Free Zakopane Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Zakopane trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Zakopane
Zakopane photo 2
Zakopane photo 3
All photos

Zakopane pairs Tatra landscapes with Górale culture, wooden villas, mountain trails, winter sports, regional food and lively Krupówki street in southern Poland.

At the Foot of the Tatras

Zakopane lies in southern Poland beneath the dramatic northern slopes of the Tatra Mountains, close to the Slovakian border. Its setting gives the town an unusually immediate relationship with the high mountains: forested valleys begin near the streets, while peaks such as Giewont and Kasprowy Wierch define the horizon. The surrounding Tatra National Park provides routes ranging from gentle valley walks to demanding alpine trails, making Zakopane a year-round base for outdoor exploration.
Read more about Zakopane

Wooden Architecture and Górale Culture

The town’s identity is closely associated with the Górale, the highlanders of the Podhale region, whose music, dress, crafts and cuisine remain visible in daily life. Late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Zakopane also developed a distinctive architectural language, known as the Zakopane Style, which fused local timber construction with ideas drawn from the arts and crafts movement. Historic villas such as Koliba and Oksza preserve this character, while the old cemetery at Pęksowy Brzyzek brings together religious art, carved wooden monuments and the memory of regional artists.

Mountain Life and Resort Energy

Krupówki, the town’s busy central promenade, provides a lively counterpoint to the quieter mountain valleys, with shops, cafés, restaurants and stalls selling regional products. Funicular and cable-car journeys open access to elevated viewpoints, while winter brings skiing and snow activities to the surrounding slopes. Zakopane can be energetic and crowded in peak periods, but its deeper appeal lies in the contrast between resort life and the enduring landscape, traditions and craftsmanship of Podhale.

When is the best time to visit Zakopane?

Best: July–September · 17–23°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January125
February223
March526
April1036
May1565
June2196
July (best)23106
August (best)2289
September (best)1760
October1146
November533
December426

Getting to and around Zakopane

How to get there

Zakopane has no commercial airport or mainline railway connection of its own. Most international visitors arrive via Kraków, using John Paul II Kraków-Balice Airport and continuing by coach, bus, hired car or a combination of train and road transport. Frequent long-distance buses connect Kraków with Zakopane, while rail services from Kraków reach the town through the regional railway network, although journeys can be slower than direct road services. Zakopane also has road links from Kraków and the wider Małopolska region. In busy holiday periods, congestion on the route from Kraków can be substantial, so allow flexibility when planning transfers.

Transportation

The central area around Krupówki, the railway station and the lower streets of Zakopane is manageable on foot, although the town is spread across a broad valley and several attractions lie uphill or outside the centre. Local buses and private minibuses serve districts, trailheads and neighbouring villages, with services varying by route and season. Taxis are available, while cars are useful for reaching dispersed locations but can be inconvenient in peak periods because of traffic and limited parking. Access to Tatra National Park is commonly organised around bus or minibus connections to trailheads such as Kuźnice, Palenica Białczańska and Dolina Kościeliska.

Best attractions in Zakopane

Zakopane’s principal attractions combine mountain scenery with the cultural character of Podhale. Krupówki is the town’s central pedestrian promenade, lined with cafés, shops and places to observe the resort’s lively street life. The Gubałówka funicular climbs to a broad ridge with views across Zakopane and the Tatra range, while the cable car from Kuźnice reaches Kasprowy Wierch, a high mountain viewpoint and starting point for marked alpine routes. Tatra National Park provides access to valleys including Kościeliska and Chochołowska, as well as demanding paths towards destinations such as Morskie Oko and Giewont. In town, the Tatra Museum, Villa Koliba and the wooden cemetery at Pęksowy Brzyzek reveal the area’s natural history, art and Górale traditions. The Jaszczurowka Chapel adds a quieter architectural stop, set among forests on the eastern side of the resort.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Zakopane

Zakopane’s landmarks express both its resort history and the visual language of Podhale. Villa Koliba, designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz, is the defining early work of the Zakopane Style and now houses a museum devoted to the movement. The wooden Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Jaszczurówka, also associated with Witkiewicz’s architectural ideas, combines carved timber construction with a compact highland form. At Pęksowy Brzyzek, the nineteenth-century Church of Our Lady of Czestochowa stands beside one of Poland’s most evocative historic cemeteries, where elaborately carved graves commemorate artists, mountaineers and regional figures. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima at Krzeptówki reflects modern religious devotion, while the monumental profile of Giewont remains Zakopane’s most recognisable natural landmark. Traditional villas along Kościeliska Street complete the architectural record of the town’s early resort era.

