Zakopane from Krakow: 5-Star Rated Day Trip with Thermal Baths
Description
Discover Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains on a flexible day trip from Krakow. Travel comfortably with a local guide who will introduce you to the history, traditions, and culture of southern Poland throughout the journey. Visit a traditional shepherd’s hut (bacówka), where you will taste authentic smoked oscypek cheese paired with regional Polish vodka while learning about local customs and centuries-old traditions of the Podhale region. Upon arrival in Zakopane, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Stroll along the lively Krupówki Street, browse local shops, sample regional cuisine, admire the mountain scenery, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere. For even more spectacular views, you can choose to take the Gubałówka Cable Car, which offers breathtaking panoramas of the Tatra Mountains and Zakopane from above. You may also decide to spend part of your day at the Chocholow Thermal Baths.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Departure from our comfortable indoor meeting point at Krakow Central Bus Station. Arrive 15 minutes early — restrooms, snacks, and seating are available while you wait.
Experience local mountain traditions during a stop at a traditional shepherd’s hut (“bacówka”). Taste the famous smoked oscypek cheese — a true regional specialty — paired with a shot of traditional Polish vodka. It’s the perfect introduction to the unique culture of the Polish highlands.
Ride the funicular up to Gubałówka for panoramic views over Zakopane and the Tatra range. At the top you'll find souvenir stalls, a gravity toboggan ride (optional, paid on-site), and several spots for the classic postcard photo. On clear days, this is one of the best viewpoints in the region.
Zakopane's main pedestrian street is lined with restaurants, oscypek cheese stands, and highlander-style souvenir shops. It's the best spot for lunch — try a warm oscypek with cranberry sauce from a street vendor, a local classic.
End your day with pure relaxation at the famous Chochołów Thermal Baths. Immerse yourself in warm geothermal waters surrounded by mountain landscapes and enjoy pools, jacuzzis, saunas, hydro-massage zones, and water attractions. After a day of exploring, this is the ultimate way to recharge both body and mind. Thermal baths are considered one of the top experiences in the Zakopane region by travelers and locals alike.
Breathtaking peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and charming Zakopane at the foothills make this region a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers all year round.
Relax on the comfortable drive back to Krakow with unforgettable memories of mountain views, local traditions, and a truly magical day in Zakopane.
Drop-off - After the tour, our driver will take you back to the meeting point.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The tour start time may change depending on traffic conditions and weather (between 7:30 and 9:00). You will be informed of any changes the day before the tour.
- Travel time between Krakow and Zakopane typically ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours each way, but can extend significantly during weekends, holidays, and high season due to traffic. Please plan for a full 11-hour day.
- Zakopane is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Poland. During peak seasons, especially on weekends, holidays, and school breaks, large crowds are to be expected in the city center and at major attractions.
- Waiting times for cable cars and popular attractions (such as Gubałówka) may be long, particularly during high season. The tour operator has no control over queues or waiting times.
- Participants are advised to wear comfortable footwear and clothing suitable for changing weather conditions.
- Mountain views and panoramic scenery are dependent on weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
- If you plan to visit the Thermal Baths, bring a swimsuit, towel, and flip flops. Locker hire is available on site.
- Bring cash (Polish złoty) for any optional extras you wish to purchase on site. Some vendors may accept cards, but cash is recommended.
- This tour operates year-round in all weather conditions. In the event of extreme weather affecting safety, the itinerary may be adjusted. Waterproof clothing is recommended in autumn and winter.
- Optional attractions such as the Gubałówka Cable Car and Chocholow Thermal Baths can be purchased directly on-site on the day of the tour.
- Please note: due to seasonal demand, the specific thermal baths facility may occasionally be substituted for a comparable nearby location of similar standard. Any changes will be communicated in advance whenever possible.
Reviews(1,898)
Wonderful trip, well organised and the host was very knowledgable and friendly
Dear Traveler, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful day exploring Zakopane, taking in the views from the cable car, and relaxing in the thermal baths! It is fantastic to know that everything was well-organized and that our host made such a great impression on you with their friendly attitude and rich knowledge of the region. Thank you for choosing Discover Cracow for your day trip to the mountains. We hope to welcome you on another unforgettable journey around Kraków soon! Kind Regards, Discover Cracow Team
Paulina is a truly accurate, polite, and nice guide, a beautiful experience
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review! We are truly delighted to hear that the transportation and ticketing organization met your expectations so smoothly. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is an extraordinarily atmospheric place, and we are thrilled that your Polish, Italian-native tour guide made the underground journey such an intense, engaging, and memorable experience! Thank you for choosing Discover Cracow. We hope to welcome you back on another exciting adventure in Kraków soon! Kind Regards, Discover Cracow Team
Antonio, an excellent guide: very professional and organized, always attentive to offering the best service and making the experience unforgettable.
¡Muchísimas gracias por vuestra fantástica reseña! 😊 Nos alegra saber que disfrutasteis de la excursión a Zakopane, el teleférico y las termas. Nos aseguraremos de transmitir a Antonio vuestras palabras. Saber que su profesionalidad, organización y atención contribuyeron a hacer la experiencia inolvidable significa mucho para nosotros. 👏 ¡Gracias por elegirnos y por compartir vuestra experiencia! Esperamos volver a recibiros en Cracovia muy pronto.
