Have a few days off and not sure how to use them well? Combining Krakow and Zakopane is an excellent choice: in one trip you get city monuments, atmospheric walks and great food together with mountain air, Tatra panoramas and outdoor activities. It’s ideal for families, couples and anyone who wants to see the “essence” of Małopolska without rushing.
Long weekends have their own rules — crowds, changed traffic organization and shorter opening hours at some places. That’s why it’s worth planning your route in advance, booking tickets where possible and considering the help of a licensed guide: it saves time, explains historical and cultural context, and suggests how to avoid the biggest queues.
As a licensed guide (Małgorzata Kasprowicz) I prepared the plan and a set of practical tips below — all in a friendly tone so your weekend is successful and stress-free. I don’t discuss other guides or competing offers here; I focus on what is worth seeing and how to organize it best.
If you’d like a ready-made Krakow + Zakopane package tailored to you, I’m happy to help adapt the route to your preferences — family, active, culinary or historical. Information about reservations and available options is available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Below you’ll find a detailed plan for a typical long weekend, practical transport tips, a packing checklist and recommendations on what to change if you prefer a quieter or more intense trip.
Day 1 - Krakow (Old Town, Wawel, Kazimierz): start with a morning walk around the Main Market Square - Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica (a short tale about the bugle calls), then head to Wawel: the castle and the cathedral. In the afternoon move to Kazimierz - synagogues, cemeteries, atmospheric streets and suggested cafés. Finish the day with dinner in a local restaurant serving regional flavors.
Day 2 - Krakow / surroundings (museums and optional extras): plan a visit to the Schindler’s Factory Museum or the Rynek Underground (depending on your interests). Alternatively, half a day can be spent on a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine — a great option if you want an underground experience. Use the afternoon for a walk across the Błonia, the Wawel hills or a lighter bike route.
Day 3 - Zakopane (leave early): depart Zakopane in the morning — after arrival stroll along Krupówki, take the funicular to Gubałówka or the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch (if weather and time allow). An alternative is a valley walk (for example Dolina Kościeliska) or relaxing in thermal pools. In the evening return to Krakow or stay overnight in Zakopane if you prefer a calmer pace.
This basic plan can be stretched to 4 days (adding a full day in the Tatras such as Morskie Oko or longer trails) or shortened to 2 days by focusing only on Krakow. As a guide I help match pace and priorities to your expectations.
Start your days early: the most popular places are much less crowded in the morning, and early museum entries or castle courtyards give you comfort and better photos.
Krakow - morning must-sees: Wawel (castle, cathedral, royal tombs) and a brief visit to the Dragon’s Den. Then Main Market Square: Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church (viewed from outside with the story of the bugle call), and a walk down Floriańska Street. With a guide you’ll hear anecdotes and context you might not discover on your own.
Kazimierz - an atmospheric afternoon: the district was the center of Jewish life before the war. Synagogues, cemeteries and a set of streets full of cafés and galleries. It’s a place to spend a relaxed afternoon and have dinner in one of the interesting restaurants offering local and international flavors.
Museums and alternatives: Schindler’s Factory (an important memorial site with a well-composed exhibition), the Rynek Underground (a multimedia journey into medieval Krakow) or a longer Wawel tour. A half-day trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine is a good change of pace — the mine is a different experience than a museum visit.
Zakopane - what to choose: Krupówki is the first place to familiarize yourself with the town and try oscypek. Gubałówka gives a quick Tatra panorama (funicular or walk), Kasprowy Wierch offers spectacular views (remember tickets and weather), and for nature lovers there are Dolina Kościeliska or Morskie Oko. Thermal baths are an excellent idea for relaxing after a long day.
If you plan to go into the Tatras (Morskie Oko, Kasprowy), check the weather and cable car schedules. During a long weekend queues and crowds are common, so plan extra time and consider booking in advance.
Car: the drive from central Krakow to Zakopane usually takes about 2-2.5 hours in normal traffic. On a long weekend this can be longer due to congestion when leaving the city and near Zakopane — leaving early in the morning is the best approach.
Train and bus: there are regular connections to Zakopane; travel time is usually around 2-3 hours depending on the service. Train travel is comfortable and removes parking worries, but check schedules and buy tickets early during the season or long weekends.
Local transport: in Krakow walking and public transport are convenient — many attractions are close to each other. In Zakopane it’s worth using local minibuses, taxis or the funicular/cable car, especially if you plan to go to higher mountain areas.
Time planning: counting sightseeing and transfers, it’s better to plan fewer attractions per day than too many — this protects you from fatigue and frustration due to delays. As a guide I propose realistic pacing and alternatives in case of bad weather.
