Complete Poland Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
Planning a trip to Poland? Start with Kraków for its beautiful Old Town, Wawel Castle, historic neighborhoods, and easy access to important sites such as the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau; visit Warsaw for museums, history, nightlife, and the remarkable reconstructed Old Town; explore Gdańsk for colorful architecture and Baltic history; or head to Wrocław for picturesque squares, bridges, islands, and its famous dwarf sculptures.
Poland offers much more than many first-time visitors expect. The country is home to medieval cities, enormous castles, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Baltic beaches, mountains, forests, lakes, traditional food, and some of Europe’s most significant historical sites.
This Poland travel guide will help you decide where to go, when to visit, how to get around, how much to budget, and what you need to know before you arrive. You’ll also find practical information about Polish entry requirements, currency, trains, public transportation, weather, electrical outlets, safety, food, packing, and local travel tips.
Visiting Poland for the first time? Kraków and Warsaw make an excellent introduction. With more time, add Gdańsk, Wrocław, Toruń, Poznań, or the Tatra Mountains depending on your interests and the season.
Poland’s extensive rail network makes traveling between major cities relatively easy, and the country’s combination of historic cities, cultural attractions, nature, and generally good value makes it especially well suited to a multi-city trip.
Poland Travel Guide at a Glance
Planning your first trip to Poland? Here are the essential things to know before you go:
Capital: Warsaw
Currency: Polish Złoty (PLN)
Official Language: Polish
Emergency Number: 112
Driving: Poles drive on the right
Power Outlets: Type C and F, 230V, 50Hz
Best Time to Visit: May–June and September–October for generally pleasant sightseeing weather; summer for long days and outdoor activities; winter for Christmas markets and mountain activities
Popular First-Time Destinations: Kraków, Warsaw, Gdańsk, Wrocław, and the Tatra Mountains
Getting Around: Intercity trains, regional trains, buses, trams, metros, and local public transportation
Visa Requirements: U.S. tourists can visit Poland and the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Best Known For: Historic cities, castles, World War II history, pierogi, medieval architecture, Baltic coastline, mountains, forests, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Don’t Miss: Kraków, Warsaw, a Polish castle, traditional Polish food, and at least one destination beyond the largest cities
First-time Poland travel tip: Poland is larger than many visitors expect. Instead of trying to cover the entire country in a few days, choose several destinations that connect logically by train and give yourself enough time to explore them.
Best Places to Visit in Poland
Kraków: Best for First-Time Visitors, History and Architecture
Krakow Poland is the country’s second-largest city. Krakow was made famous by Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory. Krakow is a walkable city with a historic city wall, castle, fire-breathing dragon, market square, the Jewish ghetto, and delicious pierogi. Krakow is also close to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp and Wieliczka Salt Mine.
READ 48 Hours in Krakow Poland
Gdańsk: Best for Baltic History and Waterfront Architecture
Gdansk is the first city the Nazis seized at the start of World War II and is full of history. It is a port city on the Baltic coast known for its colorful facades, amber jewelry, cheesy potatoes, and great prices. Gdansk is a perfect weekend getaway location, don’t miss nearby Malbork Castle.
Warsaw: Best for Polish History, Museums and Modern City Life
Warsaw is the Polish capital. 90% of the city was destroyed in World War II and it has been reconstructed to its original Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical forms. This is the perfect city to discover Polish History. Also, Warsaw is a university city with the perfect mix of old and new. You will find hipster coffee shops, milk bars, old Soviet buildings, and modern shopping malls.
Wrocław: Best for Colorful Architecture, Bridges and City Breaks
Wroclaw is also a university town. It has been ruled by Austrians, Czechs, Hungarians, Germans, and Poles and the influences remain. Wroclaw was named the European Capital of Culture in 2016, there is always a performance to watch or a concert to attend. The city is full of medieval architecture and Market Square is not to be missed. Also, be sure to search for the small dwarf sculptures throughout the city.
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Poland
Where is Poland?
Poland is in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Baltic Sea, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Lithuania. The major cities are Warsaw, Krakow, Lodz, and Gdansk. Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland.
What Language Is Spoken in Poland?