The work of the guide, Antony, was excellent. He was very friendly and competent.
Thank you very much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that Antony made your trip to Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains such a great experience. We’ll be sure to pass on your compliments to him. It’s wonderful to know that you found him both friendly and professional. We hope to welcome you again in Krakow or on another adventure in Poland! 😊
The experience was great. Antoni is an excellent guide, approachable, empathetic, and very knowledgeable about Poland and the Tatra Mountains in particular. We highly recommend it!
¡Muchísimas gracias por compartir vuestra experiencia! Nos alegra saber que disfrutasteis tanto de la excursión a Zakopane y los Montes Tatras. Nos encantará transmitir a Antoni vuestras palabras. Nos alegra especialmente saber que apreciasteis su cercanía, empatía y conocimiento de Polonia y de los Tatras. 😊 ¡Gracias por recomendarnos y esperamos volver a recibiros en Cracovia en el futuro!
It was a very beautiful, pleasant tour with wonderful landscapes. Thank you very much Pau, you made a great effort to coordinate this tour. Thank you 🌼👌
¡Muchas gracias por vuestra maravillosa reseña! 🌼 Nos alegra muchísimo saber que disfrutasteis del recorrido, de los paisajes y de la experiencia en Zakopane. Nos aseguraremos de transmitir a Pau vuestras bonitas palabras. Estamos encantados de saber que su esfuerzo y dedicación contribuyeron a que disfrutarais de este día tan especial. 😊 ¡Gracias por elegirnos y esperamos volver a recibiros en Cracovia muy pronto!
Antonio, our guide, was all kindness and professionalism. Very attentive to everyone, concerned about our well-being, his explanations were very pleasant, always with a touch of humor and looking for the best option for each of us during the time we had free. A 10!! Also a special mention for the bus driver who had the thoughtfulness to take us along a road that, although it meant a small detour, showed very picturesque villages of Polish culture; not everyone does that!!
¡Muchísimas gracias por compartir una reseña tan bonita y detallada! 😊 Nos alegra enormemente saber que disfrutasteis de la excursión a Zakopane y los Montes Tatras. Nos aseguraremos de transmitir a Antonio vuestras palabras. Saber que su amabilidad, profesionalidad, sentido del humor y atención a cada participante hicieron que el día fuera aún más especial significa mucho para nosotros. ¡Un 10 para él! 👏 También agradecemos mucho vuestra mención al conductor. Nos encanta que ese pequeño desvío os permitiera descubrir algunos pueblos pintorescos y conocer un poco más de la cultura y los paisajes de Polonia.
Antoni is an excellent guide, a young guy who knew how to lead the group very well; he speaks English and Spanish perfectly and is extremely polite. The tour is very well designed and makes many things easier for you as a tourist. The hot springs are an experience you cannot miss. I would repeat this excursion again with this operator and with Antoni. Do not hesitate, forget about the complications of getting tickets and stories. Also, during the bus ride, Antoni was explaining interesting anecdotes to us. Highly recommended.
¡Muchísimas gracias por una reseña tan fantástica! 😊 Nos alegra enormemente saber que disfrutasteis de la excursión a Zakopane, el teleférico y las termas, y que encontrasteis el recorrido cómodo y bien organizado. Nos encantará transmitir a Antoni vuestras palabras. Saber que su profesionalidad, amabilidad y dominio de inglés y español hicieron que la experiencia fuera aún más especial significa mucho para nosotros. También nos alegra que disfrutarais de sus explicaciones y anécdotas durante el trayecto. 👏 ¡Gracias por recomendarnos y por confiar en nosotros para descubrir Zakopane y los Montes Tatras! Estaremos encantados de volver a recibiros, y por supuesto, ¡con Antoni!
Antonio was our guide and GREAT. Always making sure that everything was okay, explaining during the trip, answering questions,... . Very good excursion.
¡Muchísimas gracias por dedicar unos minutos a dejarnos este comentario tan fantástico! Nos alegra enormemente saber que la excursión a Zakopane fue tan buena y que disfrutaste tanto de la experiencia. Antonio es un profesional excepcional, y le transmitiremos directamente tus palabras. Le hará muchísima ilusión saber que valoraste tanto su atención constante, sus explicaciones durante el trayecto y su predisposición para resolver cualquier duda. Nos esforzamos siempre por ofrecer ese trato cercano y atento, así que saber que lo logró con creces nos llena de orgullo. Gracias por confiar en Discover Cracow para descubrir este rincón tan especial de Polonia. ¡Esperamos volver a verte muy pronto en una nueva aventura! Un cordial saludo, El equipo de Discover Cracow
the tour was great ANTONIO the guide was excellent!! A 10/10 job!!!
¡Muchísimas gracias por compartir tu entusiasmo con nosotros! Nos alegra enormemente saber que la excursión a Zakopane desde Cracovia te ha parecido genial. Y, por supuesto, nos llena de orgullo leer tus palabras sobre Antonio. Le transmitiremos de inmediato tu felicitación por ese "¡¡trabajo de 10!!". Le hará una ilusión enorme saber que su dedicación y buena energía hicieron que tu día fuera perfecto. Gracias por confiar en Discover Cracow y por recomendarnos. ¡Esperamos volver a acompañarte en tu próxima aventura! Un cordial saludo, El equipo de Discover Cracow
