POLAND

Welcome to Poland! This resilient Central European nation is a captivating blend of medieval cities, poignant history, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the cobbled streets of Krakow to the vibrant energy of Warsaw and the tranquil Baltic coast, prepare to discover a country rich in tradition and continually evolving.

Region: Central Europe

Capital: Warsaw

Official Language: Polish

Level of Travel Safety: Generally very safe. Crime rates are low, but be aware of petty crime, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transport in major cities.

A map of Europe with Poland highlighted in green.

Why Visit Poland?

Rich History & Architecture: Explore medieval old towns, Gothic churches, and Renaissance castles across the country.

Charming Cities: From the regal streets of Kraków to the vibrant port of Gdańsk, each city has a unique story.

Natural Wonders: Hike in the Tatra Mountains, explore the Białowieża Forest (home to wild bison), or relax by the Masurian Lakes.

An aerial view of the Warsaw skyline at dusk, featuring the Palace of Culture and Science.

World Heritage Sites: Visit UNESCO-listed treasures like Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz-Birkenau, and Malbork Castle.

Hearty Cuisine: Indulge in pierogi, żurek soup, kielbasa, and comforting stews — often for just a few dollars.

Cultural Soul: Classical music, vibrant folk traditions, and a flourishing contemporary art scene make Poland culturally rich and dynamic.

A serene mountain lake surrounded by peaks and clouds.

Essential Trip Information

Entry requirements vary by nationality. Check the official Polish government website: https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/visas

Schengen Visa required for many non-European travelers (allows stays up to 90 days in 180-day period).

Citizens of EU/EEA and many other countries (e.g., U.S., Canada, Australia) can enter visa-free for short stays.

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from Poland.

Proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds may be requested on arrival.

Schengen visa fees are typically €80 (~US$85).

Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN).

  • Common banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 PLN.
  • Coins: 1, 2, 5 złoty; 1–50 groszy.

Best Ways to Handle Currency

  • Before Your Trip: Bring a small amount of złoty or euros. Avoid exchanging large sums at airports.

  • During Your Trip: Use ATMs at major banks (PKO BP, ING, mBank) for better rates.

  • Cards: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted, even for small purchases. Still, carry 50–100 PLN for local shops or markets.

  • Avoid: Currency exchange booths in tourist areas (often poor rates), and always decline dynamic currency conversion when using your card.

Polish is the official language.

English is widely spoken by younger people, especially in cities and tourist areas.

Helpful Phrases:

  • Dzień dobry (Good day)

  • Dziękuję (Thank you)

  • Przepraszam (Excuse me)

  • Gdzie jest…? (Where is…?)

Poland is very safe, even at night.

Minor issues: pickpocketing in crowded areas (train stations, old towns).

Emergency number: 112 (EU-wide).

No vaccinations required.

Travel insurance recommended (EU visitors with EHIC card are covered).

Pharmacies are widespread (apteka), many with 24/7 locations.

Tap water is safe to drink, though bottled water is common.

Trains: Reliable and scenic—connect major cities and smaller towns.

City transport: Trams and buses cover most urban areas. Buy tickets from kiosks or machines before boarding.

Rideshare apps: Uber and Bolt are available in larger cities.

Driving: Roads are modern, but traffic can be dense in cities. International driving permit recommended.

Cycling: Many cities (e.g., Wrocław, Gdańsk) have dedicated bike paths and rental services.

Poland is affordable by European standards, especially outside major cities like Warsaw or Kraków.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Hostels/guesthouses (US$25–50/night)

  • Mid-range: 3-star hotels (US$60–120/night)

  • Luxury: 4-5 star hotels (US$150+/night)

Food

  • Street food & bakeries: US$3–8

  • Casual dining: US$10–25/person

  • Fine dining: US$40+/person

Drinks

  • Beer: US$2–4 (bars), US$1–2 (shops)

  • Cocktails: US$5–10

Transportation

  • City transport: US$1–2/ride; 24-hour passes from US$3–6

  • Taxi/Uber/Bolt: US$5–15 for inner-city rides

  • Trains: Intercity (e.g., Warsaw to Kraków) from US$15–30

Money-Saving Tips

  • Use public transit passes and ride-sharing apps like Bolt (cheaper than taxis).

  • Free walking tours are available in major cities.

  • Visit museums on free-entry days (e.g., Wednesdays in many Warsaw museums).

  • Eat at milk bars (bar mleczny) for hearty, authentic meals under US$5.

Explore Poland

Located in southern Poland, this historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its magnificent Main Market Square, Wawel Castle, and Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter). It offers a rich cultural experience.

The capital of Poland, situated in the central part of the country. Rebuilt after WWII, its Old Town is a UNESCO site. Explore modern museums, vibrant nightlife, and historical landmarks like the Royal Castle.

A beautiful port city on the Baltic Sea coast in northern Poland. Known for its charming Old Town, Neptune’s Fountain, and its role in the Solidarity movement. Perfect for maritime history and amber.