The national language of Poland is Polish. Russian is the second most commonly spoken language in Poland. About 20% of Poles speak English. English speakers will not have difficulty communicating in large cities. Be sure to learn a few key phrases as well as some slang. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel.
Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Poland?
U.S. citizens can generally visit Poland and other countries in the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism. Time spent elsewhere in the Schengen Area counts toward the same 90-day allowance.
What Currency Does Poland Use?
Although Poland is part of the European Union, the currency in Poland is the złoty. Euros may be accepted but at a high exchange rate. Therefore, if offered a price in euros, it is best to request the price in złoty. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can You Use Credit Cards and ATMs in Poland?
ATMs are widely available in Poland. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Poland and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Poland, you will need a 4-digit PIN from the bank. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in złoty. Most small businesses and villages are cash only.
How Much Does a Trip to Poland Cost?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Poland is $68. Expect to pay $952 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Poland?
The high tourist season is June through August. The shoulder season is March, April, and October. March to May and September through November are the best seasons to visit Poland; temperatures are mild and crowds are minimal. Expect freezing temperatures and snow in the winter.
How Do You Get Around Poland?
Public transportation in large cities is by tram or bus. Warsaw also has a metro system. Unlimited tourist travel cards are available, and amounts vary depending on the city. Be sure to purchase and validate transit tickets. Pro Tip: Google Maps did not work for me in Krakow, use the Jakdojade.pl App instead.
What Power Adapter Do You Need in Poland?
The plugs in Poland are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.
What Should You Pack for Poland?
Jeans and camisoles or t-shirts are common daily wear. A comfortable pair of walking shoes with good soles for cobbled streets is important. Formal clothing in bold colors is popular for an evening out. Women often wear pencil skirts and stiletto heels.
Is Poland Safe for Solo Travelers?
Poland borders Ukraine and Belarus, check current government travel guidance shortly before departure. According to Travel Safe Abroad, Poland is a safe country overall. Be aware of your surroundings, there is a moderate risk for scams and pickpockets. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What Polish Food Should You Try?
Kotlet schabowy (schnitzel), pierogi (dumplings), kopytka (potato gnocchi), gołąbki (cabbage rolls), kotlet mielony (meatballs), bigos (hunter’s stew), Mizeria (cucumber salad), nalesniki (cheese crepe), paczki (donut), makowiec (poppy-seed cake).
Tips for Traveling in Poland
- Poland is not considered Eastern Europe.
- WiFi is available in most restaurants, bars, and cafes.
- Tipping 10-15% is common in Poland.
- Women’s bathrooms are labeled with a circle and men’s with a triangle.
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- It is illegal to drink alcohol in the streets.
- Take your shoes off if you are invited into someone’s home and bring a dessert or bottle of alcohol.
- Amber jewelry is a great souvenir.
- Milk bars are inexpensive cafeteria-style restaurants.
10 Top Things to See and Do in Poland
- Tour Krakow’s Jewish Quarter and Schindler’s Factory.
- Visit Wawel Royal Castle and Malbork Castle.
- Stroll the beautiful village of Zalipie.
- Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
- Tour the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
- Explore the coastal city of Gdansk.
- Visit the wooden churches of Southern Lesser Poland.
- Walk among the curved trees in the Crooked Forest.
- Check out Warsaw’s old town and Lazienki Park.
- Go hiking in the Tatra Mountains.
Check the Poland Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Interesting Facts About Poland
- Poland has the world’s biggest castle (Malbork), and the longest pier in Europe.
- Poland has beaches, mountains, forests, deserts, and lakes.
- Warsaw was almost completely destroyed during WWII and had to be rebuilt.
- Poland is one of the most religious countries in Europe.
- The Polish language is very difficult to learn.
- Polish men still greet women by kissing their hand.
- Poland has a list of names you can not give a baby.
- Wearing a hat indoors is considered disrespectful.
- You get an award from the government if you remain married for 50 years.
- Poles are superstitous.
- College in Poland is free.
- Make-up, latex condoms, cotton swabs, bullet-proof vests, and kerosene lamps were invented by Poles.
- The famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was Polish.
- Poland is the world’s biggest exporter of amber.
- TV in Poland is dubbed by one male voice.
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