If you have a short stay planned in Lesser Poland, combining Krakow with a one-day trip to Zakopane is a popular and feasible option — provided you organize it well. The trip usually takes around two hours each way, but on weekends and in high season the roads (especially Zakopianka) can be very busy, so it's worth leaving early in the morning and returning before late afternoon.
Zakopane offers a contrast to city sightseeing: Krupówki, Gubałówka, thermal baths and mountain scenery. For students and Erasmus participants it's a great way to reset after a week of classes and bond with new friends. Remember, however, that a quick visit means compromises — pick 2–3 priorities and don't try to see everything at once.
Day 1: walk around the Main Market Square, view Wawel Castle from the outside (or visit if you have time), enjoy coffee in a cozy Kazimierz café and spend the evening sampling local dishes. Day 2: choose a museum or exhibition (take advantage of free admission days), stroll the Planty and relax on the Błonia or take a short Vistula cruise. Day 3: discover lesser-known areas — Podgórze, Nowa Huta or a bike trip outside the center.
When planning a budget day: look for free museum days and campus events (check your university's noticeboard), choose museums on free-entry days, and eat where locals go — food trucks, milk bars and small bistros often offer great value. It’s also worth buying a transport pass for multiple days — it usually costs less than buying single tickets all the time.
If you're driving from Krakow to Zakopane, leave as early as possible to avoid traffic and parking problems. Around Krupówki it's easiest to park in official municipal car parks near Aleja 3 Maja or Tadeusza Kościuszki; these are most convenient, but in season they fill up fast.
Parking fees and rules in Zakopane can differ from Krakow — check zones and payment hours in advance. In practice, weekends and good weather mean heavy traffic, and local enforcement is strict with incorrectly parked vehicles. Leaving a car in an illegal spot can end with a fine or towing, which will ruin a whole-day plan.
To minimize stress, consider booking a commercial parking spot in advance or using organized transport (bus or hired van). An alternative is public transport — buses and minibuses run regularly from Krakow, and travel time depends on road conditions.
Directly on the Market Square and in its immediate vicinity parking is restricted to residents, services and short stops. For visitors the most convenient options are large guarded car parks at shopping centers (Galeria Krakowska), parking at institutions (for example the National Museum car park) and municipal underground car parks near Old Podgórze.
On the outskirts of the city, Park & Ride (P+R) systems are cost-effective — leave your car and take a tram to the center. This solution is ideal for a full day of sightseeing and saving money — you avoid the stress of hunting for a spot in the paid parking zone. Remember to check the Paid Parking Zone (SPP) hours and whether you need a ticket for zone A/B/C, as prices and enforcement hours may differ.
If you plan to stay several days, consider a daily subscription or reserving a place in a 24-hour car park — often cheaper than multiple hourly fees in zone A.
Students with a valid student ID can get significant discounts on public transport tickets; if you plan intensive sightseeing, a time-limited ticket (24/48 hours) or a multi-day pass usually pays off. Note that tram–bus transfers are convenient and fast, and the network covers the main attractions.
City cards and mobile apps make buying tickets and checking timetables easier. For Erasmus students, check with your university about local student groups and integration events and about possible discount cards for museums or transport.
Krakow offers everything from budget milk bars to well-rated restaurants serving regional cuisine. In Kazimierz and around the Market you'll find cafés and pubs of various standards; for thrifty travelers, small bistros, bakeries and local milk bars are recommended — you can eat well and cheaply. If you want authentic Polish food in a pleasant atmosphere, choose places with good local reviews rather than tourist traps on the main tourist streets.
For accommodation, hostels and private student residences can be cost-effective for students and Erasmus visitors. Book ahead in season and check reviews. Good locations include the area near the Main Railway Station, Kazimierz and around the Planty — from there you can walk to most attractions.
Many tourists don't realize that many museums in Krakow offer free-entry days or midweek discounts — this is a great opportunity to see more for less. Planning visits on free days can significantly reduce your trip costs.
Another surprise: parking fees and rules in Zakopane can be different from Krakow; sometimes municipal zones don’t charge on Sundays, but this depends on local regulations and the season. Always check current information before you travel to avoid fines.
Also pay attention to the weather and mountain conditions before you head to Zakopane — even in summer weather in the Tatra Mountains can change quickly. For short mountain walks bring sturdy shoes and basic rain gear.
Guessing where you can park in central Krakow or in Zakopane can end with a fine or towing — don't trust empty-looking spaces without signs and don't block access routes or crossings. Always check signs and payment rules before leaving your car.
Don't plan to return from Zakopane at the "last minute" on Sunday or on a very nice day — traffic jams can extend the trip by several hours. Allow flexible time and keep a buffer. Also, don't underestimate the need to book accommodation in advance during high season if you plan to stay longer.
Is a one-day trip to Zakopane worth it? Yes, if you leave early and set priorities; it will be more a taste of the Tatra region than a full mountain-hiking experience.
What is the cheapest way to park when visiting the Old Town? The least stressful and often cheapest option is Park & Ride on the outskirts and a tram ride into the center, or reserving a space in one of the shopping-center car parks. Expect to pay for parking in the central Paid Parking Zone.
Where to find cheap food? Kazimierz and the Market area offer many options; look for small bars, bakeries and places recommended by locals rather than overpriced tourist stalls.
Do students get discounts at museums? Many museums offer reduced tickets for students and special free-entry days. Carry your student ID and check current offers.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help other students and Erasmus visitors plan their stay in Krakow. If you want to explore the city without stress and get local, personalized tips, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz from Zwiedzanie Krakowa — contact details are available on her official site. We wish you a great stay, many delicious discoveries and smooth travels on the Krakow–Zakopane route!
