Things To Do
in Nowy Targ
Nowy Targ is the historic market town and administrative center of the Podhale region in southern Poland, sitting on a plateau below the Tatra Mountains. It is the cultural heart of the Polish highlanders (Górale), known for traditional wooden architecture, folk costumes and weekly markets that have run for centuries. The town combines everyday Polish life with easy access to outdoor adventures—hiking, skiing and mountain vistas are a short drive away.
Visitors enjoy a quieter, more authentic base for exploring the Tatras compared with the nearby tourist hub of Zakopane.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Nowy Targ and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, tasting traditional Polish pastries. Take a stroll through the charming streets to soak in the fresh mountain air.
Wander through the vibrant Nowy Targ Market, where you can find local crafts, cheeses, and produce. Engage with friendly locals and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring the flavors of regional cuisine.
As the sun sets, dine at a traditional tavern offering hearty Polish dishes. Afterwards, take an evening walk around the town, enjoying the quiet atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. If the weather permits, relax with a local beer at an outdoor café.
Wake up early and prepare for a day in the stunning Tatra National Park. After a hearty breakfast, head out to the park’s entrance, where breathtaking views await. Embrace the tranquility of nature as you hike along well-marked trails.
Enjoy a packed lunch in a scenic spot, surrounded by lush greenery and majestic mountains. Continue exploring the park, visiting key highlights like the Morskie Oko lake. Capture memorable photos of the picturesque landscapes and wildlife you encounter.
Return to Nowy Targ and treat yourself to a nice dinner at a local restaurant. Reflect on the day's adventures while enjoying traditional Polish dishes. Spend the evening relaxing, perhaps with a book or a chat with fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2-3 |
| 🍺Local beer (pub) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start (day) | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic highlander culture and traditions
- Excellent base for Tatra and Gorce outdoor activities
- Historic market and local food specialties (oscypek, moskole)
- Quieter and more local atmosphere than Zakopane
- Limited nightlife and fewer international amenities than larger resort towns
- Public transport is decent but limited for some remote trails
- Winter driving can be challenging for inexperienced drivers
- Some seasonal businesses close outside peak months
- "Dzień dobry" - Good day / Hello
- "Proszę" - Please / You're welcome / Here you go (contextual)
- "Dziękuję" - Thank you
- "Przepraszam" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Ile to kosztuje?" - How much does this cost?
- "Gdzie jest ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Czy mówi Pan/Pani po angielsku?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Nowy Targ
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant market stalls, colorful highlander costumes on market days, and classic town architecture provide great street and cultural photography opportunities.
From elevated points around town or nearby hills you can capture dramatic Tatra peaks—clear mornings and late afternoons are best for light.
Photograph historic facades, wooden houses and the church’s architecture for a sense of local history.
Spring and summer scenes of grazing sheep and shepherds in traditional attire make iconic Podhale images—visit pastures in the foothills.
Snow-covered roofs, steaming soups and smoke from chimneys offer atmospheric winter photos, especially during festive periods.
Food in Nowy Targ
Nowy Targ Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Smoked sheep's-milk cheese, often grilled and served with cranberry jam; available at the Nowy Targ market and from shepherds in the surrounding hills.
Must-Try!
A sour cabbage and smoked-meat soup popular in winter—hearty and warming, found in regional inns (karczmas).
Potato flatbreads traditionally cooked on griddles, served with butter, sheep cheese or garlic—common at markets and local stalls.
Fresh soft cheeses made from sheep milk: bundz (fresh cheese) and bryndza (salty spreadable cheese) sold by local dairy producers.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central market with weekend peak activity—fresh produce, artisanal cheeses (oscypek, bundz), cured meats, honey and woodcrafts; try a grilled oscypek with cranberry.
During holidays and summer, street stalls sell regional snacks, sweet buns, smoked sausages and grilled cheeses—perfect for tasting on the go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite greetings (Dzień dobry for daytime) and offer a firm handshake in formal situations. Using titles (Pan/Pani) shows respect.
Highlander culture is proud and traditional—show respect for folk costumes, religious observances and local ceremonies; ask before photographing people in costume or at private events.
Poland is predominantly Catholic; dress modestly in churches and maintain quiet. Removing hats indoors can be expected in some traditional settings.
For formal appointments and tours, punctuality is appreciated; casual social gatherings may be more relaxed.
Safety
Tipping in Nowy Targ
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory—leaving 10% in restaurants for good service is common; round up small bills for taxis and cafés. For market stalls, cash is customary and tipping is less common.
Poland uses the złoty (PLN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels; cash is useful at market stalls and for small purchases. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Melting snow and blooming pastures create photo-friendly landscapes; trails can be muddy—pack waterproof boots. Some mountain routes may still have snow into late spring.
Warm, pleasant weather ideal for hiking and festivals; expect more tourists on weekends and busier roads to the Tatras. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible—carry rain gear.
Crisp air and colorful foliage make for spectacular scenery; many cultural events continue and prices are lower than peak summer. Early snow can occur late in the season.
Cold and snowy—excellent for skiing and winter sports in nearby resorts; ensure winter equipment for driving and be prepared for shorter daylight hours.
Nowy Targ at Night
Hiking in Nowy Targ
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Well-marked trails through forested ridges and meadows; Turbacz offers panoramic views and is accessible from nearby starting points.
Gentler routes leading toward the main Tatra range—excellent for day hikes, pastures and views of the high peaks.
Scenic valleys close to the Tatras with caves, streams and alpine scenery; popular and family-friendly routes.
Longer drives bring you to nearby peaks and national parks for more challenging treks and commanding vistas.
Airports
How to reach Nowy Targ by plane.
Major international airport about 100–120 km north of Nowy Targ (roughly 1.5–2 hours by car); good train and bus connections to the region and many flight options.
Smaller regional airport across the border (~50–80 km depending on route); useful for some seasonal flights and closer access to the Tatras—check cross-border transport options.
Larger airport further away (around 2–3 hours by car), an alternative for some international connections and low-cost carriers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A distinct cultural group native to Podhale with unique dialect, dress and customs—strong presence in local festivals and daily life.
Most residents are ethnic Poles, with Roman Catholicism as the dominant religion and community organizer for many events.
In peak seasons Nowy Targ receives domestic and international visitors and seasonal staff who work in tourism, hospitality and outdoor guiding.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely practiced in winter with many nearby slopes and ski schools; alpine and cross-country skiing are popular among locals and visitors.
Year-round activity in the foothills and national parks with numerous marked trails and mountain huts.
Local football clubs and youth leagues are common community fixtures, typical of Polish towns.
Traditional highlander cultural events include folk dancing, music and occasional regional competitions showcasing strength and skill.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nowy Targ.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (potato dishes, cheese-based meals, soups and salads) but many traditional dishes include meat; ask for cheese- and vegetable-based variants at karczmas and cafés.
Vegan choices are limited in traditional eateries but available in cafés and some modern bistros—carry snacks and check ingredient lists, as dairy is common in regional cuisine.
Gluten-free needs can be met with soups, grilled meats and potatoes, but cross-contamination is possible; communicate restrictions in Polish ("Jestem na diecie bezglutenowej") and choose simpler dishes.