Zakopane Nightlife
3 min read
53
comments
On the one hand Zakopane is a relatively small provincial town, on the other it's Poland's premier mountain resort. As such you can find the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to exploring Zakopane's nightlife. Take a wrong turn and you could end up in a dive bar listening to commercial tracks blasting out of inadequate speakers - and studiously avoiding the gaze of heavies in tight tops; take a right turn and you could end up in one of Poland's best clubs listening to tunes mixed by an international giant of the decks and fighting off the attention of supermodels (hey, we're a pretty good-looking bunch at Zakopane Life!).
Krupowki street makes an obvious start to any night out in Zako. It is the heart of the town, full of vendors, hawkers, clothes shops, restaurants and yes, bars and clubs. Most of them fall into the irredeemably naff category, however the dimunitive Nietota is a good bet for beer, whilst Caf Piano is arguably the coolest watering hole in town and Jagoda spacious and well-designed. Very slightly off the beaten track, on Generala Galicy, the Zakopane branch of Paparazzi offers a more upbeat, party atmosphere, with DJs entering the fray at weekends.
When it comes to clubs, Zakopane can't claim to spoil you for choice - but it can claim to spoil you. Dworzec Tatrzanski is not only the best club in Zakopane but amongst the best in the whole of Poland. There's almost always something going on here, from the White Nights festival when they throw a party everyday in the time between Christmas and New Year's Eve, to nu-jazz extravaganzas, ragga concerts and the regular bookings of quality house, breaks and drum'n'bass DJs from around the world. This eclectic programme brings people from as far as way as Warsaw (really!) and nearby Krakow to mash it up on the dancefloor, or to take it easy in the Arabian nights themed backrooms, where cushions and shisha pipes are the order of the day. If you're in town just keep an eye out for posters with the famous fish logo to be sure of turning up to a quality night.
However good it might be, Ampstrong's status as Zakopane's only credible club was thankfully broken in late 2005 by the arrival of new player Va Va Voom. A smart looking venue on two floors the management have already managed to attract some big names to the decks, such as Aquasky, Slope and Glyn "Bigga" Bush. Definitely worth a gander if you're an alternative dance boffin, Va Va Voom is a very welcome threat to Ampstrong's hegemony of Zakopane's nightlife!
And the best of the rest? Well Rockus represents a surprisingly good night out for those who hate dance music, and organises occasional live concerts too; whilst meat markets Morskie Oko (on Krupowki street) and Genesis (Plac Niepodleglosci) have all the lasers and girls in short skirts a lagerboy could wish for...
One last thing to bear in mind about partying in Zako is the choice of venue isn't the only factor that will affect your night: Zakopane's nightlife is, like the life of the town in general, based on the seasons. Winter is peak tourist time as Poles and foreigners alike descend in their thousands for a spot of skiing and snowboarding. Come early Spring and the town quietens down, until May when the summer crowds arrive for some fresh mountain air. Similarly the Autumn can be pretty quiet as the academic year begins and the wait for snow begins. During the high season expect throngs of holidaymakers to pack out the pubs and clubs - but during the low seasons you might find yourself partying with the locals alone!
Comments
Never more!!! More expensive!!! Fucking shit!!!
ReplyJo Moin, Also die negativen Reviews, die ihr hier lesen könnt stimmen auf jeden Fall. Wir waren Ende September aufn Mittwoch Abend in dem Laden, außer drei besoffenen Polen und drei Girls waren wir die einzigen im ganzen Laden, alles recht trostlos aber ganz nette Stimmung. Unnett wurde es dann als die weiber angefangen haben „versehentlich“ eine null zu viel bei den Rechnungen in die EC Lesemaschinen einzugeben, und noch unnetter wurde es als dann die Rechnungen einfach völlig wahllos an unseren Tisch kamen, ohne dass wir überhaupt etwas geordert hatten. Als wir dann aufstehen und einfach gehen wollten ohne diesen offensichtlichen aufgrund von betrügerischen Absichten erfundenen Betrag zahlen zu wollen fingen die Girls an zu schreien und umherzufuchteln. Als sie dann gedroht haben die Polizei zu rufen war unsere Reaktion nur „ja, bitte“ und dann als wir ihnen angeboten haben sie auch gleich selber zu rufen sagten sie uns wir sollten verschwinden. Also... wenn ihr keine Karten mitnehmt, euch keine „Gratis„ Schnäpse geben lasst und jemandem im squad habt der accountant bleibt und sich nicht verarschen lässt tanning nichts passieren. Wenn ihr aber zarte Gemüter seid und keinen Bock auf Stress habt bleibt lieber zuhause, hier geratet ihr sonst unter die Räder.
