Choice may be a problem with entertainment in Zakopane - there's rather a lot of venues and it does very much depend on your personal tastes. But, you're on holiday and now is the time to branch out, throw caution to the wind and experience something new, Polish style.

There's a plethora of clubs, pubs, cafes and restaurants all competing for your cash - how do you make that choice? Often you don't have to. You may find that you go for a meal at a restaurant where the entertainment is so good that you don't want to move on anywhere else. Or, alternatively, if you don't like what you have, leave and try the next on the lengthy list.

One restaurant that we visited, the Chlopskie Jadlo at the Gromada Gazda hotel (in the centre) provided a superb live band playing traditional music. The food and service was excellent, the atmosphere terrific. We stayed and had an evening to remember. The interior is Polish peasant style with rough benches and tables for seating. It has won the 'best restaurant in Poland' award. Try to obtain a table in the room where the band plays for maximum enjoyment and do book ahead.

Another Goralska restaurant with plenty of atmosphere that we visited was the Chata Zbujnicka (means robber's den), ul. Jagielonska, Tel: 0048 165 142 17. Some members of our party preferred the food here, especially the mutton stew. The staff wear traditional dress and behave in traditional ways. Don't be shocked at the reception you receive, just laugh, enjoy it and let the rest come as a surprise. The building is made of wood, furnished with wooden tables and benches. Guests are invited to cook their salami over the enormous open fire. There are two floors to the restaurant, the Goralska Capella plays on the lower floor. The upper floor is much less atmospheric with little or no view of the entertaining goings on below. We suggest that you book a table for dinner for around 8 pm. on the lower floor only and state that you want to stay there for the entire evening. We were moved on to the upper floor as more dinner guests arrived, although admittedly we had not made a reservation in advance. One word of warning to ladies and gentlemen; do not wear an expensive bra or tie!

Street entertainers vie for attention in the high street, but nicely. There's also an ancient flight simulator that you should avoid at all costs after a meal. People in the streets and cafes are friendly and quite entertaining themselves after imbibing the local spirit. Just go out, explore and have a good time!

Holiday house to let in Rabka, 25 miles from Zakopane - sleeps 10+

Smart 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, holiday house to let in quiet part of Rabka, 300 m from one of the ski slopes.

The house has 5 bedrooms (3 en-suite), jacuzzi bath, 3 living areas, small kitchen, 2 additional WCs. Garage and own driveway. Small garden. Balcony with table and chairs plus BBQ.

Full gas central heating. Open fire in one living area.

Rabka is known as the 'town of the world's children'. It's built around an enormous central park with swing parks, restaurant, paths and cycle trails. There are 3 ski slopes in winter, toboggan run and an ice skating rink. In summer enjoy horse and cart rides, swimming pools, Rabkoland funfair.

Bus fare into Krakow is just 9 zl each way (takes just over an hour), much less to Zakopane.

Click on the photograph of this holiday let in Poland for details and prices or Telephone +44 (0) 1245 325 273 for bookings and information.

Night Clubs