If you only have one day, focus on the classics: a walk along Krupówki, a ride up to Gubałówka or Kasprowy Wierch (depending on the weather and season), and a short visit to the Tatra Museum or a villa in the Zakopane style. In the evening, have dinner at a well-rated mountain inn — it’s a great way to sample the best of Zakopane.
If the weather is good and you want a full mountain experience, choose Kościeliska Valley or a walk to Morskie Oko — these hikes leave the strongest memories of the Tatras. Stay flexible: mountain weather changes fast, so have a plan B (museums, aquaparks, thermal baths).
Krupówki is a lively pedestrian street full of souvenir stalls, regional vendors and many restaurants. A walk here mixes the feel of a mountain resort with a busy commercial center; you can soak up the local atmosphere, try oscypek and stop for coffee.
Don’t treat Krupówki only as a shopping spot. In side streets you’ll find historic villas, galleries and cozy cafés. Also look out for the distinctive Zakopane-style architecture that characterizes the region.
Gubałówka is an easily accessible viewpoint: you can take the funicular up and follow a short scenic trail. It’s a great option for quick photos with a panorama of the Tatras and a relaxed walk without much effort.
Kasprowy Wierch offers a more alpine experience: the cable car brings you high into the Tatras, where broad views open up and demanding mountain routes begin. When planning a trip to Kasprowy, buy tickets in advance during the season and check operating hours — spots fill up quickly at peak times.
Kościeliska Valley is a beautiful, relatively easy route with many rocks, caves and traditional mountain huts. It’s excellent for families and for people who want to feel the Tatras without extreme climbs.
Chochołowska Valley is the largest valley in the Western Tatras and is especially popular during the crocus bloom. Wide meadows and gentler ascents make it a good place for a longer but friendly walk surrounded by nature.
Morskie Oko is the flagship of the High Tatras and one of the most recognizable spots in the Polish mountains. The trail to Morskie Oko is paved and often crowded, but the view of the lake encircled by cliffs makes the effort worthwhile. In season, consider an early start to avoid the crowds.
The Tatra Museum and the Museum of the Zakopane Style (Willa Koliba) introduce the region’s history, highlander culture and the architecture created by Stanisław Witkiewicz. Visiting them helps you understand the local context and admire beautiful interiors and ethnographic exhibits.
It’s also worth visiting the church in Jaszczurówka and the Pęksowy Brzyzek cemetery, where notable figures from the region’s culture and history are buried. A walk along Kościeliska Street will reveal historic houses and atmospheric corners of old Podhale.
Zakopane offers many family activities: an aquapark with pools and an outdoor pool with Tatra views, a reptile house (Reptarium), and smaller museums and interactive exhibits. These are perfect complements to mountain days or alternatives in bad weather.
For adrenaline seekers there are inflatable raft rides, summer toboggan runs, and — in winter — numerous ski areas. The ski jumping events on Wielka Krokiew are also a spectacular sight. Activity offerings change with the season, so check availability before you go.
Gazdowo Kuźnia is a classic, well-rated inn near Krupówki, known for traditional Podhale cuisine and a cozy highlander atmosphere. It’s a great place for your first taste of local flavors.
Other popular and well-reviewed places include Karczma Po Zbóju and Restauracja Owczarnia, along with local bistros and mountain inns serving oscypek, kwaśnica and roasted meats. If you’re looking for modern cuisine or café vibes, the town center has several bistros with good reviews — check current reviews and reserve a table in high season.
The center (around Krupówki) offers convenience and close access to restaurants, shops and attractions. It’s ideal if you want everything within walking distance, but remember it’s louder and more expensive in season.
If you value quiet, consider the Kuźnice area or Antałówka. These are good bases for hikes — quick access to trails and easier access to cable cars. If relaxation and thermal baths are a priority, look for accommodations with spa facilities or check nearby thermal complexes in the region.
Don’t underestimate the weather — mountain conditions change quickly. Even in summer, bring a light fleece, a waterproof jacket and good footwear. Proper preparation increases comfort and safety on the trail.
In season, book ahead: accommodation, Kasprowy cable car tickets and tables at popular restaurants. Leaving it to the last minute often means long lines or no availability.
Don’t pack too many attractions into a single day. The Tatras are best experienced more slowly — that way you have time to rest, enjoy local food and soak in nature.
Can you reach Zakopane by train from Kraków? Yes — there are train and bus connections between Kraków and Zakopane; the journey usually takes a few hours depending on the means of transport. Schedules change seasonally, so check them before you travel.
When is the best time to visit? It depends on your goals: winter for skiing and festive atmosphere; spring (crocuses) and late summer for comfortable hikes. Spring and autumn are usually less crowded.
Do I need special equipment for short mountain walks? For easy trails, good hiking shoes, layered clothing and water are enough. For more demanding routes (higher parts of the mountains) you need sturdy mountain gear and experience or a guide.
The Zakopane style, developed in part by Stanisław Witkiewicz, is a unique blend of local building traditions and artistic vision; you’ll see it in the town’s villas and museums.
Zakopane is often called Poland’s winter capital. For decades the town has hosted international skiing competitions and was a meeting place for artists and intellectuals, which shaped its unique character.
The Podhale region has a long tradition of using thermal springs; many pool complexes and thermal centers in the area are excellent complements to mountain days.
I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Zakopane — whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to discover more corners. If you like, I can help plan a specific day or week itinerary for your stay.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media. If you prefer touring with personal guidance, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website. Wishing you wonderful discoveries in the Tatras and safe, beautiful hikes!
