Our most recommended things to do in Zakopane

Krakow: Zakopane and Hot Springs Tour with Hotel Pickup

1. Krakow: Zakopane and Hot Springs Tour with Hotel Pickup

Explore Zakopane on a guided tour including round-trip transportation from Krakow. Experience the healing waters of hot thermal springs and in a spa complex, ride a cable car to the top of Gubałówka Mountain, and enjoy a cheese and alcohol tasting. Start with a pickup from your hotel, apartment, or another place of your choice in Krakow. From there the duration of the transport from Krakow to Zakopane is approximately 2 hours. About 20 minutes from Zakopane is the town of Chochołów. Chocholow is famous for its wooden houses that look almost identical. The settlers traditionally wash the wooden walls of the buildings with soap and water, which happens twice a year before Christmas and Easter. Thanks to this cleaning, long-standing buildings look brand new. The village is inscribed on the World Heritage List. Visit the shepherd's hut (cheese factory) where highlanders produce smoked sheep's cheese traditional to the region of Poland. Taste some of the local cheese called Oscypek, and learn about the history of its production. Arrive in Zakopane, the capital of the Polish mountains. Each year, this place attracts many tourists who want to experience the unique style of Gorlaskie culture, which is expressed through architecture, food, music, style of speech, and clothing. In the town center lies Krupówki Street. Enjoy time for independent exploration and lunch (not included). This street is the market square of Zakopane, where you can find souvenir shops and many restaurants that serve local food. Zakopane also boasts cable car access. Hop on a cable car and take in views of the Polish Tatra Mountains from the top of Gubałówka Mountain. After exploring Zakopane and the surrounding area, the driver will transport you to the Thermal Pools Complex in Chochołów, where you will be able to relax and feel the health properties of thermal hot springs water bath. On site, you will receive a watch giving access to the changing room and locker. The admission ticket to the Chocholow Thermal Springs includes themed areas for children and adults so that everyone can enjoy their time well. Visitors have access to outdoor and indoor pools, as well as water slides and jacuzzis. The additional nude zone is not included in the admission price. Inside you will also find a pool bar where you can order drinks. Drinks are not included in the price of the ticket, are additionally paid, you buy by charging the received watch and after the end of the swim you will pay the fee at the checkout at the reception desk. After your visit, your driver will take you to your drop-off location in Krakow.

Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Hot Bath Pools and Hotel Pickup

2. Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Hot Bath Pools and Hotel Pickup

Soak up the views of the Tatra Mountains on this bestselling Zakopane day trip. Experience the hot spring pools and warm water slides of the best Thermal Baths, ride the Mt. Gubałówka funicular, stroll along Krupowki Street, and taste local cheese and vodka in the village of Chocholow Your tour will begin with a pick-up from your hotel. During the journey to Zakopane, we have two amazing stops planned. Chochołów - one of the most beautiful villages in Southern Poland where you'll find the oldest houses inhabited by locals. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the history and to take some wonderful photos. When we arrive at our destination - Zakopane, your guide will explain how to use the funicular car and provide you with all the necessary tickets, saving you time and avoiding the ticket office queues. Each tourist spends their free time in the center of Zakopane in their own way. Some can savor delicious local spices or take leisurely walks and admire mountain views, some can buy souvenirs while others count the minutes to experience the final attraction - the hot thermal pools where they can indulge in this blissful relaxation. The thermal pools in Chochołów are one of the largest facilities of this kind in Poland. The health properties of the water have a positive impact on the skin and overall well-being. Pool bars allow for a moment of relaxation with a drink. Families traveling with children will also find something for themselves because every entrance ticket we offer at Chocholow Termal Baths grants access to all zones (except the sauna). Don't forget to bring your phone and capture unforgettable moments! See you on board! Choose one the most frequently booked and the best reviewed tour from Krakow. Thousands of people have already trusted us.

Krakow: Zakopane with Hot Springs, Cable-Car & Hotel Pickup

3. Krakow: Zakopane with Hot Springs, Cable-Car & Hotel Pickup

Explore the Tatra mountains on a private or group day trip from Krakow with hotel transfers and a guide. Explore Chocholow, a living museum of historical wooden buildings, and try regional cheese and alcohol. Ride the Gubałówka funicular, explore Zakopane on your own, and relax in a thermal bath. After pickup from Krakow, drive to the village of Chocholow to see the best examples of Goral wooden houses and learn about this characteristic wooden building style. Afterward, try regional treats, including oscypek cheese and local alcohol in a traditional shepherd's hut called Bacówka. Next, take the cable car from Zakopane to Gubałówka, the most famous peak of the Polish Tatra Mountains. In just 3.5 minutes, get to a height of 1122 m above sea level. From the top, enjoy a panorama of Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains. On your descent, enjoy free time (2,5h) on Krupowki, Zakopane’s most famous street. Find local shops with products from the Podhale region. You can buy jewelry (including brooches in the typical heart-shaped “parzenica” pattern), clothes made of wool and leather, and intricately carved wooden souvenirs. Finally, unwind at Chocholow Thermal Baths (2,5h) where 14 pool basins, over 300 meters of water slides, saline pools, geysers, water cannons, and jacuzzis await you. Relax with a gorgeous view of the High Tatras. In the end, be driven back to your hotel in Krakow.

Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Cable Car & Thermal Baths Ticket

4. Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Cable Car & Thermal Baths Ticket

Your day will start with pickup from your hotel/apartment in Krakow. On the way to Zakopane, you will visit the idyllic, over 200-year-old village - Chochołów, famous for its almost identical wooden houses. You will learn about the traditions that keep these historic buildings looking new. 10 minutes from Chochołów you will stop at a shepherd's hut to try regional smoked cheese - Oscypek and regional alcohol. This cheese is usually produced from sheep's milk, only in this region of Poland. It tastes best grilled with the addition of cranberry jam and you will taste it in this form. Then you will arrive in Zakopane, which is called "The winter capital of Poland". In summer as well as in winter, this place is visited by a lot of Polish and foreign tourists. At any time of the year, the town has its own unique charm. First, the guide will take you to the funicular railway to Gubałówka Mountain, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Tatra Mountains. Then you will spend time in the center of the town, where you will walk along Krupówki Street, where there are many restaurants, mainly with regional cuisine, as well as many shops, souvenirs and stands with regional products. From Zakopane, the driver will take you to the Chochołowskie thermal baths, where you will relax in the indoor and outdoor pools, in the healing thermal water extracted in this area. It's waiting for you there water slides, saline pools, geysers, water cannons, sauna, and jacuzzis. There is also a restaurant and a swim-up bar inside (cost not included). Relax with a gorgeous view of the High Tatras. You will spend about 2.5 hours in the thermal baths, after which the driver will take you back to your hotel/apartment in Krakow.

From Krakow: Day Tour of Zakopane and Tatra Mountains

5. From Krakow: Day Tour of Zakopane and Tatra Mountains

Discover the charm of Zakopane, the enchanting mountain town nestled in the heart of Polish Mountains. Immerse yourself in the picturesque beauty of Chochołów and experience the rich cultural heritage it has to offer. Indulge in the unique flavors of traditional Polish cuisine at a rustic mountain hut where you can savor the delightful oscypek cheese paired with a selection of locally produced spirits. For adventure seekers, the iconic Wielka Krokiew ski jumping hill awaits, where you can witness the breathtaking feats of fearless athletes. Marvel at the architectural masterpiece of Jaszczurówka, a wooden church nestled amidst stunning natural surroundings. To elevate your experience, take a thrilling ride on the Gubałówka funicular and soak in panoramic views of the majestic Tatra Mountains. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or simply a peaceful getaway, Zakopane and its surrounding attractions offer an unforgettable blend of beauty, tradition, and excitement.

Krakow: Zakopane and Tatra Mountain Tour with Hotel Pickup

6. Krakow: Zakopane and Tatra Mountain Tour with Hotel Pickup

Take a day out from Krakow and head 100km south to the winter capital of Poland. Explore the Zakopane regional market, walk Krupowki street, and experience the town at your leisure. See authentic housing in Chocholow and marvel at the Tatra mountains by riding a funicular train up Gubalowka hill. Travel to the winter town of Zakopane. Explore as you please and find many worthwhile attractions like the professional ski jumping hill. Walk through the bustling Kripowki street and try some regional food. Find the Shrine of Our Lady Fatima, Jaszczurowca Chapel, and explore the old cemetery. Head just outside the town to the village of Chocholow and admire the traditional wooden housing. Taste an authentic highlander's cheese called 'Oscypek' and delight in the quaint magic of this hidden treasure. Climb aboard an amazing incline railway and reach the top of Gubalowka hill, 1126 meters high. Capture breathtaking views of the Tatra Mountains, the tallest peaks in all of Poland.

