Top reasons to visit Zakopane
- Stunning Natural Scenery: Zakopane is surrounded by the breathtaking Tatra Mountains, perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures.
- Vibrant Local Culture: Explore the lively Zakopiańskie Krupówki street, filled with shops, eateries, and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Winter Sports Haven: Renowned for its excellent ski fields, Zakopane attracts adventure enthusiasts year-round.
- Diverse Accommodation: A wide range of lodging options, from hotels to guesthouses, ensuring comfort for all travellers.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Amusement rides and cultural experiences make Zakopane a fantastic destination for families.
Find great hotels in Zakopane
Discover the charm of Zakopane with a selection of accommodations that cater to every traveller's needs. From family-friendly hotels to inviting guesthouses, you'll find the perfect spot for your adventure. Enjoy pet-friendly options and relaxing spa facilities, including the renowned Hotel Gromada. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Tatra Mountains while indulging in the warm hospitality that Zakopane has to offer.
- ARIES Hotel & SPA: This luxurious 5-star hotel is a haven for adventure seekers and families alike. With a remarkable guest rating of 9.6 out of 10, ARIES Hotel & SPA offers easy access to ski lifts and shuttles for winter sports enthusiasts. The hotel features a wide array of adventure sports activities, including onsite ski rentals and opportunities for mountain biking and horse riding. Families will appreciate the dedicated children's amenities, such as supervised childcare, a shared playground, and babysitting services, ensuring a comfortable stay for both adults and children.
- Grand Hotel Stamary Wellness & Spa: A charming 4-star property, Grand Hotel Stamary Wellness & Spa boasts a guest rating of 9.4 out of 10. Ideal for family vacations, this hotel offers an inviting atmosphere with various recreational activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and ski lessons nearby. The establishment caters to children with amenities such as a children's pool, shared playground, and a kids' club available for a fee. Guests can unwind in the hotel’s wellness facilities, making it an excellent choice for relaxation after a day of adventure.
- Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, Zakopane: With a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, this 5-star hotel combines elegance with a range of adventure sports options, including rock climbing and hiking. Located conveniently for ski access, Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences is perfect for families seeking both thrills and relaxation. The hotel provides entertaining amenities for children, such as toys, games, and a shared playground, ensuring a delightful experience for younger guests. Upscale accommodations and attentive service create a memorable stay in Zakopane.
Where to stay near Zakopane
Zakopane, a charming ski resort town in the heart of the Polish countryside, offers a delightful blend of adventure and relaxation. Stroll along the vibrant Zakopiańskie Krupówki, where you'll find local shops, eateries, and a friendly atmosphere. Whether you're skiing on the slopes or exploring the serene surroundings, Zakopane promises an unforgettable experience for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. Nearby, bask in the cultural richness and welcoming spirit of the region for a truly memorable holiday.
- Poronin: Located a mere 6km from Zakopane, Poronin is a charming village that attracts visitors year-round, albeit with peaks in July and during the festive winter months from December to January. Known for its outdoor and family experiences, Poronin offers a delightful mix of adventure, particularly for those keen on skiing and exploring the natural landscape. The area features accessible ski fields and shopping areas, making it a convenient base for winter sports enthusiasts. Nearby attractions include a theme park and breathtaking views within the national state park, perfect for those who love the great outdoors.
- Suche: Just 5km away from Zakopane, the quaint village of Suche is particularly vibrant during the winter months, drawing in ski enthusiasts from December to February. This village is a haven for adventure seekers, offering excellent ski resorts and fields that cater to all skill levels. The seasonal influx of visitors creates a lively atmosphere, with opportunities for sports and outdoor activities. Whether you're a seasoned skier or a novice, Suche provides an exhilarating experience amid stunning mountain scenery.
- Zab: Also located 5km from Zakopane, the picturesque village of Zab is moderately seasonal, with a peak in visitors from December to February. Known for its adventurous spirit, Zab is a fantastic destination for those seeking outdoor experiences and skiing. The village is home to ski resorts and shopping areas that offer a blend of leisure and excitement. With nearby mountains and a theme park, Zab is perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike, ensuring a memorable and engaging visit.
Things to do in Zakopane
Shopping
In Zakopane, explore local markets like Krupówki Street for traditional crafts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit the Góralski Market in nearby Nowy Targ for a wider selection of regional products and handmade goods.
Recreation
In Zakopane, the Tatra Wellness Centre offers a serene atmosphere with a range of massages and treatments inspired by local traditions. Visit the Aqua Park Zakopane for its relaxing thermal pools and saunas, providing a refreshing escape amidst the stunning Tatra Mountains.
Adventure
At Kolej linowa Kasprowy Wierch, take in breathtaking mountain views while gliding up the slopes in a cable car, perfect for family adventures. Gugu Park Linowy offers an exhilarating zipline and ropes course experience, allowing you to navigate treetops in a thrilling outdoor setting.
Nightlife
Visit the Tatra Museum for an evening of culture, then head to the lively Koscieliska Street for pubs like the popular La Playa, where you can enjoy cocktails and dance. For a more relaxed vibe, check out the atmospheric Café Tygodnik for a quiet drink and local conversation.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Zakopane
To save money on your trip to Zakopane, consider visiting in the off-peak months of March and October to November when prices are lower. Take advantage of free activities like Gubałówka and Kasprowy Wierch, and opt for buses over cars to save on transport. Book your accommodation a month in advance for the best rates, and check Expedia for last-minute deals. Saturdays are generally cheaper for stays, while Tuesdays are the most expensive. Look for package deals that combine flights and hotels for additional savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Zakopane are March and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Zakopane about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Zakopane is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Zakopane is Tuesday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organise your results to display prices from the lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay in Zakopane with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
Find the best attractions in Zakopane
Zakopane is an ideal destination for families and adventure seekers alike, offering a blend of cultural and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore stunning mountains, charming streets, and breathtaking peaks, making it a perfect spot for those keen on adventure and immersive local culture. With a variety of attractions, Zakopane promises memorable activities for everyone, ensuring that your holiday is filled with excitement and discovery.
- Zakopane-Gubalowka Transmitter: This striking monument is a symbol of local culture and history, offering visitors a glimpse into the area's telecommunications legacy. Its unique architecture stands out against the backdrop of the Tatra Mountains, making it a fascinating spot for photography and exploration.
- Krupowki Street: The vibrant heart of Zakopane, Krupowki Street bustles with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can stroll along the lively promenade, soaking in the local atmosphere while enjoying traditional Polish cuisine and shopping for unique souvenirs.
- Gubałówka: This picturesque mountain offers adventurous hiking trails and breathtaking views of the Tatra range. A cable car ride to the summit reveals stunning panoramas, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Best time to go to Zakopane
The best time to visit Zakopane can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Zakopane falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Zakopane falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Zakopane
Reaching Zakopane is convenient via its major airports. Kraków John Paul II Airport (KRK) is situated 87km away, with excellent nearby hotels like the 5-star Balthazar Design Hotel and Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow, both offering 24-hour airport shuttle services. Katowice Pyrzowice Airport (KTW) lies 145km from Zakopane, with notable hotels such as Rezydencja Luxury Hotel and Hotel Szafran, providing accessible airport transport options. Alternatively, Kosice Airport (KSC) is 117km away, featuring hotels like DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kosice, which also offer shuttle services. Each airport provides various accommodation and transportation solutions for a seamless travel experience.