ReplyNo vayáis a Heaven, y me atrevería a decir, a ningún "Club" de chicas en Zakopane, a menos que queráis ser timados. Fui a tomar una birra, 17zlots, ok, pagué en cash, por descontado. Viene una chica, me traen la cerveza, conversación cutre, me empiezan a traer chupitos, digo que no. Después que si quería conocer a la chica en u a sala, por un baile un precio desorbitado!! Vi a unos discutir sobre lo que les habían cobrado, como ya ha ía leído de qué iba el percal, me bebí la cerveza, dije que no quería chica, y mientras me decían que no me podía ir así, me piré por patas!!! Si queréis ser timados, ir a Heaven en Zakopane en busca de "sexo y diversión".
ReplyDon't go there! You will be told that you pay just 50zl and you can have unlimited drinks, also they will offer you free lap dance but you'll end up 4000zl shorter. They will basicaly rob you.
ReplyHad a great time at the club heaven in zakopane. 3 girls were on the clock, pretty gals. We walked in there thinkin "oy, this one gonna be a banger mate, they aint busy tonight". So we got all the attention one could ask for. Of course, as the rest of the reviews suggest, this place is shady as fuck bro. Anyway, my mate Jimmy went first for a private dance, pretty good so far. Then Adam went and got his own for around 120 zloty (same price). That fuckin mad lad got busy with the gal real quick. Didn't hesitate to go farther than you're supposed to with this god damn raven. Meanwhile, me and Jimmy are takin a massive shite in the restroom when this old fart walks on half coked out of his mind, barely able to stand. Anyway, I ended up getting a banging free dance from one of the girls, real nice lady with bombing tits. Naturally they tried to drug the fuck out of us but Polish doses are nothing short of a couple of piss beers with the lads on a Wednesday night at the pub. So we walked out alive and sober. This place gets a solid 9/10 from me.
ReplyAbsolute top notch review pal
ReplyHi! I've got the following experience, in Zakopane Heaven club: We went there with friends, and a nice girl came to me, asking me for a drink. It was not so expensive (around 250-300 PLN), so I invited her for a drink (she said I would get "happy finish"). We went to a private room, more drinks came, and I don't remember so much (maybe my drinks were "tricky", spiced with some drugs). Next day I saw 1550 euro (half million HUF) was missing on my bank account. So it's not Heaven, its HELL!! Don't go there!!! They're robbing people in disgusting way!!
Reply**BEWARE** if your visiting Zakopane this year please be cautious of the strip clubs. I went there for the first time for a ski holiday with a couple of friends and when night time come around we thought we’d venture off for some adult entertainment. Upon arrival to the strip club two beautiful young blonde girls approached me and my friend for a “free” lap dance and “free drink” and Boy it was the complete opposite. They start off with taking you into a dark room with neon lights and mirrors all over the walls where they then begin to undress and dance. The girls then began feeding me and my friend the free alcohol, naked while rubbing baby oil on themselves whispering nothing but filth down your ear canals which made every single strand on my body stand up. I later woke up outside the club at around 5am covered in piss smelling like a Chanel factory, probably from all of the clunge inside the Bar that was hanging off me like a piece old wallpaper. I was robbed for £3500 in total, my wallet and phone was missing and the rent a car I purchased in Krakow was gone making me another £1300 lighter. This happened to me on the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and on the Friday, was a great experience will definitely be returning. 10/10
ReplyWe had the same experience as well, but 2 of us didnt even drink anything. I feel it was so fortunate. Luckily, we could easily ,,escape". We got one free private dance where they offered spiked drinks without any charge. Just 200zł.
ReplyYou pay 50zlt to get in and have free drinki. After first drink they start to bomb You about if You want a lady or not. If You dont want they will go away and ignor You.
Replyhello everyone, I been there all night and I was robbed by member of staff!!!! worst place I ever been!!!!
Replynigdy więcej klubow jak te w Polsce, przez to jedno miejsce, dziewczyny miłe ale obsługa!!!!!co to wogule było szkoda słów, bo az mnie nosi, czytam opinie o tej grobej kelnerce i cos w tym jest do oscypkow hahaha dobry komentaz, nie do takiego miejsca niedosc ze odstrasza klienta, to jeszcze zostaje w pamieci jako zła osoba!!!!
Replynigdy więcej, cos strasznego, bylem w roznych miejscach w europie, ale takiego oszustwa chamstwa i arogancji jak od przytuszy kelnerki to sie jeszcze nie spotkałem, zaluje ze opini o tym miejscu nie czytalem przed pujsciem, poprostu cos takiego zostaje w pamieci niestety, ta gróba tłusta sprzataczka czy kelnerka do odstawu!!!
Replyworst place in Europe!!!!dont go in there
ReplyYou have one "Heaven Night Club" that robbed me for 70.000 zl. My end of my life will be to rip out you heart: Factory Mangaement SP z.o.o MR. Piotr Hawryla: "I have a little gift for your family" !!!