From Kraków: Zakopane Day Tour and Optional Thermal Bath

7. From Kraków: Zakopane Day Tour and Optional Thermal Bath

Discover the highlights of Zakopane on this day tour from Krakow. Take the Gubałówka cable car to admire panoramic views, stroll down the charming Krupówki in the center of town, try local food, and relax with an optional trip to the thermal baths. Depart Krakow and discover the beauty of the Tatras Mountains. Enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Zakopane by taking the cable car to Gubałówka. Admire the views of the High Tatras after visiting the lodge and tasting local cheese and vodka. Visit Krupówki, the most popular promenade in the heart of our Winter Capital, where you can try local dishes from traditional restaurants (cost not included). Feel the atmosphere of the mountain region and enjoy sightseeing, shopping, and relaxing at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. After the ride in Zakopane, take a break to rest and relax in the thermal bath. Enjoy outdoor and indoor pools, slides, jacuzzis, and much more in the heart of the mountains.

Krakow: Zakopane & Thermal Baths with Optional Lunch

8. Krakow: Zakopane & Thermal Baths with Optional Lunch

Explore Zakopane, the skiing capital of Poland and the most popular holiday resort. See the Chocholow village, featuring traditional wooden houses built by the local highlanders years ago. Spot the beautiful and historically famed wooden chapels.  Krupowki is the main street of Zakopane. Mee locals and see what village life has to offer as you shop for souvenirs. Take a trip up the mountain Gubalowka on a funicular and experience the natural surroundings. From the top of the mountain is a beautiful view of the Tatra Mountain range. See the ski jump hill, used for the Grant Prix Ski Jump Competition. Relax in the warm waters of the Chocholowska Baths, which is the largest thermal complex in Podhale. Dip into natural waters extracted from a depth of nearly 3,600 meters below ground and enjoy the stunning panoramic views. 

Krakow: Zakopane Tour Funicular Cheese Tasting Hotel Pickup

9. Krakow: Zakopane Tour Funicular Cheese Tasting Hotel Pickup

Escape the city and spend a day exploring the Polish countryside in the comfort of a private vehicle. See traditional wooden houses, view the Tatras mountain range from the top of Gubałówka Hill, and taste traditional smoked sheep-milk cheese. Begin your tour with a pickup from a location of your choosing in Krakow. Hop onboard an air-conditioned vehicle and head towards one of the most picturesque locations in Poland, Zakopane and the Tatras Mountains. Once in Zakopane, head straight to Krupówki Street located in the center of town. Explore the many boutiques, restaurants, and curio shops that line this pedestrian-only street. At the end of Krupówki Street, you'll find your next stop on the tour, the station for the Gubałówka Hill funicular. Hop onto one of the cable car and enjoy fantastic views of Zakopane and the surrounding mountains as you make your way up Gubałówka Hill.  Once at the top, marvel at the breathtaking views of the Polish Tatras Mountains. Make the most of this fantastic location and enjoy a glass of mulled wine or a refreshing drink while taking in the views. Visit the Jaszczurówka Chapel, a wooden building located on the outskirts of Zakopane, and see Wielka Krokiew, the biggest and most famous ski jumping hill in Poland. The final stop on your tour is the village of Chochołów. Admire the unusual architectural style of the famous wooden houses and see the Bacówkach, the traditional houses where Oscypek or smoked cheese is produced.  Learn how this local specialty is made and sample various types to discover the different flavors created by the level of smoking.

From Krakow: Zakopane & Thermal Springs Day Trip with Pickup

10. From Krakow: Zakopane & Thermal Springs Day Trip with Pickup

Join us on an unforgettable journey filled with adventures and the traditional flavors of the Polish mountains! Our trip will begin in the charming village of Chochołów, where time seems to have stood still. You will have the opportunity to discover the charm of this picturesque place, where traditional architecture and highland culture are still very much alive. Next, you'll indulge in an unforgettable tasting of oscypek cheese at a highland hut. This is an authentic experience of the region's flavors, where you can sample cheeses produced by the local inhabitants. Oscypek is a true delicacy that will satisfy your culinary cravings. Our journey will continue to the picturesque town of Zakopane, the pearl of the Polish mountains. While strolling through its charming streets, you'll have the chance to enjoy the unparalleled views of the Tatra Mountains. On the horizon, Gubałówka majestically rises, and a mountain funicular will take you to this fantastic location, offering breathtaking views of the entire Tatra panorama. To conclude our trip, we invite you to the relaxing Chochołów Thermal Baths. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day full of excitement. Thermal pools of varying temperatures, jacuzzis, saunas – all of this will make you feel rejuvenated. Experience the traditions, flavors, and beauty of the Polish mountains on our unforgettable journey!

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Things to do in
Zakopane
Explorers can find winter sports, adventure, and a gateway to the Tatras Mountains in this resort town.

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Frequently asked questions about Zakopane

What top attractions are a must-see in Zakopane?

