Poland

Travel Guide
St. Mary\'s Basilica showing a square or plaza, a city and a statue or sculpture
Delve into Polish culture in well-preserved medieval towns and cosmopolitan cities, and find forests, mountains, coastline and lakes all ripe for open-air adventure.

Poland is a charming country with a complex history. Not only does it offer ornate architecture, buzzing cities and plenty of unspoiled countryside, but it also features a host of historic sites offering a stark and often sobering look at Poland during World War II and the postwar period. Head to the markets to meet locals, see how royalty lived in grand palaces and visit monuments dedicated to Polish heroes.

The largest city and capital, Warsaw, is crammed with fascinating cultural attractions. Join a tour of the opulent throne rooms and sumptuous apartment in the Royal Castle. For a moving look at the city’s tumultuous recent past, visit the Warsaw Rising Museum, which chronicles the city’s resistance against German occupation in World War II.

In the north of Poland, Gdansk is the go-to region for beautiful views of the Baltic Sea. Poland’s history is also prevalent in this area, with the European Solidarity Centre displaying communist-era artifacts and detailing Poland’s fight for freedom from communism. The restaurant and shopping district of Dlugi Targ is a popular spot for souvenir shopping.

Visit the storied city of Krakow in the south for architectural marvels, such as the Wawel Royal Castle and St. Mary’s Basilica. Head southeast of Krakow for the Wieliczka Salt Mine with its maze of tunnels and staircases.

For the best weather for sightseeing, visit between May and September. During this time, the vast majority of museums and national parks are open for business. Sunny days are especially common in June and July. If you’re heading to Poland for skiing, plan a trip outside of Christmas and New Year for lower crowds.

Buses and trains link big cities. In some cases, the National Polski buses can be faster than trains. Local buses can help you travel from regional hubs to smaller towns and villages. For the ultimate freedom, rent a car and drive yourself.

Come to Poland to experience a forward-looking country that, having shaken off its historical shackles, is ready to show the world all it has to offer.

Popular cities in Poland

Castle Square showing a city and a square or plaza
Warsaw
Known for Dining, Historical and Shopping
The capital of P Poland,Warsaw, was almost completely destroyed during World War II, but has since come back with a vengeance, with a thriving arts scene and a mix of rescued and save ancient architecture, alongside modern buildings.

Reasons to visit

  • Palace of Culture and Science
  • Copernicus Science Centre
  • Nowy Swiat Street
Wawel Castle featuring a city, heritage architecture and château or palace
Kraków
Known for Historical, Cathedrals and Museums
The former capital of Poland is famous for its architectural splendour, exciting modern art and a fascinating history, with castles, ruins and museums. Known for its turbulent history, and as one of the oldest cities in Poland, Krakow's museums, housed in former decadent palaces of the Renaissance, are full of royal treasures and tell the city’s storied history. But Krakow lives as much in the present as in the past, and has active contemporary art circles, hip weekend markets and a vibrant nightlife.

Reasons to visit

  • Main Market Square
  • St. Mary's Basilica
  • ICE Krakow Congress Centre
Gdansk featuring a sunset and street scenes
Gdansk
Known for Tours, Cathedrals and Museums

Reasons to visit

  • Gdansk Old Town Hall
  • Sopot Pier
  • Neptune's Fountain
Wroclaw which includes a city and a river or creek
Wroclaw
Known for Historical, Business and Cafes
Tour this city on the water in southwest Poland to see fascinating islands, bridges, statues and green spaces.

Reasons to visit

  • Wroclaw Market Square
  • Wroclaw Town Hall
  • Wroclaw University
Poznan which includes a city
Poznań
Known for Historical, Museums and Cathedrals
One of Poland’s oldest cities is known for its green spaces and well-preserved ancient buildings. Visit historic palaces, churches and miles of parks and forests.

Reasons to visit

  • Old Town Square
  • Stary Rynek
  • Poznań Town Hall
Zakopane
Zakopane
Known for Mountains, Spas and Skiing

Reasons to visit

  • Gubałówka
  • Mount Kasprowy Wierch Ski Resort
  • Kasprowy Wierch

Popular places to visit

Poland

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