Do you want to feel the royal atmosphere of Wawel and at the same time take the family for a day of thrills at Energylandia? Or are you looking for the best place for ice cream after a walk around the Market Square and the Planty? This text answers the key questions and offers practical solutions. - How much time should you allow for Wawel? - How to get from Krakow to Energylandia and how long does it take? - Where in the city centre can you find really good ice cream? - How to combine sightseeing and fun over two days? You will find simple, proven tips and ready-made route ideas.
We don't start with dates and hours but with a need: you want to visit without rushing and have time to relax with ice cream. Good news: it can be organised so it's comfortable for adults and fun for children.
Wawel is one of those places that attracts crowds, so a bit of planning before you head out really helps. Allow 2–3 hours if you want to see a few exhibitions and stroll the courtyards. If you want to visit everything in detail, leave more time or split the visit across two days.
Tickets for individual routes and exhibitions can be bought online or at the ticket office. The sales system allows advance reservations (worth doing, especially in high season). Ticket offices operate on-site too, but entry to some exhibitions may be limited, so you may not always get in immediately.
Keep a few practical rules in mind: - opening hours for the hill and individual exhibitions change seasonally, so check them before you go; - different parts of the complex (the Royal Castle and the Cathedral) have separate entry rules; - on some Mondays there may be limited free entry to selected exhibitions, but such offers are often restricted and available only at the ticket office.
If you're short on time: pick 2–3 exhibitions that interest you most (for example, the royal apartments + the underground chambers). Wear comfortable shoes – Wawel is not just rooms but also stone courtyards and stairs.
Arrive early if you want to avoid the biggest queues and have better light for photos. - In winter the hill may close earlier; in summer opening hours are longer. - Tickets are often valid only on a specific day and/or time, so check when buying. - Check baggage rules and any security restrictions.
If you're travelling with children: plan shorter segments of the visit and breaks for play – for example a walk along the Vistula or a playground on the boulevards. For visitors with limited mobility: not all routes are fully accessible, so ask in advance about availability and possible alternatives.
Finally – don't rush. Even a short rest on a viewpoint terrace or a bench in the courtyard will help you soak in the atmosphere of the place.
Energylandia in Zator is an excellent option for a full-day trip from Krakow, especially if you are travelling with children or seek stronger thrills. By car the journey from Krakow to Zator usually takes about 45–60 minutes depending on route and traffic, which makes the park a convenient destination for a day trip.
Getting there: - by car: the fastest route uses the A4 motorway then national road DK44; - by train: regional connections run to Zator (check timetables, frequency depends on the day); - by bus/shuttle: several carriers operate Krakow–Zator services. Each option has pros and cons: driving gives flexibility, public transport is convenient if you don’t want to drive.
How to plan your day in the park: arrive at opening time because popular attractions have long queues around midday. Plan breaks for meals and rest – Energylandia has dining zones, and you can also bring your own snacks in designated areas. If you visit during the high season, buy tickets online in advance and consider skip-the-line/express options if you want to maximise rides in a single day.
For families with small children: check which zones are dedicated to the youngest guests – the park has themed areas and carousels adapted for kids. Agree on a meeting point in case someone gets separated.
Day 1 - Krakow (culture and ice cream): - morning: Wawel – book timed tickets; visit at a relaxed pace, 2–3 exhibitions; - midday: walk through the Old Town, the Planty, stop for coffee; - afternoon: ice cream at one of the recommended parlours (see the ice cream section); evening: dinner in one of the atmospheric parts of the city.
Day 2 - Energylandia: - depart early in the morning (depending on transport), arrive for park opening; - spend the day on attractions with breaks to recharge; - return to Krakow in the evening. This split balances sightseeing, relaxation and fun, without making either day feel overloaded.
Krakow loves its ice cream. Below is a list of places often recommended by local gourmets and the press – each has its own style and signature flavours, so you can pick according to your mood.
Bel Mondo - a small artisan workshop known for pure, carefully developed flavours. Ideal if you want classic but excellently executed tastes like cream or chocolate. - Delikatesowo - a spot using traditional production methods; worth a visit if you want less obvious flavours (for example chestnut or porter).
Katane - Italian ice cream with a strong Sicilian accent; here you often find Bronte pistachios, original compositions and a wide choice of flavours. If you love pistachio, this place may enchant you.
Pracownia Cukiernicza Sargi (Starowiślna) - a city legend with a long tradition; famous queues and classic recipes. This is a place with character and history if you want to taste local ice-cream tradition.
Tiffany and other classic patisseries in the centre - they offer solid, well-balanced flavours, often with elegant toppings and decorations.
Rolls&Rolls - Thai-style rolled ice cream made on a cold plate is more of a show than a classic scoop, but if you want fun and an original dessert it's worth trying.
Also worth noting: one Krakow ice-cream parlour has been recognised in international rankings as deserving attention, which shows the local ice-cream scene can compete on a world level.
If you don't know where to start: choose artisan ice cream (this often means a shorter ingredient list and natural flavours). Fruit flavours taste best in season when the fruit is fresh; dairy and nut flavours are more universal year-round.
A few practical tips: - ask for a small tasting before you choose; most places allow it; - on very hot days pick sorbet or a lower-cream option for a quicker, more refreshing treat; - if you have food allergies, ask about ingredients – artisan parlours are usually happy to explain what's in each flavour.
Prices vary depending on the place and portion format; central locations and shops using imported ingredients (for example Bronte pistachios) may be pricier, but you usually get an authentic, high-quality product.
When planning a day remember the weather – on hot days bring a water bottle, sunscreen and a hat; on cooler days wear layers, because sightseeing includes outdoor spaces. - To avoid crowds: visit Wawel outside peak hours (early morning) and try to plan Energylandia on a weekday outside the busiest holiday weeks. - Book tickets in advance where possible; it will save you time and stress.
For families: prepare a 'meeting point' plan inside the amusement park and carry a powerbank for your phone. For couples or solo travellers: consider a quieter Wawel route and dessert in a less touristy ice-cream parlour to feel the local vibe.
And most importantly: leave a little room for doubts and improvisation – the best memories come when you have a plan but also space for small surprises.
