Things to do in Poland
Welcome to Poland
Poland is a country renowned for reinvention. Warsaw, the country's capital, emerged from the ashes of World War II destruction and transformed into one of Eastern Europe's brightest stars. A sightseeing tour of the city reveals Gothic, communist, and modernist architectural styles, while the Warsaw Rising, History of Polish Jews, and Neon museums are top draws for history buffs. Highlights of Poland's countryside are the snow-smothered Tatra Mountains and rustic towns of Zakopane and Malbork, all doable on a day-trip from major Polish cities. Hiking opportunities are aplenty, especially in the summer when the lakes in the north are perfect for kayaking and relaxed wanders. Polish pearl and former capital, Krakow, boasts historical gems such as Wawel Castle, Rynek Glowny (Main Market Square), and Kazmierz (Jewish District). If you're short on time, combine a city sightseeing tour with a visit to the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also listed is the former German Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, which allows visitors to reflect on the monumental horrors of the Holocaust during a guided tour. Plus, don't miss out on a visit to the Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa, home to the revered painting of The Black Madonna.
Top 15 attractions in Poland
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
Wieliczka Salt Mine (Kopalnia Soli)
Gdansk Old Town (Gdańsk Stare Miasto)
Warsaw Old Town (Stare Miasto)
Praga
Rynek Glowny (Main Market Square)
Palace of Culture and Science (Palac Kultury i Nauki)
St. Mary's Basilica (Kościól Mariacki)
Wawel Royal Castle (Zamek Wawelski)
Oskar Schindler's Factory (Fabryka Schindlera)
Warsaw Royal Castle (Zamek Krolewski)
Kazimierz (Krakow Jewish Quarter)
Warsaw Jewish Ghetto (Getto Zydowskie)
Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta)
Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)
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When to visit
From medieval towns to ski resorts to beaches and idyllic countryside, Poland has something to offer at every time of year. The busiest season is summer, when tourists flock to the country and schools are on break. Spring and fall are better options if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy good weather. You can also plan a trip around Krakow’s lively Wianki festival, which celebrates Midsummer; Warsaw's Jewish Culture Festival or Krakow's Pierogi Festival, both in August; or Zielona Góra wine festival, in September.
Getting around
Poland has a great public transportation network. One of the best ways to get around the country is by train; it is both cost-effective and efficient, and you can find routes with incredible scenery along the way. When possible, opt for the fast and modern PKP Intercity train services, which offer the shortest and most comfortable trips. There are also bus networks that travel all over the country, to even the most remote of villages.
Traveler tips
While Krakow is wonderful, no trip is complete without visits to smaller towns and cities, to see the country's more traditional side. The UNESCO-listed city of Toruń—the birthplace of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus—has a wonderful old town market square and a wealth of medieval buildings. It’s also known for being the home of Polish gingerbread; visitors can admire intricately decorated gingerbread cookies in shops, visit gingerbread museums, and enjoy hands-on baking classes.