Poland Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local culture and customs of Poland. Explore the country's museums, historical places, natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, try traditional dishes, and buy souvenirs to bring home.
- Introduction to Poland
- List of Places to Visit in Poland
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Poland
- Best Things to Do in Poland: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Poland
- Food and Drink Scene of Poland
- Where to Stay in Poland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Poland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Poland
- Best Time to Visit Poland
- Do’s and Don’ts of Poland
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Poland: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Poland
- Where to Go Next from Poland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Poland
Located in Central Europe, Poland is one of the largest countries on the continent. With a rich history and vibrant culture, Poland offers visitors a unique travel experience. From the bustling city of Warsaw, known for its museums and nightlife, to the idyllic countryside and charming villages, there is something for every type of traveler in Poland.
List of Places to Visit in Poland
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Poland is home to many museums and historical places that allow visitors to learn about the country’s past and its people. Among the most popular attractions are:
- Warsaw Uprising Museum
- Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum
- Wawel Royal Castle in Kraków
- Biskupin Archaeological Reserve
Natural Attractions of Poland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Poland’s natural beauty is not to be missed. From forests and mountains to lakes and beaches, there is something for every nature lover. Some of the most breathtaking natural attractions include:
- Tatra Mountains
- Biebrza National Park
- Bieszczady Mountains
- Masurian Lake District
Hiking/Biking Routes of Poland
Hiking and biking are popular outdoor activities in Poland. There are many hiking and biking routes throughout the country, some of the most popular ones are:
- Ojcowski National Park
- Karkonosze National Park
- Wolski Forest in Kraków
- Gdańsk Bay
Best Things to Do in Poland: Activities and Tours
With its rich history and culture, there are many activities and tours to enjoy in Poland. Here are some of the best things to do in Poland:
- Take a tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine
- Visit the Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa
- Explore the historic district of Wrocław
- Attend a Chopin concert in Żelazowa Wola
Week-Long Itinerary for Poland
If you’re looking for a week-long itinerary for Poland, here’s a suggestion for what to see and do:
Day | Destination |
---|---|
1 | Warsaw |
2 | Kraków |
3 | Tatra Mountains |
4 | Wrocław |
5 | Gdańsk |
6 | Masurian Lake District |
7 | Poznań |
Food and Drink Scene of Poland
Must-Try Dishes
Polish cuisine is hearty and delicious. Some of the must-try dishes include:
- Pierogi (dumplings filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables)
- Bigos (stew made with sauerkraut, meat, and vegetables)
- Polskie Naleśniki (Polish pancakes served with sweet or savory fillings)
- Kiełbasa (Polish sausage)
Local Beverages
Poland is known for its beer and vodka. Some of the most popular beer brands include Żywiec, Tyskie, and Okocim. When it comes to vodka, try Żubrówka, a vodka flavored with bison grass, or Żołądkowa Gorzka, a vodka flavored with herbs and spices.
Where to Stay in Poland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Poland offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some of the best places to stay in Poland include:
- Marriott Hotel in Warsaw
- Sheraton Grand Kraków
- Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences in Gdańsk
- Hostel Deco in Wrocław
What to Buy in Poland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from Poland include:
- Amber jewelry
- Traditional Polish pottery
- Oscypek (smoked cheese made from sheep’s milk)
- Hand-painted Easter eggs
Local Culture and Customs of Poland
Polish people are known for their hospitality, and visitors to the country are often welcomed with open arms. When visiting Poland, it is important to be respectful of the country’s customs and traditions. Some of the most important customs and traditions include:
- Observing religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas
- Removing shoes before entering someone’s home
- Toasting with vodka during celebrations
- Addressing elders with “Pan” or “Pani”
Best Time to Visit Poland
The best time to visit Poland is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. Summers can be crowded and hot, while winters are cold and snowy.
Do’s and Don’ts of Poland
Do:
- Be respectful of Poland’s customs and traditions
- Try traditional Polish cuisine
- Explore the country’s cultural attractions
Don’t:
- Be loud or disruptive in public places
- Assume everyone speaks English
- Dress inappropriately when visiting religious sites
Safety and Health
Safety in Poland
Poland is generally a safe country to visit. However, travelers should still take basic safety precautions such as keeping valuable belongings secure and not walking alone at night.
