A short note: it’s worth planning visits to Wawel, a walk through Kazimierz and a possible trip to Zakopane separately — each place asks for a different pace and preparation. Wawel is a museum and historical site, Kazimierz is atmosphere, food and traces of Jewish history, and Zakopane is mountains, scenery and travel time that needs to be planned. If you have only one day, choose Krakow (Wawel + Kazimierz). If you have two days — add an afternoon trip to Zakopane or dedicate a full day to Zakopane.
To stay comfortable and stress-free, book tickets for popular attractions in advance and check opening hours the day before — this will save a lot of hassle. At the end of the article you’ll find an FAQ, a list of common mistakes and recommendations for good places to eat and relax. Stay with us — I’ll help turn this into a concrete plan.
Wawel is a large complex: the Royal Castle (exhibitions and chambers), the Cathedral (site of coronations and burials), the Dragon’s Den and the underground route. Opening hours for castle exhibitions can change, but typically operate like this: Mondays often have shorter hours (commonly 10:00–16:00), while Tuesday through Sunday most routes are available roughly 9:00–17:00. Last admissions usually occur 30–60 minutes before closing, so plan your visit with a time buffer.
Access to specific routes (for example the Representative Royal Chambers, the Underground, the Armory) can have separate limits and may require booking for a specific time. In the high season and during temporary exhibitions spots are limited — buy tickets online or arrive early.
The Wawel Cathedral follows slightly different rules (some cathedral museum areas may charge admission), and parts of the sacred areas remain open for worship and can be unavailable during services. On special days (national holidays, ceremonies) hours and access can change — check the information before you go.
Kazimierz is the former Jewish district of Krakow, today lively and full of cafés, galleries and memorial sites. The key places to visit are the Old Synagogue (Szeroka Street 24, now a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow), the Remuh Synagogue with its adjacent cemetery, and the Galicia Jewish Museum — each tells a different part of the story of Jewish Krakow.
The Old Synagogue operates as a museum with exhibitions about Jewish culture; it is usually open Tuesday–Sunday during daytime hours, with shorter hours on Mondays. The Remuh Synagogue is an active place of worship — it may be closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays; its cemetery attracts visitors who want to see authentic gravestones from different centuries.
The Galicia Jewish Museum runs photographic and educational exhibitions about the history of the Jewish community in the region; it is often open daily in daytime/afternoon hours (for example 10:00–18:00). A walk along Szeroka Street, Nowy Square and Wolnica Square gives the best sense of the district’s atmosphere.
If you’re looking for well-rated Jewish-inspired or Middle Eastern cuisine, consider places such as Ariel or Hamsa — they serve traditional dishes and are popular with visitors. For coffee and a cozy evening try Mleczarnia or Singer, both known for atmospheric interiors and good reviews.
For lovers of unusual interiors check out Hevre — a spot combining history with good food; Alchemia is a well-known bar/club that often hosts cultural events. Always choose venues with high reviews and, in season, reserve a table for the evening, especially on weekends.
If you want street food and local treats, Nowy Square is famous for zapiekanki (Polish open-faced sandwiches) and has many small food stalls. Remember to pick places with clear positive reviews — it’s the simplest way to ensure good quality.
The distance Krakow–Zakopane is about 100–150 km depending on route; by car the trip usually takes around 2–2.5 hours, but on weekends and in peak season the Zakopianka road can have heavy traffic. Buses run frequently and usually take about 2–2.5 hours; trains can be longer (in practice sometimes 3–4 hours depending on the connection).
If you plan a one-day trip to Zakopane from Krakow, leave very early and prepare a clear plan: stroll along Krupówki, take the funicular to Gubałówka or use cable cars/lifts depending on the weather. In winter and in poor driving conditions allow extra travel time for both legs of the journey.
If you want to enjoy mountain attractions, consider staying overnight in Zakopane — then you can explore more calmly and avoid the risk of missing your return to Krakow.
Tickets for popular attractions (for example certain Wawel routes, some synagogues or the Galicia Museum) are limited. Buying online in advance saves time and guarantees entry at your preferred hour. Advance purchase is especially recommended during busy tourist periods.
Transport: Krakow’s public transport (trams and buses) is convenient for moving between the Old Town, Kazimierz and Wawel. For Zakopane it’s usually best to travel by bus or car; trains can be comfortable but slower. Check timetables shortly before you travel — schedules and travel times can change.
Weather: in the mountains expect quick changes in conditions. Always carry layered clothing, comfortable shoes and a charged phone. In winter roads and footpaths may require special equipment and more time.
Mistake: arriving at Wawel without checking hours or route availability. Fix: check opening hours the day before your visit and consider booking tickets online.
Mistake: planning Krakow + Zakopane as a single day without booking transport and with an overly optimistic schedule. Fix: if you want to see the Tatras, book a full day or an overnight stay — don’t treat Zakopane as a quick extra stop without time reserved.
Mistake: visiting synagogues on Saturday (when some places are closed for Shabbat). Fix: schedule synagogue and Remuh cemetery visits on weekdays or Sunday, and check opening days and hours in advance.
At Wawel, besides flagship exhibitions, temporary shows and educational events often take place — these are opportunities to see lesser-known collections or join workshops, and they make the visit different from the standard route.
In Kazimierz you’ll find buildings that once served sacred functions and today are atmospheric restaurants or galleries — these conversions give the district its unique character, so look for plaques or notes about a building’s history.
Transport to Zakopane can be surprising in travel time: rail routes are scenic but usually slower than intercity buses because of terrain and speed limits. If time is important, check faster intercity bus options.
Is Wawel open every day? Generally most exhibitions are available Tuesday–Sunday during morning and afternoon hours; Mondays often have shorter or limited access. Check the hours of specific routes before you go.
Is the Remuh Synagogue open on Saturdays? Remuh is an active synagogue and is often closed on Saturdays and on Jewish holidays — plan your visit for another day of the week.
How long does it take to get from Krakow to Zakopane? Usually about 2–2.5 hours by bus (without heavy traffic), similarly by car; by train it can take roughly 3–4 hours depending on the connection.
If you want to be close to Wawel and the Old Town, consider highly rated hotels such as Hotel Stary or Hotel Copernicus — both combine comfort with excellent location and easy access to key attractions. In Kazimierz you’ll find intimate guesthouses and apartments that let you feel the district’s atmosphere and are well-reviewed by guests.
In Zakopane choose properties rated highly for location and amenities if you plan mountain activities — proximity to lower cable car stations and trailheads is very convenient. Book in advance during the season.
Pay attention to guest reviews, cancellation policies and extra amenities (for example luggage storage), which can make sightseeing in Krakow and a trip to Zakopane much easier.
I hope this guide helps you plan a successful trip: choose your priorities (culture at Wawel, atmosphere and food in Kazimierz, mountains in Zakopane) and prepare logistics in advance. Check opening hours and reserve tickets where possible — this will help you avoid disappointment.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media to help others plan their visit to Krakow. If you prefer guided sightseeing, consider booking with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and booking information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy a safe and fascinating discovery of Krakow!
