Where to Stay Near Zakopane: In Town or in an Authentic Village?
By Jérôme R · Visited in July 2026, completed with our research · Updated · How we work
Zakopane has most of the accommodation in the Tatras area, but it's not the only option. Here's what you need to know about staying in town, and why we personally chose otherwise.
Staying in Zakopane town
Zakopane is a well-organised resort town, with a dense range of accommodation — from hostels to upmarket chalets, plus holiday flats. The main advantage: everything is walkable from Krupówki Street and the town centre, with direct access to shuttles for the Kasprowy Wierch cable car. The downside: noticeably busy with tourists, especially at weekends, and rates that climb quickly in peak season.
A note on transparency: we didn't stay in Zakopane town during our trip, so we can't personally recommend a specific place.
Our choice: an authentic village nearby
True story, July 2026: we chose to stay in Ciche, a small Podhale village about twenty minutes' drive from Zakopane, in a peaceful wooden chalet, next to grazing cows and with hill views. This choice gave us a real dose of rural fresh air, away from the resort bustle, while staying a reasonable distance from the main activities (Kasprowy Wierch, Chochołowskie Termy). We cover this experience in full in our dedicated article on Ciche and the Tatras.
Zakopane or a nearby village: our take
If you want everything within walking distance of your accommodation and to enjoy the resort atmosphere in the evening, Zakopane town remains the most convenient option. If, like us, you're after a more authentic feel and potentially better rates, a nearby village like Ciche is worth considering — provided you have a car to get around.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to stay in Zakopane town or in a nearby village?
It depends on your priorities: Zakopane town for convenience and resort atmosphere, a nearby village like Ciche for a more authentic and generally quieter experience.
How do I get around if I'm staying outside Zakopane?
A car is recommended to easily reach the main activities (cable car, spa) from a village like Ciche, about twenty minutes' drive away.