Things To Do
in Poland
Poland is a country located in Central Europe, known for its picturesque landscapes ranging from the Baltic Sea coastline in the north to the Tatra Mountains in the south. It has a rich history that includes both periods of grandeur and times of hardship, with its vibrant cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk bearing witness to centuries of cultural and political evolution.
Poland today is a dynamic member of the European Union, boasting a robust economy and a strong cultural identity that celebrates its traditions, yet embraces modernity and innovation.
- "Cześć" - Hello
- "Dziękuję" - Thank you
- "Proszę" - Please
- "Tak" - Yes
- "Nie" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy breakfast at a local café before exploring the Royal Castle.
Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum to learn about the city's resilient history. Afterwards, stroll through Łazienki Park and see the famous Chopin statue.
Dine at a traditional Polish restaurant and try pierogi. End your evening with a walk along the Vistula Boulevards.
Begin at Wawel Castle and take a guided tour of this iconic landmark. Enjoy a coffee in the charming streets of Kraków's Old Town.
Explore the historic Cloth Hall and check out local crafts. Visit St. Mary's Basilica to admire its stunning altarpiece.
Savor dinner in Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter, known for its vibrant dining scene. Enjoy a nightcap at one of the atmospheric bars.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Beautiful landscapes, including mountains and lakes
- Developing economy with growing job opportunities
- Affordable cost of living compared to Western Europe
- Strong education system and literacy rates
- Delicious cuisine and diverse regional dishes
- Friendly and hospitable people
- Membership in the European Union provides access to wider markets and resources
- Weather can be harsh, especially in winter
- Political instability and tensions within the government
- Environmental challenges, including air pollution in urban areas
- Regional disparities in economic development
- Language barrier for non-Polish speakers
- Limited public transportation options in rural areas
- High emigration rates among younger population seeking opportunities abroad
Best Activities in Poland
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy stunning mountain landscapes and well-marked trails in the Tatra National Park.
Explore the picturesque lakes and waterways of the Mazury region by kayak, surrounded by scenic nature.
Discover the beauty of the Oder River and its surroundings by cycling along the well-maintained bike paths.
Tours
Uncover the best of Poland with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Poland
Visit one of these nice places.
The Tatra Mountains offer stunning views, with peaks, valleys, and beautiful landscapes that are perfect for photography.
The Wawel Castle in Krakow provides breathtaking views of the city and the Vistula River, making it a great location for capturing historic architecture and panoramas.
Wroclaw Market Square is a picturesque location surrounded by colorful buildings, historic architecture, and the iconic Wroclaw City Hall, making it ideal for photography.
The ancient Bialowieza Forest offers unique opportunities to capture the natural beauty of Europe's last remaining primeval forest and its diverse wildlife.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine features underground chambers and chapels with intricate salt carvings, providing a fascinating and photogenic experience.
Food in Poland
Poland Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pierogi are dumplings typically filled with potato, cheese, meat, or fruit. They are widely available across Poland, but some great places to try them include Zapiecek in Warsaw and Pierogarnia Mandu in Krakow.
Must-Try!
This hunter's stew is made with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, a variety of meats, and sausage. To try authentic Bigos, head to Chlopskie Jadlo in Warsaw or U Kucharzy in Krakow.
Zurek is a sour rye soup often served in a bread bowl and garnished with sausage and hard-boiled egg. Visit Bar mleczny Bambino in Warsaw for a delicious and affordable bowl of Zurek.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Poland better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in Wroclaw, Hala Targowa is a vibrant food market offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and local products. Visitors can also indulge in traditional street food such as grilled oscypek (smoked cheese) and zapiekanka (open-faced baguette sandwiches).
In Krakow, Plac Nowy is a bustling square with a covered food market where you can find regional delicacies like obwarzanek (Polish bagels) and traditional Polish sausages.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is common to shake hands with everyone upon meeting, and to use formal titles like 'Pan' (Mr.) or 'Pani' (Mrs.) until invited to use first names.
When dining in Poland, it is polite to wait for the host or oldest person to start eating before you begin. Also, it is customary to keep your hands visible on the table, and to finish everything on your plate to show appreciation for the meal.
Poles take great pride in their traditions, so it is important to show respect for customs such as Easter and Christmas traditions, and to be mindful of religious practices and holidays.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Poland with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Poland
Ensure a smooth experience
In Poland, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. It is common to leave a tip of around 10% of the total bill at restaurants, cafes, and for services like taxi rides.
