Krupówki are the icon of Zakopane — the town’s main pedestrian street, a meeting place, shopping area and a spot for eating out. For many visitors this street is their first, and sometimes only, contact with the region. That’s a big mistake: Krupówki are perfect for a walk, souvenirs and a good meal, but they cannot replace the view from Gubałówka, a Tatra trail or the atmosphere of the smaller valleys. If you come to Zakopane only to stroll Krupówki and then leave, you may feel you missed out — and you’ll miss the real potential of the area.
Luckily many people combine both attractions in one day — a morning walk on Krupówki and then a ride or hike to Gubałówka. That’s classic, but worth doing smart: avoid peak hours, be prepared for changeable weather and allow time for queues.
If this is your first visit, treat Krupówki as an introduction: try oscypek, drop into a well-reviewed karczma and talk with locals — but also plan an outing beyond the main street.
Gubałówka tempts with panoramic views of the Tatras and convenient access by funicular. A common mistake is expecting silence and empty viewpoints. In season and on weekends Gubałówka can be crowded and there are often lines at food stalls.
Prices on Gubałówka can be higher than in the town centre; popular quick bites include ice cream, waffles and oscypek. If you want to enjoy the views in peace, consider going early in the morning or late afternoon, or hiking up instead of taking the funicular — the ascent also offers lovely viewpoints.
In recent years regulations and better organisation on Krupówki and Gubałówka have led many stalls to adapt their offers to local traditions — a good moment to choose handmade crafts and products from local producers.
1. Thinking Zakopane is only Krupówki. Don’t limit your visit to a single street — plan at least half a day for a valley walk or a cable car ride (Kasprowy, Gubałówka).
2. Not booking accommodation in season. In summer, school holidays and long weekends places fill up fast — book ahead and check reviews.
3. Trying to drive and park everywhere. The centre has paid parking zones and restrictions. Better to leave the car on the outskirts and use local buses or go on foot.
4. Wearing trousers and shoes not suited to the terrain. Even a short walk on Gubałówka or an easy Tatra trail needs proper footwear and rain clothing.
5. Ignoring mountain weather. Conditions change fast — check the forecast before heading onto a trail and bring extra layers.
6. Buying souvenirs from the first seller you meet. There are many stalls on Krupówki and Gubałówka; compare prices and quality and look for craft certificates.
7. Expecting low prices everywhere. Popular attractions come with a price — from cable car tickets to food. Plan your budget realistically.
8. Not knowing Tatra National Park rules. Straying off marked trails, leaving rubbish or lighting fires is forbidden. Respect park regulations.
9. Not having cash. On trails and at small stalls you may not be able to pay by card. Carry a small amount of cash.
10. Ignoring opening hours. Cable cars and some museums have seasonal timetables — check in advance.
11. Bringing a pet everywhere. Not all routes are dog-friendly; check rules in advance and remember to use a muzzle where required and to clean up after your animal.
You don’t need to push through the crowds to get the “perfect” photo. The best shots are often a few steps to the side of the main flow.
Avoid trying to drive into areas reserved for pedestrians or service vehicles. Fines for improper parking are issued regularly.
If you want a traditional meal, choose karczmas and restaurants with good reviews. Quick snack stands have their charm, but for a full dinner pick a trusted venue.
If you’re after traditional Podhale cuisine, look for restaurants and karczmas with good reviews. A place serving regional dishes will let you try kwaśnica, moskole and oscypek prepared in different ways.
Thermal baths and spas are a great idea after a mountain day. Termy Chochołowskie are one of the most popular relaxation options after a hike.
For a quick coffee and local pastries choose cafés with solid reviews. In season queues at popular places are common — consider visiting before 10:00 or after 15:00.
Always ask locals for recommendations — they often point to lesser-known but excellent places that haven’t yet become tourist hotspots.
If you arrive by car, consider parking outside the centre and using local buses to Kuźnice or Palenica. In season the Zakopianka road can take longer than you expect.
Cable cars (for example to Gubałówka or Kasprowy) have peak hours — buy tickets online if possible or choose less popular times.
Check local bus and train timetables. Public transport is often faster than searching for a parking space in the centre.
Krupówki and parts of the centre have undergone regulatory changes aimed at protecting local character — some stalls had to adapt their offers to promote handicrafts and regional products.
In season you’ll meet visitors from many parts of the world — that’s great because the town is becoming more international, but it also means services and authorities are introducing more rules to keep order and safety.
Along popular routes you’ll often find local producers of sheep’s cheese (oscypek) — it’s worth asking for certificates and how the cheese was prepared so you don’t overpay for lower-quality products.
Is Krupówki suitable for a small child? Yes — it’s a comfortable pedestrian street with many attractions, but remember to allow rests and avoid planning too long walks, especially in hot weather.
Should I reserve a cable car to Gubałówka in advance? In season and on weekends it’s a good idea — otherwise you may end up waiting in line.
Can I buy oscypek everywhere? Oscypek is common, but truly traditional cheese comes from local shepherds. Look for sellers with good reviews or certificates.
How to avoid queues in season? Get up early, choose early morning or late afternoon hours and buy tickets online when possible.
Do I need an offline map or navigation? On trails it’s better to have an offline map or a paper map — mobile reception can be weak in mountain valleys.
Plan your day with time to spare — in the mountains nothing always runs on a strict timetable.
Respect local culture and nature — it’s simple: don’t leave rubbish, avoid loud behaviour and stay on marked trails.
If you want to explore with someone who knows Zakopane well and can show you attractions off the beaten path, consider hiring a private guide. Malgorzata Kasprowicz offers personalised routes tailored to expectations — more information and contact details are available on the guide’s website.
Share it with friends, send it to family or plan a trip together — a well-prepared visitor makes Zakopane calmer and more enjoyable for everyone.
If you want a personalised route or help with bookings and choosing places, contact private guide Malgorzata Kasprowicz (contact available on her site). Have a pleasant stay in Zakopane and safe hikes!
