Zakopane budget breakdown for a full week in 2025
Dreaming of a snowy escape without blowing your travel budget? Zakopane, Poland’s winter capital, is one of Europe’s most affordable mountain destinations – a stunning mountain resort town offering scenic Alpine-style views, thermal baths, ski slopes, and cozy wooden chalets at a fraction of the price you’d pay in France, Switzerland, or Austria.
Whether you’re backpacking, traveling with friends, planning a romantic spa retreat, or bringing the whole family, here’s a complete budget breakdown for a full week in Zakopane, including flights to Kraków, transfers, accommodation, food, activities, and those essential thermal bath visits.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How much to budget for a week in Zakopane for a cheap trip, a comfortable one, a luxury one, or a family trip.
- Real restaurant and activities prices in Zakopane
- How to plan a cheap ski trip
- Best areas to stay for great value
- How to get from Krakow to Zakopane
Hi! I’m Anya, founder of the travel blog Stop Going to Paris which focuses on underrated cities in Europe. I’m a passionate traveler but above all, a passionate adventurer always looking for the hidden gems that deserve more love.
After 10 years and 70+ destinations, I can help you plan your European trip: book a call with me. It includes a full itinerary with unique destinations, transportation, accommodation and activities.
Fun fact, I live in… drumroll… Paris! That’s why the name of the blog is funny.
Why Zakopane Is the Perfect Affordable Winter Destination
Zakopane offers ski resort vibes without luxury-resort pricing. Compared to traditional Alpine destinations, you’ll enjoy:
- Cheaper ski passes
- Affordable restaurants
- Low-cost thermal baths
- Rustic chalets & mountain apartments
- Budget-friendly public buses
- Free mountain hiking trails & viewpoints, with 13 stunning trails for all levels, including the famous and ever popular Morskie Oko hike.
If you’re searching for a Poland travel budget destination with charm and adventure – Zakopane delivers.
Handpicked stays you’ll love in Zakopane
Zakopane’s architecture is an iconic facet of the city, with chalet-style homes adorned with wooden balconies and verandas, many of which you can stay at and enjoy:
Willa Rawa, a wonderful Zakopane-style chalet all in wood with big front porches and a gorgeous view of the mountains. At only 17 euros per night, this was my pick!
Hotel Helios, for a comfortable yet affordable hotel.
Aries Hotel & SPA Zakopane and Bachleda Residence Zakopane, for a luxury experience. Both come with a spa!
Top Hostel Pokoje Gościnne if you’re looking for a party hostel in the city center.
1-Week Zakopane Budget Breakdown Summary
| Style | Approx. Weekly Total |
|---|---|
| Budget backpacker | €380–€520 |
| Affordable comfort | €550–€800 |
| Luxury escape | €1,200–€1,800+ |
| Family trip (3–4 people) | €900–€1,400 total |
Budget Trip – Backpacker & Savvy Traveller
€380–€520 per week
Zakopane is perfect for budget travelers. Hostels and family-run guesthouses are cozy and affordable, buses are cheap and reliable, and many mountain trails are free to access.
What to expect:
- Hostel or basic guesthouse (€15–€25/night)
- Cheap food (pierogi, soups, bakery breakfasts)
- Public buses & walking everywhere
- 1–2 thermal bath visits
- Free hikes and viewpoints
Typical weekly costs:
- Flights: €60–€120
- Kraków ↔ Zakopane buses: €12–€20
- Accommodation: €105–€175
- Food: €80–€120
- Activities: €60–€100
- Extras: €15–€25
Ideal for: solo travellers, students, adventure seekers
Budget tip: Stay slightly outside central Zakopane for better deals (Kościelisko or Poronin).
Comfortable yet Affordable Trip
€550–€800 per week
This is the sweet spot for most visitors: private rooms, delicious Polish meals, and time to relax in the thermal spas – without overspending.
Your week includes:
- Mid-range pension or cozy hotel (€35–€50/night)
- Restaurant meals + snacks on the go
- Cable car ride to a viewpoint
- A day trip or one ski day
- 2–3 spa sessions
Typical weekly costs:
- Flights: €80–€150
- Kraków ↔ Zakopane: €12–€20
- Accommodation: €240–€350
- Food: €150–€220
- Activities: €60–€120
- Extras: €20–€40
Ideal for: couples, weekend-to-week travellers, digital nomads
Value tip: Weekdays are cheaper for both spas and mountain cable cars.
