If you’re wondering what to do in Zakopane you’ve come to the right place! Zakopane is the winter capital of Poland and it’s the perfect destination to visit all year round.
Whether you’re visiting Zakopane in winter or summer there will be lots of activities for you to do from nature to shopping and swimming to spas!
The best things to do in Zakopane involve the beautiful Tatra Mountains and hiking or skiing. Prepare for an adventure-filled trip!
Zakopane is a great day trip from Krakow and that’s how we first discovered the city! If you only have one day in Zakopane you’ll still be able to do plenty of these activities. We loved Zakopane so much that we planned a second trip back to discover more of the best things to do.
If you want to try most of these 8 things to do in Zakopane it’s best to visit in the fall season! Although summer is best for hiking and winter is best for skiing.
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Top 8 Things to do in Zakopane
Let’s get into the best things to do in Zakopane so you can find out what to do on your trip to this Polish town!
Where to stay in Zakopane? Hostel & Apartments u Florka 2 is our favourite place to stay!
1. Hike the Morskie Oko Trail (How to get to Morskie Oko)
One of the best things to do in Zakopane is to hike the Morskie Oko Trail! Yes, there are other trails around Zakopane if you’re an avid hiker. But Morskie Oko is a great one to start with and we loved it!
On this 16km, Out and Back trail you will be rewarded with breathtaking views. And let me tell you, it’s well worth the time to visit Morksie Oko from Zakopane. It’s one of the best hikes to do in Zakopane!
Along this trail, you will see snow-kissed mountain peaks that tower above the wooded route that leads you to the stunning lake at the end. Morskie Oko, or Eye of the Sea in English, is the largest and fourth deepest lake in the Tatra Mountains, in southern Poland.
The trail begins at “Entry point to TPN – Palenica Białczańska” and it is approximately 8km each way, it is paved the whole way so is appropriate for all levels of hiking and is wheelchair accessible.
You want to allow 4 – 5hrs total for this walk, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take photographs. It took us a while because we were obsessed with the views!
Once you have reached the end and taken in the amazing views, you may want to grab a hot drink and some food from PTTK Morskie Oko Mountain Hut, while we packed our own lunch as the mountain hut had no vegan options, it might be a nice option for others as it looked very popular!
Is the Morskie Oko trail free?
The entrance fee to the National Park is 7zł Per Person (Cash or Card is fine). This price might have changed since our last visit!
There are also horse-drawn carriages that run along this route all day, so be sure to keep clear when they approach.
How to get to Morksie Oko from Zakopane by bus:
Duration – 45 Minutes
The bus only accepts cash and we paid 12zł one way.
When you arrive at Zakopane Bus Station, you will see a few smaller buses/minivans parked along the side in front of the station with MORSKI OKO written in the window. Simply walk up and ask the driver if they have space and you should be good to go!
If they happen to be full, the other buses tend to queue behind the front one so you should have plenty of options.
From our experience, there is not a timetable and they seem to run around the clock until around 6 pm (final return back to Zakopane). Be sure to double-check with the driver before starting the walk.
The cost of a ticket should also be printed on the window of the bus. Make sure you have enough cash for your return journey too as they only accept cash.
How to get to Morksie Oko by car:
Duration – 45 Minutes
Cost – The parking fee for Morskie Oko is quite pricey. When we visited it was around 40zł for parking (price may have changed)
We personally opted to catch the bus to Morski Oko as we did not rent a car, but after a quick search online (and seeing the car park when we arrived late morning) it gets very busy early in the day!
In order to ensure you get a parking space, you want to arrive here no later than 8 am. The car park is large, but it’s a very popular trail so get here as early as you can. It’s very easy to drive from Zakopane to Mosrkie Oko and even Krakow to Morskie Oko.
Have fun on one of the best hikes in Zakopane and it’s even possible to do this while spending one day in Zakopane.
2. Relax in Chocholowskie Termy (Thermal Spa)
Chocholowskie Termy is the largest thermal bath in Poland and it’s located just outside of Zakopane town. It can get very busy all throughout the season, but it is a beautiful experience and one of the best things to do in Zakopane.
We visited Chocholowskie Termy after a day of skiing in the mountains and it was perfect. The temperature of the water warmed us up and on the weekend the atmosphere was so lively! Visit during the day if you want a relaxing experience or visit at night for a mini pool party!
How to get to Chocholowskie Termy?
If you head to Zakopane Targowica you can catch a local bus to the thermal spa in around 30 minutes. The bus will be Zakopane-Ciche (Ciche Górne Wierch) and you should get off at Witów Dolny.
You can also get to Chocholowskie Termy by car a 25-minute drive from Zakopane which is how we visited the spa on our second visit to Zakopane.
