Zakopane has a magnetic appeal for young travelers: the proximity of the mountains, the lively atmosphere of Krupówki and plenty of attractions that fit into a single day. For Erasmus students and university groups it’s an ideal option — low travel costs, easy-to-follow itineraries and lots of "Instagrammable" spots in a short time.
If you leave Krakow early in the morning you can see the main sights of Zakopane, try local food and return in the evening without rushing. This guide will help you plan the day step by step, taking into account budget, logistics and a few practical tips that often save the trip.
Intensive version (for student groups who like a fast pace): depart Krakow around 6:00, arrive in Zakopane between 8:00 and 9:00 — walk along Krupówki and grab a quick breakfast, take the cable car or funicular to Gubałówka (view + photos), head to Wielka Krokiew, lunch at a recommended mountain tavern, an afternoon walk in Kościeliska Valley or a short trail from Kuźnice, return to Krakow around 19:00–21:00.
Relaxed version (for those who want more time for chatting and food): depart Krakow 7:00–8:00, arrive about 9:30, longer breakfast on Krupówki, stroll the local markets, go up to Gubałówka and relax in a café with a view, light trekking or visit the Zakopane Style Museum Koliba, evening return to Krakow. This version lets you enjoy a proper meal and not rush.
A few tips: the earlier you leave, the more you can fit in. Have a plan B in case of long lines at cable cars or traffic on Zakopianka.
Main options: bus (private carriers, minibuses), train and car. For students the cheapest and most common option is often a bus — tickets can start from just a few dozen PLN one way, and travel time in normal conditions is about 2–2.5 hours. Trains can be comfortable and eco-friendly, but travel time varies (from around 2 hours up to 3–4 hours depending on the connection).
If you travel in a small group, consider going by car — it offers the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore areas outside the town center. Watch out for Zakopianka — on weekends and long holiday weekends traffic jams can significantly extend travel time.
Budget tip: book bus tickets in advance or use apps that compare connections — in high season it’s worth having a ticket beforehand to avoid queues at the station.
Krupówki — the heart of Zakopane: the main promenade, stalls with oscypek, souvenirs and cafés. It’s a great place for breakfast, quick shopping and to soak up the local atmosphere.
Gubałówka — best reached by funicular or on foot if you fancy a short effort. The Tatra panorama from Gubałówka is classic and perfect for group photos.
Wielka Krokiew — a venue with a strong sports vibe and an interesting perspective on the ski jump. Even a short visit to the viewing terrace is exciting and it’s close to the center.
Short walk or light trek: Kościeliska Valley (easier and more accessible) or short sections from Kuźnice. Don’t plan ambitious hikes — for one day choose a route of max. 2–3 hours so you won’t return to Krakow exhausted or late.
Alternatives to mountain trails: Zakopane Style Museum Koliba, the Tatra Museum or relaxation in a local café or thermal pools (thermal baths need extra time).
For students it’s worth choosing places that combine good quality with reasonable prices. Zakopane has well-rated bars and bistros serving both traditional highlander dishes and modern takes on regional cuisine.
Some recommended options (check availability and opening hours before your trip): Bistro Kryjówka — praised for local dishes and a friendly atmosphere; Bistro Las — a choice for lighter, seasonal fare; regional karczmas and places around Giewont — perfect for trying kwaśnica, oscypek and lamb. If you want a quick and cheap bite, Krupówki has many stalls with oscypek and local snacks.
Group dining: if you’re traveling with a larger group, reserve a table in advance — especially on weekends and in high season. Choose places with good reviews and menus suited for groups.
Mountain weather changes quickly — bring at least a light jacket and a rain layer, even in summer. It can be cooler in the mountains than in Krakow.
Shoes: comfortable footwear is essential. Even walking Krupówki and going up to Gubałówka is more pleasant in sneakers than in flip-flops.
Cash vs card: many places accept cards, but at small oscypek stalls and kiosks it’s better to have some cash.
Time: watch your return schedule — evening trains and buses can be crowded, so have a backup plan. Set a departure time from Zakopane and stick to it to avoid ending the day in a rush.
Waste and local rules: respect the nature and the regulations of Tatra National Park — dispose of trash in designated bins and stay on marked trails.
Assuming “it’s only 100 km, so we’ll get there quickly” — distance doesn’t always equal travel time because of road limits and seasonal traffic. Avoid leaving on Friday afternoon or during peak season without reservations.
No plan for meals — on weekends top restaurants fill up fast with locals. A reservation or arriving early helps.
Trying to see everything in one day — one day is not enough for Morskie Oko plus long hikes. Pick one major attraction and a few smaller spots.
Inappropriate clothing — even on hot valley days it can be cool on Gubałówka or windy at higher points.
On Krupówki you’ll find not only oscypek and souvenirs but also modern cafés and small galleries with art by young creators — look between the stalls.
Wielka Krokiew is more than a ski jump — events are often held there and, outside competition days, the viewing terraces offer great views of the town and the Tatras.
To feel the local vibe, look for small bakeries and cafés that stick to regional culinary traditions — they often serve homemade cakes and excellent coffee, perfect for an afternoon break.
Is it possible to see Morskie Oko in one day? - Yes, but it requires careful planning and good time management; the trip is long and it’s better to plan Morskie Oko as a separate day or a weekend trip.
Does the Gubałówka funicular operate year-round? - The funicular operates seasonally and is usually available in summer and winter, but hours and availability can change - check before you go.
How much do cable cars and mountain attractions cost? - Prices vary by season and operator; have funds ready for round-trip tickets and possible entrance fees. Also keep a reserve for food and small expenses.
Must-have list: ID, student card (if you expect discounts), charged phone and powerbank, comfortable shoes, light windproof jacket, water and a small snack.
If you travel at night or plan a longer return, assign roles: who drives, who keeps the tickets, who contacts the restaurant. This makes the day run smoother and reduces stress.
Agree on a meeting point in case the group splits — Krupówki have several easy-to-remember landmarks that help reunite the group.
If you’re planning one day in Zakopane with an Erasmus group or friends, the key is a good early start, a realistic plan of attractions and some buffer time for meals and surprises. That way the trip will be intense but enjoyable.
If you want a personalized itinerary (different pace, special interests, larger group), contact tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she offers private guided tours tailored to groups from Krakow. If this article was useful, share it with friends or on social media so more students can discover Zakopane in style!
