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Things to do in Zakopane

Explorers can find winter sports, adventure, and a gateway to the Tatras Mountains in this resort town.

Our most recommended things to do in Zakopane

Krakow: Zakopane and Thermal Springs Tour with Hotel Pickup

1. Krakow: Zakopane and Thermal Springs Tour with Hotel Pickup

Explore Zakopane on a guided tour including round-trip transportation from Krakow. Experience the healing waters of hot thermal springs and in a spa complex, ride a cable car to the top of Gubałówka Mountain, and enjoy a cheese and alcohol tasting. Start with a pickup from your hotel, apartment, or another place of your choice in Krakow. From there the duration of the transport from Krakow to Zakopane is approximately 2 hours. About 20 minutes from Zakopane is the town of Chochołów. Chochołów is famous for its wooden houses that look almost identical. The settlers traditionally wash the wooden walls of the buildings with soap and water, which happens twice a year before Christmas and Easter. Thanks to this cleaning, long-standing buildings look brand new. The village is inscribed on the World Heritage List. Visit the shepherd's hut (cheese factory) where highlanders produce smoked sheep's cheese traditional to the region of Poland. Taste some of the local cheese called Oscypek, and learn about the history of its production. Arrive in Zakopane, the capital of the Polish mountains. Each year, this place attracts many tourists who want to experience the unique style of Górlaskie culture, which is expressed through architecture, food, music, style of speech, and clothing. In the town center lies Krupówki Street. Enjoy time for independent exploration and lunch (not included). This street is the market square of Zakopane, where you can find souvenir shops and many restaurants that serve local food. Zakopane also boasts cable car access. Hop on a cable car and take in views of the Polish Tatra Mountains from the top of Gubałówka Mountain. After exploring Zakopane and the surrounding area, your driver will take you to the Thermal Pools. Once there, relax and feel the healing properties of thermal water. After your visit, your driver will take you to your drop-off location in Krakow.

Krakow: Zakopane Day Trip with Hot Springs and Hotel Pickup

2. Krakow: Zakopane Day Trip with Hot Springs and Hotel Pickup

Explore the Tatra mountains on a private or group day trip from Krakow with hotel transfers and a guide. Explore Chocholow, a living museum of historical wooden buildings, and try regional cheese and alcohol. Ride the Gubałówka funicular, explore Zakopane on your own, and relax in a thermal bath. After pickup from Krakow, drive to the village of Chocholow to see the best examples of Goral wooden houses and learn about this characteristic wooden building style. Afterward, try regional treats, including oscypek cheese and local alcohol in a traditional shepherd's hut called Bacówka. Next, take the cable car from Zakopane to Gubałówka, the most famous peak of the Polish Tatra Mountains. In just 3.5 minutes, get to a height of 1122 m above sea level. From the top, enjoy a panorama of Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains. On your descent, enjoy free time on Krupowki, Zakopane’s most famous street. Find local shops with products from the Podhale region. You can buy jewelry (including brooches in the typical heart-shaped “parzenica” pattern), clothes made of wool and leather, and intricately carved wooden souvenirs. Finally, unwind at Chocholow Thermal Baths where 14 pool basins, over 300 meters of water slides, saline pools, geysers, water cannons, and jacuzzis await you. Relax with a gorgeous view of the High Tatras. In the end, be driven back to your hotel in Krakow.

Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Hot Bath Pools and Hotel Pickup

3. Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Hot Bath Pools and Hotel Pickup

Soak up the views of the Tatra Mountains on this bestselling Zakopane day trip. Experience the hot spring pools and warm water slides of Bukovina Thermal Baths, ride the Mt. Gubałówka funicular, stroll along Krupowki Street, and taste local cheese and vodka in the village of Kościelisko. Depart your hotel in Krakow and explore the Tatra Mountains. Enjoy WiFi on board along the way. Experience the charm of Zakopane on the town's main thoroughfare, Krupowki Street. Enjoy the aromas of local Polish cuisine from traditional restaurants. Try different hot spring pools and slides at the Bukovina Thermal Baths, considered the most magical baths in the region. Try the region's famous cheese and vodka before returning to Krakow.

