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Scenic view of Tatra Mountains with wildflowers in Zakopane, Poland.

Things to Do in Zakopane, Poland

Photo made by Karol Zieliński on Pexels.com

When to visit

MODERATEJan-5°10d rainBEST
MODERATEFeb-4°9d rainBEST
NOT BUSYMar0°10d rain
NOT BUSYApr6°12d rain
MODERATEMay12°14d rain
BUSYJun16°15d rainBEST
VERY BUSYJul18°17d rainBEST
VERY BUSYAug18°16d rainBEST
BUSYSep14°13d rainBEST
MODERATEOct8°13d rain
NOT BUSYNov2°11d rain
MODERATEDec-2°11d rainBEST

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Plan language: English

Most popular attractions in Zakopane, Poland

Top asjad, mida Zakopanes, Poolas teha, hõlmavad matka Kasprowy Wierchile, tippu, kuhu pääseb köisraudteega ja mis pakub panoraamvaateid. Jalutage mööda elavat Krupówki tänavat, mis on täis kohalikke poode ja söögikohti. Morskie Oko järve külastamine on kohustuslik, see on vapustav jääjärv, mis asub umbes 25 kilomeetri kaugusel linnakeskusest.

Gubałówka Hill

1. Gubałówka Hill

4.6 (45,504)
Tourist AttractionScenic SpotSki ResortRoller CoasterSports Activity Location

Elevate your Zakopane trip with breathtaking mountain views. Experience a scenic funicular ride and authentic mountain food at the peak.

Quick facts: Gubałówka Hill rises to 1123 meters, offering panoramic views over Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains. A funicular railway built over 80 years ago carries thousands of visitors each year to the summit.

Highlights: From the top, you can see the distinct peaks of the High Tatras, including the towering Rysy, Poland's highest mountain. At the summit, a historic wooden chalet serves traditional mountain food, adding charm and local flavor to the visit.

Krupówki Street

2. Krupówki Street

4.4 (6,103)
Route

No need to go far to shorten your life. This street brings tastes and local life right to your feet.

Quick facts: Krupówki Street encompasses more than 100 shops and restaurants, offering taste experiences and handicrafts. While strolling along the street, you may encounter locals dressed in traditional Górale folk costumes selling souvenirs.

Highlights: The street's uniqueness lies in its mountain house architecture and character, where the shingled roof slopes and woodwork tell local legends. Additionally, an annual international folklore festival takes place, bringing over 30 performances and fair culture to the stage.

Tatra National Park

3. Tatra National Park

4.7 (15,082)
National ParkTourist AttractionParkPoint of InterestEstablishment

Enchanting mountain landscapes invite you to explore. Experience wonderful views and peaceful lakes during an unforgettable hike.

Quick facts: The Tatra National Park covers more than 800 square kilometers, providing a home to over 1,400 plant species and 50 mammal species. It is home to the Tatras' highest peak, Gerlach Mountain, with a height of 2,655 meters.

Highlights: The park's glacial lakes appear in various colors that change throughout the day due to light and air humidity. A common phenomenon is also the nighttime echo of mountain sounds, which fills the valley with a special mystique.

Kasprowy Wierch

4. Kasprowy Wierch

4.8 (245)
Hiking AreaSports Activity LocationPoint of InterestEstablishment

1000 meters high, a breathtaking view awaits. Nature and peace blend into an unforgettable experience.

Quick facts: A 350-seat cable car carriage rises to an altitude of 1987 meters, providing a 12-minute ride over the mountains. Upon reaching the top, a 360-degree view of the Tatra National Park and the town of Zakopane unfolds.

Highlights: In the quiet morning, you may hear only the whispering wind and echoes hidden between the mountains. At sunrise, the sun colors the mountain peak in warm tones, painting the sky orange and pink.

Morskie Oko Lake

5. Morskie Oko Lake

4.8 (9,688)
LakeNatural FeatureEstablishment

Boat riding above the treetops on the mountains with crystal clear water below. Dedicated to those who enjoy peace and the beauty of nature.

Quick facts: Morskie Oko Lake is the highest level in the Tatra Mountains, situated at an altitude of nearly 1,395 meters. Its depth reaches almost 50 meters, offering crystal clear water and a considerable diversity of fish.

Highlights: Here flows one of the most famous source rivers, which gives the lake water its special bluish color and crisp clarity. Traditionally, boat rides are organized on sunny summer days, where you can enjoy both historical stainless steel boats and mountain views.

Tatra Museum

6. Tatra Museum

4.6 (2,379)
MuseumPoint of InterestEstablishment

Discover over 10,000 cultural artifacts and displays inspired by nature. You will get a true sense of the life and traditions of the Tatra Mountains people.

