Zakopane Travel Guide: Best Tips, Things to Do & When to Visit

Planning a trip to Krakow and stumbled upon breathtaking photos of a charming mountain town nearby? I get it – Zakopane has that effect on people! Located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane- often called the “Winter Capital of Poland”, is one of Poland’s most stunning destinations, and I can’t get enough of it. From its incredible views to the endless activities for every season, it’s a place that leaves you wanting more. Whether you’re considering a quick day trip or planning to stay for a few days, this guide will help you make the most of your visit to Zakopane.

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When to visit Zakopane: 

There’s no best time to visit Zakopane because every season has something special to offer. Winter turns the town into a snowy wonderland, and while it can be very cold and some activities might be limited, it still feels magical. Summer is perfect for hiking, and Morskie Oko is one of my favorite spots (you can read about my experience [here]). Autumn is beautiful with colorful leaves everywhere, making it great for relaxing walks. Spring is lovely too, with blooming flowers and fewer people around. No matter when you go, Zakopane is always a great choice!

How to get to Zakopane: 

You can reach Zakopane by car, bus, or train, making it a flexible and affordable trip. 

Each option has its pros and cons, so I’ve put together a detailed guide to help you choose the best one for you. Click here to read my post: “How to Get to Zakopane from Krakow”

How far is Zakopane from krakow? The journey takes around 2 hours from Krakow – assuming there’s no traffic.

How to travel around Zakopane 

Getting around Zakopane is super easy with plenty of options. The town center is great for walking, and minibuses are an affordable and convenient way to get to places like Morskie Oko, Dolina Chochołowska, or Kuźnice. For shorter trips, taxis work well, and if you’re looking for something different, you can rent a bike or even take a horse-drawn carriage for a more unique experience.

What to do in Zakopane 

Krupówki is the vibrant heart of Zakopane and one of the most popular spots in town. This long pedestrian street is completely car-free, making it a great place to wander and soak up the atmosphere. Lined with restaurants, cozy highlander taverns (karczmy), bars, and even nightclubs, it’s the perfect mix of tradition and modern vibes. You’ll also find plenty of souvenir stalls offering everything from handmade crafts to local delicacies like oscypek cheese.

Gubałówka is one of Zakopane’s must-visit spots, offering some of the best views in the area. How to get to Gubalowka? You can reach the top in two ways: by hiking up a 300-meter trail (perfect for those who love a bit of exercise) or by taking the cable car, which is a quick and easy option. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be greeted by a panoramic terrace with stunning views of Zakopane, the Tatra Mountains, and the Podhale region. The cable car entrance is located at the end of Krupówki

Morskie Oko is hands down one of my favorite places in Poland and a must-see if you’re visiting Zakopane. It’s a gorgeous mountain lake surrounded by breathtaking peaks, and honestly, the photos don’t even do it justice. The hike is pretty easy and perfect for beginners, but it does take a whole day to get there and back. Trust me, though—it’s so worth it! If you’re curious about what the hike is like, you can read all about my experience here.

Dolina Pięciu Stawów (The Valley of Five Lakes) is a stunning spot in the Tatra Mountains, named after the five beautiful lakes in the area. It’s home to the largest waterfall in the Tatras, the biggest and deepest lake, and Poland’s highest mountain hut. While I haven’t made it there myself yet, I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about it. It’s definitely on my bucket list for my next trip to Zakopane!  You can get to Dolina Pięciu Stawów from Morskie Oko. The hike takes about 2-3 hours and offers stunning views along the way. It’s a bit more challenging but absolutely worth it for the incredible scenery!

Rysy – the highest peak in Poland, is known as the “king” of the Tatra Mountains and is the ultimate challenge for hikers visiting the area. The trail is tough and demanding, making it suitable only for experienced and well-prepared hikers.

How to Get There: Start your hike from the Palenica Białczańska parking lot, about 25 km from Zakopane. From there, follow the trail to Morskie Oko, then continue toward Czarny Staw pod Rysami and finally to the summit. The hike takes around 7-8 hours one way, so be sure to start early and prepare for a long and challenging adventure. Good hiking gear and fitness are essential for this trek!

Wielka Krokiew is the largest ski jump in Poland and an iconic attraction in Zakopane. It hosts major international ski jumping championships and offers a unique glimpse into the town’s winter sports culture. You can take a cable car to the top of the jump for incredible views of the structure and the surrounding area. Wielka Krokiew is located about 2 km from the center of Zakopane. You can walk there in around 20-30 minutes from Krupówki, or take a short taxi ride.

Giewont is one of the most famous peaks in the Tatra Mountains, easily recognized by its shape, which looks like a sleeping knight. It’s also surrounded by fascinating legends. The hike to the top is beautiful, but it gets a bit challenging near the summit, where chains are there to help you climb safely.

To get there, start your hike in Kuźnice, located about 3 km from Zakopane’s center. You can get there by walking (around 40 minutes), taking a taxi, or hopping on a local minibus from Krupówki. The hike to Giewont takes around 3-4 hours one way, depending on your pace. 

