Things to do in Zakopane - best attractions in Poland’s mountain capital
Zakopane is often called Poland's winter capital. The truth is that it’s a fantastic destination all year long. Here, you will find highland architecture, Tatra mountain views, cosy inns, scenic valleys and outdoor activities. It’s one of the most touristic destinations in the country. If you like hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying nature, you’ll easily find plenty of memorable things to do.
Reaching Zakopane is simple: the route is well connected with Kraków, and trains arrive directly at Zakopane PKP station. If you want to compare travel options or plan your trip without stress, you can check timetables and ticket prices using PolishTrains.
Below you’ll find the best things to do in Zakopane, including winter attractions, summer activities, family-friendly ideas and local experiences.
Best things to do in Zakopane for first-time visitors
Walk along Krupówki Street
Krupówki is the heart of Zakopane. The street is full of wooden restaurants, souvenir shops, local bakeries and craft stands. It’s the perfect place to try traditional highland cheese (oscypek), warm up with hot chocolate or buy handmade products.
Ride the Gubałówka Funicular
A quick uphill trip takes you to one of the most famous viewpoints in the region. From Gubałówka you can see the entire Tatra range stretching along the horizon. In summer, the hill offers small attractions and cafés. In winter, it’s a great spot for snow fun.
Take the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch
This is one of Poland’s most iconic mountains. The cable car climbs high into the Tatras, offering fantastic views all year round. At the top, you’ll find hiking paths in summer and ski routes in the colder months.
Visit Kościeliska Valley
If you’re looking for a breathtaking but easy Tatra walk, this is the perfect choice. Kościeliska Valley has streams, wooden huts, small caves and beautiful views. It’s suitable for all ages and doesn’t require hiking experience.
See Wielka Krokiew ski jump
Zakopane is famous for ski jumping competitions. Adam Małysz and Wielka Krokiew is one of Polish beloved sports symbols. You can admire the jump from below or take the lift up to the viewpoint for a closer look.
Things to do in Zakopane in winter - skiing and mountain views
Winter is Zakopane’s most magical season! Snow-covered roofs, warm inns, sleigh rides and glowing mountain peaks create a truly fairy-tale atmosphere.
Go skiing or snowboarding
Zakopane and nearby resorts offer slopes for every level:
Nosal - great for beginners
Polana Szymoszkowa - beautiful views and long routes
Białka Tatrzańska - one of Poland’s largest ski complexes
Try snowmobile tours
Guided snowmobile rides are an exciting and unusual winter adventure. You can drive through snowy fields, forests and hills around the town.
Warm up in thermal pools
After an active day outside in the cold, nothing feels better than a hot bath. Popular spots include Chochołów, Bukowina and Terma Bania, all offering hot outdoor pools with mountain views.
Take a winter walk to Morskie Oko
This iconic lake is spectacular in winter. The hike is long but easy. You will see the frozen peaks around the lake.
Enjoy a traditional sleigh ride (kulig)
Wrapped in blankets, riding through snowy valleys by torchlight - this is a classic Zakopane experience you shouldn’t miss. Additional pro - at the end you usually end up with a cup of steaming mulled wine in your hands!
Visit the Christmas Market on Krupówki
If you arrive in December, you’ll find wooden stalls selling gifts, food and warm drinks. It’s a lovely place to spend a winter evening.
What to do in Zakopane in summer - trails, lakes and outdoor fun
Summer in Zakopane is ideal for hiking, cycling and exploring mountain lakes.
Hike to Morskie Oko
One of the most famous lake trails in Europe. Go early in the morning to enjoy views before the crowds arrive. On sunny days the water creates beautiful reflections of the surrounding peaks.
Cycle through Dolina Chochołowska
Wide paths, wooden huts and long meadows make this valley perfect for cycling and relaxed walks. In spring, it’s covered in purple crocuses.
Try advanced hikes to Giewont or Kasprowy Wierch
If you’re a more experienced hiker in good shape, these trails offer incredible views and a real mountain challenge. Remember to always check weather conditions before you go.