Quick facts: This museum houses over 10,000 items that tell the story of the Tatra Mountains' nature and culture. You can see traditional local clothing and old hiking and skiing equipment.

Highlights: The museum has a unique collection of hand-carved wooden items by local highlanders, which you can examine up close. A special feature is the tour through the farm buildings, which takes you right into the atmosphere of a farmstead where life slowly unfolds.

Where to Stay in Zakopane, Poland

Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions

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Traditional Sweet Dishes

Oscypek

Oscypek

Though primarily a smoked cheese, Oscypek is often enjoyed in sweet variations with cranberry sauce, blending savory and sweet flavors uniquely.

Frequently Asked Questions about Zakopane, Poland

Is Zakopane, Poland a safe place to travel to?
Yes, Zakopane is generally a safe destination for tourists. The crime rate is low and the locals are hospitable. However, it is important to follow standard safety measures, especially in crowded places during the winter season and tourist season.
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Most popular day trips

Krakow

110 km 2h by train

Historic city with castles, museums, and vibrant culture.

Tatra National Park

15 km 30min by car

Mountain park with hiking trails, stunning scenery, and wildlife.

Nowy Targ

20 km 30min by car

Town known for traditional markets and local crafts.

Rent a car in Zakopane, Poland

Comments (8)

L
Lily D.

Pretty touristy in peak season, got a bit crowded around Krupówki street. Prices higher than I expected, but still worth a visit.

10
A
Asha K.

For cheaper eats, skip the main street and check out small family-run spots in side alleys. Much better prices and tastier food.

9
H
Hassan K.

Expect unpredictable weather, bring layers. I was caught in afternoon showers pretty often in spring but the scenery makes up for it.

3
D
Dragan S.

Loved sampling local cheese and smoked meats, the food scene feels really authentic here. Weather was sunny but chilly at night in October.

4
T
Taro A.

Zakopane has such fresh mountain air, really chilled vibes. Town is lively but not overwhelming. Stayed 4 days, felt just right for the hikes and markets.

2

Getting there

Train stations

Zakopane railway station

direct connections to Krakow and regional towns

From Krakow Airport, take a train or bus to Zakopane, about 2 hours travel.

Find flights to Zakopane, Poland

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Useful information for Zakopane, Poland

Shopping locationsKrupowki Street, Galeria Krupowki, Podhale Shopping Mall
Nightlife locationsKrupowki Street, Willa Witkiewicz, Le Scandale
Popular casual restaurantsBar Mleczny Zakopane, Restauracja Owczarnia, Karczma Szymaszkowa
Popular fancy restaurantsVilla Toscana, Zielony Dworek, Restauracja Kuznia Smaku
Popular coffee shopsCafe Tygodnik Podhalański, Cafeshka Zakopane
Tap water safe to drinkYes
Digital nomad visaNo
Best taxi appUber, Bolt, iTaxi
Taxi price / km$0.8
Tourists / year3000000
Mobile internet speed50 Mbps
Unemployment percentage5 %
Poverty percentage15 %
Average income / month$1200
Average cost of living / month$700
Hotel price / night from$40
Beer price from$2
Coffee price from$1.5
Street food price from$3
Restaurant meal price from$8
Local currencyPLN
Power plug typesType C, Type E
ReligionsRoman Catholicism
Spoken languagesPolish, English
EthnicitiesPolish
Political orientationCenter to center-right
Population density850 /km²
Geographical area85 km²
Possible natural disastersFloods, Storms, Landslides
Dangerous animalsNone
Locations for a nice walkTatra National Park, Morskie Oko Lake, Gubalowka Hill
Public transportationsBuses, Taxis
AirlinesLOT Polish Airlines, Ryanair, Wizz Air
Suggested vaccinationsRoutine vaccines, Hepatitis A, Tetanus
Architecture typeGoral wooden architecture, Modern, Ski chalet style
Average beer consumption per person / year95 l
Average wine consumption per person / year9 l
Tipping cultureTipping is common, usually around 10-15% in restaurants and taxis.
Coworking / day$15
Airbnb / month$700
1BR rent / month$350
Gym / month$30
Daily budget (backpacker)$40
Daily budget (mid-range)$70

Overview for Zakopane, Poland

English proficiencyAverage
Traffic safetyGood
Friendly to foreignersGood
Freedom of speechGood
Public transportationAverage
HealthcareGood
EducationGood
Power grid reliabilityGood
Crime safetyGood
WalkabilityGood
NightlifeAverage
Food sceneGood
LGBTQ+ friendlyAverage
Startup sceneBad
Noise levelAverage
CleanlinessAverage
Nature accessVery good
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