Looking for attractions in Zakopane
Krupówki – the heart of Zakopane
Gubałówka and Butorowy Wierch – views without effort
Wielka Krokiew ski jump – following in the footsteps of champions
Kuźnice and the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch
Kościeliska and Chochołowska Valleys – mountains for everyone
Zakopane’s cultural side – Villa Koliba, Tatra Museum, Witkacy Theatre
Slow-style relaxation – thermal baths and an apartment with a spa
Zakopane is a place that doesn’t let you get bored – regardless of the season, age or destination. For lovers of active recreation, it offers dozens of hiking and cycling routes, for culture lovers – unique monuments and museums, and for those looking for relaxation – thermal baths, SPA apartments and intimate restaurants. If you are wondering what is worth seeing in Zakopane, it is worth approaching it broadly – because it is not just Krupówki or Gubałówka. The real magic of this place lies in its diversity. Only here you can drink coffee with a view of Giewont, climb a high mountain peak and relax in the evening in a jacuzzi with a salt graduation tower.
It is also worth knowing that Zakopane has many faces – different ones for families with children, different ones for couples, different ones for Tatra enthusiasts. In this guide, you will find suggestions for both those visiting the city for the first time and for regulars looking for new experiences. We will suggest what is worth seeing in Zakopane in the summer, where it is worth going with children, and which places offer the best views without having to climb.
It is impossible to talk about Zakopane without mentioning Krupówki – it is the most famous street in the city and the real heart of social, commercial and culinary life. What is worth seeing on Krupówki? In addition to souvenir shops and oscypek cheese, it is worth visiting the Church of the Holy Family – one of the oldest temples in the city. Next to it is the historic building of the former post office, and a little further – the legendary Samanta confectionery and iconic regional restaurants.
A walk along Krupówki is not only an attraction for tourists, but also a great opportunity to feel the rhythm of the city. It is especially worth paying attention to:
Street performances – highlander bands, classical musicians, dancers
Local art galleries – featuring paintings, sculptures, and Tatra photography
Café terraces with a view of Giewont – perfect for an afternoon break
In the evening, the street comes alive even more – numerous restaurants, bars with live music and pleasant illumination create a unique atmosphere. For many tourists, Krupówki is the first and last point of every day in Zakopane.
If you’re looking for a place that offers spectacular views of the Tatras without having to spend hours hiking, Gubałówka will be a perfect choice. It’s one of the most recognizable hills in Poland, easily accessible by funicular railway from the center of Zakopane. After just a few minutes of riding, you’ll be at the top, with a panoramic view of the Tatras and the entire Zakopane Basin – a perfect place for photos, a short walk, or relaxing in one of the many restaurants with a view.
From Gubałówka you can go to the less crowded Butorowy Wierch – it is a great option for a quiet walk with beautiful views. Along the way you will find:
Stalls with regional products: cheeses, honey, handicrafts
Spots with deckchairs to enjoy lemonade and admire the Tatra Mountains
Climbing walls and slides for children (during the summer season)
Walking and scenic trails accessible even for seniors
During the summer season, various events take place here: folklore shows, tastings of regional dishes, and even yoga classes with a view of the mountains. This is a great attraction for anyone who wants to combine pleasure with relaxation and get away from the hustle and bustle of Krupówki.
Wielka Krokiew is not only a legendary ski jump, but also a fascinating place to visit – especially in the summer, when the stands and viewing terraces are available to tourists. The facility where Adam Małysz and Kamil Stoch celebrated their triumphs, today offers attractions also for those who are not interested in sports. Riding the chairlift to the top of the jump, you can feel what the world looks like from a jumper’s perspective – literally! The view from the top is breathtaking, and the installed platforms with a panorama of Zakopane are an ideal place for photos.
The tour includes:
Chairlift ride to the top of Wielka Krokiew
Viewpoint overlooking Giewont and the town center
Exhibition dedicated to the history of ski jumping in Poland
Interactive multimedia and archival footage from competitions
It is a great place for families with children as well as for winter sports fans who want to see the legendary facility from the inside. Especially in summer, when there are no competitions, the tour is peaceful and without crowds. And who knows – maybe this visit will inspire someone to start their skiing adventure?
