10 Best Places to Visit in Poland

As Poland's former royal capital, Kraków is a treasure trove of history and culture. This enchanting city in southern Poland boasts one of Europe's best-preserved medieval old towns. The city's rich Jewish heritage is evident in the historic Kazimierz district, while its thriving student population keeps the atmosphere youthful and dynamic. Kraków also serves as an excellent base for day trips to nearby attractions such as the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Highlights:

• Explore the magnificent Wawel Castle, once home to Polish kings, and admire its Renaissance architecture and royal chambers.
• Visit the moving Schindler's Factory museum, which tells the story of Kraków under Nazi occupation.
• Descend into the fascinating Wieliczka Salt Mine, featuring underground chambers and intricate salt sculptures.
• Take a stroll through the trendy Kazimierz district, the former Jewish quarter now known for its hip cafes, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.

Insider tip: To avoid crowds at popular attractions like Wawel Castle and the Salt Mine, book your tickets online and well in advance.

Rising from the ashes of World War II, Warsaw, Poland's capital, is a city of resilience and contrast. This dynamic metropolis seamlessly blends its reconstructed historic center with modern skyscrapers, offering visitors a glimpse into both Poland's turbulent past and its promising future. Warsaw's Old Town, painstakingly rebuilt after the war, stands as a testament to the city's indomitable spirit. The capital is also a hub of culture, with numerous museums, theaters, and music venues, including those dedicated to its famous son, Frédéric Chopin.

Highlights:

• Stroll through the meticulously restored Old Town, a Unesco World Heritage Site, and admire the colorful townhouses of the Market Square.
• Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum to learn about the city's heroic resistance during World War II.
• Explore the grand Wilanów Palace, often called the "Polish Versailles," with its beautiful Baroque architecture and gardens.
• Relax in Łazienki Park, Warsaw's largest park and home to the stunning Palace on the Isle.
• Discover modern Warsaw at the Warsaw Spire observation deck, which offers panoramic views of the city's evolving skyline.

Insider tip: For a unique dining experience on your Warsaw tour, try a traditional "milk bar" (bar mleczny), offering cheap, hearty Polish meals.

Situated on the Baltic coast, Gdańsk is a port city with a fascinating history and stunning architecture. Once a wealthy Hanseatic League member, Gdańsk boasts a unique blend of Polish, German, and Scandinavian influences in its culture and cityscape. The city played a pivotal role in 20th-century history as the birthplace of the Solidarity movement that helped bring about the end of communist rule in Eastern Europe. Today, Gdańsk forms part of the Tri-City metropolitan area along with the modern city of Gdynia and the seaside resort of Sopot, offering visitors a diverse coastal experience.

Highlights:

• Wander down the Royal Way in the Main Town, admiring the colorful facades of merchant houses and the iconic Neptune Fountain.
• Visit the European Solidarity Centre to learn about the Solidarity movement that played a crucial role in ending communist rule in Eastern Europe.
• Climb the tower of St. Mary's Church, one of the largest brick churches in the world, for panoramic views of the city.
• Relax on the sandy beaches of Sopot, a charming seaside resort town just a short train ride from Gdańsk.

Insider tip: For a unique souvenir, look for amber jewelry (Gdańsk is known as the world's amber capital).

Often overlooked by visitors, Wrocław is a charming city in western Poland known for its beautiful architecture, numerous bridges, and quirky dwarf statues scattered throughout the city. With a rich multicultural history, Wrocław offers a less crowded but equally enchanting alternative to more popular Polish destinations. The city is built across several islands on the Oder River, connected by over 100 bridges, earning it the nickname "The Venice of Poland". Wrocław's intellectual heritage is evident in its many universities and research institutions, contributing to a vibrant and youthful atmosphere.

Highlights:

• Explore the picturesque Market Square, home to the Gothic Old Town Hall and colorful townhouses.
• Hunt for the over 300 small bronze dwarf statues hidden around the city, each with its own story.
• Visit the impressive Centennial Hall, a Unesco World Heritage Site and an early landmark of reinforced concrete architecture.
• Take a boat trip to Ostrów Tumski, the oldest part of the city, and admire the Gothic St. John the Baptist Cathedral.
• Enjoy panoramic views from the top of the Mathematical Tower at the University of Wrocław, one of Poland's oldest and most beautiful universities.

Insider tip: For a unique dining experience, try an authentic Polish meal at Piwnica Świdnicka, the oldest restaurant in Europe that has been in operation since 1273.

Nestled at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is Poland's premier mountain resort and a gateway to some of the country's most stunning natural scenery. Popular year-round, it offers excellent skiing in winter and fantastic hiking opportunities in summer. The town is famous for its unique wooden architecture, a style developed by Stanisław Witkiewicz in the late 19th century that blends local Góral traditions with Art Nouveau aesthetics. Zakopane is also a center of Góral culture, with its distinct music, cuisine, and folklore adding to the town's charm.