Health in Poland
Poland has a modern healthcare system, and visitors should have no problem seeking medical attention if needed. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Getting to Poland: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Poland
Some of the most convenient airports for travel to Poland include:
- Warsaw Chopin Airport
- Kraków John Paul II International Airport
- Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport
- Wrocław–Copernicus Airport
Bus Stations Near Poland
Many cities in Poland are served by long-distance buses. Some of the most popular bus stations include:
- Warsaw Central Bus Station
- Kraków Bus Station
- Gdańsk Bus Station
- Wrocław Bus Station
Other Options
Travelers can also reach Poland by train or car, depending on their location.
How to Get Around in Poland
Poland has a reliable public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. Taxis are also available in most cities. It is recommended to purchase a local sim card or use free WiFi to access transportation apps for easy navigation.
Where to Go Next from Poland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Poland is conveniently located near several other popular travel destinations. Some of the best nearby destinations and excursions include:
- Berlin, Germany
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Lviv, Ukraine
- Vilnius, Lithuania
Conclusion
With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture, Poland is a must-visit destination for any traveler. From exploring museums and historical sites to dining on traditional cuisine and experiencing local customs and traditions, there is something for everyone in this beautiful country.
Poland Image Gallery
![Gdańsk](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c2/Ayuntamiento_Principal%2C_Gdansk%2C_Polonia%2C_2013-05-20%2C_DD_01.jpg/100px-Ayuntamiento_Principal%2C_Gdansk%2C_Polonia%2C_2013-05-20%2C_DD_01.jpg)
![Wieliczka salt mine](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/Wieliczka_salt_mine.jpg/100px-Wieliczka_salt_mine.jpg)
![Wrocław](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/Wroclaw_-_Uniwersytet_Wroclawski_o_poranku.jpg/100px-Wroclaw_-_Uniwersytet_Wroclawski_o_poranku.jpg)
![Bison in Białowieża National Park](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Bia%C5%82owieski_Park_Narodowy03_23a.jpg/100px-Bia%C5%82owieski_Park_Narodowy03_23a.jpg)
![Kraków was the capital of Poland through most of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/02860_Krak%C3%B3w%2C_zesp%C3%B3%C5%82_Wzg%C3%B3rza_Wawelskiego.jpg/100px-02860_Krak%C3%B3w%2C_zesp%C3%B3%C5%82_Wzg%C3%B3rza_Wawelskiego.jpg)
![King Sigismund II Vasa moved the country's capital to Warsaw in 1596](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/Man_in_old_town.jpg/100px-Man_in_old_town.jpg)
![Warsaw in 1919](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/Warsaw-Pilsudski-Square-1900s.jpg/100px-Warsaw-Pilsudski-Square-1900s.jpg)
![Warsaw's Palace of Culture and Science is perhaps the most prominent monument to the communist era in Poland](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a7/Dvorec_kultury_i_nauki.jpg/100px-Dvorec_kultury_i_nauki.jpg)
![Newfound economic freedom and EU membership has enabled cities like Poznań to flourish](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Stary_Browar_down_panorama_2007-06.jpg/100px-Stary_Browar_down_panorama_2007-06.jpg)
![Easter is the time when Polish people can indulge in baking homemade cakes and then eating them!](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/St%C3%B3%C5%82_wielkanocny_1.jpg/100px-St%C3%B3%C5%82_wielkanocny_1.jpg)
![Visit Polish churches during Christmastime to experience elaborate nativity scenes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/003_Weihnachtskrippe_in_der_Sanoker_Franziskanerkirche%2C_2013.jpg/100px-003_Weihnachtskrippe_in_der_Sanoker_Franziskanerkirche%2C_2013.jpg)
