Things To Do
in Poland
Poland is a Central European country with a layered history, diverse landscapes and resilient culture shaped by centuries of change. Cities combine Gothic, Baroque and modern architecture — Warsaw’s rebuilt Old Town and Kraków’s medieval core are highlights. The country’s countryside ranges from Baltic beaches and Masurian lakes to the Tatra Mountains and primeval Białowieża Forest.
Poland offers rich cuisine, lively cultural life and good infrastructure for travelers, with warm hospitality and growing tourist services outside major seasons.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Warsaw and settle into your hotel. Take a leisurely stroll around the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and soak in the stunning architecture. Enjoy a traditional Polish breakfast at a local café, sampling pierogi and fresh pastries.
Explore the Royal Castle and its rich history, followed by a visit to the beautiful Lazienki Park, where you can admire the Palace on the Isle and the famous Chopin Monument. Don't forget to relax by the serene lakes and take in the vibrant nature. Grab a light lunch in the park or a nearby bistro.
Experience the buzz of Warsaw's nightlife in the historic Praga district, filled with art galleries, bars, and restaurants. Dine at a local eatery, trying regional specialties like bigos or żurek. Conclude your day with a nightcap at a rooftop bar, enjoying views of the city skyline.
Take an early train from Warsaw to Kraków, enjoying the picturesque Polish countryside along the way. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and head out to explore the charming Wawel Castle. Visit the Cathedral and take in the stunning views from the castle grounds.
After lunch in the historic Old Town, visit the Main Market Square, one of the largest in Europe, where you can see St. Mary's Basilica and listen to the trumpet call. Wander through the Cloth Hall and pick up unique local crafts. Spend time at the historical Barbican and relax in one of the many cafes lining the square.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Polish dinner at a cozy restaurant in the Old Town. Experience live Polish folk music or a cultural performance to immerse yourself in the local traditions. As night falls, take a leisurely walk through the beautifully lit streets of Kraków.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L, restaurant) | $2-4 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start (normal tariff) | $2-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (double/night) | $50-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and well-preserved cultural sites
- Diverse landscapes from Baltic beaches to high mountains
- Affordable travel costs compared to Western Europe
- Vibrant food scene blending tradition and modern cuisine
- Cold winters in many regions can limit activities
- Language barriers outside tourist areas (English less common in rural zones)
- Some public services may be slower than in Western Europe
- Peak-season crowds at major attractions
- "Dzień dobry" - Good morning / Good day
- "Proszę" - Please / You're welcome
- "Dziękuję" - Thank you
- "Przepraszam" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Gdzie jest...?" - Where is...?
- "Ile to kosztuje?" - How much does this cost?
- "Nie mówię po polsku" - I don't speak Polish
Places to Visit in Poland
Visit one of these nice places.
Medieval architecture, St. Mary's Basilica, and riverside views provide classic golden-hour shots and cobbled-street character.
Reconstructed Old Town with colorful houses and panoramic cityscapes from the Palace of Culture observation deck.
Hanseatic façades, amber shops and riverside reflections make for atmospheric maritime images.
Alpine lakes, sharp ridgelines and mountain reflections—stunning sunrise and stormy-sky opportunities.
Europe’s largest brick castle—grand exteriors and moody interiors for historical photography.
Primeval forest landscapes and chance encounters with European bison; best for nature and wildlife photographers.
Panoramic views of the Tatras and lively highlander market street scenes.
Colorful townhouses, bridges and river reflections; also look out for the whimsical dwarf statues across the city.
Food in Poland
Poland Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Dumplings with savory fillings (potato & cheese, meat, mushrooms) or sweet (fruit); available in restaurants, milk bars and street stalls.
Must-Try!
A hunter’s stew of sauerkraut, cabbage and mixed meats—slow-cooked and deeply savory, common in home-style restaurants.
Sour rye soup often served in a bread bowl with sausage and egg; a distinctive, traditional Polish soup.
Smoked sheep’s cheese from the Tatra mountains; sold by vendors in Zakopane and at markets in the south.
Assorted Polish sausages—grilled, roasted or stewed—available everywhere from markets to high-end eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Traditional market stalls next to modern food halls—great for meats, breads, pierogi and local produce; Koszyki also hosts trendy vendors.