ReplyPolish Mafia !!
ReplyAfter reading reviews I had a lucky escape. Stayed 1 beer conned into buying one lady drink as I felt sorry for unattractive girl that joined me Was shown menu where it started 70 zlp but on paying was shown menu stating 70 euro. Payed knowing they probably had henchmen in back ground. This place best described as PITIFUL. Gives these clubs a bad name. Thankfully I had the experience of DOLLS Kiev. Man now there's one hell of a place. Now that place is real HEAVEN. What s more they don't tale your pants down
Replyoh boy wish i never put that comment in now, or was much more careful. a strange bizarre accident befell me the next day. resulting in injury. won't elaborate any further. Can't seem to delete it neither. These days of CCTV and facial recognition. like a fool allowed auto fill in too. Gentlemen we must be careful out there. AlwAYS Think Wheels within Wheels.
Replynever go to Zakopane strip clubs - very same experience to below
Reply!!! ACHTUNG ACHTUNG ACHTUNG !!! !!! REINE ABZOCKE !!! Die locken einen mit 50 zl (12 Euro) All you can Drink. Ehe man sich versieht, sitzt ein Mädel neben Dir und fragt ob Du Ihr einen Drink ausgeben kannst. Bevor Du JA gesagt hast, ist der Drink da und Du um 299 zl (70 Euro) ärmer. Dann versucht das Mädel Dir einen Privattanz (1 Stunde ink. 1 Flasche Champus) für 1.600 zl (370 Euro) anzudrehen. Wenn Du das zweite Glas (All you can Drink) bestellst, schauen die Dich schon schief an und das Mädel besteht drauf, dass Du Ihr einen zweiten Drink für weitere 299 zl (70 Euro) ausgibst!!! LEUTE: Es ist Polen und nicht LAS VEGAS!!! Ne Nutte gibt es schon für 30 Euro die Stunde um die Ecke! Also spart Euch den FUCKING HEAVEN CLUB in Zakopane!!!
ReplyWhich is the best place to go to for NYE?
ReplyStay Away. I wish I would have seen these reviews BEFORE I got robbed. I had to learn the hard way, but too embarrassed to give you details. Oh, and the cops look like the most likely are in on it.
ReplyDO NOT GO TO STRIP CLUBS IN ZAKOPANE!!! I am aware of literally 10s of cases similar to the ones below. I work here and it happens regularly to people we come across. Spiked drinks, theft and worse. DO NOT GO!
ReplyI had a very similar experience to Steve in heaven strip club. I went in at around 10pm and got back to my apartment at 4am apparently (according to friends). I only remember the first hour or so even though I'd only had 3 beers, I'm sure I was spiked as I don't remember anything else. I got a phone call from my bank the next morning to say £2300 had been withdrawn from account and that they had cancelled a transaction for £3700! I thought about going to the police and trying to get my money back but I was too embarrassed to tell my friends and family what had happened. Please don't go to heaven in zakopane!
ReplyWas in Heaven strip club and got spiked. Was separated from friends and targeted. Whatever you do, do not go here! Lost around £2,500, all what was in my bank account as they had somehow obtained my pin number. Very dodgy place. Reported to police and they knew all about it, seems like it may be a regular occurrence here. Be very careful in places like these, are best of all, don't go at all!
ReplyDon't go to Go Go strip bar, had my drink spiked and was ripped off for £3000 after having a private dance and passing out.. They went through my wallet stole what cash I had and then took note of my PIN number and kept me there until my bank account was empty.
Reply"Cocomo-go go bar" I've check out all these go go bars and was god smacked with the insane prices for private dances, maybe the most expensive prices in the world and I'm not joking!!! One night went to cocomo with my good mate just for look when a blond caught my mates eye, she was incredible and he wanted private dance with her right or wrong so $1500PLN ($462AU) later he got what he wanted. Before the dance we brought girls couple of drunks at 100PLN each then preceded to private dance booths. The private dance comes with champagne and ends when the champagne runs out so they use every trick in the book to empty your bottle quickly including the bar manager drinking first glass for you. 15minutes later the bottle is empty and they wanted $500PLN for another bottle to continue. Zakopane is cheap place for ski holiday, everything is cheap but don't go there for adult entertainment because it'll cost a small fortune.
ReplyHello, maybe you are advising people and tourists to visit the nightclub/disco gogo name Club Cocomo , located at the top of the main street Krupowki, next to a big sport shop.In my opinion , there is no Cocabana/copacabana disco club in Zakopane.However, like everywhere, that kind of club is trying to get the most of people who get in with the little or bad service provided inside.So, the best would be to stay in normal restaurant/bar/disco/ nightclub with some friends unless you want to risk a lot.