Highlights:

• Take the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch for breathtaking views of the Tatra Mountains and hiking trails.
• Visit the Tatra Museum to learn about the unique Góral (highlander) culture and traditions.
• Hike to Morskie Oko, a stunning mountain lake surrounded by towering peaks.
• Experience traditional Góral cuisine and music at one of the many regional restaurants.

Insider tip: To avoid crowds, visit Zakopane during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn). For a truly local experience, try oscypek, a smoked sheep's milk cheese unique to the region.

Malbork Castle, the largest castle in the world by land area, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Located in northern Poland, this 13th-century Teutonic fortress is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike. The castle was built by the Teutonic Knights, a Catholic religious order, and served as their headquarters for nearly 150 years. Its strategic location on the Nogat River made it an important center of power in medieval Europe, controlling much of the Baltic trade.

Highlights:

• Explore the Grand Master's Palace, the heart of the Teutonic Order's power. Visit the amber museum housed within the castle, showcasing the Baltic region's "gold."
• Climb the tower for panoramic views of the castle complex and surrounding landscape.
• Attend the spectacular "Light and Sound" show during summer evenings.

Insider tip: Allow at least 3-4 hours for your visit, as the castle complex is vast. Consider purchasing the audio guide for a more in-depth understanding of the castle's history and architecture.

Straddling the border between Poland and Belarus, Białowieża Forest is Europe's last primeval forest. This ancient woodland is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the iconic European bison. The forest has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years, providing a glimpse into what much of Europe's landscape looked like millennia ago. Białowieża is also home to numerous species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Highlights:

• Take a guided tour of the strictly protected area of the forest, accessible only with a licensed guide.
• Explore the Forest Museum to learn about the ecosystem and history of Białowieża.
• Cycle or hike along the numerous trails in the partially accessible parts of the forest.
• Stay in the charming village of Białowieża to fully immerse yourself in the forest atmosphere.

Insider tip: The best time to visit is late spring or early autumn when the weather is mild, and the forest is at its most beautiful. Book your tour of the protected area well in advance, as numbers are limited.

The birthplace of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, Toruń is a beautifully preserved medieval town and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Known for its Gothic architecture and delicious gingerbread, Toruń offers visitors a charming glimpse into Poland's past. The town escaped major damage during World War II, allowing its original medieval street layout and many historic buildings to survive intact. Toruń's university, founded in 1945, ensures a vibrant student population that keeps the town lively throughout the year.

Highlights:

• Wander through the Old Town, admiring the Gothic town hall, churches, and merchant houses.
• Visit the House of Nicolaus Copernicus, now a museum dedicated to the famous astronomer.
• Climb the leaning tower for a unique view of the city.
• Participate in a workshop at the Living Museum of Gingerbread, where you can bake your own traditional Toruń gingerbread.

Insider tip: Don't leave Toruń without trying its famous pierniki (gingerbread) – it's been produced here since the Middle Ages. For a quirky photo op, look for the statue of a donkey with a violin near the Old Town Hall.

While not a typical tourist destination, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is an important site for remembrance and education. Located near the town of Oświęcim, this former Nazi concentration and extermination camp serves as a powerful reminder of one of the darkest chapters in human history. The site consists of two main parts: Auschwitz I, the original concentration camp, and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, a combined concentration and extermination camp. Today, the museum plays a crucial role in Holocaust education and serves as a somber memorial to its victims.

Highlights:

• Take a guided tour of Auschwitz I, including the infamous "Arbeit Macht Frei gate and exhibitions housed in former prisoner barracks.
• Visit Birkenau (Auschwitz II), the largest of the Auschwitz camps, to comprehend the scale of the Holocaust.
• See the preserved ruins of gas chambers and crematoria.
• Pay your respects at the International Monument to the Victims of Fascism.

Insider tip: Due to the site's somber nature, it's recommended that you book a guided tour for a more comprehensive understanding. Behave respectfully and follow the site's rules, including dress code and photography restrictions.

The Masurian Lake District in northeastern Poland is a paradise for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. With over 2,000 lakes connected by rivers and canals, this picturesque region offers a perfect retreat for those seeking tranquility and outdoor activities. The region's landscape was shaped by glacial activity during the Pleistocene ice age, resulting in its characteristic rolling hills and numerous lakes. The Masurian Lake District is also rich in wildlife, including numerous species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatching.

Highlights:

• Sail or kayak on Lake Śniardwy, the largest lake in Poland.
• Visit the Wolf's Lair, Hitler's Eastern Front military headquarters hidden in the Masurian forests.
• Take a cruise on the Elbląg Canal, famous for its unique system of inclined planes between lakes.
• Cycle or hike through the pristine forests and along lakeshores, enjoying the region's diverse wildlife.

Insider tip: The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in late spring or early autumn.

Whether you're interested in delving into rich history, enjoying breathtaking landscapes, or immersing yourself in vibrant urban culture, these 10 best places to visit in Poland cover it all. Want to customize your Poland trip? Contact our travel experts, who will tailor the itinerary of your dreams. For more information, go through our Poland guide.