Whether or not you’re keen on historical past, tradition, meals, or outside actions, there’s no scarcity of wonderful locations to go to in Poland. Quickly rising in reputation with vacationers, Poland is a European vacation spot that has one thing for everybody.
As one of many high ten largest nations in Europe, Poland provides an array of various locations. You possibly can ski within the Tatra Mountains resort city of Zakopane, discover traditionally vital cities like Warsaw and Krakow, and uncover stunning Baltic Sea locations like Gdansk.
For anybody keen on historical past, Poland is a must-visit vacation spot. From medieval instances by means of World Conflict II and past, Poland has been traditionally vital, and there are many museums and historic websites scattered throughout one of the best locations to go to in Poland.
Poland can be an awesome vacation spot for vacationers keen on meals and tradition. You possibly can’t miss making an attempt conventional Polish meals like pierogi, that are scrumptious savory dumplings, or a zapiekanka, a kind of open-faced sandwich that’s a well-liked late-night snack.
With so many causes to go to this underrated nation, let’s check out the highest 10 locations to go to in Poland.
10 Greatest Locations To Go to in Poland
1. Warsaw
Warsaw is Poland’s capital and largest metropolis, making it a vacation spot you’ll be able to’t miss. Though greater than 85% of Warsaw’s historic middle was destroyed throughout World Conflict II, it has been meticulously reconstructed in stunning element.
This restoration is a testomony to Warsaw’s resilience. At this time, the town is a combination of outdated and new. Outdoors the reconstructed Previous City, Warsaw is a contemporary, bustling metropolis.
High Sights in Warsaw
Visiting the Previous City is among the greatest issues to do in Warsaw. The whole space is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, stuffed with colourful reconstructed buildings, market squares, and cobblestone streets.
Within the Previous City, you’ll be able to go to the Royal Fort, which was once the residence of Polish monarchs however now homes a museum with a powerful artwork assortment.
One other of the highest sights in Warsaw is the Warsaw Rebellion Museum. This museum is devoted to the Warsaw Rebellion of 1944, which noticed courageous Warsaw residents battle again in opposition to the Nazis. It’s a shifting museum and a must-visit for anybody keen on World Conflict II historical past.
POLIN Museum of The Historical past of Polish Jews is one other museum within the capital of Poland that’s price a go to if you wish to be taught extra about Polish Jews and what occurred to them throughout World Conflict II.
Though it’s somewhat exterior the town middle, Wilanow Palace is one other great spot to go to in Warsaw. This historic palace was constructed within the Baroque type and has a fantastic inside and gardens. Through the winter, the gardens of Wilanow Palace are remodeled right into a magical Christmas wonderland.
Final however not least, Warsaw’s cityscape is magnificent and for this reason trying out among the greatest views in Warsaw is yet one more factor to not miss throughout your journey to the Polish capital.
2. Krakow
As Poland’s second metropolis, Krakow is one other vacation spot you shouldn’t miss. In contrast to many different cities in Poland, Krakow escaped heavy bombing throughout World Conflict II and was left virtually totally intact.
Which means the medieval buildings and squares of the town are virtually all unique and haven’t been reconstructed as they have been in Warsaw.
Krakow is a fantastic metropolis that is filled with historical past and artwork. The middle of the town is Rynek Glowny, a big historic sq. the place you’ll discover the spectacular St. Mary’s Basilica.
Krakow can be residence to Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter, which is among the best-preserved Jewish areas in Europe after World Conflict II.
High Sights in Krakow
Wawel Fort is one in every of Krakow’s high sights. This historic fortified royal fortress is a logo of the town, and it’s the place the rulers of Poland ruled for greater than 500 years till the top of the sixteenth century.
In accordance with legend, a dragon lived beneath the hill the place the fortress was constructed. You possibly can truly see a statue of this dragon – that breathes actual fireplace – behind the fortress.
Whereas in Krakow, be sure to spend a while in Kazimierz. At this time, the Jewish Quarter is stuffed with fashionable eating places, classic outlets, artwork galleries, and quirky boutiques. Nevertheless, earlier than World Conflict II, it was residence to almost 65,000 Krakow Jews.
Solely 10% of Jews in Krakow survived the warfare, however the Jewish Quarter was left largely intact, together with a number of synagogues and Jewish cemeteries.
