you plan your trip to Kraków, feel free to get in touch. Wishing you a great trip and wonderful memories!
