Zakopane City Guide

Local dishes feature Oscypek cheese and meat-heavy meals. You’ll find Italian and Asian food too. Vegetarian and vegan options exist but are limited. Town quiets after 10-11 PM.

Nightlife is modest, mostly folk inns with live music and a few pubs. Clubs exist but are few.

Growing coffee scene with traditional and specialty cafes.

Tipping is expected for good service. Around 10-15% in restaurants, rounding up in taxis.

SIM cards sold at mobile stores and kiosks. Orange and Play have best coverage. ID needed to register prepaid SIMs.

Generally clean, especially tourist areas, with waste and recycling services.

Few 24/7 options. Some convenience stores open late, but minimal overnight services.

Supermarkets include Biedronka, Lidl, and Lewiatan. Fresh markets are on Krupówki street. Most supermarkets close Sundays; small shops open limited hours.

Card payments work in most places, but carry cash for markets and small vendors.

Plenty of ATMs around town near main streets and shops. Use major banks like PKO BP, Santander, or ING for fewer fees.

No notable international schools in Zakopane; most options are in bigger Polish cities.

Small nomad community. Few dedicated spaces but some cafés are Wi-Fi friendly.

Surrounded by Tatra National Park with vast green areas and hiking trails.

Good running routes in valleys and park trails; be cautious on mountain paths.

Several gyms and sports centers are open for fitness and training.

Tennis courts are at facilities like COS-OPO, but padel is rare.

Padel courts are uncommon.

Several yoga studios are available, mostly in hotels or wellness centers.

Limited martial arts facilities; some classes in sports centers.

Ski slopes are around town, from beginner to advanced. Season runs roughly December to April. Equipment rentals are common.

Limited water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding on nearby lakes.

No surfing, it's a mountain area far from the ocean.

No diving due to mountain location.

Main hospital is Szpital Powiatowy im. dr Tytusa Chałubińskiego. Private clinics offer better service for foreigners. Pharmacies are common but English is limited.

Tap water is generally safe to drink.

Kids enjoy playgrounds and family-friendly cafés. Attractions like funiculars and Tatra Park suit families.

LGBTQ+ acceptance is lower than in bigger Western cities. No specific venues or groups.

Many places accept pets and vets are available. Some park trails restrict dogs.