Alternatively, there’s also a tour from Krakow that takes you straight to Chocholowskie Termy!
How much is Chocholowskie Termy?
The price for a normal ticket in the low season is 85zł (£17) and the price for the high season is 99zł (£20) which are really great prices for 3 hours in a thermal spa!
Book your tickets via Chocholowskie Termy’s website to visit this amazing thermal spa in Zakopane.
Opening Hours: 9 am-10 pm – Sunday to Thursday and 9 am-11 pm Friday to Saturday
It’s honestly the best way to unwind in the winter after skiing in Zakopane, but also a good visit all year round! We loved our visit here and it’s a really popular trip from Krakow.
3. Hit the ski slopes in Zakopane (Winter ONLY)
Zakopane is the winter capital of Poland and the perfect place to go skiing! Zakopane is an excellent place for beginner skiers or snowboarders. There’s many green (beginner slopes as well as more difficult slopes).
Zakopane is one of the best cheap places to ski in Europe, it’s extremely affordable and you can find good instructors if this is your first time skiing. Also, skiing or snowboarding lessons are quite a bit cheaper here than in the Alps or other places in Europe.
Where to ski in Zakopane?
- Białka Tatrzańska
- Kasprowy Wierch
- Gubałówka Hill
- Nosal
The best snow conditions in southern Poland are between January and March. We visited Białka Tatrzańska in February and the snow was perfect! We highly recommend visiting here even if you’re new to skiing.
It’s worth staying over for 3 or 4 days in Zakopane if you want a good few days skiing here. However, it’s also possible to ski on a day trip from Krakow with a car.
4. Take the cable car to Mount Kasprowy
If you’re interested in things to do as a family in Zakopane then taking the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch is a great activity! It’s also great for the non-hikers out there.
After a 15-minute cable car ride to the top of the mountain, you will be greeted with breathtaking views of the Tatra mountains. It’s an amazing opportunity to see both Poland and Slovakia from above.
To get to the beginning point of the cable car you’ll need to use public transport or you can take a taxi from Zakopane to Kuznice.
It can often get quite busy in the winter season with queues. You can buy your tickets in advance at one of the ticket machines in Zakopane or you can buy them via their website online!
5. Try the Polish Cuisine in Zakopane
You can’t visit Poland without trying the delicious local cuisine! We’ve found the best vegan restaurants in Krakow and vegan options in Zakopane if you’re interested in vegan pierogi!
We recommend Bar Górski as a great restaurant to get your fix of the local cuisine in Zakopane.
The dishes at Bar Górski are very affordable and feel homemade and we tried a few dishes while we were there. They serve soup, pierogi and more! Our favourite pierogi are the mushroom and sauerkraut, they’re super good.
If you’re staying for dinner and don’t want to worry about getting home, find out how to get to Zakopane and back here!
6. See the views at Gubalowka Hill
To reach Gubalowka Hill you have two main options:
1. A 1-hour hiking trail to the top! Head to the location of the cable car and instead walk to the top of Gubalowka Hill. This is only possible in the summer unless you are really prepared.
2. Take a ride on the funicular that takes you to the top of Gubalowka Hill. Here’s the location for the funicular. It costs around 14zł for a ticket!
Once you’re at the top there are even restaurants and small shops to browse about in, including the magnificent view of the Tatra Mountains. It’s also possible to ski here!
When looking for places to visit in Zakopane, you don’t want to miss this one!
7. Browse Zakopane Town
If you’re visiting on a day trip to Zakopane or spending 2 or 3 days in Zakopane you’ll definitely be visiting the town centre.
It’s a place where everyone can come together, eat at amazing restaurants, shop for any necessities or enjoy the Christmas markets if you’re visiting Zakopane in winter.
Visiting Zakopane town is one of the best things to do in Zakopane if you’re only there for a few hours. It’s also a great place to try pierogi’s which was mentioned in the number 5!
As it’s a resort town with lots of skiing, it’s the place where apres-ski will happen. It snowed during our second visit to Zakopane and everything felt so magical!
8. Have fun at Aqua Park Zakopane
The Aqua Park in Zakopane is similar to Chocholowskie Termy however with added fun! Have a sneak peek of the inside of Aqua Park here!
Aqua Park has a little something for everyone. For families, there are indoor pools with slides and more. There is an outdoor water thermal bath for those who want to relax and there is even a sauna zone. It’s not just a place for fun!
Visit Aqua Park’s Website to purchase tickets and look at photos!
The prices change depending on how long you want to stay at Aqua Park but it’s quite affordable.
You can also check out the Muzeum Oscypka (a display of traditional Polish items) and The Tatra Museum to learn about the history of the Tatra Mountains).
