Best Things to Do in Zakopane, Poland: Restaurants, Thermal Baths, Rafting & Mountain Adventures

Situated at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, which form the border between Poland and Slovakia, Zakopane is a charming alpine town that epitomizes the culture of the Gorals, Poland’s highlanders.

Known as the winter sports capital of Poland, the town attracts plenty of skiers in the winter as well as hikers and climbers in the summer. Even if you aren’t so intrepid, there’s plenty to enjoy in Zakopane, from its unique and charming architectural style to its hearty cuisine and warm hospitality. Read on for a guide to exploring this quaint alpine town and the beautiful area surrounding it, too.

Gubałówka Hill Funicular

This funicular heads from the town up to the top of Gubałówka, offering sweeping views of the Tatras and panoramas in every direction. There are plenty of shops and restaurants at the top selling traditional crafts and food, too.

Wielka Krokiew

‘The Great Krokiew’ is a professional ski jumping hill right in the center of the town, a testament to the strong tradition of winter sports both amateur and professional in Zakopane. The jump is operational year-round with or without snow, and it often hosts international competitions. It’s an incredible sight to watch the skiers flying hundreds of feet through the air, so hopefully you’ll be lucky enough to align your visit with a competition.

Food

The Gorals have a hearty cuisine that can easily be classified as comfort food—the type of food that will warm you to your soul on a chilly night. I highly recommend visiting Regionalny Bar Mleczny to try their famous ‘highlander pie,’ consisting of potato pancakes topped with goulash (meat and vegetable stew) and sour cream. The restaurant is always packed with locals and is inside a cozy, traditional wooden house.

Another great spot to eat is Karczma Zapiecek, located on the main pedestrian street in town. This restaurant has a cozy, wooden interior as well, and it’s a good place to try traditional dishes like pork knuckle, trout, kwaśnica (sauerkraut and mutton soup), or pierogi, the dumplings that are arguably the country’s national dish. Be sure to try some local beer, too—I recommend Żywiec or Okocim, both of which are brewed in the region.

Don’t neglect the sweet stuff either. Visit Cukiernia Samanta for delicious cakes and pastries—anything with apples or berries should be an authentic regional treat.

Terma Bania

About a half-hour northeast of town, this resort doubles as both a thermal bath and a waterpark, offering fun for the whole family. The complex is both indoor and outdoor, allowing you to enjoy a warm soak in the thermal waters while enjoying the crisp mountain air against your face. A truly local experience, you are sure to be the only non-Polish person in attendance.

Dunajec River Rafting

This activity is located an hour east of Zakopane, but it is sure to be the highlight of your trip.

Straddling the border between Poland and Slovakia, this particular stretch of the Dunajec is a place of stunning natural beauty, and there is no better way to appreciate it than on a traditional river raft winding along the contours of the gorge.

Close-up views of the three peaks of Trzy Korony (Three Crowns), accompanied by stories and local legends from the guides, make this an unforgettable experience.