From Kraków: Zakopane Day Tour and Optional Thermal Bath

4. From Kraków: Zakopane Day Tour and Optional Thermal Bath

Discover the highlights of Zakopane on this day tour from Krakow with hotel pickup. Take the Gubałówka cable car to admire panoramic views, stroll down the charming Krupówki in the center of town, try local food. and relax with an optional trip to the thermal baths. Depart Krakow and discover the beauty of the Tatras Mountains. Enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Zakopane by taking the cable car to Gubałówka. Admire the views of the High Tatras after visiting the lodge and tasting local cheese and vodka. Visit Krupówki, the most popular promenade in the heart of our Winter Capital, where you can try local dishes from traditional restaurants. Feel the atmosphere of the mountain region and enjoy sightseeing, shopping, and relaxating at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. After the ride in Zakopane, take a break to rest and relax in the thermal bath. Enjoy outdoor and indoor pools, slides, jacuzzis, and much more in the heart of the mountains.

From Krakow: Zakopane Tour and Hot Springs with Hotel Pickup

5. From Krakow: Zakopane Tour and Hot Springs with Hotel Pickup

Your day will start with pickup from your hotel/apartment in Krakow. On the way to Zakopane, you will visit the idyllic, over 200-year-old village - Chochołów, famous for its almost identical wooden houses. You will learn about the traditions that keep these historic buildings looking new. 10 minutes from Chochołów you will stop at a shepherd's hut to try regional smoked cheese - Oscypek and regional alcohol. This cheese is usually produced from sheep's milk, only in this region of Poland. It tastes best grilled with the addition of cranberry jam and you will taste it in this form. Then you will arrive in Zakopane, which is called "The winter capital of Poland". In summer as well as in winter, this place is visited by a lot of Polish and foreign tourists. At any time of the year, the town has its own unique charm. First, the guide will take you to the funicular railway to Gubałówka Mountain, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Tatra Mountains. Then you will spend time in the center of the town, where you will walk along Krupówki Street, where there are many restaurants, mainly with regional cuisine, as well as many shops, souvenirs and stands with regional products. From Zakopane, the driver will take you to the thermal springs, where you will relax in the indoor and outdoor pools, in the healing thermal water extracted in this area. It's waiting for you there water slides, saline pools, geysers, water cannons, sauna and jacuzzis. There is also a restaurant and a swim up bar inside (not included). Relax with a gorgeous view of the High Tatras. You will spend about 2.5 hours in the thermal baths, after which the driver will take you back to your hotel/apartment in Krakow.

From Krakow: Zakopane & Thermal Baths Day Trip with Transfer

6. From Krakow: Zakopane & Thermal Baths Day Trip with Transfer

Discover the wonders of Zakopane on a day trip from Krakow including entry tickets and air-conditioned transportation. Savor the flavors of local cheese and alcohol during a tasting and ride a cable car to take in views from the top of Gubałówka Hill. Rejuvenate your body during a thermal bath visit. Following pickup, start the 2-hour journey to Zakopane, a town known as the winter capital of Poland. Stop in the village of Chocholow with its old wooden highlander architecture. Visit the "shepherd's hut" where highlanders produce traditional local sheep's milk cheese called Oscypek and there is also alcohol to try. Walk down Krupówki Street where you can find many restaurants with traditional food. Continue to Gubałówka Hill for views of the Tatra Mountains via the funicular. Visit a steamy thermal bath of over 30 indoor and outdoor swimming pools with iodized saline water, hydro massages, a raging river, a climbing net, and water geysers.

From Krakow: Day Tour of Zakopane and Tatra Mountains

7. From Krakow: Day Tour of Zakopane and Tatra Mountains

Discover the wonders of Zakopane on a day trip from Krakow including entry tickets and air-conditioned transportation. Savor the flavors of local cheese and alkohol during a tasting. Explore the Zakopane regional market, walk Krupowki street, and experience the town at your leisure. See authentic housing in Chocholow and marvel at the Tatra mountains by riding a funicular train up Gubalowka hill. Travel to the winter town of Zakopane. Explore as you please and find many worthwhile attractions like the professional ski jumping hill. Take advantage of your free time in Zakopane and get out and stretch your legs during a walk down Krupówki Street where you can find many restaurants with traditional food. Find old wooden chapel on Jaszczurowka. Head just outside the town to the village of Chocholow and admire the traditional wooden housing. Taste an authentic highlander's cheese called 'Oscypek' and alcohol and delight in the quaint magic of this hidden treasure. Climb aboard an amazing funicular and reach the top of Gubalowka hill, 1126 meters high. Capture breathtaking views of the Tatra Mountains, the tallest peaks in all of Poland.

Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Optional Hot Springs

8. Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Optional Hot Springs

Soak up the views of the Tatra Mountains and highland landscapes on this Zakopane day trip with hotel pickup from Krakow. Explore the charming town center of Zakopane, try highland cheese and alcohol, and end your day with a dip in the hot springs and warm water slides of the Bukovina Thermal Baths. Depart Krakow and set out to discover beautiful Zakopane. Relax with round-trip transport from Krakow with on board Wi-Fi. Choose from a variety of options according to your individual needs and budget. Ride the Mt. Gubalowka funicular, stroll along Krupowki Street, see the oldest mountain hut in the area, taste local cheese and vodka in the picturesque mountain village of Kościelisko, or even try skiing. Enjoy the aromas of local Polish cuisine from traditional restaurants and try different hot spring pools and slides at the Bukovina Thermal Baths.

Krakow: Zakopane Polish Mountains with Hotel Pickup

9. Krakow: Zakopane Polish Mountains with Hotel Pickup

Escape the city and spend a day exploring the Polish countryside in the comfort of a private vehicle. See traditional wooden houses, view the Tatras mountain range from the top of Gubałówka Hill, and taste traditional smoked sheep-milk cheese. Begin your tour with a pickup from a location of your choosing in Krakow. Hop onboard an air-conditioned vehicle and head towards one of the most picturesque locations in Poland, Zakopane and the Tatras Mountains. Once in Zakopane, head straight to Krupówki Street located in the center of town. Explore the many boutiques, restaurants, and curio shops that line this pedestrian-only street. At the end of Krupówki Street, you'll find your next stop on the tour, the station for the Gubałówka Hill funicular. Hop onto one of the cable cars and enjoy fantastic views of Zakopane and the surrounding mountains as you make your way up Gubałówka Hill.  Once at the top, marvel at the breathtaking views of the Polish Tatras Mountains. Make the most of this fantastic location and enjoy a glass of mulled wine or a refreshing drink while taking in the views. Visit the Jaszczurówka Chapel, a wooden building located on the outskirts of Zakopane, and see Wielka Krokiew, the biggest and most famous ski jumping hill in Poland. The final stop on your tour is the village of Chochołów. Admire the unusual architectural style of the famous wooden houses and see the Bacówkach, the traditional houses where Oscypek or smoked cheese is produced.  Learn how this local specialty is made and sample various types to discover the different flavors created by the level of smoking.

Kraków: Zakopane & Thermal Hot Springs with Pickup Option

10. Kraków: Zakopane & Thermal Hot Springs with Pickup Option

Explore Zakopane, the skiing capital of Poland and the most popular holiday resort. See the Chocholow village, featuring traditional wooden houses built by the local highlanders years ago. Spot the beautiful and historically famed wooden chapels.  Krupowki is the main street of Zakopane. Mee locals and see what village life has to offer as you shop for souvenirs. Take a trip up the mountain Gubalowka on a funicular and experience the natural surroundings. From the top of the mountain is a beautiful view of the Tatra Mountain range. See the ski jump hill, used for the Grant Prix Ski Jump Competition. Relax in the warm waters of the Chocholowska Baths, which is the largest thermal complex in Podhale. Dip into natural waters extracted from a depth of nearly 3,600 meters below ground and enjoy the stunning panoramic views. 

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Frequently asked questions about Zakopane

What top attractions are a must-see in Zakopane?

Insider Tips: Planning a trip to Zakopane

Etramping is a travel website run by Agness Walewinder and Cez Krol. It's devoted to discovering and sharing the passion for outdoor adventure in all its forms and it's a place for those who seek adventure, have curiosity for new destinations and who are eager to experience the world with all of their senses.

What should I do on my first trip to Zakopane?