Luxury Mountain Retreat – Spa, Views & Fine Dining
€1,200–€1,800+ per week
If you prefer your mountains with sauna suites, boutique chalets, and tasting-menu dinners, Zakopane has plenty of dreamy Alpine-style hotels and spa resorts – still often cheaper than the Alps.
What to expect:
- Boutique chalet or spa hotel (€80–€130/night)
- Private transfers & guided tours
- Fine dining + wine
- Premium spa facilities
- Ski lessons or private guide
Typical weekly costs:
- Flights: €150–€300
- Private transfers: €120–€200
- Accommodation: €560–€900+
- Food: €350–€500
- Activities: €200–€300
- Extras: €50–€100+
Ideal for: couples, honeymooners, wellness lovers
Luxury tip: Look for hotels with their own thermal pools and mountain views for a perfect après-ski vibe.
Family Trip – Cozy, Affordable & Kid-Friendly
€900–€1,400 for 3–4 people
Zakopane is an incredible winter destination for families: safe, charming, full of kid-friendly activities like sledging hills, thermal parks with play areas, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and gentle beginner ski slopes.
What to expect:
- Family apartments (€50–€80/night)
- Mix of home-cooked meals & restaurants
- Sledding, cable car rides, thermal pools
- Kids’ zones & mountain fun
Typical weekly costs:
- Flights: €200–€400 (budget airlines)
- Kraków ↔ Zakopane: €25–€40
- Accommodation: €350–€550
- Food: €250–€350
- Activities: €80–€150
- Extras: €25–€50
Ideal for: families with small children or teens
Family tip: Book a place with a kitchen and easy bus access – budget-friendly and easier with kids.
What About Skiing Costs? Planning a Budget Ski Trip in Zakopane
Compared with Western Europe, Zakopane ski resort prices are incredibly friendly.
Approx. prices:
| Cost | Price |
|---|---|
| Ski pass (budget ski pass) | €25–€35/day |
| Equipment rental | €10–€15/day |
| Lessons | €20–€30/hour |
| Thermal baths | €12–€30/session |
Many slopes are ideal for beginners, making it perfect for first-time skiers looking for an affordable ski holiday in Poland.
Prefer hiking? Winter trails and panoramic viewpoints are everywhere – and are all free.
Dining Prices in Zakopane: What Food Really Costs
Wondering how much to budget for restaurants in Zakopane?
Expect traditional Polish comfort food – hearty stews, pierogi, grilled cheese oscypek, soups, mulled wine, and bakery treats. Check my list of famous Polish traditional foods to try.
Approx. prices:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Street food / bakery breakfast | €2–€4 |
| Pierogi plate | €5–€7 |
| Sit-down restaurant dinner | €8–€20 |
| Coffee | €2–€3 |
| Beer or mulled wine | €3–€4 |
Budget takeaway meals and self-catered breakfasts can keep costs low.
Want to change money instead of using card? Exchange shops often offer good rates, but ATMs in Krakow are convenient and fair.
Final Tips for Saving Money in Zakopane
- Travel outside Christmas & February school holidays
- Book spas ahead – cheaper & less crowded
- Look for guesthouses that include breakfast
- Use FlixBus or local buses instead of taxis (the city is small and walkable anyway)
- Bring flip-flops & towels for spas to avoid rental fees
What to do in Zakopane
Looking for inspiration on what to spend your week on? Look no more, check my article below:
Getting There: trip from Kraków to Zakopane
The easiest and most budget-friendly way to reach the mountains from Krakow:
- FlixBus or local bus: €6–€10 one-way
- Travel time: 2–2.5 hours
Trains are also available but buses are faster and more frequent.
Zakopane: Europe’s Most Affordable Winter Resort
From thermal baths and ski slopes to pierogi-filled dinners and snowy mountain trails, Zakopane provides activities for all budget and traveler types. For the smaller wallets, you don’t need a big budget to enjoy a magical winter escape. And even for those more willing to splurge, you’re still getting a luxury trip experience on a much, much cheaper rate than in France, Italy, Austria, etc.
Whether you’re here for budget skiing, cozy spa time, hiking and mountaineering or simply charming village views, this Polish paradise gives you premium experiences – at wallet-friendly prices.
Ready to plan your Zakopane winter trip? Pack your warmest coat, grab your budget ski pass, and enjoy Poland’s most charming mountain town.
Zakopane proves you don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy snowy mountain adventures. Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring or treating yourself to a winter wellness escape, it offers incredible value at every level.