Through the Nazi occupation, Krakow Jews have been pressured right into a ghetto throughout the river earlier than finally being deported to focus camps. You possibly can go to Ghetto Heroes Sq., in addition to Oskar Schindler’s manufacturing unit, the place a German industrialist managed to avoid wasting greater than 1,200 Jews in the course of the warfare.
Relating to day journeys from Krakow, there are a selection of locations you’ll be able to go to simply. Some of the fashionable day journeys is the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which is situated about half an hour exterior the town. Extremely, this underground salt mine operated for over 1,000 years.
Though it’s a really somber expertise, it’s additionally potential to go to the Auschwitz-Birkenau focus camp, which is simply over an hour exterior of Krakow.
Your JayWay journey planner can add excursions of Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz-Birkenau, and different websites close to Krakow to your personalized Poland itinerary.
3. Wroclaw
Wroclaw is a picturesque metropolis that’s among the many most stunning locations in Poland. A part of what makes Wroclaw so distinctive is its many bridges. There are greater than 100 bridges spanning the river and canals that run by means of the town.
One other factor that units Wroclaw aside? Gnomes. There are greater than 600 small gnome statues hidden all through the town. This enjoyable custom began in 2005, and the variety of gnomes in Wroclaw has grown ever since.
A preferred pastime for vacationers is looking gnomes all through the town – maps can be found to point out you their places.
High Sights in Wroclaw
One of many high sights in Wroclaw is Cathedral Island. Though this a part of the town is not an island, it as soon as was way back. Cathedral Island is the oldest a part of the town, relationship again to the tenth century. It’s a picturesque a part of the town, situated alongside the Oder River and stuffed with historic church buildings.
Among the best church buildings to go to is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which has an incredible view of the town from one in every of its bell towers. Whereas on Cathedral Island, it’s additionally price visiting the Botanical Backyard of the College of Wroclaw.
One other space you’ll be able to’t miss in Wroclaw is the Previous City. Wroclaw’s Market Sq. is among the largest in Europe. You possibly can simply spend a number of hours wandering across the Previous City, which is stuffed with outlets and eating places.
Throughout December, Wroclaw’s Previous City is remodeled into some of the festive Christmas markets in Europe.
4. Zakopane
If you happen to’re keen on outside actions, Zakopane is a vacation spot you’ll undoubtedly wish to go to. Situated in Southern Poland within the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is the nation’s high mountain resort city, good for outside and nature lovers.
Zakopane is among the greatest locations to go to in Poland at any time of 12 months. Through the summer season months, it’s a well-liked place for climbing and mountaineering, in addition to different outside actions, like swimming and biking.
Within the winter months, Zakopane is the highest snowboarding vacation spot in Poland. You may also strive different winter actions like snowboarding, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides.
Though it’s potential to go to Zakopane on a day journey from Krakow, which is about an hour and a half away, we advocate spending not less than one or two nights there to immerse yourselves in Zakopane’s pure magnificence.
High Sights in Zakopane
Relating to pure magnificence, there’s no scarcity of it in Zakopane. Morskie Oko Lake is among the hottest pure sights in Zakopane. This clear blue-green lake surrounded by mountains is a well-liked climbing vacation spot, and it’s reachable by way of a 5-mile paved path.
One other attraction is the Kasprowy Wierch cable automotive. This cable automotive takes you to the height of Kasprowy Wierch in Tatra Nationwide Park. As you climb greater than 6,500 ft, you’ll be capable to soak up views of the encircling mountains.
If you happen to’re not into outside actions as a lot, you may desire visiting one in every of Zakopane’s stress-free thermal baths as a substitute. With a number of choices to select from, you’ll be able to loosen up within the heat waters of the thermal baths and swimming pools and luxuriate in spa therapies, similar to massages and physique wraps.
5. Gdansk
Situated in Northern Poland on the Baltic Coast, Gdansk is a key seaport with a wealthy maritime historical past and exquisite structure. This metropolis was as soon as part of the affluent Hanseatic League, and its service provider wealth is obvious in its beautiful historic structure.
Gdansk has performed a major position in current historical past, too. It’s the place World Conflict II began, because it was the primary metropolis Nazi Germany invaded in 1939, resulting in a six-year battle not like every other. Later, within the Eighties, it was the guts of the Polish Solidarity motion, designed to advance the reason for staff’ rights.
