Top 2 Itineraries in Zakopane

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Zakopane.

A 3 to 5-day stay in Zakopane offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Zakopane’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Zakopane offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Poland's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

In the colder months, ski trips to Zakopane offer the ultimate getaway, especially for winter sports enthusiasts. Hit the snow-covered slopes by day, then unwind in cozy mountain lodges by night. Breathtaking alpine views and fresh mountain air awaits in Zakopane.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Zakopane truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Zakopane belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Zakopane are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Zakopane and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Zakopane itinerary with our handpicked list. Each of these 2 itineraries is crafted to match different travel styles. So whether you're in Zakopane just for a weekend, or you plan to see more on a longer city break or road trip, there's an itinerary for you!

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these itineraries will help you experience the best of Zakopane without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Zakopane!

A scenic 14-day road trip through Poznań, Chorzów, Łódź, Oświęcim, and Ojców is one of the best ways to experience Poland. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 14-day itinerary means that Zakopane can easily be combined with other top destinations in Poland without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Poznań, Chorzów, Łódź, Oświęcim, and Ojców by public transport, renting a car in Poland opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 14 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Łódź

• Arrival city: Łódź
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Łódź, e.g., PURO Lódz
• Sightseeing: Park Źródliska I

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Łódź. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Łódź

• Destinations: Łódź
• Driving distance: 140.12 km, approx. 2 hours and 43 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Warsaw, e.g., NYX Hotel Warsaw
• Sightseeing: Saltos trampoline park, Pasaż Róży, EC1 Łódź - City of Culture, Piłsudskiego Park, and Manufaktura
• Recommended tour: Warsaw Behind the Scenes - small group tour with hotel pickup

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Saltos trampoline park, Pasaż Róży, EC1 Łódź - City of Culture, Piłsudskiego Park, and Manufaktura. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Łódź, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Warsaw.

Day 3: Discover Warszawa

• Destinations: Warszawa
• Driving distance: 16.66 km, approx. 1 hour and 9 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Warsaw, e.g., NYX Hotel Warsaw
• Sightseeing: Łazienki Królewskie, Vistula Boulevards, Saxon Garden, Palace on the Isle, and Palace of Culture and Science
• Recommended tour: Private Legendary Warsaw Walking Tour

Spend the day exploring Łazienki Królewskie, Vistula Boulevards, Saxon Garden, Palace on the Isle, and Palace of Culture and Science. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Warszawa

• Destinations: Warszawa
• Driving distance: 15.36 km, approx. 1 hour and 4 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Warsaw, e.g., NYX Hotel Warsaw
• Sightseeing: Copernicus Science Centre, The Royal Castle in Warsaw, Multimedialny Park Fontann, and City Zoological Garden in Warsaw
• Recommended tour: Praga Dark Side Tour by Retro Bus in Warsaw

Continue your journey through Warszawa, where you can explore Copernicus Science Centre, The Royal Castle in Warsaw, Multimedialny Park Fontann, and City Zoological Garden in Warsaw. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Częstochowa, Rybnik, and Warszawa

• Destinations: Częstochowa, Rybnik, and Warszawa
• Driving distance: 336.62 km, approx. 3 hours and 55 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Rybnik, e.g., Apartamenty D20
• Sightseeing: Jasna Góra, The Warsaw Rising Museum, and Rynek w Rybniku

Drive through Częstochowa, Rybnik, and Warszawa, stopping to visit Jasna Góra, The Warsaw Rising Museum, and Rynek w Rybniku. Embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems off the beaten path. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Rybnik.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Chorzów

• Destinations: Chorzów
• Driving distance: 245.49 km, approx. 3 hours and 51 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Zakopane, e.g., Nosalowy Park
• Sightseeing: Silesian Zoological Park, Planetarium Śląskie, Park Redena, and Chorzowskie Centrum Kultury

Spend time discovering Silesian Zoological Park, Planetarium Śląskie, Park Redena, and Chorzowskie Centrum Kultury, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Zakopane.