Kuźnice is a historic district of Zakopane and a starting point for trips to the highest parts of the Tatras. This is where one of the most famous cable cars in Poland starts – the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch. If you are wondering what is worth seeing in Zakopane in the summer, Kasprowy is an absolute classic. The ride takes about 12 minutes and is divided into two sections – along the way you can admire forests, valleys and steep rock faces. The upper station is located at an altitude of 1959 m above sea level – it is a real gateway to the High Tatras.
What is worth seeing and doing in Kuźnice and Kasprowy Wierch?
Visit the Tatra National Park Nature Museum (at the lower station)
Book a ticket online to avoid queues
Hike from Kasprowy to the Gąsienicowa Valley or Świnica Peak
Take a break at the Murowaniec mountain hut
See the historic Zamoyski Manor and Villa Oksza along the way
In the summer, the cable car operates daily and is very popular, so it is worth buying tickets in advance. The views from the cable car are one of a kind – it is the only place in Poland where you can quickly find yourself almost 2,000 m above sea level, without leaving the comfort of your armchair. An ideal option for a day “between” intensive trails.
If you dream of meeting the Tatra nature, but you are not yet ready for demanding trails, choose the Kościeliska or Chochołowska Valleys – these are ideal places for a peaceful, but still exciting hike. The Kościeliska Valley delights from the very first steps – a comfortable, wide path leads through it along a stream, surrounded by rock walls, spruces and caves. Along the way, you can rest in the shade, listen to the sound of water and admire the majesty of nature.
At the end of the route, there is a shelter on Hali Ornak – a place where you can have a warm meal and rest before the return journey. On the way, it is worth visiting:
Mroźna Cave – with cool air and rock formations (a perfect summer refreshment)
Chapel on Polana Pisana – a charming spot often hosting outdoor masses
Dragon’s Den – more challenging, but accessible for the brave
In turn, the Chochołowska Valley is the longest valley in the Polish Tatras – ideal for families with children, seniors and people on bikes. Its long, straight section up to the shelter is a great opportunity to relax surrounded by nature, without worrying about the terrain difficulties. In spring, the valley is decorated with famous crocuses, but in summer there is also no shortage of colors and space. At the end of the valley there is a climatic shelter, and a little further – the entrances to Trzydniowiański Wierch and Grześ, i.e. gentle peaks with beautiful views.
Although Zakopane is mainly associated with mountains, there is also no shortage of space for culture – both regional and more alternative. Willa Koliba is the oldest house in the Zakopane style, designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz. Inside, there is a museum where you can see what life was like for Zakopane intelligentsia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries – original furniture, costumes, handicrafts, folk art. It is a real journey through time, also ideal for children.
The second important point on the city’s cultural map is the Tytus Chałubiński Tatra Museum. It houses an ethnographic exhibition, a collection of minerals, natural history exhibitions, and a rich archive of photographs and maps. It is an excellent choice for a day with poor weather, and a great way to understand the cultural context of the region you are visiting.
And in the evening? It is worth booking tickets to the Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz Theatre. This is a unique cultural institution – combining theatre, philosophy, poetry and elements of contemporary art. The repertoire includes both classics and original plays on the border of drama and performance. The unique atmosphere of the place attracts tourists from all over Poland. For those who ask what to see in Zakopane apart from the mountains, the answer is simple: art – at its best local level.
After a day full of excitement – whether on a trail or in a museum – it is worth taking care of your body and senses. More and more tourists visiting the Tatras plan their stay in the “slow travel” style – with space for regeneration, peace and relaxation. That is why one of the best answers to the question of what is worth seeing in Zakopane… is simply: a good SPA. And we are not talking about crowded public pools, but intimate, luxurious wellness zones available directly in premium apartments.
At Villa T we offer a unique relaxation space where our guests can enjoy:
Outdoor jacuzzi with a view of Giewont
Finnish and infrared saunas, perfect for muscle recovery after physical activity
Salt graduation tower to support the respiratory system
Massages on request: classic, relaxing, sports, and couple rituals
Most importantly, the wellness area is available at no extra charge to all guests of the apartments. This is a huge advantage, especially in the summer season, when the city is bustling with life and a moment of respite becomes a real luxury. An apartment with a jacuzzi in Zakopane is not only prestigious, but also a conscious choice for people who value health, balance and quality.
