Good to know
Good to Know
- The Zakopane Style of architecture (Styl Zakopianski) was developed by Stanislaw Witkiewicz in the 1890s, blending highland folk art with Art Nouveau. Its distinctive wooden buildings influenced architecture across Poland.
- Particularly recommend Tatra Museum in 10 Krupówki street and Zakopane Style Museum in Villa Koliba in 18 Kościeliska street (on the way to Koliba we shall not miss out on the Old Church and Old Cemetery).
- Peak season brings crowds to major attractions; visit Krupówki Street and Gubałówka early in the day to avoid tourist congestion
- Most of the trails are available throughout the year but from March 1 to November 30 they are closed from dusk to dawn.
Art Galleries
Władysław Hasior Gallery
- Location
- 18b Jagiellońska Street
- Opening Hours
- Wed–Sat 11:00–18:00; Sun 9:00–15:00
- Description
- Permanent exhibition of works by sculptor Władysław Hasior
Gallery of 20th Century Art (OKSZA Villa)
- Location
- 25 Zamoyskiego Street
- Opening Hours
- Wed–Sat 10:00–18:00; Sun 11:00–16:00; Mon–Tue closed
- Description
- The exhibition in Villa Oksza presents the achievements of the artistic community and artists who were temporarily associated with Zakopane at a time when the village was the leading Polish center of artistic excellence. Everyone drew inspiration from the Tatra Mountains and highlander culture.
City Art Gallery (Miejska Galeria Sztuki)
- Location
- 41 Krupowki Street
- Admission
- Free
- Opening Hours
- Tue–Fri 10:00–18:00; Sat–Sun 10:00–16:00
- Description
- Art Gallery Yam, the oldest art gallery in Zakopane, has been showcasing Polish contemporary art since 1911.
Must See Sites
Tatra Museum (Muzeum Tatrzańskie)
- Location
- 10 Krupówki Street (city center)
- Admission
- PLN 7.00
- Opening Hours
- Wed–Sat 9:00–17:00; Sun 9:00–15:00; Mon–Tue closed
- Notes
- Audio guide available for 5 PLN additional cost. Free entry on first Sunday of the month.
- Description
- Features permanent exhibitions dedicated to the history, culture, and natural heritage of Zakopane, the Tatra Mountains, and the surrounding region known as Podhale. Its displays trace the region's history through photographs, documents, and artifacts, vividly recounting its traditions and folklore. The exhibitions are spread over several floors: the ground floor features a historical and ethnographic section, the first floor is dedicated to natural history, the second floor hosts temporary exhibitions.
Willa Koliba - Zakopane Style Museum (Muzeum Stylu Zakopiańskiego)
- Location
- 18 Kościeliska Street
- Admission
- PLN 13
- Opening Hours
- Wed–Sat 9:00–17:00; Sun 9:00–15:00; Mon–Tue closed
- Notes
- Tour duration approximately 30 minutes. Audio guide available in English. Free admission on Sundays and Wednesdays.
- Description
- Built in the late 19th century and designed by the renowned Polish artist and architect Stanisław Witkiewicz, the villa is considered the first building created in the distinctive Zakopane Style. Inside, the villa now houses the Museum of the Zakopane Style, where visitors can explore beautifully preserved interiors, original furnishings, and exhibits that explain the philosophy behind this uniquely Polish architectural movement. Each room tells a story from decorative woodwork and stained glass details to handcrafted furniture that blends functionality with folk artistry.
Villa Atma (Karol Szymanowski Museum)
- Location
- 19 Kasprusie Street
- Opening Hours
- Wed–Sat times; Sun 9:00–15:00; closed Mon–Tue (confirm exact hours locally)
- Notes
- Dedicated to classical music lovers; peaceful garden setting
- Description
- A 19th-century villa in Zakopane, Poland, which was once the home of the renowned Polish composer Karol Szymanowski. The villa now hosts both temporary and permanent exhibits related to the composer's life and work. Small but full of atmosphere – you can see Szymanowski's study, personal items, and enjoy the peaceful garden.