Day 7: Spend Time in Białka Tatrzańska and Zakopane

• Destinations: Białka Tatrzańska and Zakopane
• Driving distance: 131.72 km, approx. 4 hours and 11 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Krakow, e.g., Hampton by Hilton Krakow Airport
• Sightseeing: Kasprowy Wierch Cable Railway - Ground Station, Ski resort Kotelnica Białczańska, The Great Krokiew, Zakopiańskie Krupówki, and Tatra National Park, Poland
• Recommended tour: Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow including Lunch

Explore Kasprowy Wierch Cable Railway - Ground Station, Ski resort Kotelnica Białczańska, The Great Krokiew, Zakopiańskie Krupówki, and Tatra National Park, Poland at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Krakow.

Day 8: Explore Kraków

• Destinations: Kraków
• Driving distance: 22.25 km, approx. 1 hour and 11 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Krakow, e.g., Hampton by Hilton Krakow Airport
• Sightseeing: Wawel Royal Castle-State Art Collection, Bielańsko-Tyniecki Landscape Park, Kraków Zoo, and Wawel Cathedral
• Recommended tour: Poland: Auschwitz and Birkenau Guided Tour from Krakow

Continue your road trip through Kraków, enjoying the flexibility to explore Wawel Royal Castle-State Art Collection, Bielańsko-Tyniecki Landscape Park, Kraków Zoo, and Wawel Cathedral and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Ojców, Wieliczka, and Kraków

• Destinations: Ojców, Wieliczka, and Kraków
• Driving distance: 133.91 km, approx. 2 hours and 35 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Oświęcim, e.g., Hampton by Hilton Oswiecim
• Sightseeing: Planty, St. Mary's Basilica, Ojcowski National Park, Wieliczka Salt Mine, and Rynek Główny
• Recommended tour: Auschwitz-Birkenau: Entry Ticket with Guided Tour

Visit Planty, St. Mary's Basilica, Ojcowski National Park, Wieliczka Salt Mine, and Rynek Główny as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Oświęcim.

Day 10: Uncover Oświęcim, Katowice, Brzezinka, and Bobrek

• Destinations: Oświęcim, Katowice, Brzezinka, and Bobrek
• Driving distance: 317.21 km, approx. 4 hours and 3 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Legnica, e.g., Hotel Kamieniczka
• Sightseeing: Memorial and Museum Auschwitz I, Memorial and Museum Auschwitz II-Birkenau, Wiślana Trasa Rowerowa - WTR 60 km do Krakowa, Nikiszowiec Historic Mining District, and Kosciuszko Park

Continue your exploration of Memorial and Museum Auschwitz I, Memorial and Museum Auschwitz II-Birkenau, Wiślana Trasa Rowerowa - WTR 60 km do Krakowa, Nikiszowiec Historic Mining District, and Kosciuszko Park, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure. End the day by checking into a lovely hotel in Legnica.

Day 11: Journey Through Wałbrzych and Karpacz

• Destinations: Wałbrzych and Karpacz
• Driving distance: 228.18 km, approx. 3 hours and 52 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Legnica, e.g., Hotel Kamieniczka
• Sightseeing: Książ Castle, Palmiarnia, Wang Church, and The Wild Waterfall

Take in the highlights of Książ Castle, Palmiarnia, Wang Church, and The Wild Waterfall, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings.

Day 12: Travel Through Wrocław

• Destinations: Wrocław
• Driving distance: 278.38 km, approx. 3 hours and 57 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Poznan, e.g., B&B HOTEL Poznan Old Town
• Sightseeing: Wrocław Market Square, ZOO Wrocław, and Wrocław Africarium
• Recommended tour: Poznań Experience 2-Hours Guided Walking Tour

Take the opportunity to explore Wrocław Market Square, ZOO Wrocław, and Wrocław Africarium, some of the top attractions in the area. Discover the surroundings by taking detours through charming villages and serene nature. After a day of adventures, check into another conveniently located hotel in Poznan.

Day 13: Enjoy the Best of Poznań

• Destinations: Poznań
• Driving distance: 212.27 km, approx. 3 hours and 13 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Łódź, e.g., PURO Lódz
• Sightseeing: Old Market Square, Park Cytadela, Imperial Castle, and Poznań Palm House

Explore Old Market Square, Park Cytadela, Imperial Castle, and Poznań Palm House as you near the end of your road trip. Take advantage of the opportunity to delve into local culture, whether through a museum visit or a tasting experience. Wrap up the day by settling into a new hotel in central Łódź.

