Nowy Targ City
City in Lesser Poland, Poland
Nowy Targ sits below the Tatras and runs a boisterous weekly market selling oscypek cheese, smoked meats and highlander wool. Hikers and skiers use it as basecamp for Gorce and Tatra trails; folk music still surfaces in taverns.
66°F
Why Visit Nowy Targ?#
Nowy Targ draws visitors who want an authentic highlander experience at the large open-air market on the Rynek and in nearby wooden villages. The town is a hub for Górale culture-expect folk costumes, lamb and cheese such as oscypek, and lively market days-while its position at the foothills of the Tatra Mountains makes it a practical base for mountain excursions. Culinary traditions and weekly fairs give a strong sense of regional identity alongside easy access to Zakopane.
Best Things to Do in Nowy Targ#
Nowy Targ Bucket List#
Nowy Targ Market Square (Rynek) - Browse Nowy Targ’s busy market square for regional cheeses, crafts, and produce.
Church of St. Catherine - Visit the Gothic Church of St. Catherine with historic interior and altars.
Goral folk culture displays - See local Goral costumes, crafts, and artisan stalls around town.
Gorce foothills - Hike in Gorce foothills for quiet trails and views toward the Tatra Mountains.
Local dairy farms - Tour small dairy farms nearby to taste oscypek-style cheeses and meet producers.
Traditional craft shops - Find carved wood, embroidered textiles, and regional souvenirs in family workshops.
Zakopane and Tatra National Park - Drive to Zakopane and Tatra National Park for mountain trails and cable cars.
Dunajec River Gorge (Pieniny) - Raft the Dunajec River Gorge in Pieniny for scenic limestone cliffs and folk villages.
Best Time to Visit Nowy Targ#
Nowy Targ is a mountain town best in summer for hiking and in winter for reliable snow sports. Shoulder seasons can be wet and changeable, so plan accordingly.
December - February
-10 to -2 °C / 14 to 28 °F
True mountain winter: snow reliably deep, perfect for skiing nearby; pack for very cold conditions and limited daylight, and book transport.
March - May
-1 to 12 °C / 30 to 54 °F
Late snow and muddy trails early; by May hills green quickly - good for bargain travel but unpredictable weather, so bring waterproof boots.
June - August
10 to 22 °C / 50 to 72 °F
Cool, pleasant summers perfect for hiking, cycling, and open-air markets; evenings can be chilly even in July, layer up at night.
Nowy Targ's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (990 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (146 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Nowy Targ#
Nowy Targ is best reached from Kraków (KRK) with direct coach services or regional trains via Chabówka. Coaches are often quicker and more frequent for most travellers; once in town it’s easy to get around on foot or by local buses.
Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK): Kraków is the main airport for visitors to Nowy Targ and the Polish Highlands. From Kraków you can reach Nowy Targ by bus or train: bus coaches take about 2-2.5 hours and cost roughly 20-50 PLN depending on operator; trains (via Chabówka interchange on some routes) can take 2.5-3.5 hours and fares are typically 15-50 PLN.
Katowice (KTW) / Poprad-Tatry (TAT): Katowice is farther and less convenient; Poprad-Tatry (Slovakia) is an alternative for Tatra access but requires further road connections to Nowy Targ.
Train: Nowy Targ has a railway station served by regional (PKP) services; many routes go via Chabówka. Train journeys from Kraków take ~2.5-3.5 hours depending on connections; fares vary but are generally modest.
Bus: Direct long‑distance buses and private coach services (FlixBus, local carriers) run Kraków-Nowy Targ several times daily and are often the simplest option, taking about 2-2.5 hours with fares often 20-50 PLN.
How to Get Around Nowy Targ#
Coaches from Kraków are the simplest, most frequent way to reach Nowy Targ; regional trains are a valid scenic alternative. Locally, walking, buses and taxis serve visitors well.
- Intercity Bus / Coach (20-50 PLN) - Long-distance coaches from Kraków and other regional centres are frequent and usually the most convenient way to reach Nowy Targ. They are direct, comfortable and often faster than some train routings. Tickets are sold online and at stations.
- Train (PKP / regional) (15-50 PLN) - Regional PKP services serve Nowy Targ station, frequently via Chabówka. Trains are scenic but sometimes slower due to transfers; fares are reasonable and discounts apply for advance purchase or rail cards.
- Local Bus (~3-10 PLN) - Local buses link Nowy Targ with nearby villages, ski resorts and the Tatra foothills. Check timetables in advance during high season, as frequencies change with tourist demand.
- Taxi / Private Transfer (~20-150 PLN (depending on distance)) - Taxis and private transfers are useful for early/late arrivals or routes to mountain resorts with luggage and equipment. Prebook transfers in high season to guarantee availability.
- Bicycle (~30-80 PLN/day) - Nowy Targ is a good base for cycling in summer with dedicated routes and quiet country roads. Rental options exist seasonally; cycling is a pleasant way to explore the market town and nearby valleys.
- Walking - Nowy Targ’s market square and centre are compact and best explored on foot-walking is the easiest way to visit the historic town and daily markets.
Where to Stay in Nowy Targ#
Market square / Old town - PLN 60-150/night
Nowy Targ has many affordable guesthouses and pensjons close to the market square - a practical base for Podhale activities.
Local guesthouses (see listings) - Many small pensions available
Central Nowy Targ - PLN 150-300/night
Mid-range hotels near the square offer comfortable rooms and easy access to Tatra transport links and regional attractions.
Hotel Nosalowy Dwór (regional) - Comfortable regional chain option
Hotel Norbert - Central location, cosy rooms
Use Zakopane for upscale stays - PLN 400+/night
Nowy Targ itself has few luxury hotels; for high-end resorts, head to Zakopane nearby for premium mountain spas and amenities.
Where to Eat in Nowy Targ#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Nowy Targ’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Nowy Targ#
The town is best known for its open-air market on the square, where local cheeses (oscypek-like), meats, produce and craft goods are sold. Small boutiques and food stalls round out shopping in town.
Nightlife in Nowy Targ#
Evenings are quiet compared with tourist hubs: a number of pubs, wine bars and inn-style restaurants provide local fare and folk music on occasion. There’s little in the way of late-night clubbing.