If you travel with small children or people who find longer trips difficult, consider staying one night in Zakopane — it eases the plan and gives a pleasant rhythm to the trip.
Book in advance: during long weekends popular attractions and cable car time slots sell out quickly. Where possible, buy tickets online ahead of time (museums, cable cars, thermal baths).
Opening hours: check opening hours of museums and attractions during holidays and extended weekends — some places may have changed hours or limited entries.
Start early: morning visits mean smaller queues, better light for photos and more space to listen to the guide’s stories without the crowd. Plan coffee and lunch breaks outside peak hours if possible.
Time buffers: always plan extra time for travel, photo stops and breaks — especially when combining city and mountains. Mountain weather can change your plans, so have afternoon alternatives in case of clouds or rain.
If you want, I can prepare a detailed schedule with times and reservations — this helps avoid queues and makes the most of your time.
Documents and tickets: ID, train/bus tickets, confirmations for museum and cable car reservations — best to have both electronic and a printed copy.
Layered clothing: mountain and city weather can differ. Light layers, a windbreaker and comfortable shoes are essential. If you plan Tatra routes, bring a warmer layer and waterproof footwear.
Water and snacks: especially for mountain walks. Even shorter routes are nicer with a thermos of tea and local treats.
Charger / power bank / camera: lots of photos means lots of power. A small daypack is handy for daily outings.
Small first aid kit and pain relievers: useful for minor ailments and longer walks. For families: spare diapers and favorite snacks for children.
On Krupówki and in Zakopane venues try oscypek (with cranberry or warmed), kwaśnica and local nalewkas — these are Podhale classics. In Krakow visit small cafés and restaurants serving pierogi, żurek or modern takes on regional cuisine.
The Market and Kazimierz offer both classic eateries and creative bistros. If you want more “local” dishes, ask your guide for trusted places with good value for money — this helps you avoid tourist traps.
If you plan an evening in Zakopane, book a dinner table in advance — during long weekends popular restaurants fill up quickly. An alternative is a smaller place off Krupówki, where the atmosphere is calmer and prices are often more favorable.
If you have food allergies, check menus in advance and inform the guide — I’ll gladly help find safe and tasty options.
Don’t forget dessert — local cakes and homemade pastries in Krakow or Zakopane cafés are a nice finishing touch.
A licensed guide is more than someone who knows facts. It’s a person who can tell the story of a place in an engaging way, set the pace for the group and look after participants’ comfort. A license also guarantees knowledge of official routes, safety standards and up-to-date practical information.
As a guide I offer personalized routes (historical, family, culinary), flexibility in time and pace, practical tips (where to sit, where to eat, how to avoid queues) and support with reservations. I also help combine Krakow and Zakopane into one coherent trip so you return with memories, not frustration.
Using my services also gives you access to stories you won’t find in ordinary guidebooks: local anecdotes, cultural context and suggestions of the best time of day to visit specific places to fully experience them.
If you’d like, I can prepare a tailor-made offer — send a short message via the form on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com with dates and preferences, and I’ll reply with a proposed route and estimate.
I work in a friendly, non-directive style — sightseeing should be a pleasure, not an endurance test.
Avoid two extremes: don’t plan too much, but don’t go with no plan either. A balanced schedule lets you feel the atmosphere of both places and rest.
Photography: the best light for city photos is morning and late afternoon. In the Tatras watch the weather and plan panoramas for clear moments.
Book accommodation early: reserve in advance, especially if you want to stay in Zakopane during the season or a long weekend. If you plan to stay near popular trailheads, check access and parking availability.
Stay flexible: small deviations from the plan (a break in an interesting café, a short detour to a mound, an extra viewpoint) often make the best memories. As a guide I have backup ideas “for any weather” and I’m happy to adapt the route during the tour.
If you want, I can prepare a list of “quick reservations” (cable cars, museums, thermal baths) that will simplify planning — just tell me how much time you have and your interests.
Krakow and Zakopane together make a perfect short trip: a city full of history and life alongside mountains with breathtaking views. A long weekend is a great opportunity to experience both worlds — you only need a good plan and a bit of logistics.
If you’d like me to help organize your route — from a short Old Town tour to a full Krakow + Zakopane package — write via the form on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com with dates, number of people and preferences. I will prepare a suggested itinerary, an approximate cost and help with reservations.
Wishing you successful planning and enjoyable sightseeing — Krakow and the Tatras have many stories, flavors and views to offer. See you on the route! - Małgorzata Kasprowicz (licensed guide)
PS. If you have a question about a specific date, departure time or choice of trail in Zakopane — write and I’ll advise you specifically and practically.
Have a great trip and safe hikes!