Show more landmarks

Explore Zakopane on the map

Plan your Zakopane trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Zakopane

Zakopane’s food culture is rooted in Podhale’s pastoral traditions and the practical cooking of a mountain region. Oscypek, a smoked sheep’s-milk cheese made in a prescribed regional manner, is sold in seasonal stalls and appears in many local menus, while bundz and bryndza offer other expressions of highland cheesemaking. Hearty dishes such as kwaśnica, a sour cabbage soup often prepared with meat, and moskole, potato cakes associated with Podhale, suit the colder climate. Traditional karczmas, or highland-style inns, often pair regional food with timber interiors and live music, particularly around the centre and routes leading towards the valleys. Zakopane also has cafés, bakeries, pizzerias and contemporary restaurants, with dining concentrated around Krupówki, Kościeliska and nearby resort streets. Food markets and roadside stalls provide casual opportunities to sample cheese and local preserves.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Zakopane

Evenings in Zakopane centre revolve around Krupówki and the surrounding streets, where cafés, pubs, bars and restaurants remain active after the day’s mountain excursions. The atmosphere ranges from relaxed venues serving Polish beer and regional spirits to louder establishments with music and late-night entertainment. Highland-style inns may feature live Górale music, although performances vary and should not be treated as a substitute for the region’s broader cultural traditions. Winter weekends and holiday periods bring the greatest concentration of visitors and a more energetic nightlife scene, while outside peak seasons the town is comparatively restrained. For a quieter evening, cafés, cultural events and performances associated with regional music offer alternatives to clubs. Mountain safety still matters after dark: poorly lit roads, icy pavements and unfamiliar routes make taxis or planned transport preferable to improvised walks beyond the centre.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Zakopane

Evenings in Zakopane centre revolve around Krupówki and the surrounding streets, where cafés, pubs, bars and restaurants remain active after the day’s mountain excursions. The atmosphere ranges from relaxed venues serving Polish beer and regional spirits to louder establishments with music and late-night entertainment. Highland-style inns may feature live Górale music, although performances vary and should not be treated as a substitute for the region’s broader cultural traditions. Winter weekends and holiday periods bring the greatest concentration of visitors and a more energetic nightlife scene, while outside peak seasons the town is comparatively restrained. For a quieter evening, cafés, cultural events and performances associated with regional music offer alternatives to clubs. Mountain safety still matters after dark: poorly lit roads, icy pavements and unfamiliar routes make taxis or planned transport preferable to improvised walks beyond the centre.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Zakopane

Shopping in Zakopane is concentrated along Krupówki and nearby streets, where outdoor stalls, specialist shops and highland-style interiors cater to visitors. The most distinctive purchases are regional foods and crafts: oscypek and other Podhale cheeses, honey, preserves, woollen goods, carved wooden objects and textiles decorated with local motifs. Quality varies, so buyers should distinguish traditionally produced goods from generic souvenirs labelled with mountain imagery. The covered market at Plac Niepodległości and surrounding stalls offer a broad selection of clothing, food products and inexpensive keepsakes, while smaller galleries and craft shops provide more individual work. Zakopane Style is represented in carved furniture, ornament and contemporary interpretations of traditional design. Shops connected with the Tatra Museum and local cultural institutions can offer more informative books, prints and craft objects than the most commercial parts of the promenade.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Zakopane, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Zakopane essentials