Kasprowy Wierch is one of the most popular peaks in the Tatra Mountains, standing at 1,987 meters above sea level. You can reach the top by hiking, which takes about 3 hours one way, or by taking the convenient cable car. At the summit, you’ll find a meteorological observatory, a restaurant, and a small shop where you can grab souvenirs. To get there, head to Kuźnice, about 3 km from Zakopane’s center. You can walk (around 40 minutes), take a taxi, or catch a local minibus from Krupówki. Tip: Buy your cable car tickets online at pkl.pl to skip the line. A round-trip ticket costs around $10. 

Dolina Chochołowska is one of the most beautiful and largest valleys in the Tatra Mountains, stretching over 10 kilometers. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful walk and is especially family-friendly, making it ideal for a day out with kids. The valley is located about 10 km from Zakopane. You can reach it by car or take a local minibus from Zakopane to the Siwa Polana parking lot, where the trail begins. 

What to do in Zakopane in the winter 

Skiing or Snowboarding – Zakopane has several ski resorts, perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers. Popular spots include:

• Kasprowy Wierch: Ideal for advanced skiers, with stunning alpine views.
• Nosal Ski Center: Great for families and beginners.
• Harenda Ski Resort: A mix of beginner and intermediate slopes.

Take a Sleigh Ride – Experience a traditional highlander sleigh ride through snowy trails. Many tours include bonfires, warm drinks, and music, making it a magical experience for families and couples. 

Go for a Hike – Hike to Morskie Oko for breathtaking lake views or explore Gubałówka for stunning panoramas of Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains.

Experience the Thrill of a Snowmobile Ride  – For an adrenaline-filled adventure, try a snowmobile ride through the snowy landscapes of Zakopane. Guided tours take you along scenic trails, offering incredible views of the Tatra Mountains. Book here 

Relax in Thermal Baths – Unwind in the warm, relaxing waters of thermal baths like Chochołów Thermal Baths, Bukovina Thermal Baths or Bania Thermal Baths

You can easily drive to Chochołów, Bukovina, or Bania Thermal Baths, book a guided tour, or catch a local bus from Zakopane ( the bus journey from Zakopane is about 30-40 min ) 

If you have any spare time, Zakopane also has plenty of museums and galleries to explore, but that’s not all! You can check out local markets for unique souvenirs, try ice skating at one of the outdoor rinks, or simply relax at a cozy café with a view of the mountains.

Where to stay in Zakopane 

Zakopane has a range of accommodations, from cozy guest houses to luxury hotels. Some popular options include:

• Luxury: Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, Bachleda Residence, Aries Hotel & SPA
• Mid-Range: Grand Hotel Stamary, Stary Niedźwiedź, Gold Hotel, Hotel Crocus
• Budget: Hotel Gromada, Pensjonat Jastrzębia Turnia, Rezydencja Bambi, Apartamenty ApartArt
• Family Friendly: Bellamonte Aparthotel, Domki Javorina, Aparthotel Cristina, Willa Labelle

What to Eat in Zakopane

Don’t leave Zakopane without trying these traditional Polish dishes:

• Oscypek: Smoked sheep’s cheese, often grilled and served with cranberry sauce. To me, it’s somewhat similar to halloumi cheese.
• Kwaśnica: A sour soup made with sauerkraut and pork—my absolute favorite soup ever!
• Pierogi: Polish dumplings filled with meat, cheese, or fruit. Definitely try the traditional ones with sauerkraut and mushrooms—they’re a classic!
• Placki Ziemniaczane: Potato pancakes served with goulash. Very filling but amazing! 
• Czosnianka – a soup made with potatoes, garlic, onion, and mint.
• Moskol – a baked potato and flour pancake, served with various toppings.

FAQ

1. How to get to Zakopane from Krakow Airport? – The easiest way is to take a train from Krakow Airport to Kraków Główny (main station), then a bus or train to Zakopane. Buses are frequent and take 2-3 hours, while trains are slightly slower. Alternatively, a taxi or private transfer costs around £100 (500 PLN) and is the fastest option.
2. Can I take a day trip to Zakopane from Krakow ? –  You can definitely take a day trip from Krakow to Zakopane! If you’re up for adventure, spend the day hiking to Morskie Oko (you can read about my day trip here), explore Dolina Pięciu Stawów, or take on the challenge of hiking all the way to Rysy.  For a more relaxed day, start with breakfast on Krupówki Street, conveniently close to the train and bus stations. Afterward, take the Gubałówka Funicular for stunning views of the Tatra Mountains. In the afternoon, choose an easy hike like Dolina Kościeliska, visit a thermal bath, or head to Kasprowy Wierch for another incredible viewpoint.
3. How high are the Tatra mountains in Poland? – The Tatra Mountains in Poland reach a maximum height of 2,499 meters (8,199 feet) at Rysy, the highest peak on the Polish side. The range spans the border between Poland and Slovakia, with the majority of the highest peaks located on the Slovak side.

Pro Tips: 

• If you’re traveling in winter, make sure to dress in layers—it can get very cold, very quickly!
• Many older people in Zakopane, including bus drivers, don’t speak English. It’s a good idea to have a translator app on your phone or a piece of paper with the name of your destination written down.
• Experience Zakopane’s mountain traditions by visiting a local market to buy handmade highlander crafts, such as wooden carvings, woolen clothes, or traditional ciupaga (shepherd’s axe), which are iconic symbols of the region.
• Plan Ahead: If you’re visiting during peak seasons (winter holidays or summer), book accommodations and activities in advance.