Zakopane is best known for the Tatra Mountains, Krupówki and regional cuisine, but it’s also a place with a growing scene of cafés and pastry shops. From classic cream slices and cheesecakes to modern cakes and seasonal creations — in several places you’ll find ‘premium’ pastries, perfect as a break during a trip or a dessert after a mountain walk. It’s useful to have a short map of the most reliable spots so you don’t waste time experimenting, especially in high season.
Among the tried-and-true addresses you’ll find both well-known pastry shops with tradition and multiple locations in town, and small cafés serving specialty coffee and homemade pastries. A few of them are worth noting as sure bets: places with long histories, high guest ratings and a wide selection of cakes. That will make planning the ‘sweet’ part of your trip easier and help you organise a premium route — short, comfortable stops with the best flavours.
In this guide I gathered suggested routes, a list of recommended places and practical tips on how to plan a day so you can try several desserts, not overdo the calories and avoid wasting time in queues.
For me, ‘premium’ isn’t just pricier interiors or elegant porcelain. It means: excellent coffee, carefully baked cakes, thoughtful service and a location that makes further sightseeing convenient. In practice this means visiting 2–4 places: one artisan café with specialty coffee, one pastry shop with a wide selection (including local variations), possibly an ice-cream shop with high-quality ice cream, and for dessert a cozy spot with a view or a special atmosphere. That combination gives a full experience — flavour, aesthetics and comfort.
In Zakopane it’s easy to combine such a route with walking sightseeing: café clusters are close to Krupówki and near popular walking trails. For visitors who want more — set priorities: is specialty coffee more important, or a traditional highlander dessert? With priorities set you can create your own ‘must eat’ map instead of hopping aimlessly from place to place.
A pastry shop with tradition and several city locations: ideal for cream slices, cheesecakes and seasonal cakes. Check which location is closest to your route — some outlets are right on the popular promenades while others sit in quieter parts of Zakopane.
Cafés serving specialty coffee: look for places that roast their beans or work with local roasteries. Order an espresso or filter coffee and pair it with a small dessert — the best matches are a bright, acidic coffee with a chocolate cake or a cheesecake.
Ice-cream parlours and bistros with signature cakes: in summer, ice cream can be a great dessert addition, and bistros often offer small tarts and personal cakes made to order. If you want something local, try desserts that include seasonal fruits from the Tatra foothills and nearby areas.
A few names that often appear on best-of lists: established pastry shops with multiple locations, high-rated bistros and cafés near Krupówki. Save specific addresses on your phone before you head out, because some places get very busy in season.
Start: Krupówki — a short walk and the first coffee. Choose a café on the main promenade to quickly get a feel for the town and recharge.
Walk to a traditional pastry shop to try a classic cream slice or a seasonal cheesecake. This is a great place for dessert number two — not too large but flavourful.
A short walk or ride toward a quieter part of Zakopane — here visit a cozy bistro or an ice-cream shop offering signature flavours. If the weather is nice, look for a place with a view or a small garden.
Finish: an elegant café with specialty coffee and a selection of small sweets. Sit a while, enjoy expert service and compare flavours. The whole route at an easy pace covers about 2–4 km with stops for tasting and photos.
Check opening hours before you go — especially outside the high season some places may have reduced hours. Popular pastry shops often open early, but the best cake slices can be sold out by late afternoon.
If you care about a specific cake or seasonal dessert — order in advance. Many pastry shops offer reservations or takeaway pick-up, which saves time.
Avoid the busiest times on Krupówki — if you want to taste pastries calmly, choose early afternoon or late morning on weekdays. When picking a place, rely on reviews but be cautious with very cheap ‘tourist’ offers — quality is often lower.
Remember dietary needs: many cafés have vegan options or sugar-reduced variants, but not all local pastry shops prepare gluten-free cakes. If you have allergies, ask about ingredients.
Several pastry shops and cafés in Zakopane have more than one location — good news, because if your favourite cake is sold out at one spot you may find it at another branch of the same brand.
Not all the best places are on Krupówki — some real gems are tucked away in side streets or in the Kościeliska and Kasprowy Wierch areas. It’s worth strolling off the main promenade to discover atmospheric interiors and local flavours.
In summer local producers often use fruit from nearby orchards and forest berries, which gives desserts a seasonal character you won’t easily find along the main tourist routes.
Many visitors drop into the first café they see on Krupówki expecting ‘typical’ flavours — the result is hit-or-miss. Instead, look up short rankings or lists of recommended places and pick 2–3 addresses in advance.
Another mistake is trying too many desserts in one day — it’s better to focus on a few distinct options: e.g. a cream slice, a cheesecake and a chocolate cake, rather than three heavy cream cakes. That way comparisons are more enjoyable.
Unplanned long stops in crowded places — if you want to taste and move on, choose takeaway or look for smaller tables in side rooms.
Will I find specialty coffee in Zakopane? Yes — there are cafés in town offering coffee from local or specialist roasteries. Look for places with visible espresso options, alternative brewing methods and information about the bean origin.
Is it worth trying local desserts? Definitely — besides the popular cream slices (kremówki) look for versions made with regional cheeses and desserts with seasonal fruits.
Are cakes expensive? Prices vary — in premium places you’ll pay more for ingredients and handmade production, but quality generally matches the price. To save, order smaller portions or share desserts in a group.
Do all places have seating? Not always. Check beforehand whether a pastry shop has seating, outdoor space or is takeaway-only.
If you’re visiting Zakopane for the first time, combine the ‘sweet’ route with a short walk to less-crowded viewpoints — it’s a great way to rest and digest dessert.
If you’d like, I can recommend a personalized route in Zakopane that combines the best cafés and pastry shops with scenic viewpoints and short walking trails. On the guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz’s site you’ll find contact details — I encourage you to consider a private guide if comfort and local recommendations matter to you.
If this guide helped you — share it with friends or on social media. Enjoy your trip and have delicious desserts in Zakopane!