Currency and Payment
Poland uses the złoty, with the international code PLN. Card and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, larger shops, restaurants, transport offices and many tourist facilities, but small market stalls, seasonal vendors, rural minibuses and some independent businesses may prefer cash. ATMs are available in the town centre and other busy areas. Visitors should check the exchange rate offered by card terminals and choose to pay in złoty rather than accepting unfavourable dynamic currency conversion when prompted. Carrying a modest amount of cash is particularly useful for mountain-hut purchases, local stalls and small transport fares.
Safety
The central town generally presents ordinary urban travel risks, including pickpocketing in crowded areas and belongings left unattended in vehicles. The more significant hazard is the mountain environment: steep terrain, slippery paths, rapidly changing weather, snow and poor visibility can make apparently short routes dangerous. Use marked trails, wear suitable footwear and check current conditions before leaving. Do not rely solely on mobile-phone coverage or navigation apps in remote terrain. During winter, avalanche conditions and icy paths require particular caution. Respect Tatra National Park regulations, keep away from wildlife and avoid entering restricted areas.
Emergency Situations
The European emergency number 112 connects callers in Poland with emergency services, including police, fire and medical assistance. Poland also uses 997 for police, 998 for fire and 999 for an ambulance, although 112 is the most practical number for international visitors. In the mountains, give the exact trail, nearby landmark, colour of the waymark and direction of travel when requesting help; the Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue service, known as TOPR, handles mountain rescue in the Polish Tatras. Carry identification, keep a charged phone and use the official Tatra National Park information channels for current safety notices.
Do's and Don'ts
Wear practical clothing and sturdy footwear on mountain routes, and treat chapels, churches and cemeteries with quiet respect. On marked trails, remain on the route, do not pick plants, feed animals or leave rubbish, and observe restrictions within Tatra National Park. Ask before photographing people in traditional dress or entering private-looking highland properties. In restaurants and taxis, tipping is customary when service has been satisfactory but is not an automatic legal charge; check whether a service fee is already included. In town, keep valuables secure in crowded areas and avoid assuming that every Górale performance or product represents an untouched ancient tradition.
Local Tips
The historic end of Kościeliska Street and the area around Pęksowy Brzyzek offer a more reflective introduction to old Zakopane than the busiest central promenade. For mountain walks, choose routes according to fitness and weather rather than reputation, and start early for popular destinations. Kuźnice is a practical base for routes and the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch, while buses towards Morskie Oko and the Kościeliska Valley depart from transport points outside the immediate centre. Regional museums and wooden villas provide useful context for the Górale culture before a visit to the high mountain landscapes.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloDzień dobry[Jen dobri]
GoodbyeDo widzenia[Do veedzenia]
YesTak[Tak]
NoNie[Nye]
Please/You're welcomeProszę[Prosheh]
Thank youDziękuję[Jen-koo-yeh]
Excuse me/SorryPrzepraszam[Pzeh-prah-sham]
How are you?Jak się masz?[Yak sheh mahsh?]
Fine. And you?Dobrze. A ty?[Dohb-zeh. Ah tee?]
Do you speak English?Czy mówisz po angielsku?[Chih moo-veesh poh ahn-gyel-skoo?]
I don't understandNie rozumiem[Nye roh-zoo-myem]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChciałbym zobaczyć menu, proszę[H-chyaw-beem zoh-bah-cheech meh-noo, proh-sheh]
I don't eat meatNie jem mięsa[Nye yem myen-sah]
Cheers!Na zdrowie![Nah zdroh-vee-eh!]
I would like to pay, pleaseChciałbym zapłacić, proszę[H-chyaw-beem zah-pwah-cheech, proh-sheh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Pomocy![Poh-mo-tsy]
Go away!Idź sobie![Eedz soh-bee-eh]
Call the Police!Zadzwoń po policję![Zahdz-von poh po-lee-tsyeh]
Call a doctor!Zadzwoń po lekarza![Zahdz-von poh leh-kah-zah]
I'm lostZgubiłem się[Zgoo-bee-wem sheh]
I'm illJestem chory[Yeh-stem hoh-ree]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Chciałbym kupić...[H-chyaw-beem koo-peetch...]
I'm just lookingTylko się rozglądam[Tsy-koh sheh rohz-gwah-dahm]
How much is it?Ile to kosztuje?[Ee-leh toh kohs-tzoo-yeh?]
That's too expensiveTo za drogie[Toh zah dro-gee-eh]
Can you lower the price?Czy możesz obniżyć cenę?[Chih moo-zhehsh ohb-nee-zhoo-ch cheh-neh?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Która jest godzina?[Ktoh-rah yest goh-dzee-nah?]
It's one o'clockJest pierwsza[Yest pyeh-roo-sha]
Half past (10)Pół godziny (10)[Poo-w goh-dzee-ny (10)]
MorningRano[Rah-noh]
AfternoonPopołudnie[Poh-poo-wood-nyeh]
EveningWieczór[Vee-eh-choor]
YesterdayWczoraj[V-cho-rye]
TodayDzisiaj[Jee-shay]
TomorrowJutro[Yoo-tro]
1Jeden[Yeh-den]
2Dwa[Dvah]
3Trzy[Tzih]
4Cztery[Ch-teh-ree]
5Pięć[P-yeh-ntz]
6Sześć[S-zeh-shch]
7Siedem[Syeh-dem]
8Osiem[Oh-shyem]
9Dziewięć[Jeh-vyeh-ntz]
10Dziesięć[Jeh-shyehntz]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Gdzie jest...[Gdzyeh yest...]
What's the address?Jaki jest adres?[Yah-kee yest ah-drehs]
Can you show me (on the map)?Czy możesz mi pokazać (na mapie)?[Chih moo-zhehsh mee poh-kah-zahch (nah mah-pyeh)?]
When's the next (bus)?Kiedy jest następny (autobus)?[Kyeh-dy yest nah-stehp-ny (ow-toh-boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Bilet (do ...)[Bee-let (doh ...)]

History of Zakopane

Early Podhale Settlement

The Zakopane area developed within Podhale, a highland region shaped by pastoralism, forestry and seasonal movement between mountain settlements. Its name is generally connected with an old Polish expression referring to a cleared or buried place, although the precise linguistic history is debated. For centuries, communities in the area lived under the influence of the Polish Crown and later regional landlords, maintaining farming and pastoral traditions suited to the difficult mountain environment. The Górale culture that emerged in Podhale was influenced by Polish highland communities and migration patterns from the Carpathians. Wooden houses, shepherding practices, distinctive music and local forms of dress all grew from this relationship with the Tatras.