Insider Tips: Planning a trip to Zakopane

Etramping is a travel website run by Agness Walewinder and Cez Krol. It's devoted to discovering and sharing the passion for outdoor adventure in all its forms and it's a place for those who seek adventure, have curiosity for new destinations and who are eager to experience the world with all of their senses.

What should I do on my first trip to Zakopane?

One of the absolute necessities during your trip to Zakopane is to take a cable car to Mount Kasprowy. This incredible natural feature makes for a stunning sightseeing destination all year round. If you're an experienced hiker, then taking a 5-hour walk up Mount Giewont is a definite great nature fix. Throughout the year, this is a stunning location that offers some of the most breathtaking views in all seasons. Also, visiting the local markets, which pop up all over the streets of Zakopane, is a great way to experience the culture and immerse yourself in the cuisine.

What are some hidden gems to see in Zakopane?

Some of the most wondrous hidden gems in Zakopane include the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, which is a popular religious site, Quadoo Adventure Zakopane, and Cmentarz Zasluzonych na Peksowym Brzyzku, which is a hauntingly-beautiful cemetery.

How much time should I spend in Zakopane?

Even though it’s more than possible to make just a day trip to Zakopane, we suggest you spend two or three days here. If you want to immerse yourself in the culture fully and enjoy all of the delicious food Zakopane has to offer, then definitely consider spending a couple of days here.

What food is Zakopane known for?

Zakopane is a hub of Goral culture and is often referred to as ‘the winter capital of Poland’. Some of the most popular tourist activities in this town include skiing and mountaineering since Zakopane resides near the mountainous border between Slovakia and Poland.

What is the best way to get around Zakopane?

The great thing about Zakopane is that it’s a very compact town and the roads are partially closed to vehicles. So, the best way to get around town is on foot!

What are the best months to visit Zakopane?

September and October in Zakopane are often temperate, sunny, and dry, so if you’re looking for a warm, beautiful destination, then this may be it. However, winter is when the town really starts to come alive, with frequent snowfalls and some incredible white landscapes.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Zakopane?

Kasprowy Wierch (Tatra National Park) is easily the best place to visit when you’re in Zakopane. It’s easy to get to the top of Kasprowy Wierch via cable car from upper Zakopane. Once you reach the top station, you’ll be greeted by friendly locals and incredible scenery. The area is calm and quiet, and you’ll find a restaurant, souvenir shop, and, if you go in winter, ski rental.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

An excellent shopping neighborhood in Zakopane is Podgorze - a historic district on the southern bank of the Wisla River. It features the spacious Bonarka shopping mall, complete with your typical range of chain stores and services, as well as a cinema and food court.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Zakopane?

The area around the Kasprowy Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Zakopane, thanks to its central location. It’s located in the heart of the city, and is surrounded by plenty of nightlife spots to spend your evenings at. If you want something a little more tranquil, consider staying in the mountains - most of the time, the only sound there is that of singing birds and rushing water.

Other Sightseeing Options in Zakopane

Want to discover all there is to do in Zakopane? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Zakopane

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 2,420 reviews

Kuba picked us from the city centre and brought us to zakopane for the day he told us so many interesting facts about the town we stopped off at the wooden house first and he let us out for a couple of minutes to explore ourselves then he brought us to do some cheese and vodka tasting we were brought into zakopane town and we’re given tickets to ride the funicular all the way to the top of the mountain the views were amazing we went of the explore zakopane town for 3 hours and then we met kuba after he brought us to the thermal baths here we spent 2.5 hrs and then he dropped us back to krakow centre kuba was such a friendly man and we would highly recommend this trip for anyone looking to visit zakopane 10/10 experience

Absolutely loved our experience, the whole day was amazing and Adam our tour guide was by far a gentleman. He was very helpful and English was perfect. The cheese tasting was so cute and loved the vodka. Loved how Adam went through the history of the town and people and was patient with us all. The thermal springs are the high light of the show, an experience for every one. Great if you have children. The mountains were amazing and loved all the shops and different things to do. Wish we got to go and the sleigh ride or jet skis but didn't bring enough cash

Mike was fantastic at his job and was a very friendly man he made sure we were safe and that we had a good time in Poland I would recommend him and definitely book him again and want him as my tour guid the driver was brilliant too he got us to and from our destination safely

It was a small tour group. Patryck, our driver/tourguide was very prompt. We had enough time except for the wooden village. We wish we could have taken pictures there instead of 10 minute toilet break. But all in all it was a 5 star experience for us. Highly recommended!

Amazing experience would definitely recommend! Our driver Richi was very helpful, we will be visiting again and would love if Richi could be out tour guide again