Poland

Travel guide

Польща

Poland, a country rich in history and culture, offers diverse landscapes from the Tatra Mountains to the Baltic Sea. Explore vibrant cities, historical sites, and delicious cuisine.

Ralf Lotys (Sicherlich), cropped by Jjtkk · CC BY 3.0
  • Best MonthsApril to June, September to October
  • AirportsWarsaw Chopin, Kraków John Paul II
  • TransitExtensive train and bus network
  • Power230V, Type E plugs
  • Tipping10-15% in restaurants
  • LanguagePolish

01

When to go

The best time to visit Poland is during spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the landscapes are beautiful.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best monthsHot monthsCooler months
spring

Spring

A beautiful time when flowers bloom and festivals begin.

summer

Summer

Warm weather ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits.

autumn

Autumn

A picturesque season with colorful foliage and harvest festivals.

02

Where to stay

Pick the neighbourhood by how you want the day to start and end, not by distance to one museum.

01
Cultural hub

Kraków Old Town

Experience the charm of cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and vibrant nightlife.

Can be crowded during peak tourist season.

02
Historic

Wrocław Market Square

Enjoy the lively atmosphere with cafes, shops, and stunning architecture.

Best visited in the early morning.

03
Scenic

Gdańsk Waterfront

Stroll along the Motława River and admire the colorful facades of historic buildings.

Ideal for evening walks.

04
Trendy

Warsaw Praga District

Discover the artistic vibe with galleries, street art, and local eateries.

Less touristy than central Warsaw.

05
Nature

Zakopane

A gateway to the Tatra Mountains, perfect for hiking and winter sports.

Can be busy during ski season.

06
Cultural

Poznań Old Market Square

Home to colorful townhouses and the famous Croissant Museum.

Visit during the weekend for local events.

07
Historic

Lublin Old Town

Explore the medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene.

Less crowded than other cities.

08
Culinary

Toruń

Famous for its gingerbread and Gothic architecture.

Try the local gingerbread shops.

03

What to eat

Everyday food, eaten the way locals do. Look for a busy place rather than a ranked list.

Pierogi

Dumplings filled with various ingredients, found in many local eateries.

→ Try different fillings for a full experience.

Bigos

A hearty stew of sauerkraut and meat, often served in traditional restaurants.

→ Perfect for colder days.

Żurek

A sour rye soup typically served with sausage and egg.

→ A must-try for soup lovers.

Gołąbki

Cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice, commonly found in home-style restaurants.

→ Great comfort food.

Sernik

Polish cheesecake made with twaróg cheese, available in many bakeries.

→ A delightful dessert option.

Kielbasa

Polish sausage, often grilled or smoked, found at street vendors.

→ Best enjoyed with mustard.

Makowiec

A poppy seed roll, popular during holidays, available in bakeries.

→ Try it fresh for the best taste.

04

What to see

An order that works on foot, with the trip out of the first city at the end.

01

Wawel Castle

A historic castle in Kraków, symbolizing Polish heritage.

Historic
02

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial

A poignant site of remembrance for Holocaust victims.

Memorial
03

Białowieża Forest

One of the last primeval forests in Europe, home to European bison.

Nature
04

Malbork Castle

The largest brick castle in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historic
05

The Tatra Mountains

A stunning mountain range ideal for hiking and skiing.

Nature
06

Gdańsk's Main Town

Famous for its historical architecture and the Neptune Fountain.

Cultural
07

Warsaw Uprising Museum

A museum dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising of 1944.

Cultural
08

The Vistula Boulevards

A scenic area along the Vistula River, perfect for walks and relaxation.

Scenic
09

Kraków's Main Market Square

One of the largest medieval squares in Europe, bustling with activity.

Cultural
10

The Crooked Forest

A unique forest with oddly shaped pine trees, a natural wonder.

Nature
11

Zamość Old Town

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Renaissance architecture.

Historic
12

The National Museum in Warsaw

Home to an extensive collection of Polish art and artifacts.

Cultural
13

Toruń's Old Town

Famous for its medieval architecture and as the birthplace of Copernicus.

Historic
14

The Baltic Sea Coast

Known for its beautiful beaches and seaside resorts.

Scenic
15

Pieniny National Park

A picturesque park known for its stunning landscapes and rafting.

Nature
16

The Royal Castle in Warsaw

A historic castle that served as the residence of Polish monarchs.

Historic
17

The Wrocław Fountain

A spectacular multimedia fountain show in Wrocław.

Cultural

05

Getting around

Airport to city, across the city, and onward to the next region.

Air Travel

The main airports are Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) and Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK).

WAWWarsaw Chopin
KRKKraków John Paul II

Train Travel

Poland has a well-connected train system, making it easy to travel between cities.

Bus Services

Buses are a reliable option for reaching smaller towns and rural areas.

Car Rentals

Renting a car is a good option for exploring the countryside at your own pace.

Local Transport

Trams and buses are available in major cities for convenient local travel.

06

Practical notes

Plugs

Type E plugs are used in Poland. The standard voltage is 230V.

Cash

Polish Zloty (PLN) is the currency. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Tipping

Tipping is customary, usually around 10-15% in restaurants.

Language

Polish is the official language. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.

Data

A travel eSIM covers maps and tickets after landing.

Trip Duration

A week is ideal to explore major cities and attractions.

Польща eSIM

Maps, ferries and tickets are easier with data as soon as you land.

See eSIM plans
All country guides