Mining and the First Visitors

Zakopane began to attract wider attention in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, when iron ore extraction and small-scale metallurgy developed in the surrounding mountains. These industries eventually declined, but they helped connect the settlement with broader economic networks. In the nineteenth century, visitors were drawn by the mountain climate and the perceived health benefits of the highland air. The arrival of physicians, scholars and early tourists gradually changed Zakopane from a rural settlement into a developing resort. Improved roads and the railway connection to Chabówka, opened in 1899, made access easier and encouraged further growth.

The Rise of a Mountain Resort

From the late nineteenth century, Zakopane became an important cultural and recreational centre for Polish visitors. Doctor Tytus Chałubiński played a major role in promoting the town as a health resort and in introducing educated visitors to the Tatra landscape. Artists, writers, musicians and political figures were attracted by both the mountains and the distinctive local culture. Walking clubs and mountaineering organisations helped formalise exploration of the Tatras, while villas and guesthouses expanded across the settlement. This period established many of the patterns still associated with Zakopane: mountain tourism, artistic life, highland hospitality and a strong sense of regional identity.

The Zakopane Architectural Style

At the turn of the twentieth century, architect and artist Stanisław Witkiewicz developed the Zakopane Style, seeking a national architectural expression based on the forms and craftsmanship of Podhale. The style used steep roofs, elaborate timber details, carved ornament and motifs inspired by highland buildings. Villa Koliba, now home to the Zakopane Style Museum, is its earliest major example, while other houses and chapels show how the ideas were adapted for different purposes. The movement was more than an architectural fashion: it reflected contemporary debates about Polish identity during a period when Poland remained divided between three empires.

War, Occupation and Reconstruction

Zakopane was incorporated into German-occupied Poland during the Second World War. The Tatras and neighbouring borderlands became routes for couriers and resistance activity, while the local population experienced repression, arrests and forced displacement. The town survived the war with much of its historic fabric intact, although its society had been deeply affected. After 1945, Zakopane operated within the Polish People’s Republic and continued to develop as a holiday and sporting centre. State investment expanded accommodation and infrastructure, yet the town retained its importance as a centre of Górale culture and as a gateway to the Tatra Mountains.

Modern Mountain Tourism

Since the late twentieth century, Zakopane has become one of Poland’s best-known domestic and international mountain resorts. The 1993 establishment of Tatra National Park strengthened the protection of the surrounding alpine environment, while ski facilities, cable transport and accommodation expanded the tourism economy. The town hosted alpine events during the 1999 Winter Universiade and remains associated with winter sports, hiking and ski jumping. Contemporary Zakopane balances intensive visitor development with efforts to protect the Tatras, preserve historic wooden architecture and sustain Górale traditions. Seasonal congestion, development pressure and environmental management remain important issues in the town’s continuing evolution.

Zakopane in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Zakopane

The closest cities to Zakopane, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Poland
More of the region

Explore more of Poland

Discover Poland's rich history, vibrant cities, and scenic landscapes, from the medieval streets of Kraków to the serene beauty of the Tatra Mountains and Masurian Lakes.

Explore Poland
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Zakopane

Discover Zakopane with Evendo: The 100% free app-based travel guide offering detailed insights on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Zakopane like never before with Evendo, your free and comprehensive travel guide app. From the Tatra Mountains to local eateries, plan your perfect trip effortlessly.

  • Comprehensive history and travel essentials for Zakopane
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Welcome to Zakopane, Poland's premier mountain resort town, where adventure meets culture. With Evendo, your journey begins the moment you download the app. Imagine walking through the charming streets, knowing exactly where to find the best attractions like the iconic Gubałówka Hill, breathtaking Morskie Oko Lake, and the fascinating Tatra Museum. Evendo not only highlights these must-see spots but also offers insider tips to make your visit unforgettable.

Craving local cuisine? Evendo guides you to the best restaurants in town. Savor traditional Polish dishes at Karczma Po Zbóju or enjoy a cozy evening at Restauracja Bąkowo Zohylina Wyźnio. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel stay or a quaint local inn, Evendo provides a list of top accommodations tailored to your needs.

Our app is designed to be your all-in-one travel companion. With detailed maps, contact details, and local tips, you can seamlessly navigate Zakopane. Book hotels, tours, and tickets directly through the app, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Evendo's 'Near me' feature helps you discover hidden gems around every corner, making every moment of your trip special.

Download Evendo today and turn your Zakopane adventure into an extraordinary experience. With our global coverage of over 7,000 destinations, your travel planning doesn’t stop with Zakopane. Embrace the world at your fingertips.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.