The Best Places to Visit in Poland
Poland is one of Europe’s greatest destinations for city lovers and history fans. It is located in Central Europe, with coastline along the Baltic Sea and a population of ~38 million people. The country is known for its vibrant old towns and squares, as well as the endless amount of culture amongst its different regions. Poland has a heavy history, being heavily affected by both World Wars, and having to rebuild from almost nothing in some areas. Despite this, the country has had incredible progression and growth, allowing you to find impressive modern areas in cities like Warsaw. Its pretty affordable for travelers, with great accommodation spots, restaurants and many things to do.
Capital: Warsaw
Currency: Polish Zloty
Language: Polish
When to visit: May to December
1) Kraków
Kraków is one of Poland’s most historic and atmospheric cities, known for its beautifully preserved old town and numerous activities and locations for tourists. It is the most visited destination in Poland, and when you steep foot into the city it’s clear to see why. The well kept pre-WW2 areas mix well with the cities lively atmosphere. It really is Poland’s cultural capital, and being home to over 800,000 people it’s Poland’s second biggest city.
Things to do:
Step into the Old Town and Main Square of Krakow, and revel at all the historically preserved architecture and churches (St. Mary’s Basilica). Walk to Wawel Hill, where you will find a beautiful castle complete with walking paths, viewpoints of the city and built in museums and tours. The whole area is a must visit in Krakow. The city also has some energetic nightlife you can indulge in around the Old Town. Visit Kazimierz (The Jewish Quarter) as the architecture and picturesque aspect of it makes it a nice place to walk through. Finally, of course go to Zabka.
How to get there:
For flights, you can fly into John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport (KRK), which is connected just about everywhere in Europe.
There are high speed trains from big cities nearby such as Prague or Berlin.
Alternatively, you can find FlixBus routes from almost any surrounding city in Poland or across the border very easily.
2) Zakopane
Zakopane is a small mountain town in southern Poland, right at the base of the Tatra Mountains near the Slovak border. It’s basically Poland’s go-to spot for the mountains. Both tourists and locals often come here for hiking and skiing opportunities, depending on the season and time of the year. There is incredible views and visiting opportunities in and around the town.
Things to do:
The High Tatra mountains have many hiking opportunities, such as; Giewont, a difficult hike, Morskie Oko, an easier path with beautiful views, and Valley of Five Lakes, a moderate loop trail. Other then that, you can take cable cars for views up the town and walk around the main street.
How to get there:
From Krakow is the best route. You can take a bus from companies like FlixBus straight to Zakopane.
3) Warsaw
Warsaw is Poland’s capital and largest city, found in Central Eastern Poland with a population of around 1.8 million people. The city was almost completely destroyed during World War II, so a lot of what you see today has been rebuilt. The old town looks historic, but it’s actually a reconstruction, while the rest of the city is a mix of modern skyscrapers, communist-era buildings, wide streets, and loads of green space. Warsaw is an amazing city for this reason; you can spend the day in and around the charming Old Town streets, and spend the night inside an elite modern city center with numerous skyscrapers and shops.
Things to do:
Walking around the Old Town is an easy start, you can step on some of the Old Town walls surrounding it. The Royal Castle is located in close proximity of this, as is the St. Annes Cathedral. Once you’ve done that, go to the modern area and admire the Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw’s most striking piece of architecture. You can go to the top and explore the museums inside.
How to get there:
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) connects Warsaw with some European destinations and may have some options for you.
Otherwise, train services connect Warsaw with big cities like Krakow, Berlin, Prague, etc.
If a train is inconvenient or you aren’t in one of Poland’s larger cities, FlixBus offers routes from basically every single city in Poland to Warsaw.
4) Gdansk
Gdańsk is a historic port city on Poland’s northern coast, right on the Baltic Sea. With around 470,000 people, it’s smaller than Warsaw or Kraków, but was a historic major trading hub. You can sense it by walking round the medieval streets, and engaging in the cities vibrant art and cultural scene. Much like Warsaw however, the city’s old town was reconstructed after WW2 and has a colorful, magical look to it.
Things to do:
Start on Długi Targ (Long Market) in the old town. The street is lined with colorful merchant houses, cafés, and shops, and ends at the impressive Neptune Fountain. From there, check out St. Mary’s Church, one of the largest brick churches in the world, and climb the tower for city views. The Museum of the Second World War is huge and informational too. After all that, make sure you just stroll along the waterfront.
How to get there:
Gdansk is easily connected by train from Polish cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Poznań.
Otherwise, FlixBus can get you there from any sizeable city nearby.
5) Auschwitz
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is located near Oświęcim, about 70 km west of Kraków, and it preserves the former Nazi concentration and extermination camps. It’s a place to remember and reflect on the horrors of the Holocaust. You should visit with a guided tour, which helps explain the history, layout, and personal stories behind what happened. Book in advance.
What you’ll see:
The site is made up of Auschwitz I, the main camp with original buildings, exhibitions, and cells, and Auschwitz II–Birkenau, a much larger camp where most of the mass killings happened. You’ll see barracks, watchtowers, railway tracks, personal belongings of victims, and memorials.
How to get there:
Use train services or a bus company (such as FlixBus), from Krakow or Katowice.
6) Wrocław
Wrocław is famous for its hundreds of little dwarf statues scattered around the city, which is a little fun tradition of the city. It’s a mid size city acting as ‘The Venice of Poland,’ because of all the canals running through the city. It’s found in the south west of Poland, and almost 650,000 live here. Much like other cities in Poland, it’s filled with color and dazzling charm.
Things to do:
Start at the Rynek, the main square, and don’t miss the Town Hall in the middle, featuring a museum inside. As mentioned, spot the little dwarf statues as you walk around the city. Check out Ostrów Tumski, the oldest part of the city. It’s full of churches, and a cool bridge lined with lamps on either side.
How to get there:
Take a train from Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk or Poznan.
Alternatively, FlixBus offers routes to so many destinations in Poland, if you’re in any tourist city it can connect you.
7) Lublin
Lublin is a smaller city in eastern Poland, with about 340,000 people, but it’s full of character and history. It doesn’t get as many tourists as Kraków or Warsaw, which gives it a quieter, more relaxed vibe. It is seen as somewhat of a ‘hidden gem’ on peoples Poland itineraries, and has some charming places you can walk through to feel its somewhat youthful vibe.
Things to do:
The appeal of Lublin is just walking around its historical places - starting in the Old Town. The streets are cobbled and cozy, giving it a nice vibe. You can also find Lublin Castle around, which is partly a museum as well.
How to get there:
There are train services from Warsaw and other major Polish cities.
Of course, you can get a FlixBus from most destinations in Poland.