Cash is widely used in Poland, but credit and debit cards are also accepted in most places, especially in larger cities. Contactless payment methods are becoming increasingly popular. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions and in rural areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Poland.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best times to visit Poland are in late spring (May and June) when the weather is mild and nature is in full bloom. Expect colorful flowers, festivals, and outdoor events.
Summer (July and August) is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country's beautiful lakes and beaches. Expect warm weather, lively street festivals, and longer daylight hours.
Autumn (September and October) offers beautiful foliage and a more tranquil atmosphere. Expect cooler temperatures, fall harvest festivals, and delicious seasonal food.
Winter (December to February) is perfect for experiencing traditional holiday markets, winter sports, and festive decorations. Expect snow-covered landscapes and a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Poland at Night
Hiking in Poland
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful range in the southeast of Poland, known for its picturesque landscapes, diverse wildlife, and remote hiking trails.
Located in the Tatra Mountains, this park features stunning mountain scenery, glacial lakes, and numerous hiking paths, including trails to Rysy, the highest peak in Poland.
A charming historic town along the Vistula River, surrounded by hilly landscapes offering various trails that provide scenic views of the countryside.
Famous for its scenic Dunajec River Gorge, the park offers wonderful hiking opportunities, including routes with views of the surrounding mountains and the river.
Located in the Krkonošsko-jesenická Mountain range, this park is home to diverse flora and fauna, with several marked hiking trails leading to stunning views and waterfalls.
Known for its sand dunes and coastal landscapes, Słowiński offers unique hiking experiences through shifting sands and along the Baltic Sea.
One of the last and largest remaining parts of the primeval forest that once covered much of Europe, it offers trails through ancient woodlands and the chance to see European bison.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Poland through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Poland by plane.
Poland's busiest airport, located in the capital city of Warsaw.
The second-largest airport in Poland, serving the city of Kraków and its surrounding regions.
An international airport located near Gdańsk, serving the northern part of Poland.
An international airport located in Wrocław, providing access to the southwest region of Poland.
Located in Pyrzowice, serving the Upper Silesian region and a significant number of international flights.
An airport located in the city of Poznań, facilitating various international flights.
An airport located near Szczecin, providing both domestic and limited international flights.
An airport serving Bydgoszcz, offering regional and some international flights.
An international airport located in Lublin, catering to the eastern part of Poland.
An international airport in Rzeszów, serving the southeastern region of Poland.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Poland, making up approximately 97% of the population. Poles primarily speak Polish and share a common cultural heritage.
A distinct ethnic group located primarily in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, known for their unique language and cultural practices.
An ethnic group from the Silesia region, promoting their cultural identity and often speaking a dialect of Polish.
A small but historically significant minority, especially in Upper Silesia, with a presence due to historical population movements.
A growing demographic group due to recent migration, particularly in western Poland, and contributing to the local labor market.
Present mainly in northeastern Poland, with a recognition of their language and culture.
A small ethnic minority in Poland, with a distinct culture and language.
Historically significant, with a small contemporary population, contributing to the cultural and historical heritage.
A small group with a distinct culture and language, primarily residing in the Carpathian Mountains area.
The Soul of Poland
Discover the essence of Poland through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Poland, with a rich history and a strong following. The Polish national team has participated in several FIFA World Cups.
Volleyball is widely played in Poland, and the national teams have achieved significant success, including winning the Men's World Championship multiple times.
Basketball enjoys popularity in Poland, with a professional league and a growing number of players and fans at both amateur and professional levels.
Handball is another popular sport in Poland, especially for women's teams, which have gained international recognition and success.
Athletics is a well-followed sport in Poland, with many athletes competing in track and field events at both national and international levels.
Speedway racing has a strong fan base in Poland, with the country having produced many world champions in this motorsport.
Tennis has grown in popularity, with Polish players making significant impacts in international tournaments.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Polish cuisine traditionally leans towards meat-heavy dishes, many restaurants in major cities offer vegetarian and vegan options. Look for 'wegetariańska' (vegetarian) or 'wegańska' (vegan) on menus. Additionally, there are vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants like Vege Miasto in Warsaw and Glonojad in Krakow.
More awareness about gluten-free diets has led to an increase in gluten-free options in Polish restaurants. Look for dishes labeled 'bezglutenowe' on menus, and communicate your dietary needs to the restaurant staff who are usually accommodating.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Poland with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Poland.