![LOT is the Polish flag carrier](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/LOT_-_Polish_Airlines_-_Polskie_Linie_Lotnicze_Boeing_787-8_Dreamliner_-_SP-LRE_-_Flight_LOT45_from_WAW_%2814084309468%29.jpg/100px-LOT_-_Polish_Airlines_-_Polskie_Linie_Lotnicze_Boeing_787-8_Dreamliner_-_SP-LRE_-_Flight_LOT45_from_WAW_%2814084309468%29.jpg)
![PolskiBus offer low fares between cities](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/PolskiBus.com_5.jpg/100px-PolskiBus.com_5.jpg)
![Poland is large enough for domestic flights to be a viable method of travelling](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/13/Boarding_%282564643532%29.jpg/100px-Boarding_%282564643532%29.jpg)
![Pay attention to the remarkable details on Kraków's historic buildings](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e5/Krak%C3%B3w_-_Ko%C5%9Bci%C3%B3%C5%82_pw._%C5%9Aw._Piotra_i_Paw%C5%82a_01.jpg/100px-Krak%C3%B3w_-_Ko%C5%9Bci%C3%B3%C5%82_pw._%C5%9Aw._Piotra_i_Paw%C5%82a_01.jpg)
![Tatra National Park](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/D5sp-czarny.jpg/100px-D5sp-czarny.jpg)
![Malbork castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/Panorama_of_Malbork_Castle%2C_part_3.jpg/100px-Panorama_of_Malbork_Castle%2C_part_3.jpg)
![The original ''Polans'' were](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/2014_Pole_uprawne_w_Raszkowie.jpg/100px-2014_Pole_uprawne_w_Raszkowie.jpg)
![Polish 100 zł banknote](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikivoyage/en/thumb/7/76/Polish-Banknote-100zl.jpg/100px-Polish-Banknote-100zl.jpg)
![Pierogi](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/25/Pierogi_z_kaszanka.jpg/100px-Pierogi_z_kaszanka.jpg)
![Bigos](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Bigos_polonia.jpg/100px-Bigos_polonia.jpg)
![Tomato soup (''pomidorowa'') is so popular in Poland that it even has its own fan clubs](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cc/Paradajz_corba.jpg/100px-Paradajz_corba.jpg)
![Chlodnik (cold borsht), as served in Poznań](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Chlodnik_%28Cold_Borscht%29.jpg/100px-Chlodnik_%28Cold_Borscht%29.jpg)
![Pączki](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Sma%C5%BCenie_p%C4%85czk%C3%B3w_%28Aw58MW%29.jpg/100px-Sma%C5%BCenie_p%C4%85czk%C3%B3w_%28Aw58MW%29.jpg)
![Polish people drink more beer than any other alcoholic beverage](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/06592_Holiday_Folk_in_Niebieszczany.jpg/100px-06592_Holiday_Folk_in_Niebieszczany.jpg)
![Ottoman Empire, with whom Poland used to share a border and fought many wars, the country was one of the first in Europe to take to drinking coffee](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/01141_Pischinger_%28chocolate_oblaten_cake%29%2C_Sanok_2011.jpg/100px-01141_Pischinger_%28chocolate_oblaten_cake%29%2C_Sanok_2011.jpg)
![You can find accommodation even in the most remote parts of Poland](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/98/Samotnia_noca_01.jpg/100px-Samotnia_noca_01.jpg)
![Sofitel Grand in Sopot](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/Sopot-grandhotel.jpg/100px-Sopot-grandhotel.jpg)
![When in trouble, report immediately to the police (''Policja'')](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/2014_Logo_Policji_Mo%C5%84ki.jpg/100px-2014_Logo_Policji_Mo%C5%84ki.jpg)
![Polish people tend to approach foreigners from far corners of the globe with friendly curiosity. One sign of openness to ethnic diversity is the election of John Godson, born in Nigeria, as a member of the Polish parliament](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e4/John_Godson_%2810073201384%29.jpg/100px-John_Godson_%2810073201384%29.jpg)
![EuroPride in Warsaw](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/EuroPride_2010_Warsaw_Poland_23.jpg/100px-EuroPride_2010_Warsaw_Poland_23.jpg)
![LGBT ideology-free zones declared (as of January 2020) marked in red](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/LGBT_Free_Zones_Poland_2020_-_Counties.png/100px-LGBT_Free_Zones_Poland_2020_-_Counties.png)