ReplyBeware of Cocabana - a go-go bar located right on the main strip. Girls in orange jackets will be out at night passing fliers out to drunk groups of males. They host the same scam as many go-go spots in Poland, prepare to pay 200 zl. to buy the girls a water, and 100 zl. for a private session. Had a friend get taken by this scam, but bought his way out of it. Doorman was fairly aggressive about checking coats, and overall avoid this place if possible.
ReplyBylem w Polsce jedenastej raz or eleven times. Moja zona i ja lubimy Pod Hale, ale especially Zakopane. The Gorale or Highlander music is so unique, similar to that of all the mountain people of Moravia, Slowakia, even extending over to southern Ukraine and even a bit of Romania. The glue is the arc shaped Tatras or Carpathian Mountians. Within say a twenty mile range on each side of this arc from the Czech Republic to Romania, one will find similar music. Do a search on the Highlander music of the Tatras. To me, it is one of the best kept secrets in Europe. In fact, tune into www.RadioAlex.plin Zakopane to taste this musical genre. It is one genre and area of Poland that has not been totally Westernized so to speak. Poland has a wonderful folk music heritage , but it is so sad to see this dying. I can hear all the hip hop and rap crap I want in the States. Also, the skiing is not too bad. It is not Lake Tahoe or Colorado,but I found it to be fun and even challenging on certian slopes. Also, cycling is a joy. There are so many road, trails, country paths to investigate, and Poland seems to be a bicycle friendly country and no dogs chase a bicylist, at least in my experience. The food is exceptional (try zurek or golanka, etc.) and the Polish beers are a delight.Poland needs a better PR program. Jescze Polska nie zginila!! Poland forever. Please read this country's rich but tragic history. Jestem Polakiem na Pol which means I am half Polish only, but I am proud of my nawisko or last name. However , jestem Amerykaninem or an American, but part of moja serce or heart will always be in Poland. Jerry Halkoski Oconomowoc, WI Stanow
ReplyHello, for your information, all discotheques/nightclubs/bar clubs in Zakopane are located in the High Street (Krupowki)or nearby within walking distance.There are many Clubs listed above and more: Ampstrong, Va Va Voom, Rockus, Prestige, Finlandia, Genesis, Morskie Oko, Paparazzi, Watra.All clubs have their own style , ambience and music atmosphere.So,the best for you is to walk in each one and check if you like the atmosphere, decoration, music.Hope it helps.
ReplyIf anyone would like clubing in Zakopane must go to "Finlandia", that's the best place i have been in January, new bartenders are serving the best drinks, have fun
Replywhen l was in zakopane my 2 year old son daniel hasnt stopped saying zakopane. l loved it l am going again l am proud to have the zakopane blood from my dad and grandad
Replyl was in zakopane l got to see my grandads tadeusz schiele grave. and he is buried along with his father kazimierz. l never meet him as he died when l was young. l am glad that l got to see where he lived in zakopane. zakopane is the most beautiful countrys in the world.
ReplyIntroduced to Zakopane by my wife. She grew up in a nearby town before moving to Canada. Myself, I lived near Banff, Alberta,one of Canada's premier resort towns and Zakopane is always the highlight of our annual trip throughout Europe.A definite must see!
ReplyWELL MY FATHER AND MY GRANDFATHER WHERE BORN IN ZAKOPANE. THERES A MOUNTAIN NAMED AFTER MY GRANDFATHER TADEUSZ SCHIELE IN ZAKOPANE. ZAKOPANE IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO SPEND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE THERE . THE SCENERY THERE IS THE MOST AMAZING THING AND I AM SO GLAD THAT I AM APART OF ZAKOPANE BLOOD. MANT THANKS KARL SCHIELE.
ReplyWELL MY FATHER AND MY GRANDFATHER WHERE BORN IN ZAKOPANE. THERES A MOUNTAIN NAMED AFTER MY GRANDFATHER TADEUSZ SCHIELE IN ZAKOPANE. ZAKOPANE IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO SPEND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE THERE . THE SCENERY THERE IS THE MOST AMAZING THING AND I AM SO GLAD THAT I AM APART OF ZAKOPANE BLOOD. MANT THANKS KARL SCHIELE.
ReplyMy god, I'm just reading about Zakopane after my Polish friend recommended it and I'm just bursting to get there. Is it far from the airport and what about being child friendly. Have a five year old who shares his mothers desire to have a go at skiing. Bring it on! By the way, wonderful site.
ReplyAmpstrong seems to be the place where it is all happening, as far as I could see. Check out the posters around town. Lots of smaller clubs and pubs on Krupowki as well (the main street) so no need to go too far for some serious apres-ski or party action!
Reply