Historic market with fresh produce, cheeses, smoked fish and regional products; good spot to sample oscypek in season.
Coastal market offering fish, smoked goods and amber souvenirs; street vendors nearby sell quick bites.
Especially in summer, city squares host street food events serving fusion pierogi, burgers, kebabs and regional snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Handshakes are standard; use formal titles and surnames until invited to use first names. Poles appreciate politeness and direct but respectful conversation.
Be punctual for business and many social appointments; casual meetings among friends may be more relaxed.
Respectful dress and behavior is expected in churches and memorial sites—remove hats indoors and speak quietly.
Bring a small gift (flowers or sweets) and remove shoes if hosts indicate; wait to be shown where to sit or hang coats.
Always ask permission before photographing people up close, especially in rural areas and at memorials.
Safety
Tipping in Poland
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping of around 10% is customary in sit-down restaurants if service was good; small change is appreciated for taxis and hairdressers. Many places include a service charge—check your bill.
Cards (Visa/Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted in cities; carry some złoty (PLN) for small shops, markets and rural areas. ATMs are common and currency exchange services are available.
Non-EU visitors may be eligible for VAT refunds on some purchases—keep receipts and ask stores about tax-free forms.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmest and sunniest months (June–August) with long daylight, festival season and crowded tourist sites—great for beach trips to the Baltic and lake activities in Masuria.
September–November brings crisp air and vivid foliage—ideal for hiking and city visits with fewer crowds, but increasingly shorter days.
December–February can be cold with snow, especially in the mountains—perfect for skiing in Zakopane and atmospheric Christmas markets, though some rural roads may be icy.
March–May sees blossoming parks and milder weather; shoulder season offers fewer tourists but variable conditions—pack layers.
Poland at Night
Hiking in Poland
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A picturesque alpine lake reachable via a maintained trail from Palenica Białczańska—popular, scenic and family-friendly with mountain views.
Highest peak in Poland offering challenging routes and panoramic summit views; requires good fitness and mountain conditions awareness.
Gentle hikes along dramatic river gorges; combine hiking with traditional raft trips on the Dunajec.
Remote, rolling mountain meadows great for solitude, wildlife and starry-night photography—less crowded than the Tatras.
Marked trails to the highest Karkonosze peak with alpine landscapes and accessible paths from town centers like Karpacz.
Airports
How to reach Poland by plane.
Main international airport serving Warsaw with direct trains and buses to the city center; central hub for national and European connections.
Primary airport for southern Poland and the gateway to Kraków and the Tatra mountains; good bus and shuttle connections to the city and rail links to other regions.
Serves the Tri-City area and northern coast; frequent summer flights and bus/tram links into Gdańsk.
Regional international airport with connections across Europe and shuttle services to Wrocław city center.
Important low-cost carrier hub for southern Silesia with coach and train links to Katowice, Kraków and surrounding areas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population with shared language and cultural traditions; communities concentrated in urban and rural areas.
Growing immigrant and temporary-worker populations from neighboring countries, especially in recent years.
Small German, Lithuanian and other minority communities, particularly near border regions with historical roots.
Expats, international students and digital nomads are common in major university cities like Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular spectator sport with passionate club support across the country; major matches draw large crowds and lively fan culture.
Poland has a strong national volleyball tradition and successful professional teams; matches are widely followed and well-attended.
National heroes and strong international presence make ski jumping especially popular in winter, with events attracting nationwide interest.
Local interest in speedway motorcycle racing and basketball provides regional sporting variety and entertainment.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options have increased: many restaurants offer vegetarian pierogi, soups and salads. Polish cuisine is meat-heavy, so look for vegetarian or international restaurants in cities and ask staff for help.
Vegan choices are available in major cities with specialized cafés and vegan restaurants; in traditional places request dishes without butter/smoked meats and confirm broths are vegetable-based.
Gluten-free requests can generally be accommodated in urban restaurants; avoid breaded and dumpling dishes and check for cross-contamination in busy kitchens.
Carry allergy cards in Polish if severe. Many places will accommodate, but small rural kitchens may have limited options.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Poland.