Comprehensive Summer Getaway from London to Zakopane, Poland via Krakow

Day 1: Arrival and Settle

London to Zakopane, Poland on August 4, 2025

8:00am

Departure from London

Catch an early morning flight from London Heathrow or Gatwick to Krakow John Paul II International Airport to maximise your day. Flights typically last around 2.5 hours.
GBP100-150 (approx. flight cost), 2h30m

11:00am

Travel from Krakow Airport to Zakopane

From Krakow airport, take a direct shuttle or pre-booked private transfer to Zakopane, approximately a 2-hour drive.
PLN100-150, 2h

1:30pm

Check-in at Tatrzańska 100d

Settle into your accommodation at Tatrzańska 100d and relax after your journey.
N/A, 30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Karczma u Fiakra

Enjoy traditional Polish mountain cuisine in a cosy, rustic setting. Try the local specialty ‘oscypek’ cheese dishes.
PLN40-60, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Zakopane town centre

Take a gentle walk exploring Krupówki Street with its shops, cafés and local artisans for a first feel of the town vibe.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restauracja Zakopiańska

Dine on gourmet Polish mountain dishes with superb views, open until 9pm. Reservations recommended.
PLN70-100, 1.5h
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Day 2: Tatra Mountains Hiking

Zakopane, Poland on August 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your accommodation

Start your day with a hearty breakfast provided onsite or at a nearby café in Zakopane to fuel your hike.
Included or PLN15-25, 30m

8:30am

Hiking in Tatra National Park – Morskie Oko Trail

Walk the beautiful and accessible 8km Morskie Oko lake trail, one of the most scenic hikes in the region.
PLN6 entrance fee, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Schronisko PTTK przy Morskim Oku

Enjoy traditional hiking refuge food with stunning lake views after your trek. Open throughout the day.
PLN30-50, 1h

2:30pm

Return hike and rest

Leisurely walk back to the start, then return to accommodation to rest or take a light stroll in Zakopane.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Restauracja Ruczaj

Experience high-quality regional dishes in an authentic wooden interior, open until 9pm.
PLN60-90, 1.5h
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Day 3: Cultural and Relaxation Day

Zakopane, Poland on August 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Tygodnik Podhalański

Start your day with speciality Polish coffee and pastries in a friendly café environment.
PLN15-25, 45m

9:00am

Visit the Tatra Museum

Explore the history, nature and culture of the Tatra region. Open from 9am to 5pm; entrance fee PLN10.
PLN10, 2h

11:30am

Walk the traditional wooden architecture trail

Discover Zakopane's unique wooden buildings and villas, showcasing the Zakopane Style.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restauracja u Wnuka

Savour authentic Polish dishes in a popular family-run establishment open until 3pm.
PLN40-60, 1h

2:30pm

Afternoon relaxation at Aqua Park Zakopane

Enjoy pools, saunas, and spa facilities to unwind. Open 10am–9pm; ticket approx PLN40.
PLN40, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Restauracja Karczma Zapiecek

Taste regional specialities with live folk music on selected evenings, open until 10pm.
PLN50-80, 1.5h
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Day 4: Day Trip: Gubałówka Hill

Zakopane, Poland on August 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast to prepare for a day outdoors.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Cable car to Gubałówka Hill

Take the cable car from Zakopane to Gubałówka Hill offering panoramic views of the Tatras, open 9am–7pm (tickets PLN20).
PLN20 return, 1h

9:30am

Explore Gubałówka Hill Market and walking trails

Browse local crafts, try regional snacks and enjoy hiking along scenic trails.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restauracja Widokowa

Dine with breathtaking views over the valley. Open daily; suggested dishes include grilled trout.
PLN50-70, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Zakopane town centre

Descend by cable car and stroll in the town or enjoy a coffee break.
Included, 30m

4:00pm

Visit the Church of Our Lady of Czestochowa

Visit this beautiful wooden landmark important in local culture.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pimiento Argentino

Try Argentinian-style grilled meats combined with Polish mountain ingredients.
PLN70-100, 1.5h
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Day 5: Relaxed Local Day

Zakopane, Poland on August 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a quiet morning with a leisurely breakfast.
Included, 30m

9:30am

Visit Nosal Mountain

A popular local hiking and climbing spot with moderate trails and scenic views. Accessible all day, free to visit.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bistro Halka

A cosy place known for local favourites and freshly made pierogi. Open from 12pm to 8pm.
PLN30-50, 1h

2:30pm

Afternoon Coffee and Cake at Cukiernia Samanta

Try delicious traditional Polish cakes in this reputable local bakery.
PLN10-20, 45m

3:30pm

Optional Spa or Massage

Book a treatment in one of Zakopane’s wellness centres, such as the Bukovina Resort Spa.
PLN100-150, 1.5-2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Karczma Przy Młynie

Casual dining with traditional highlander food, open until 9pm.
PLN50-70, 1.5h
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