Yes — and in a way that combines culture with the Tatra Mountains, city galleries with mountain rides. All it takes is good planning: a few days in Krakow for a relaxed visit to the International Cultural Centre Gallery (Galeria MCK), walks around the Old Town and coffee breaks in top cafés, then a few days’ escape to Zakopane to soak up the mountain atmosphere, taste local cuisine and take a carriage or sleigh ride. In this article you’ll find a ready 7-day plan, practical tips, places worth booking and things to avoid.
The MCK Gallery in Krakow usually opens in the late morning or early afternoon — exhibitions are often available from Tuesday to Sunday. The institution regularly organizes guided tours, workshops and educational offers for groups.
Carriage and sleigh rides are popular in Zakopane, especially in winter and early spring; prices and formats vary by operator (for example, an hour-long sleigh ride for a small group can cost several hundred zlotys).
Local transport in Zakopane offers short-term fares (e.g., 24-hour tickets) and longer-period tickets — if you plan to stay several days, a multi-day ticket often works out cheaper.
Day 1 - Arrive in Krakow, check in and take a relaxed walk around the Main Market Square. Light evening meal at one of the recommended restaurants near the Old Town.
Day 2 - Morning visit to the MCK Gallery: see current exhibitions and ask about guided tours and workshops (if you’re an organized group, MCK offers thematic walks and classes). Spend the afternoon in Kazimierz cafés or a museum. Dinner in a well-reviewed restaurant in the evening.
Day 3 - Museums and corners of Krakow: Wawel, the National Museum or smaller exhibitions depending on your interests. In the evening prepare for the mountain trip (book accommodation in Zakopane, check the weather).
Day 4 - Travel to Zakopane (train or bus). In the afternoon stroll along Krupówki, check into your lodging, enjoy a dinner with mountain specialties. Optionally take a short carriage ride around the centre.
Day 5 - Mountain excursion: easy trails (for example valleys) or take the funicular to Gubałówka and a sleigh or carriage ride if available. Afternoon relaxation at a local inn or in thermal pools.
Day 6 - A day to get to know Zakopane’s culture: the Zakopane Style Museum, markets with local products, time for photos and coffee in a recommended spot. Regional dinner in the evening.
Day 7 - Return to Krakow or continue your journey. If you return to Krakow: a light walk and farewell coffee on the Old Town.
Book in advance — popular dates fill up quickly in high season. Providers offer different options: short rides around Gubałówka, hour-long sleigh trips or longer rides along nearby routes.
Choose licensed and insured operators. In recent years media have reported incidents involving carriages; the safety of horses and passengers depends on harness condition, the driver’s experience and road conditions.
Check whether the price includes travel to the starting point and whether tips are expected. Winter offers often require a part payment online and the rest on site. For sleigh rides, dress warmly and protect yourself from wind.
Traveling by train or bus from Krakow to Zakopane is comfortable and popular — book tickets early for weekends and holidays. If you drive, check traffic bulletins — some sections and local roads may be temporarily closed or restricted.
In Zakopane it’s worth considering a 3- or 7-day public transport ticket if you plan to use buses often — a longer ticket usually costs less than multiple short rides.
Watch out for parking rules and local payment practices — verify that a parking spot is official and that payments are made according to local regulations to avoid misunderstandings.
In Krakow, reserve tables at well-reviewed places: restaurants around the Market Square for local cuisine and cafés in Kazimierz for a relaxed afternoon. Popular cafés include Camelot or Massolit Books & Cafe; for traditional Polish or regional dishes consider restaurants like Pod Aniołami or other highly rated venues around the Old Town. Always check current opening hours and book ahead at busy times.
In Zakopane, the best culinary experiences are found in well-reviewed mountain inns and restaurants serving regional dishes — look for places that use local products and can advise on specialties. Examples of classic mountain-style inns include Karczma u Wnuka or Gazdowo Kuźnia. For accommodation, book early in season and read guest reviews before deciding.
Also check for lodgings with sauna or pool access — after a day in the mountains such amenities are a great convenience.
Not checking museum and gallery opening hours — many institutions (and some exhibitions) have closed days or reduced hours; plan visits in advance.
Not reserving seasonal attractions — sleigh rides, access to certain routes or tables at popular restaurants should be reserved in advance.
Underestimating mountain weather — conditions can change quickly; always carry a rain layer and warmer clothing in your backpack.
Trusting informal parking attendants — make sure a parking spot is official and payments follow local rules.
The International Cultural Centre sometimes offers special discounts and educational programs; some youth and student groups can qualify for particularly favourable ticket conditions, so ask about reduced offers.
In Zakopane the tradition of sleigh rides and winter carouses is not only a tourist attraction but also part of local culture — choosing a local operator may include regional stories and a bit of the driver’s humour, which adds to the experience.
Interesting note: not every road near popular trails is publicly accessible — some sections are restricted and local notices provide guidance.
Is the MCK Gallery open every day? Not always — galleries and exhibitions have specific opening days; check the current schedule before your visit.
Are carriage rides safe? Mostly yes, if you use licensed providers; however, media sometimes report collisions, so choose reputable companies and ask about insurance.
How many days for combining Krakow and Zakopane? A minimum of 3–4 days is enough for a quick combination, but a week allows you to see exhibitions, explore the city without rush and relax in the Tatras.
When planning a week that combines the MCK Gallery in Krakow and a carriage ride in Zakopane, the most important things are reservations, checking opening hours and choosing trusted providers. This ensures your days run at a pleasant pace: culture and art in the city and nature and regional atmosphere in the mountains.
If this article helped you — share it with friends or on social media. If you need a personalized walk in Krakow or want to organise a combined trip with a professional guide, please consider Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and the offer are available on the guide’s website. We wish you a great trip and many beautiful memories!
