20 Things to Do in Zakopane
Zakopane welcomes visitors with its stunning location at the foot of Poland’s majestic Tatra Mountains, earning its reputation as the country’s winter capital and a year-round hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Beyond the incredible hiking and skiing, the town boasts unique wooden architecture and vibrant Highlander culture, with plenty of charming sights discoverable among the free things to do in Zakopane, like wandering its lively central street or admiring chapel exteriors. Its unique blend of nature and culture makes it a captivating destination.
This guide points you toward 20 distinct experiences that capture the heart of Zakopane and its breathtaking surroundings. From high-mountain adventures and cultural explorations to relaxing thermal baths and tasting local specialties, these suggestions will help you craft an unforgettable Polish mountain getaway. Prepare to discover the unique spirit of this alpine town.
Mountain Adventures & Views
Ride the Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car: Ascend high into the Tatra Mountains via cable car for breathtaking panoramic views and access to alpine hiking trails. Book tickets online well in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues.
Gubałówka Hill Funicular: Take the funicular railway up Gubałówka hill for fantastic views back over Zakopane and the Tatra range opposite. Enjoy the attractions at the top, including restaurants, souvenir stalls, and seasonal activities like a gravity slide.
Hike to Morskie Oko Lake: Embark on the popular, relatively long but paved walk (or take a horse-drawn carriage partway) to reach the stunning emerald-green mountain lake, Morskie Oko. The scenery is truly spectacular, surrounded by high peaks.
Explore Kościeliska Valley: Take a leisurely walk or hire a horse-drawn carriage through one of the most beautiful valleys in the Tatras, known for its scenic beauty and access to caves. Enjoy the easy path alongside the picturesque stream.
Wander Strążyska Valley: Enjoy another relatively easy valley walk leading to the Siklawica waterfall. This shorter trek offers beautiful forest scenery and is a popular choice for families.
View Giewont Mountain: Admire the iconic “Sleeping Knight” profile of Giewont mountain, visible from many points in Zakopane. This prominent peak with its summit cross is a symbol of the region.
Zakopane Town & Culture
Stroll Down Krupówki Street: Experience the vibrant heart of Zakopane by walking along its famous pedestrian street, lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and street performers. It’s the perfect place for people-watching and soaking up the lively town atmosphere.
Visit the Tatra Museum: Discover the history, culture, and nature of the Tatra region at the main branch or its various satellite museums scattered around town. Learn about the unique Highlander (Góral) culture and the local flora and fauna.
Admire Jaszczurówka Chapel: Visit the beautiful wooden chapel designed in the distinctive Zakopane Style architecture by Stanisław Witkiewicz. Its intricate carvings and location near the Tatra National Park entrance make it a charming architectural gem.
See the Wielka Krokiew Ski Jump: Visit the large ski jumping hill used for international competitions, located at the foot of the mountains. You can take a chairlift up for views or simply admire the impressive structure from below.
Explore Zakopane Style Architecture: Wander beyond Krupówki to find stunning examples of the unique wooden architectural style developed by Witkiewicz, like Villa Koliba (part of the Tatra Museum). Look for intricate carvings and distinctive steeply pitched roofs on historic villas.
Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima: Explore the large, impressive church complex built by Highlanders as a votive offering after Pope John Paul II survived an assassination attempt. Admire the architecture and the beautiful stained glass.
Upside Down House (Dom do Góry Nogami): Experience the disorienting fun of walking through a fully furnished house built upside down. It’s a quirky attraction offering amusing photo opportunities.
Snowlandia (Winter Season): If visiting in winter, explore the snow maze and ice castle constructed entirely from snow and ice. This seasonal attraction provides unique frosty fun for families.
Relaxation & Local Flavors
Relax at Thermal Baths: Unwind after hiking or skiing at one of the nearby thermal bath complexes like Terma Bania Białka or Chochołowskie Termy. Enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and water slides with mountain views.
Taste Oscypek Cheese: Sample the traditional smoked sheep cheese, often grilled and served with cranberry jam, from street vendors or market stalls. This regional specialty is a must-try local delicacy.
Shop at Gubałówka Market: Browse the numerous stalls at the top of Gubałówka Hill (and sometimes along Krupówki) selling local crafts, sheepskin products, wooden items, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to find traditional Highlander goods.
Enjoy Highlander Cuisine: Savor hearty local dishes like kwaśnica (sauerkraut soup), placek po zbójnicku (potato pancake with goulash), or grilled meats at traditional restaurants (karczmy). Experience the rustic flavors of the region.
Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: Enjoy a leisurely ride through town or into nearby valleys in a traditional horse-drawn carriage (dorożka or fasągi). It offers a charming and romantic way to see the sights.
Church of the Holy Family: Visit the oldest brick church in Zakopane, located near Krupówki Street. Admire its neo-Gothic architecture and ornate interior, offering a contrast to the wooden churches in the area.
