The Ultimate Poland Travel Guide

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Poland was a country that was never on the top of my must-visit list. Yet, after a Christmas Market trip through Poland, I can’t believe I hadn’t visited sooner. I soon discovered that this Central European country is an incredible place to travel. Poland is bursting with a rich history, unique architecture, incredible food, and festivals. While some cities in Poland are brimming with tourists, this country feels relatively untouched by mass tourism. After one trip to Poland, I intend to eventually delve deeper into the country. There is so much to see in Poland, and while 10 days in Poland allowed me to get a great overview of the country, I know there is so much more to see. This Poland travel guide breaks down everything you must know before visiting and showcases some key destinations.

Table of Contents

When To Visit Poland

The best time to visit Poland is in Spring and Fall. These times of the year have the best combination of good weather and fewer crowds. However, many factors could make any time of the year great to visit Poland! Read the full guide on the best time to visit Poland!

Where to Travel in Poland

There is so much to see and do in Poland. I had the opportunity to explore the top cities in Poland during my first trip. Check out all of the destinations in my Poland travel guide for inspiration for your trip to Poland.

➮ Krakow

It is no surprise that Krakow is the most visited city in Poland. Krakow has a rich history and one of the best old towns in the country. From Wawel Castle to the nearby concentration camps, there is a lot to learn and discover in Krakow.

➮ Warsaw

Warsaw is the capital of Poland and an absolute must-visit on your trip to Poland. This city is both hip and historical, with tons of trendy neighborhoods and a UNESCO recognized Old Town. Warsaw was almost completely destroyed during WWII and has since been rebuilt.

One Day in Warsaw Itinerary

➮ Gdansk

The Baltic port city of Gdansk is an absolute marvel. Personally, I would consider Gdansk to be the most beautiful city in Poland. Gdansk’s maritime history is not only apparent in the port, yet in the ornate architecture as well. Gdansk, along with the nearby cities of Sopot and Gydina make up the tri-city. These cities are easily explored during your time in Gdansk.

Gdansk to Sopot: Baltic Sea Day Trip

➮ Wroclaw

Wroclaw is the largest city in Western Poland. This city is known for its impressive Market Square, with its gothic Old Town Hall. Don’t miss a walk around Ostrów Tumski, Cathedral Island, the oldest part of the city. Personally, I found that Wroclaw had the best Christmas Market in Poland. It’s whimsical and a pure joy to visit.

Best Things to do in Wroclaw

Wroclaw Christmas Market Guide

➮ Poznań

Poznań is a city in Western Poland, that is known for its university and old town. The Old Town has many beautiful Renaissance-style buildings including Poznań Town Hall in the Market Square.

Poland Travel Tips

Language

The main language spoken in Poland is Polish. In big cities, I found that many people did speak English. However, you may want to learn a few basic words in Polish if you need help with directions or ordering at restaurants.

Currency

The currency in Poland is the Polish Zloty. 1 USD is equivalent to approximately 3.81 ZL.

Plugs

Poland uses the Type C and F plug, which is standard in Europe. Be sure to bring a universal adapter on your trip to Poland.

Safety

Poland is a low-risk country to visit. As a visitor, you are highly unlikely to experience crime. The only potential threat is pickpocketing and ATM scams. As a female traveler, I felt extremely safe during my time in Poland.

Getting around Poland

Getting around Poland is fairly easy. Local and intercity transportation is easily navigable. However, I did find that local transportation was often delayed a few minutes. So, you may need to wait a few minutes at a bus stop.

Public Transportation

There are plenty of options for public transportation in Poland. Each of the major cities I visited had a bus or tram system. Warsaw is the only city in Poland that has a metro system. Busses and trams cost between 2-5 PLN depending on how far you are traveling in each city. If you plan to use public transportation, consider buying a transportation pass, single-day passes start at 15 PLN per person. 3-day public transportation in Warsaw starts at 36 PLN. If your hotel is centrally located, you probably do not need a transportation pass in most cities. The only city I used public transportation frequently was in Warsaw.

Train

Train travel in Poland is extremely easy and affordable. This is perhaps the easiest way to travel between cities in Poland as most of the train stations are centrally located. There are three major train companies in Poland, ExpressInterCity Premium (EIP), ExpressInterCity (EIC), and InterCity (IC). For the most part, I found that the InterCity trains were a perfect choice. IncerCity trains are the most budget-friendly option, however, they are the slowest trains. The train distance between most cities with the InterCity trains was only a few hours, which is well worth the price. If you are traveling longer distances, between faraway cities, I would highly recommend the express train services. I chose this option when traveling between Krakow and Gdansk, which cut my travel time in half. The InterCity website has all the available train options including express trains.

Flying

Flying is another option to get around Poland. Most of the major cities have airports. However, the airports are not as conveniently located as the train stations are. If you are traveling between far distances, flying may be a good option. Yet, I would not recommend it between cities that are a few hours away.