A Guide to Zakopane Nightlife

Zakopane nightlife scene is reason enough to book a trip on its own – even if he town is known for its skiing and hiking. From torchlit sleigh rides through snowy forests to packed dance floors thumping with drum & bass until 5am, the Zakopane night life covers an absurdly wide range for a town of around 27,000 people.

Whether you’re winding down after a day on the slopes or just getting warmed up for a proper Zakopane party, this guide covers everything you need to know about where to go and what to do after dark.

В этой статье:

→ Zakopane at Night: An Après-Ski Paradise
→ Classic Zakopane Nightlife Activities
→ Лучшие бары в Закопане
→ Night Clubs in Zakopane
→ Zakopane Nightlife Tips

Zakopane at Night: An Apres-Ski Paradise

Zakopane’s nightlife welcomes both young thrill-seekers – with its vibrant bar and club scene – and families – thanks to its traditional winter wonderland charm. Unlike the alps, you can buy a large beer for €2-3 and a full soul-warming meal for about €10.

Krupówki Street is the beating heart of this beautiful town, active and thriving in both winter and summer, but there are many places and activities hiding in the town – if only you know where to look.

Classic Zakopane Nightlife Activities (Before Hitting Bars & Clubs)

Before you hit the local taverns, bars and clubs, check out these classic Zakopane experiences.

Kulig Horse Sleigh Ride & Barbecue

Join a centuries-old Highland party tradition, starting from your accommodation.

The kulig begins with a one-hour torch-lit horse sleigh ride through the Bachledzki Wierch, taking in views of the surrounding Tatra Mountains. At the end of the ride, you’re welcomed to a bonfire for an unlimited traditional barbecue with drinks, a live highlander folk band, dancing, folklore stories, and a masterclass in drinking like a real Góral. It’s equal parts cultural experience and proper party. Kulig carriages are available in summer too!

Thermal Baths Evening

Thermal bath complexes in and around Zakopane usually work until 10pm, and offer a variety of thermal amenities – but also restaurants, cafes and bars. It’s a great way to unwind after a day of skiing or hiking before heading out for a night in the town.

Our team can arrange a full trip to a thermal bath of your choosing, with transport and entry. Just reach out to us!

Best Bars in Zakopane (and Taverns)

Zakopane is full of amazing places to grab a drink and listen to music with friends. From modern bars with unique cocktails to rustic taverns with Polish soul food and drinks. Here is our list of the best bars in Zakopane that are worth a visit.

Legenda Nietoperza — Krupówki 53. Extensive menu of phenomenal cocktails. This place is run by a cool couple with extensive knowledge about alcohol – ask them and they will make you anything your heart desires. Really good music plays ambiently, allowing for conversation until late.

Cafe Piano — Krupówki 63. Just off the main street, Cafe Piano is one of the coolest bars in Zakopane. Bar seats on actual swings, an eccentric interior, live piano music, and a crowd that’s a genuine mix of locals and visitors. There’s a garden area out back that’s great in summer.

Karczma u Starego — Droga Oswalda Balzera 16b. A true locals’ hangout where everyone is made to feel welcome. The food is delicious home-cooked Polish cuisine, washed down with locally brewed beer. A ‘Karczma’ (Polish tavern) is a must-visit while in the country.

Nietota — Krupówki 34. Worth finding for a solid beer and good vibes. The artful interior makes for a great place to enjoy the DJ music, and the dance-prone will feel at home.

Restauracja Browar Watra — Hr. Władysława Zamoyskiego 2. This place is enormous and a true staple of Zakopane — there’s an on-site brewery producing amazing craft beer, a full restaurant, and a dance floor for late-night polka dances.

Bakowo Zohylina Niznio — Józefa Piłsudskiego 28A. A stunning villa-style restaurant where regional music is played live every night by talented instrumentalists. The menu features a variety of tantalising regional dishes — all at reasonable prices, with vegetarian options included.

Na Końcu Świata — Witkiewicza 10. A friendly place with a wonderful ambience and great drinks. Interior full of 70s & 80s posters, pinball, darts and free board games. Many spend every night of their stay in Zakopane here.

Лучшие клубы в Закопане

Zakopane is notorious for its party scene.. It might not have the variety of Krakow or Warsaw, but it still houses some of the best clubs in the region. There’s almost always a good night going on here, whatever day of the week. Watch out for the “White Nights” festival when the party doesn’t stop between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Dworzec Tatrzanski — Krupówki 12. The largest venue in Zakopane – it’s a club but not in the traditional sense. It has live music, food, and often hosts art exhibitions and performances. It’s one of the most respected cult venues in Poland. Definitely check out its itinerary for the day before going.

Ва-ва-вум — A lively nightclub with an electrifying atmosphere and amazing music. Prepare for a night you’ll never forget in this stylish 2-floor club. Friendly staff, great organization and DJs that know how to keep the party going all night. Your go-to nightclub in Zakopane, Poland.

Le Scandale — Mariusza Zaruskiego 5. A smaller venue with a nice atmosphere. It’s located in the Aries hotel. The disco / nightclub is usually active only during the weekends, but on week days it’s a very nice bar with nice interior.

Tips for Zakopane Nightlife

If you’re going out at night in Zakopane, make sure to take some cash. Most places accept card payments, but entry fees might be cheaper in cash.

Things start late in Zakopane so if you’re going to a nightclub, spend the early night in pubs, термальные ванны or going on a traditional kulig sleigh ride with barbecue.

Strip clubs should be avoided entirely as prices are very high and there have been reported cases of drink spiking – it’s simply not worth the risk. Otherwise, Zakopane is a very safe town to explore.

It does get cold at night in winter so if you’re moving from venue to venue, make sure to grab a thick coat.

CHECK OUT our Путеводитель по Закопане to see what food, drinks and activities you should try next!