Poland rewards first-time visitors with medieval old towns, rebuilt city centers, Baltic beaches, mountain trails and a food scene that goes far beyond dumplings. It is also easy to travel around, with good rail links and reasonable prices compared with much of Western Europe. This guide covers where to go, how to get around, what to eat and how to plan a first trip.
Prices, opening hours and entry rules change, so always confirm current details with official sources before you book.
Poland at a glance
- Currency: Poland is in the European Union but uses the zloty (PLN), not the euro.
- Borders: Poland is part of the Schengen Area. If you are visiting from outside Europe, see our explainer on the Schengen 90/180 rule, EES and ETIAS.
- Language: Polish. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger people, and a few words go a long way: dzien dobry (hello), prosze (please) and dziekuje (thank you).
- Payments: Cards and contactless are widely accepted, though small cafes, markets and rural places may prefer cash.
The cities worth your time
Krakow
The former royal capital has one of Europe’s largest medieval market squares, the hilltop Wawel Castle and the atmospheric former Jewish quarter of Kazimierz. It is also a base for day trips to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Plan at least two to three days.
Warsaw
Much of Warsaw was destroyed in the Second World War, and its Old Town was painstakingly rebuilt, which is why it is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Museums here, including the Warsaw Rising Museum and POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, tell the country’s story in depth. Give it two days.
Gdansk
On the Baltic coast, Gdansk has a handsome Main Town with tall merchant houses, a historic port and the moving Museum of the Second World War. Combine it with the seaside resort of Sopot and you have a relaxed three-day stop.
Wroclaw and Poznan
Wroclaw charms with its islands, bridges and the little bronze dwarf statues hidden around the center. Poznan offers a lively market square and a good food scene. Either works well as a shorter stop between bigger cities.
Zakopane and the Tatra mountains
For hiking in summer or skiing in winter, head south to Zakopane, the gateway to the Tatra mountains. Trails vary widely in difficulty, so check the weather and route conditions before you set out.
A note on Auschwitz-Birkenau
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, near the town of Oswiecim, is a place of remembrance that many visitors choose to include. Entry usually requires advance booking through the official website, especially in high season. Treat it with respect and allow plenty of time.
A sample seven-day route
| Day | Base | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Warsaw | Old Town, museums, riverside walk |
| 3 to 5 | Krakow | Main Square, Wawel, Kazimierz, salt mine or a memorial visit |
| 6 to 7 | Gdansk | Main Town, port, day trip to Sopot |
Longer stay? Add Wroclaw between Krakow and Gdansk, or a few days in Zakopane.
Getting around
Trains. Intercity trains link the major cities, and the faster services between Warsaw and Krakow take roughly two and a half hours. You can buy tickets online or through the operators’ apps, and reserving ahead in summer is wise. Regional trains are cheaper but slower.
Buses. Intercity coaches reach places without good rail service and can be cheaper for some routes.
City transport. Trams, buses and metro in Warsaw are easy to use with a ticket bought from a machine or an app. Old towns are compact and best explored on foot.
Flying in. Warsaw, Krakow and Gdansk have international airports with many European connections. For ideas on flights and deals, see our roundup of Klook and travel offers.
What to eat
- Pierogi: dumplings filled with cheese, potato, meat or fruit.
- Zurek: a sour rye soup, often served with sausage and egg, sometimes in a bread bowl.
- Bigos: a slow-cooked cabbage and meat stew.
- Kotlet schabowy: a breaded pork cutlet, usually with potatoes.
- Oscypek: smoked sheep’s cheese from the Tatra region.
- Obwarzanek: a Krakow street bread ring, a bit like a bagel.
- Paczki: filled doughnuts, especially popular on Fat Thursday.
Look for a milk bar (bar mleczny), a no-frills canteen serving traditional dishes at low prices, and try a local craft beer or a shot of flavored vodka if that is your style.
When to go
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September) usually bring mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer suits the coast and the mountains but is busiest. Winter is cold, yet Christmas markets make cities magical, and it is the season for skiing.
Money and etiquette
- Tipping around 10% in restaurants is customary when service is good.
- Say hello when entering small shops.
- Keep some cash for small purchases and public toilets.
Practical checklist
- Check passport validity and entry rules.
- Book accommodation and key tickets early for popular dates.
- Buy travel insurance.
- Download offline maps and a train app.
- Learn a few Polish phrases.
For more pointers on planning, browse our Travel Tips section and our wider Europe travel coverage.