Day 14: Maximize the Last Day in Poznań

• Destinations: Łódź
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Warsaw, e.g., NYX Hotel Warsaw
• Sightseeing: OFF Piotrkowska
• Recommended tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Warsaw Private Tour

Enjoy your last full day on the road, visiting OFF Piotrkowska and making time for spontaneous detours or local events. Return to Łódź for your final night. End the day's journey with a check-in at a top-rated hotel in Warsaw.

Day 14: Bid Farewell to Łódź

• Departure city: Łódź
• Driving distance: 2.3 km, approx. 31 minutes
• Sightseeing: OFF Piotrkowska

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Łódź. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along the route is around 1310 EUR for two people, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Zakopane. So, if you’re ready to explore iconic landmarks, scenic routes, and charming towns at your own pace, this 14-day road trip itinerary through Poznań, Chorzów, Łódź, Oświęcim, and Ojców is an excellent choice.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Zakopane for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

If you’re dreaming of a snowy winter getaway, a 5-day ski trip in Szymoszkowa is just what you should be looking for. With Szymoszkowa conveniently located near Zakopane, you can easily enjoy the best of both worlds—thrilling days on the slopes and cultural exploration in the city.

Whether you're a seasoned skier or just starting, there's something for every traveler to enjoy. Stunning mountain views, hearty local cuisine, and endless winter fun make for a fantastic 5-day winter itinerary in Poland.

Szymoszkowa quick facts:

• Slopes in Szymoszkowa
• 2 of easy slopes
• 2 of intermediate slopes

• Ski Pass Pricing in Szymoszkowa (High Season)
• Adult: around 170 EUR
• Child: around 160 EUR

Check out this top-recommended 5-day ski trip itinerary to make the most of your winter vacation in Zakopane.

Day 1 - Arrive in Zakopane and Settle In

Arrive in Zakopane and head to Szymoszkowa to check into your accommodation. After settling in, take a walk around the resort to get familiar with the facilities. Grab a light dinner at a cozy restaurant nearby and enjoy the evening ambiance of the resort.

Day 2 - Hit the Slopes in Szymoszkowa

Start your first full day with skiing on beginner-friendly runs or more challenging slopes. Consider taking a lesson if you're new to skiing or want to improve your skills. For lunch, refuel at a mountain lodge in Szymoszkowa before returning for more skiing in the afternoon. Wrap up the day with après-ski drinks.

Day 3 - Explore More Trails in Szymoszkowa and Relax

Spend the morning skiing some of the more popular slopes in Szymoszkowa. In the afternoon, take a break from skiing and enjoy the local spa or a hot tub session to unwind. Alternatively, explore nearby attractions, like Chochołowskie Termy, or scenic viewpoints for a change of pace.

Day 4 - Try Something New in Szymoszkowa

Dedicate this day to trying different activities in Szymoszkowa like snowshoeing or even dog sledding. If you prefer to stick to skiing, seek out less crowded trails or challenge yourself with some more difficult runs. End the day with a traditional dinner and live music at a resort bar.

Day 5 - Enjoy a Day Exploring Zakopane

Take a break from the slopes and spend the day exploring Zakopane. Wander through the town to discover charming shops, local markets, and attractions like Zakopiańskie Krupówki. In the evening, treat yourself to a delicious meal at a local restaurant known for its regional cuisine.

Day 5 - Departure Day

On your last day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and perhaps fit in a final ski session. Take some time for last-minute souvenir shopping or capturing photos before checking out. Plan your departure from Zakopane carefully to allow for a stress-free journey back.

This itinerary, starting from Zakopane, offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Immerse yourself in Poland’s pristine winter landscapes, cozy up in the resort’s inviting atmosphere, and dive into the lively après-ski scene for a truly unforgettable winter vacation in Szymoszkowa!

As you explore Zakopane, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Zakopane for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Zakopane in a way that feels truly unforgettable!