Top things to do in Zakopane, Poland [2025]

Zakopane is one of our favorite places in Poland for a weekend getaway. In winter, it transforms into a magical wonderland with snow-covered mountains and horse-drawn sleigh rides. But Zakopane isn’t just a winter destination—it’s just as beautiful in summer. Honestly, I like it even more then, because you can enjoy many trails without worrying about professional gear, and the days are so much longer.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to do in Zakopane or looking for the top places to visit in Zakopane, this guide will help you discover the must-see attractions, the best activities, and local experiences you can’t miss.

Related articles:

• 10 Best day trips from Krakow, Poland
• How to get from Krakow to Zakopane
• Best hiking trails in Zakopane
• Lake Morskie Oko: how to get to the most famous polish lake

Accommodation with Mountain Views in Zakopane

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What to See and Do in Zakopane

Gubałówka – top place to visit in Zakopane

Gubałówka rises about 1,126 meters above sea level, but don’t worry, you don’t need to hike up (unless you want to). You can take a funicular straight from the center of Zakopane.

Once at the top, you’ll get incredible panoramic views of Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains, especially if the weather is clear.

There are also several restaurants at the summit where you can try traditional Polish food or just sip a coffee while soaking in the scenery.

📍 You can catch the funicular here.

A quick tip if you’re driving: right next to the funicular station there’s a big parking lot. It costs 10 PLN per hour, but they only accept cash – so keep that in mind. In general, it’s good to carry some cash in Zakopane, because not every place takes cards.

Krupówki – the most famous street in Zakopane

Krupówki is a pedestrian street that runs through the heart of Zakopane and is the city’s cultural hub. Along Krupówki, you’ll find shops, restaurants, and local craft markets.

It’s the perfect place to taste authentic mountain food, like oscypek (a traditional smoked cheese), or enjoy a hot tea or mulled wine in one of the cozy restaurants. Krupówki is a great way to experience the local culture – just be prepared for crowds, especially during high season.

Hiking in Zakopane

The best thing to do in Zakopane, especially in good weather, is to head into the mountains. Don’t worry, the Tatra Mountains have plenty of easy trails. You don’t need to be super experienced or have professional gear. Check out our article on the best hiking trails in Zakopane and pick the one that suits you best like the most famous one – the hike to Morskie Oko.

Take the Cable Car to Kasprowy Wierch

Kasprowy Wierch is one of the most iconic peaks in the Tatras at 1,987 meters. You can hike to the top if you’re up for the challenge, or take the cable car from Zakopane.

Tickets cost around $30 round-trip (prices vary by season). Just note the cable car sometimes stops running due to strong winds.

📍The cable car leaves from here.

Try Oscypek – Zakopane’s Famous Cheese

No trip to Zakopane is complete without tasting oscypek, the regional smoked cheese. It’s usually served hot with a side of lingonberry jam. The combination might sound unusual, but it’s delicious—and you’ll find it everywhere, especially along Krupówki Street.

Skiing and Snowboarding – One of the Top Things to Do in Zakopane in Winter

Zakopane is known as the winter capital of Poland, and hitting the slopes is one of the top things to do in Zakopane. The area offers a variety of ski runs—from beginner-friendly slopes to more advanced trails—so everyone can enjoy the snow.

If you don’t have your own equipment, no worries—there are plenty of rental shops around town. And if it’s your first time trying, Zakopane is actually one of the best places to learn. For something more extreme, the town even has ski jumping hills (though those are best left to the pros 😅).

Relax in the Thermal Baths

If you’re wondering what to do in Zakopane after a day of hiking or skiing, the answer is simple: relax in the thermal baths. There’s nothing better than soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by mountain views.

Zakopane and its surroundings offer plenty of options, and if you have a car, the baths in Białka Tatrzańska are especially worth the trip.

Here are some of the most popular thermal baths in and around Zakopane:

• Aqua Park Zakopane (right in the town center)
• Chocholowskie Baths
• Bania Thermal Baths (Białka Tatrzańska)
• Szaflary Thermal Baths
• Bukovina Thermal Baths
• Gorący Potok

Whether you want to recover after a hike, warm up after skiing, or just spend a relaxing evening, visiting the thermal baths is definitely one of the top things to do in Zakopane.

Practical Tips for Visiting Zakopane

• Carry cash: Unlike other Polish cities, not everywhere in Zakopane accepts cards—especially in mountain huts or outside the center.
• Getting around: Zakopane doesn’t have Uber or Bolt. If you don’t have a car, it’s best to stay in the center so you can reach most places on foot or by bus. With a car, you can enjoy traditional wooden cottages in the surrounding villages.
• Transport to trails: Most trailheads and attractions are easily reached by public minibuses.

When to Visit Zakopane

Zakopane is beautiful all year round:

• Spring & Summer – green valleys and long hiking days.
• Autumn – stunning colors in the forest.
• Winter – snowy landscapes and skiing.

The only real issue is rain, since most activities are outdoors. But if the weather turns, just cozy up in a traditional restaurant, order something warm, and enjoy live highlander music.

Final Thoughts: Top Places in Zakopane

I hope this guide to the top places to visit in Zakopane helps you plan your trip. Whether you’re into hiking, skiing, or just relaxing in thermal baths, Zakopane has something to offer every season.

Traveling around Poland? Check out our guides to Kraków, Warsaw, and Gdańsk too.

If you’ve already been, let us know in the comments what your favorite places in Zakopane are – we’d love to add them to the list!

✨ Have a great trip!