One of the absolute necessities during your trip to Zakopane is to take a cable car to Mount Kasprowy. This incredible natural feature makes for a stunning sightseeing destination all year round. If you're an experienced hiker, then taking a 5-hour walk up Mount Giewont is a definite great nature fix. Throughout the year, this is a stunning location that offers some of the most breathtaking views in all seasons. Also, visiting the local markets, which pop up all over the streets of Zakopane, is a great way to experience the culture and immerse yourself in the cuisine.

What are some hidden gems to see in Zakopane?

Some of the most wondrous hidden gems in Zakopane include the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, which is a popular religious site, Quadoo Adventure Zakopane, and Cmentarz Zasluzonych na Peksowym Brzyzku, which is a hauntingly-beautiful cemetery.

How much time should I spend in Zakopane?

Even though it’s more than possible to make just a day trip to Zakopane, we suggest you spend two or three days here. If you want to immerse yourself in the culture fully and enjoy all of the delicious food Zakopane has to offer, then definitely consider spending a couple of days here.

What food is Zakopane known for?

Zakopane is a hub of Goral culture and is often referred to as ‘the winter capital of Poland’. Some of the most popular tourist activities in this town include skiing and mountaineering since Zakopane resides near the mountainous border between Slovakia and Poland.

What is the best way to get around Zakopane?

The great thing about Zakopane is that it’s a very compact town and the roads are partially closed to vehicles. So, the best way to get around town is on foot!

What are the best months to visit Zakopane?

September and October in Zakopane are often temperate, sunny, and dry, so if you’re looking for a warm, beautiful destination, then this may be it. However, winter is when the town really starts to come alive, with frequent snowfalls and some incredible white landscapes.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Zakopane?

Kasprowy Wierch (Tatra National Park) is easily the best place to visit when you’re in Zakopane. It’s easy to get to the top of Kasprowy Wierch via cable car from upper Zakopane. Once you reach the top station, you’ll be greeted by friendly locals and incredible scenery. The area is calm and quiet, and you’ll find a restaurant, souvenir shop, and, if you go in winter, ski rental.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

An excellent shopping neighborhood in Zakopane is Podgorze - a historic district on the southern bank of the Wisla River. It features the spacious Bonarka shopping mall, complete with your typical range of chain stores and services, as well as a cinema and food court.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Zakopane?

The area around the Kasprowy Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Zakopane, thanks to its central location. It’s located in the heart of the city, and is surrounded by plenty of nightlife spots to spend your evenings at. If you want something a little more tranquil, consider staying in the mountains - most of the time, the only sound there is that of singing birds and rushing water.

Other Sightseeing Options in Zakopane

Want to discover all there is to do in Zakopane? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Zakopane

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 2,420 reviews

Kuba picked us from the city centre and brought us to zakopane for the day he told us so many interesting facts about the town we stopped off at the wooden house first and he let us out for a couple of minutes to explore ourselves then he brought us to do some cheese and vodka tasting we were brought into zakopane town and we’re given tickets to ride the funicular all the way to the top of the mountain the views were amazing we went of the explore zakopane town for 3 hours and then we met kuba after he brought us to the thermal baths here we spent 2.5 hrs and then he dropped us back to krakow centre kuba was such a friendly man and we would highly recommend this trip for anyone looking to visit zakopane 10/10 experience

Absolutely loved our experience, the whole day was amazing and Adam our tour guide was by far a gentleman. He was very helpful and English was perfect. The cheese tasting was so cute and loved the vodka. Loved how Adam went through the history of the town and people and was patient with us all. The thermal springs are the high light of the show, an experience for every one. Great if you have children. The mountains were amazing and loved all the shops and different things to do. Wish we got to go and the sleigh ride or jet skis but didn't bring enough cash

Mike was fantastic at his job and was a very friendly man he made sure we were safe and that we had a good time in Poland I would recommend him and definitely book him again and want him as my tour guid the driver was brilliant too he got us to and from our destination safely

It was a small tour group. Patryck, our driver/tourguide was very prompt. We had enough time except for the wooden village. We wish we could have taken pictures there instead of 10 minute toilet break. But all in all it was a 5 star experience for us. Highly recommended!

Amazing experience would definitely recommend! Our driver Richi was very helpful, we will be visiting again and would love if Richi could be out tour guide again