High Sights in Gdansk
Gdansk is a lovely metropolis and it’s best to undoubtedly spend a while exploring the Previous City, with highlights together with St. Mary’s Church and the Lengthy Market Sq., or Dlugi Targ.
Very like Warsaw, the Previous City of Gdansk was virtually destroyed throughout World Conflict II, so what you’re seeing is definitely a painstaking historic reconstruction.
If you happen to’re keen on World Conflict II historical past, the expansive Museum of the Second World Conflict in Gdansk can be price visiting. The museum comprises many reveals concerning the warfare and its impacts.
Among the best day journeys from Gdansk is Malbork Fort. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1997, this historic Teutonic Order fortress dates again to the thirteenth century.
It holds the excellence of being the biggest fortress on the planet, and it’s straightforward to think about how this imposing fortified fortress saved the Teutonic Knights’ enemies at bay for hundreds of years.
If you happen to’re touring to Gdansk with JayWay, you’ll be able to select whether or not you’d like to go to Malbork Fort on a bunch go to or a personal tour.
6. Poznan
Poznan is a college metropolis in Western Poland recognized for its historic significance and vibrant pupil tradition.
Poznan’s wealthy historical past stretches all the way in which again to the ninth century, and the town was residence to the primary Polish kings. There are a number of universities in Poznan, and the massive pupil inhabitants lends a vigorous environment to the town.
Curiously, one other factor that the town of Poznan is greatest recognized for is its croissants. The St. Martin’s croissant originated in Poznan and you’ll’t go to the town with out making an attempt one. These scrumptious pastries encompass icing and nuts on the skin and a white poppy seed filling on the within.
High Sights in Poznan
In Poznan, you’ll be able to’t miss wandering across the colourful Previous City, particularly the Previous Market Sq., the historic coronary heart of the town.
Day by day at midday, two combating mechanical goats emerge from the clock exterior the City Corridor in Previous Market Sq.. This amusing spectacle at all times attracts vacationers. If you happen to’re questioning concerning the significance of the 2 goats, they’re the image of the town.
Poznan can be residence to many stunning church buildings, together with the hanging Poznan Cathedral and the pink Basilica of Our Girl of Perpetual Assist.
A singular attraction somewhat exterior the historic middle is the Poznan Palm Home. One of many largest greenhouses in Europe, this indoor botanical backyard options ten pavilions with greater than 1,100 plant species.
In fact, you must strive a croissant when you’re in Poznan, and you’ll even go to the Poznan Croissant Museum to be taught extra concerning the historical past of the well-known St. Martin’s croissant.
7. Lublin
One other of one of the best locations to go to in Poland is Lublin. This metropolis has a captivating Previous City and a historical past of multiculturalism. Situated within the japanese a part of the nation, Lublin has traditionally been an important metropolis in Jap Poland and a gateway to Jap Europe.
All through historical past, Lublin has been a melting pot attracting varied nationalities and cultures, together with Jews, Russians, Armenians, Turks, and extra.
High Sights in Lublin
An amazing place to begin is Lublin’s Previous City, which options colourful historic buildings and cobblestone streets. Round 70% of the buildings in Lublin’s Previous City are unique, which isn’t the case with many cities in Poland that have been destroyed throughout World Conflict II.
One of many high sights within the metropolis is Lublin Fort, which dates again to the twelfth century. This traditionally vital fortress homes an interesting museum at this time.
One other museum price a go to is the Lublin Village Open Air Museum, which is simply exterior the town middle and provides a glimpse into what life would have been like in close by villages all through the centuries.
The ultra-modern Centre for The Assembly of Cultures in Lublin can be an attention-grabbing spot to go to. There’s at all times one thing taking place at this cultural middle, which options exhibition areas, a theatre, a brewery, and a café.
8. Torun
Torun is a medieval metropolis alongside the Vistula River that’s well-known for its Gothic structure, incomes it a spot on the record of UNESCO World Heritage Websites. Based by the Teutonic Knights within the thirteenth century, Torun has traditionally been an vital metropolis for commerce and commerce.
The town can be recognized for being the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, the Polish astronomer who first said that the Earth and different planets revolve across the Solar – and never the opposite approach round – in the course of the early sixteenth century.
