Best Places to Visit in Poland: A Complete Travel Guide

Best places to visit in Poland: Krakow (medieval Old Town, Wawel Castle, Auschwitz day trip), Warsaw (rebuilt UNESCO Old Town, POLIN Museum), Gdansk (Hanseatic port, Solidarity history), Wroclaw (100+ bridges, hidden dwarf statues), and the Tatra Mountains for hiking. Poland offers world-class history, culture, and nature at a fraction of Western European prices. Here's the complete travel guide, based in Warsaw.

Krakow

Poland's cultural capital and former royal seat, Krakow consistently ranks among Europe's most beautiful cities. Unlike Warsaw, Krakow escaped World War II largely intact, preserving centuries of architectural heritage.

Must-See Attractions

• Main Market Square (Rynek Główny): Europe's largest medieval town square, surrounded by colorful townhouses
• Wawel Castle: The former royal residence overlooking the Vistula River
• St. Mary's Basilica: Gothic masterpiece with stunning wooden altarpiece
• Kazimierz: The historic Jewish quarter, now a vibrant arts and nightlife district
• Wieliczka Salt Mine: UNESCO-listed underground marvel just outside the city

Krakow also serves as the gateway to Auschwitz-Birkenau, essential for understanding Poland's tragic history.

Warsaw

Poland's capital rose from the ashes of World War II, its meticulously reconstructed Old Town earning UNESCO recognition. Today, Warsaw blends historical reverence with modern dynamism.

Highlights

• Old Town (Stare Miasto): Rebuilt from rubble to recreate pre-war beauty
• Royal Castle: Reconstructed royal residence with period interiors
• Lazienki Park: Stunning royal gardens with the Palace on the Isle
• POLIN Museum: World-class museum of Polish-Jewish history
• Praga District: Pre-war neighborhood with authentic gritty charm
• Palace of Culture and Science: Controversial Soviet-era skyscraper with panoramic views

Gdansk

This Baltic port city enchants visitors with its colorful waterfront, Hanseatic heritage, and role in modern Polish history as the birthplace of Solidarity.

What to See

• Long Market (Długi Targ): Stunning main street lined with ornate merchant houses
• St. Mary's Church: One of the world's largest brick churches
• European Solidarity Centre: Museum documenting the Solidarity movement
• Malbork Castle: World's largest brick castle, easy day trip from Gdansk
• Sopot: Nearby beach resort with famous wooden pier

Wroclaw

Situated on 12 islands connected by over 100 bridges, Wroclaw is Poland's most underrated major city. Its colorful market square, university traditions, and quirky dwarf statues hidden throughout the city make it endlessly charming.

Don't Miss

• Market Square (Rynek): One of Europe's largest, with stunning town hall
• Ostrow Tumski: Cathedral Island, the city's spiritual heart
• Centennial Hall: UNESCO-listed modernist marvel
• Dwarf hunting: Find the 350+ bronze dwarf statues scattered citywide
• University Quarter: Baroque Aula Leopoldina and Oratorium Marianum

Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains

Poland's premier mountain resort sits at the foot of the Tatras, the highest range in the Carpathians. It's a paradise for hikers in summer and skiers in winter.

Activities

• Hiking to Morskie Oko, a stunning glacial lake
• Cable car to Kasprowy Wierch for panoramic views
• Exploring Krupowki Street's shops and restaurants
• Trying oscypek, traditional smoked cheese
• Winter skiing and snowboarding

The distinctive wooden architecture of the Highlander culture adds unique character to the region.

Poznan

One of Poland's oldest cities, Poznan impresses with its Renaissance square and vibrant student culture. The town hall's mechanical goats that butt heads at noon are a beloved tradition.

Key Attractions

• Old Market Square: Colorful townhouses surrounding the famous town hall
• Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski): Where Polish Christianity began
• Imperial Castle: Germany's last castle, now a cultural center
• St. Martin's croissants: The city's famous curved pastries with protected status

Torun

The birthplace of Copernicus, Torun is a perfectly preserved medieval city famous for its Gothic architecture and gingerbread traditions. The entire Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Must-Sees

• Crooked Tower, leaning at a striking angle
• Copernicus House museum
• Town Hall with observation tower
• Living Gingerbread Museum (make your own)
• Gothic churches and granaries

Malbork Castle

The world's largest brick castle, Malbork was the headquarters of the Teutonic Knights. This UNESCO site covers 52 acres and offers a glimpse into medieval fortress life. Its scale is truly breathtaking.

Bialowieza Forest

Europe's last primeval forest straddles the Poland-Belarus border. This UNESCO site is home to European bison, wolves, and ancient oaks that have stood for centuries. Guided tours take you into the strictly protected core.

Masurian Lake District

Called the "Land of a Thousand Lakes" (though there are actually over 2,000), Masuria offers Poland's best water-based recreation. Sailing, kayaking, and fishing draw visitors in summer, while the peaceful landscape appeals year-round.

Activities

• Sailing or kayaking on interconnected lakes
• Visiting the Wolf's Lair (Hitler's Eastern Front headquarters)
• Exploring waterside villages and historic churches
• Wildlife watching in pristine nature

Lublin

Often overlooked by tourists, Lublin rewards those who venture east. Its Old Town, castle, and Renaissance architecture reflect centuries of multicultural history where Polish, Jewish, and Ukrainian cultures intersected.

Practical Tips for Visiting Poland

• Best time to visit: May-September for outdoor activities; December for Christmas markets
• Transportation: Trains connect major cities; FlixBus offers budget alternatives
• Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas
• Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN), though some places accept euros
• Budget: Poland offers excellent value compared to Western Europe

Final Thoughts

Poland surprises visitors with its diversity, beauty, and warmth. From the royal grandeur of Krakow to the pristine wilderness of Bialowieza, from Baltic beaches to mountain peaks, this country offers experiences for every type of traveler. Best of all, Poland remains relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, meaning you can explore its treasures without the crowds found elsewhere in Europe.

Related Poland Travel Guides

• Castle Hotels in Poland
• Mushroom Picking in Poland
• Traditional Polish Clothing

Planning travel in Poland? Browse tours and activities or list your tour company on ExpatsList.