A beginner’s guide to Poland

As a place to vacation, Poland is still criminally underrated, mostly known in the travel industry for its emblematic cities of Krakow and Warsaw and its important WWII historic sites. You’ll soon see that to overlook this Eastern European gem means missing out – on impressive castles, charming palaces and excellent museums; on Baltic beaches, snow-capped mountains and the immense natural beauty of over 20 national parks. Not to mention, the Polish are friendly and dynamic, and deeply proud of their country and traditions. Get to know the many wonders of Polska with our Poland travel guide for first-timers…

A whistle-stop tour of Krakow

As Poland’s cultural capital, Krakow is one of the most picturesque and historically gripping places in Europe. Many travel here as a base to see Auschwitz (more on that below) – but in Krakow main, the must-see is the Old Town, where Main Market Square sits as Europe’s largest medieval plaza. Here, the towering Gothic spires of St. Mary’s Basilica and the Renaissance-era Cloth Hall create a stunning backdrop to your meanderings between shops, cafes and restaurants. For more architectural marvels, ascend the Wawel Hill to explore the majestic Wawel Castle, with its mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture; while in Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter, the narrow cobblestone streets wind past multicolored facades, the oldest synagogues in the country, and charming, hidden courtyards.

Historical treasures also abound in Nowa Huta: a district of Stalinist buildings offering a glimpse into Poland’s long communist past; while the Wieliczka Salt Mine, just outside of the city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. History buffs shouldn’t miss this – its features include underground chapels, ornate sculptures, and a maze of tunnels carved from salt.

Krakow is also green and leafy, with plenty of places to seek peace and quiet both in the city and beyond. Explore the serene Planty Park that encircles the Old Town, and in the outskirts, tour Tyniec’s Benedictine Abbey atop a limestone hill, soaking up lovely views of the river below. At the Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University, the oldest botanical garden in Poland, you can enjoy a relaxing oasis of flowerbeds and fish ponds.

Visit Auschwitz

No guide to Poland is complete without a mention of Auschwitz. A trip here is a sobering experience, but it’s an essential piece of Poland’s history, key to understanding its triumphant and resilient present. Only a short journey from Krakow, this former concentration and extermination camp is now preserved as a memorial and museum, offering a powerful perspective on one of history’s darkest chapters.

As you enter the gates marked ‘arbeit macht frei’ (‘work will set you free’), and explore the barracks, gas chambers and very well curated exhibits, you’re confronted with the scale of the atrocities committed here during the Holocaust. The entire area is UNESCO protected for its profound importance to world history. Understandably it draws a lot of visitors, so be sure to book well in advance (a local travel expert can arrange this for you).

Warsaw in a nutshell: the Polish capital

Once dismissed as a grey, industrial center, Warsaw has re-emerged in recent years as a quirky city break favorite with a fresh, youthful energy. That said, you can’t dismiss the glut of wartime history here – Nazis tried to annihilate Warsaw during WWII, and the museums and monuments dedicated to this period are well worth your time.

Warsaw’s Old Town is a charming reconstruction of how the area would have looked 200 years ago. In fact, due to the widespread bombing of the city, many of the historic buildings are reconstructed: the Royal Palace, the Krasinski Palace, the Barbican, to name a few – and their imposing elegance is impressive. Amongst it all sits the Museum of Warsaw, a trove of illuminating Warsaw objects that have otherwise been lost to time.

To get a taste of arts and culture, check out the Praga district, where local street artists have used crumbling buildings as their canvas, or the Neon Museum, which houses old neon signs from the Communist era. In the summer, the city hosts free Chopin-themed concerts in Lazienki Park every Sunday, so you can relax to the exquisite sounds of the iconic Polish composer.

Lesser-known places to explore in Poland

Away from Krakow and Warsaw, Poland has a plethora of wonderful towns to explore. Poznan is considered one of the birthplaces of Poland, with history dating back over a thousand years. Don’t miss its whimsical Town Hall, famed for its mechanical goats that butt heads every day at noon.

For a pleasant maritime destination, coastal Gdansk is defined by gorgeous Gothic architecture, while nearby Sopot is a beautiful spa town offering sandy beaches and a scenic pier. The northern town of Malbork is home to one of Poland’s most iconic structures, Malbork Castle: erected in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, it’s the largest brick-built castle in the world.

For a taste of nature a stone’s throw from Krakow, Ojcow National Park is Poland’s smallest area of natural beauty at only 21.5 sq km. Expect views of limestone cliffs, karst formations, and lush forests to hike your way through. The area is part of the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland, crammed with unique geological formations, caves and rugged outcrops.