One other factor that Torun is understood for? Gingerbread. Torun has been producing scrumptious gingerbread cookies, generally known as pierniczki, for hundreds of years.
You possibly can’t go to Torun with out making an attempt one, particularly for those who’re visiting round Christmas. Nevertheless, you’ll discover outlets in Torun promoting gingerbread year-round, not simply in the course of the vacation season.
High Sights in Torun
Like virtually all cities in Poland, Torun has a fantastic Previous City. Nevertheless, not like many cities, Torun was spared from bombing and destruction throughout World Conflict II, that means all the buildings are intact and unique. It’s price wandering by means of the Previous City to admire the spectacular Gothic structure.
One of many high sights within the Previous City is the Copernicus Home, which is believed to be the birthplace of the well-known astronomer and homes a museum devoted to his life and discoveries.
If you happen to’re keen on a tastier form of museum, you may wish to go to the Muzeum Piernika or Gingerbread Museum. This enjoyable museum is all concerning the historical past of gingerbread in Torun and consists of hands-on baking actions.
9. Bialowieza
Situated within the far japanese reaches of Poland on the border with Belarus, Bialowieza is a pure paradise. It’s the proper vacation spot if you wish to escape the main cities and return to nature. Bialowieza is residence to the final primeval forest in Europe and the enduring European bison.
Due to its distinctive untouched ecosystem, Bialowieza has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and a Biosphere Reserve. It’s the best place to go in Poland if you wish to immerse yourselves within the tranquility of nature and discover a primeval forest.
High Sights in Bialowieza
Bialowieza Nationwide Park is the primary spotlight of this area. You possibly can discover the nationwide park on walks by means of the forest, the place you’ll have an opportunity to identify European bison and different wildlife together with elk, wild boar, foxes, and uncommon birds.
Since a lot of the nationwide park is extremely protected, you gained’t be capable to discover freely by yourself. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to be a part of a small group tour with an official information on the nationwide park, which we at JayWay Journey can prepare for you.
If you wish to assure seeing bison and different wildlife up shut, remember to go to the European Bison Present Reserve contained in the nationwide park.
10. Kazimierz Dolny
Kazimierz Dolny is among the many greatest locations to go to in Poland for those who’re searching for small-town allure. Situated alongside the Vistula River, lower than an hour from the town of Lublin, Kazimierz Dolny is understood for its picturesque magnificence and creative group.
Though it’s a well-liked weekend getaway for Poles, Kazimierz Dolny stays lesser recognized amongst overseas vacationers, making it an exquisite hidden gem. Kazimierz Dolny was traditionally a rich service provider city, which is mirrored in its stunning Renaissance structure.
We advocate visiting Kazimierz Dolny on a day journey from Warsaw. Nevertheless, you probably have extra time, it’s best to ideally lengthen to an in a single day journey to get pleasure from this attractive vacation spot to the fullest.
High Sights in Kazimierz Dolny
At this time, Kazimierz Dolny is called a haven for artists, and also you’ll discover many artwork galleries, craft outlets, and open-air exhibitions on the town. It’s the proper place to walk round and admire work from native artists, or choose up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Being such a small city, Kazimierz Dolny doesn’t have many issues to do or notable vacationer sights. It’s extra about slowing down and having fun with the ambiance of this charming small city. Along with artwork, there are many procuring and eating choices round city.
You may also go for scenic walks and hikes within the countryside surrounding Kazimierz Dolny. Not too removed from city is Korzeniowy Dol Gorge, a well-liked climbing vacation spot the place you’ll be able to stroll by means of a novel gorge lined with twisting tree trunks and shaded by overhead bushes.
Discover The Most Improbable Locations To Go to in Poland With JayWay
Whether or not you’ve been to Poland earlier than or not, our skilled journey planners are positive to craft the proper itinerary, tailor-made to your wants and needs.
For first-timers, a grand tour of Poland stops on the nation’s most sought-after locations. Historical past buffs will welcome this WW II-themed Poland itinerary, whereas nature lovers may wish to select a visit by means of Poland’s pure wonders.
Irrespective of your preferences, relaxation assured that your Poland trip will likely be sprinkled with among the greatest actions and high locations to go to in Poland.
Born and raised in Athens, Maria’s enthusiastic about journey and storytelling, a mixture that makes her excellent for her position as our content material supervisor.