The list of things to do in Zakopane list is endless but these are the complete best things to do! If you’re visiting Zakopane only for one day check out our How to visit Zakopane in one day itinerary.
Where to stay in Zakopane?
We loved our stay in Zakopane! We visited in February for a ski trip and stayed just outside of the city centre. We had a rental car so we could get around the ski resorts in the area.
We recommend staying in Zakopane town centre for most of the things to do on this list. It’s a very affordable resort town which has bus routes, a train station and lots of restaurants. Here’s a few places we recommend:
Hostel & Apartments u Florka 2 – this is where we stayed for 3 nights in Zakopane and it’s the perfect Polish cabin with a shared kitchen – Find on Booking.com here!
Grand Hotel Stamary – a luxurious stay in Zakopane centre with a swimming pool and sauna – Find on Booking.com here!
5 kroków – this hotel has beautifully decorated rooms and it’s right in the centre of Zakopane – Find on Booking.com here!
If you want to stay within the mountains and even closer to the national park, you may need to rent a car to reach these hotels. It’s possible to walk in the summer but in the winter there will be snow everywhere!
What should I pack for Zakopane?
Zakopane has a mountain climate. If you’re visiting in the summer then definitely bring your sun cream, hat and good hiking gear. We usually hike in regular clothes and sometimes trainers, maybe that will change in the future!
In the autumn, winter and early spring you will want to be prepared with thermals, gloves, a hat and a scarf. When we visited Zakopane in mid-October it was already snowing!
It can get very cold when hiking so make sure you’re wrapped up well if you’re visiting in the colder seasons.
We always recommend packing a reusable and refillable water bottle. It’s a lifesaver to have your own water on you at all times and better for the environment! You can drink tap water in Zakopane and it won’t make you sick. We also recommend bringing these items:
- Monopoly Deal, Uno Flip or Playing Cards – Card games for your cosy evening in Zakopane!
- Amazon Packing Cubes – The most efficient way to pack!
- Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit or Joby Phone Tripod – A tripod to capture your favourite photos!
Here are a few things we recommend when planning your Zakopane itinerary:
Bring a pack lunch! With all the things to do in Zakopane, it’s always best to head out prepared with snacks in your bag.
We eat plant-based food so it can be a little harder to eat on the go. There are a few restaurants in the national parks if you do need lunch and there are many in Zakopane town for your evening meal.
How many days do I need in Zakopane?
Zakopane is possible to explore in one day, but as there is a lot to do in Zakopane, we recommend spending 2-3 days in Zakopane if you’re interested in hiking and completing all of these activities!
One hike a day and the thermal spas can be done in an afternoon on your first day. Even if you’re not interested in hiking in Zakopane, you can still spend a great 2 days in Zakopane and enjoy the beautiful mountain views.
What are the Tatra Mountains?
The Tatra Mountains are known as the Polish Alps. This is why the town of Zakopane has been labelled as Poland’s ultimate mountain resort. Although the mountains stretch over to Poland, they’re also a big part of Slovakia too.
Rysy is the highest peak in the Tatra Mountains you can hike to the top of the peak from both Poland and Slovakia. Other than skiing in the Tatra Mountains, hiking is an amazing option of things to do in Zakopane and the beautiful mountains.
How to pronounce Zakopane?
If you stayed this long, here’s a little helpful tip: Although Zakopane looks like it should be said ‘Zako – pain ‘ it’s actually pronounced: Zakopane = (za·ko·p`a·nuh)
Check out our other Poland Travel Guides:
- How to visit Zakopane from Krakow: One-Day Trip
- 3 Day Krakow Itinerary – Best Places to Visit in Krakow
- 12+ Best Vegan Restaurants in Krakow
That was the top 8 best things to do in Zakopane, Poland! Let us know if you do any of these activities and hopefully, now you know what to do in Zakopane!
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I love the fact that you enjoyed your stay in Zakopane, but there really are better options there than to go to a swimming pool. Multiple hiking trails (the one to the Morskie Oko lake is the worst of them all, although the lake is beautiful), museums, monuments and historical sites are all a better way to spend some time in this town (it’s definitely not a village) then sitting in a very average water park. Also, I love pierogi and I understand you do too, but wouldn’t it make much more sense to try some amazing trafitional local dishes other than pierogi?
Hi Stefson, we’ve created a guide to introduce ideas for a variety of people visiting Zakopane so we didn’t deep dive into more hiking trails. Morskie Oko is amazing and we’re more than happy to recommend it!
It’s a little harder for us to find vegan-friendly versions of all the Polish cuisine, and I know there’s many great dishes out there, but pierogi is our favourite! Thanks for reading our guide! – Amy