The Tatra Mountains and the south

In the south, straddling the border between Poland and Slovakia, the striking Tatra Mountains are primed for outdoor activities. Adventurous travelers who love to hike and ski tend to head to Zakopane, the gateway to these mountains, for excellent winter sports with a naturally breathtaking backdrop. Hikers can simply meander the trails which lead to stunning panoramic views such as Morskie Oko, a picturesque lake surrounded by pristine peaks, and Rysy, the highest point in Poland. One can also seek out the area’s multiple caves and glorious waterside spots, including Wielka Siklawa, Poland’s highest waterfall.

Another southern Polish jewel is the city of Wroclaw, often referred to as the Venice of the North due to its picturesque canals and bridges. The Old Town features a stunning central square lined with Gothic and Baroque buildings, but modern life shines through with its festivals, art exhibitions and street markets.

Get to know Poland through food and drink

Polish food doesn’t get a huge amount of attention globally, and is often reduced to potatoes and pickles. Experiment with what’s on offer, however, and you’ll love real Polish cuisine for its wholesome and comforting heartiness. Think stews, dumplings, rye breads and moreish meats. An intriguing culinary scene is developing in the cities, offering plenty for foodies to sink their teeth into.

Be prepared to feel full after a traditional Polish dinner; it will often start with a soup (such as barszcz, a beetroot broth), and main courses will usually revolve around a central meat (kotlet schabowy, for instance, which are breaded pork chops); but the trademark dumpling-based dishes, stuffed with cheese, meat, cabbage or mushrooms (and known locally as pierogi) are on almost every menu. Though heavy, these dishes are surprisingly flavorful and satisfying.

For quick eats, check out the local milk bars (bar mleczny). A throwback from the communist era, they’re usually open all day selling quick, filling meals for workers, students and the like. Unsurprisingly, the best foodie scenes are in Krakow and Warsaw, for traditional local food presented with modern flair; but everywhere has their own specialties. The areas around the Tatra Mountains have their own highland food scene, punctuated with smoked cheese made with sheep’s milk.

Drinks-wise, you’ll have tea, coffee and local beers aplenty to sip and savor, but the national drink in Poland is vodka. To throw this back like a local, be sure it’s neat and ice-cold; flavored versions are available, too, if the clear shot is too intimidating.

Customs and etiquette in Poland

Poland is a relatively conservative country, with traditional values that are still upheld – especially in more rural areas. The younger Poles are generally more progressive and happier to break with tradition (and rules). No matter their age or where they’re from, most Polish people are usually deeply hospitable and will greet you with a warm and sincere handshake.

If you’re invited for dinner, this will generally be a knife-and-fork affair, the Western norm – wait patiently for everyone to be seated before tucking in. If you’re in a restaurant, a 10% tip is usually expected. Also, don’t mistake the directness of Polish people for rudeness – they generally just like to get straight to the point.

Poland travel guide: top tips and advice

If you’re ready to start planning a trip to Poland, our local travel experts are on hand to start co-creating your perfect vacation in Eastern Europe. Here are some tips on how to get around and the best times to go…

Getting around in Poland

Poland is developed, and relatively easy to get around in. Happily, the rail network is extensive and efficient, with regular trains connecting major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk. For shorter distances or if you’re journeying through rural areas, buses are generally reliable, but renting a car or going on a private tour gives you the flexibility to explore off the beaten path, in areas such as the Tatra Mountains or the Masurian Lake District. In cities, trams, buses and metro systems (in Warsaw) provide convenient public transport. Cycling around cities is also popular, made easier with dedicated bike lanes.

The best times to visit Poland

Like most European destinations, Poland experiences distinct seasons, meaning whenever you visit offers different strengths and activities. Spring (March to May) brings mild weather and blooming flowers, perfect for city exploration and outdoor activities. Summer (June to August) is peak tourist season, with warm temperatures ideal for visiting the Baltic coast or hiking in the mountains – though of course, expect a more crowded experience. Fall time (September to November) offers pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and beautiful foliage, making it an excellent season for sightseeing. Lastly, winter (December to February) brings crisp temperatures and can be snowy, perfect for winter sports in the Tatra Mountains and extremely atmospheric Christmas markets.

Make it happen

If our Poland travel guide has sparked your interest in this Eastern European treasure, plan a trip with the help of our locally-based travel experts today.