I remember when I first set foot on Krupówki Street. It felt like I stepped into the life of the Polish mountains. The smell of smoked oscypek cheese hung in the air, highlander music played on a street corner and every building, carved in wood with a slope roof, looked like a postcard. Krupówki is one of Zakopane, Poland’s a shopping street in the popular Tatra resort town.
From the traditional Goral restaurants to the artisan shops selling handcrafted wool, this pedestrian promenade is all about culture, warmth, and much more! In winter people sip mulled wine while in summer some lick on an ice cream cone. Krupówki Street is a nice place to buy souvenirs, eat mountain foods and people watch.
In this guide based on my own experiences in the middle of Zakopane, you’ll find out why Krupówki Street is something you simply must experience when you visit southern Poland.
Table of Contents
What Is Krupówki Street?
Krupówki Street is the famous main promenade of Zakopane, Poland’s most famous mountain resort town Running a distance of about 1 kilometer through the middle, this pedestrian street is the heart of life, culture, and tourism. A wooden architecture, traditional highlander (Goral) restaurants, local shops and cafes introduce the culture of southern Poland’s mountains pretty well.
Visitors sample smoked oscypek cheese and shop for woollen goods or amber jewellery. The area also draws visitors with its street musicians and bubbly atmosphere with horse-pulled carriages. Krupówki lets you enjoy the charm of Zakopane, be it the winter or summer season to visit this popular town. Krupówki isn’t just a shopping street, but also a tourist and cultural centre of Zakopane as well as the summer capital of Poland. It offers stunning views of the Tatra Mountains and exhibits the highlander culture of Poland.
History of Krupówki Street
Krupówki Street is a dirt path that shepherds and peasants from rural Zakopane use. It existed mainly 140 years ago. Krupówki became the main street of the town, which attracted artists, mountaineers, and health seekers in the late 19th century. By the early 20th century, wooden villas, inns and market stalls had been lined up along the entire length of the beach; most of them still exist at present.
The street almost overnight became the cultural heart of Zakopane. Artists, sculptors, and other creative souls come here from all over Europe. They come in search of good mountain air. Its development went hand in hand with the settlement’s growth as the Polish winter capital.
The wooden architecture of Krupówki is still present these days and has been fused with modern cafés, souvenir shops, and tourism services in front of the Tatra Mountains.
For a more in-depth knowledge about the history of Zakopane visit the Poland Travel official website.
How to Get to Krupówki Street
Whether you’re staying in Zakopane center or arriving from another town, it’s easy to reach Krupówki Street. The main pedestrian street of the city is well-connected and easy to find.
🚶♀️ On Foot.
Most probably, Krupówki Street is not far away if you’re staying in central Zakopane. You can reach most hotels, guesthouses, and mountain lodges by foot to stroll along the promenade as you wish.
🚌 By Bus or Minibus.
Travelling from Krakow or nearby towns? Buses, and minibuses stop at Zakopane Bus Station which is a 5–10 minutes walk to Krupówki. As you come out of the station, just go towards the town centre and go by signs.
🚗 By Car.
There are parking lots available at the edge of the pedestrian zone for drivers. From there, it’s a short walk to the street.
📍 Google Maps Location:
View Krupówki Street on Google Maps
Top Things to Do on Krupówki Street
Krupówki Street is known as one of Poland’s best known street and centres of event The vibrant promenade of Nainital has much more in store for you than a checklist of tourist spots. Whether you are here to partake in the Goral culture, have some mountain eats or just for a casual walk while taking pictures, all options are right here.
1. Check out the Tatra Museum.
Located Right off the main street, the Tatra Museum has to be seen to be believed. It displays the life, artwork and traditions of the Podhale region. Check out highland folklore, learn about Zakopane-style architecture, nature in local culture and more all under one roof.
2. Take a Ride with Horses and Carriages
There’s nothing more “Zakopane” than riding along in dorożka over the cobbled streets. It’s so cozy, romantic and takes you down memory lane. It’s also a great way to see the street, especially in winter when the snow crunches under hoof.
3. Taste Oscypek Cheese.
You can’t say you’ve been to Krupówki until you’ve tried oscypek, a kind of smoked sheep cheese made in the Tatra Pastures nearby. The cranberry sauce and smoky flavour makes it an unforgettable dish. Vendors sell it fresh from rustic stalls year-round.
4. Take photographs with street artists.
The street is a performance stage for accordion musicians, fire jugglers, caricature artists, and more! Take photo or sit for drawing to take a piece of the locality with you. Lending tips is gracious and helps these folk artists.
5. Admire Wooden Architecture.
The buildings in Krupówki have an alpine character The wooden villas and storefronts often have the Zakopane Style, which combines Art Nouveau with folk elements of the 19th century.
6. Plan a Trip to Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car.
Even if you’re not entirely on Krupówki street, you are only about 2.5 km away from the Kuźnice station for Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car. A minibus can take you there, and you can also walk. Located just off the street, this attraction offers complete mountain views of the Tatra Mountains from a height of 1,987 meters above sea level. Most people eat a meal or have a coffee on Krupówki before or after the mountains.