Wielka Krokiew Ski Jump (Museum & Observation Deck)
- Location
- Within central Zakopane area
- Notes
- Popular tourist attraction and symbol of Poland's winter sports heritage; check official website for current admission fees and opening hours
- Description
- This impressive ski jumping facility is one of Zakopane's most iconic landmarks and a symbol of Poland's winter sports heritage. The massive ski jump tower offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the perspective of ski jumpers and learn about the sport's history in Poland. The facility includes a museum, observation deck, and the opportunity to see training sessions during the winter season.
Krupówki Street
- Location
- City center (main pedestrian street)
- Description
- Zakopane's main pedestrian street is the heart of the town's social and cultural life, lined with traditional wooden buildings, shops, restaurants, and cafes. This vibrant thoroughfare offers visitors a perfect introduction to highland culture with its unique architecture, local crafts, and traditional Polish mountain cuisine. Stroll along the street to browse local souvenirs, sample oscypek (traditional smoked cheese), and soak up the authentic mountain atmosphere that makes Zakopane special.
Gubałówka Hill & Funicular
- Location
- Center of Zakopane (funicular base near Krupówki Street)
- Notes
- Funicular ride accessible from city center; highly touristy but popular for panoramic views
- Description
- Perched at an altitude of 1,123 meters, just slightly north of the town center, it offers stunning views of the Tatra Mountains, the city, and the surrounding valley. The hill's primary appeal lies in its abundance of family-oriented attractions, souvenir stalls, street food vendors, amusement rides, restaurants, and bars lining a straight path that runs along the hilltop overlooking the town.
Church of Our Lady of Częstochowa (Old Church)
- Location
- Kościeliska Street
- Notes
- Historic wooden architecture; part of larger cultural walking route
- Description
- The Church of Our Lady of Czestochowa (also known as the Old Church), one of the oldest wooden buildings in Zakopane. Built in 1847, this charming wooden church exemplifies traditional Goral architecture and is a peaceful spot to pause during your walk. Zakopane's Old Church is located on the 3000-km (1864 mi) long Wooden Architecture Trail, which is full of wooden historical buildings. It's also interesting to note that many of Poland's wooden churches are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Pęksowy Brzyzek Cemetery (Old Zakopane Cemetery)
- Location
- Behind Church of Our Lady of Częstochowa on Kościeliska Street
- Notes
- Unique folk art cemetery; reflects local artistic traditions and history
- Description
- This cemetery is locally known as Pęksowy Brzyzek, and what makes it so unique is that it doesn't look anything like a traditional cemetery. It's full of folk art, and most of the tombs are carved out of wood or stone. Many prominent figures from Zakopane's history, including artists, poets, and mountain guides, are buried here.
Specialized Museums
42a Chałubińskiego Street
- Name
- Nature Education Center of Tatra National Park (Centrum Edukacji Przyrodniczej TPN)
- Opening Hours
- Mon–Sat 9:00–14:00
- Description
- The largest mock-up of the Tatra Mountains in Poland, films 3D showing the Tatra nature from the perspective of their wild inhabitants, a cave and a children's discovery room. Great place for adults and children.
Kornel Makuszyński Museum
- Location
- 15 Tetmajera Street
- Admission
- PLN 6.00
- Opening Hours
- Wed–Sun 9:30–13:30
- Description
- The Kornel Makuszyński Museum is Zakopane's second biographic-literary museum after the Jan Kasprowicz Museum in the Harenda. It is based in the Opolanka house where the Makuszyńskis had stayed during their almost annual summer and winter visits to Zakopane between the two World Wars, and where they settled after World War II.
Practical Tips
- Audio Guides
- At an additional cost of 5 PLN, you may get an audio guide - highly recommended.
- Museum Passes
- No comprehensive multi-museum pass identified; individual museum admission required
- Advance Booking
- In the high season, tickets should be bought online at least a few days in advance.
- Best Time To Visit
- Known as the winter capital of Poland, this picturesque destination is not just about skiing and hiking; it also boasts a vibrant arts scene and a variety of museums that celebrate the region's history and traditions.
- First Sunday Free Entry
- I went on the first Sunday of the month and it was free. Some museums offer free or discounted admission on specific days
- Walking Tour Recommendation
- A 3-hour walking tour starting at Krupówki Street, visiting the Tatra Museum, Church of Our Lady of Częstochowa, Pęksowy Brzyzek Cemetery, and Willa Koliba provides comprehensive cultural overview of the town
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.