Visit Lake Czorsztyn
A great summer escape near Zakopane. You can take boat trips, visit two historic castles (Czorsztyn and Niedzica) and enjoy the lakeside views.
Try adventure sports
Zakopane offers paragliding, summer tubing, zip-lines and mountain scooters. They’re ideal for people looking for active fun.
Explore local culture
Wooden churches, open-air museums and the Tatra Museum are good options on hot afternoons when you want to take a break from the sun.
Family-friendly things to do in Zakopane with kids
Zakopane is perfect for families, offering attractions for every season and age group.
Easy viewpoints: Antałówka and Bachledzki Wierch
Both offer lovely panoramas without steep climbs. Great for families with small children.
Gubałówka attractions
Playgrounds, summer tubing tracks and gentle walks make this hill a favourite among kids.
Visit Snowlandia (winter)
This snow park features a huge snow maze, ice sculptures and fun winter activities - kids love it.
Swim in aquaparks and thermal pools
The Zakopane Aquapark and nearby thermal complexes offer slides, warm pools and shallow areas suitable for children.
Try fairy-tale and rope parks
There are several adventure parks around Zakopane with safe rope courses, slides and themed attractions perfect for younger travellers.
Walk easy valleys
Dolina Strążyska or Dolina Białego are short and pleasant routes ideal for families who want a taste of the Tatras without long hikes.
Teach your children how to ski
Most skiing resorts offer blue slopes or bunny slopes suitable for teaching skiing or snowboarding to even the youngest children.
Free things to do in Zakopane - nature spots and local experiences
Walk through the old cemetery on Pęksowy Brzyzek
A peaceful place full of beautifully carved wooden headstones and local history.
Explore Zakopane’s wooden villas
Many historic houses are fine examples of the famous Zakopane architectural style. Walking among them is like stepping back in time.
Walk through valleys and parks
Some Tatra valleys require a small entrance fee to the National Park, but many nearby nature paths and parks are completely free.
Things to do in Zakopane at night - local food, music and nightlife
Zakopane may be a mountain town, but evenings here are lively, cosy and full of flavour.
Try real highland food (góralskie jedzenie)
Zakopane’s cuisine is hearty, smoky and perfect after a day of hiking or skiing. Some dishes you must try:
Oscypek: smoked sheep cheese served hot with cranberry jam
Kwaśnica: sour cabbage soup with ribs
Moskol: a potato flatbread fried on a griddle
Placki po zbójnicku: potato pancakes with goulash
Hałuski/bryjka: traditional mountain dumplings
Grzaniec (mulled wine): perfect for cold mountain nights
Most highland inns (karczmy) have live folk bands playing after 19:00 - violins, bass, singing and dancing included.
Bars and nightlife in Zakopane
Zakopane’s nightlife is small but fun. You’ll find a mix of cosy pubs, cocktail bars and energetic clubs. You can definitely have a lot of long fun with friends.
Best places to go out in the evening:
Na Końcu Świata: one of Zakopane’s most atmospheric bars, with mountain-style décor, great drinks and a friendly, laid-back vibe
Le Scandale Zakopane: stylish cocktails, DJ sets and a modern interior. One of the trendiest spots in town, popular with young adults
Pijalnia Alkoholi Regionalnych: a must-visit for anyone who wants to try local highland spirits, regional liqueurs and traditional herbal drinks. Affordable and fun
Klub Vavavoom: energetic, colourful and perfect for dancing. DJs play until late, and it’s one of the more lively places in Zakopane
Harem Shisha Pub: cosy, relaxed atmosphere with flavoured shisha, soft lighting and good music. Great for a calmer night out or hanging out with friends
Conclusion
Zakopane is a destination full of energy, scenery and culture. The town offers something for every type of traveller. Wooden cottages, rugged mountains, scenic valleys and warm highland hospitality make it a place you’ll want to return to.
If you’re planning your trip, travelling by train is one of the easiest and most comfortable options - especially during busy seasons. You can check all connections, compare routes and book tickets quickly through PolishTrains.
Zakopane welcomes you with mountain views, fresh air and unforgettable experiences, no matter the time of year!