Best Time to Visit
Krupówki street is open year-round and offers a unique experience every season.
- Summer: Awesome for strolling and outdoor events.
- Winter is filled with snow and lights and an overwhelming amount of Christmas markets.
- Autumn and Spring: Quiet Seasons with Lovely Scenery
That’s when you can avoid the crowds and have decent weather for your exploration.
Local Food and Restaurants
You can’t visit this Street without tasting the local food.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Oscypek with cranberry sauce
- Placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes)
- Grilled meats and regional soups
Karczma Po Zbóju and Stek Chałupa are popular restaurants serving mountain-style meals in Zakopane.
You can find many modern cafes serving vegetarian and vegan options.
Shopping and Souvenirs
This is the perfect place for souvenir shopping.
Shops sell:
- Wool socks and sweaters
- Wooden carvings and jewelry
- Handcrafted ceramics
- Local food products and preserves
Prices vary, but many items are handmade and unique. Don’t forget to bargain politely in market stalls.
Street Performers and Culture
The street is alive with local talent. You’ll hear live music and fire shows as you watch artists sketch tourists.
Performers wear traditional Goral dresses that enhance the culture of the Street.
Feel free to take photos, but tipping performers is kind.
Family-Friendly Activities on Krupówki Street
Families will find plenty to enjoy on this Street.
- Visit candy shops offering handmade sweets.
- Stop by toy stores with wooden and plush souvenirs.
- Enjoy street food like waffles and hot chocolate.
- Take fun souvenir photos with themed statues and decorations.
Interactive exhibits and occasional festivals add to the fun for kids.
Nightlife and Evening Entertainment
As the sun sets, this Street transforms. Restaurants light fires in outdoor fireplaces. Bars and lounges begin to fill with music and laughter.
Live folk bands sometimes perform in local pubs. You can also enjoy mulled wine and hot beer in the colder months. The ambiance is warm, even in winter.
The street remains lively until late, especially on weekends.
Day Trips Near Krupówki Street
It’s easy to plan some attractive day trips from Krupówki Street.
- You can take a funicular to Gubałówka Hill that offers a beautiful view of Zakopane.
- Tatra National Park offers hikers and nature lovers an opportunity to use public transport.
- Thermal Baths in Chochołów: the perfect place to relax after a busy day in town.
These destinations are all kid-friendly and easily reachable from the center.
Krupówki Street in Winter
Winter transforms this Street into a magical setting. The streets are brilliantly lit and every window is decked out for the season. Horse drawn sleigh rides become popular in December and January.
Hot drinks and roasted chestnuts are sold by street vendors while some carolers stroll through town. Many tourists from Poland and abroad visit the area at this time.
Krupówki Street in winter is like being inside a snow globe.
Accessibility and Facilities
Krupówki Street is accessible for wheelchair users as there are paved paths through it, and ramps to get in and out of most commercial spaces. A lot of cafes have outdoor seating, sign in Polish and English.
You can find toilets, ATMs, and information points all along the street. Visitor info booths can advise you on directions and recommendations.
Zakopane authorities keep improving things for the benefit of visitors.
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Don’t forget to bring your camera with you!
- Wear comfy shoes for cobble-stoned streets
- Most places take card, but always have some cash.
- Layer up to prepare for changing weather.
- Public long drops exist alongside the back alley.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Always watch your belongings in crowded areas. Plan ahead for weekends and holidays.
Reade More.
- For an immersive glimpse into the historical and cultural soul of Wrocław, explore our comprehensive guide to Ostrów Tumski, Wrocław’s oldest island.
Conclusion
Krupówki Street is Zakopane’s main promenade but is also the lifeblood of this town. On a cold evening, I stood there drinking mulled wine with highlander music playing at a street corner. Buying handmade souvenirs, tasting oscypek cheese, and watching the snow falling on the Tatra Mountains all allows you to experience Podhale spirit on this street.
Krupówki is more than tourism, it is connection that allows you to share the beauty of history, wooden architecture, culture, cuisine and family fun. Whether it’s a weekend adventure or a full on journey through southern Poland – it is well worth a trip.
The lovely Krupówki Street is worth a visit on your trip to Zakopane, which is a beautiful town in Poland.
FAQ
- What is Krupówki Street famous for?
Krupówki Street is the hub of wooden architecture, Goral culture, regional food, street performers, and local shops in Zakopane. - Is Krupówki Street open all year round?
Yes! It open all year round and intricate charm in every season—festive in winter, lively in summer. - How do I get to Krupówki Street from Kraków?
The easiest way to get from Krakow to Zakopane is by bus or minibus. Take the direct Kraków to Zakopane Bus Station, which is a 5–10 minute walk from Krupówki Street. - Can I visit Krupówki Street with kids?
Absolutely. There is a wide range of activities to enjoy from sweet shops to toy stores to cultural performances. So, it is a family destination. - Are there vegetarian or vegan food options on Krupówki Street?
Yaffa, today’s mainstream cafes and restaurants have both vegetarian and vegan-friendly meals with regular Polish menu.