Located in western Poland, this city is famous for its picturesque market square, numerous bridges, and charming dwarfs statues scattered throughout the city. A vibrant cultural hub with a relaxed atmosphere.

Situated in southern Poland, bordering Slovakia. Zakopane is the main town and a popular base for hiking, skiing, and experiencing unique Goral highlander culture and stunning alpine scenery.

Found in northern Poland, southeast of Gdańsk. This immense red-brick Gothic fortress is the largest castle in the world by land area and a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a deep dive into Teutonic Knight history.

Located in western Poland, Poznań is known for its charming Old Market Square with colorful merchant houses and the iconic mechanical goats that appear daily on the Town Hall. A vibrant city with a rich history.

Situated near Oświęcim in southern Poland. This poignant memorial and museum, a UNESCO site, serves as a solemn reminder of the Holocaust and a vital educational experience.

Straddling the border with Belarus in eastern Poland. This ancient primeval forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a biosphere reserve, home to the European bison and diverse wildlife.

Located in northern Poland, on the Vistula River. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Toruń is the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus and boasts a remarkably preserved medieval Old Town, famous for its gingerbread.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Authentic Local Vibe
  • Winter Sports (excluding peak)
  • Cozy Atmosphere

Main Drawbacks:

  • Cold Temperatures
  • Shorter Days
  • Limited Outdoor Activities (non-ski)
  • Some closures

Key Regions:

  • Kraków: Magical with Christmas markets and fewer tourists.
  • Warsaw: Museums and indoor attractions are less crowded.
  • Tatra Mountains (Zakopane): Excellent for winter sports, but avoid peak holiday times.
  • Wrocław: Charming, especially during advent with festive lights.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Festivals & Events
  • Blooming Landscapes (Spring) & Autumn Colors (Autumn)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Spring Mud Season
  • Unpredictable Weather (Spring/Autumn)
  • Some attractions might have reduced hours early Spring/late Autumn

Key Regions:

  • Kraków: Pleasant for walking tours and exploring the Old Town.
  • Warsaw: Enjoy parks and outdoor cafes as the weather warms.
  • Tricity (Gdańsk, Sopot, Gdynia): Coastal cities are delightful without summer crowds.
  • Bieszczady Mountains: Perfect for hiking with vibrant autumn foliage or spring bloom.
  • Lower Silesia (Wrocław, Kłodzko Valley): Explore castles and natural beauty in comfortable temperatures.
  • Mid-Summer (June-August)
  • Christmas and New Year Holiday Period
  • Peak Ski Season (February-March)

Planning Your Trip

Greetings: A firm handshake and eye contact are standard.

Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants is customary; round up for taxis.

Dress Code: Casual for sightseeing; smart-casual for finer dining or theater.

Dining: Don’t expect free tap water—order bottled (still or sparkling).

Quiet Hours: Especially in smaller towns or residential areas, noise after 10 PM may be frowned upon.

Language: Younger Poles often speak English; older generations may not. Learn basic Polish phrases—it’s appreciated!

Poland is very affordable compared to Western Europe.

Accommodation: Hostels (US$15–30), hotels (US$60–150), luxury (US$250+).

Food: Street eats like zapiekanka or pierogi (US$5–8).
Sit-down restaurant: US$12–25, upscale: US$50+.

Transport: Intercity trains: US$10–30, public transport daily pass: US$3–6.
Car rentals: US$25–50/day.

Activities: Museum entry: US$3–7, guided tours: US$20–40, hiking/ski passes: US$20+.

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$50–80 (hostels, public transport, cheap eats).

  • Mid-range: US$120–200 (nice hotels, good meals, activities).

  • Luxury: US$300+ (top hotels, private tours, gourmet dining).

Free Wi-Fi: Found in cafés, malls, airports, and most accommodations.

SIM Cards: Orange, Play, or Plus stores offer tourist SIMs (US$5–15 for 10–15GB).

eSIMs: Available via Airalo, Ubigi—handy for shorter stays.

Highly recommended—especially for winter travel or mountain hiking.

Medical care is affordable compared to the U.S., but insurance avoids out-of-pocket costs.

Adventure coverage: Check if your policy includes skiing, hiking in the Tatras, or snowmobiling.

Cancellation coverage: Useful during holiday periods or if weather affects travel plans.

From charming old-town apartments to spa retreats, Poland has a wide range of stays.

Hotels:

  • Luxury: Raffles Europejski (Warsaw), Hotel Copernicus (Kraków).
  • Mid-range: PURO Hotels (modern, stylish), Mercure or Ibis chains.
  • Budget: B&B Hotels, Campanile (well-located and clean).

Hostels:

  • The Little Havana Party Hostel (Kraków), Oki Doki (Warsaw).
  • Dorm beds from US$15–30/night.

Airbnb/Short-term rentals:

  • Affordable and abundant in most cities.
  • Old Town stays in Gdańsk or Wrocław offer great charm.

Boutique Hotels:

  • H15 Boutique Hotel (Warsaw), Hotel Saski (Kraków) for upscale charm.

Tip: Stay near Old Towns or train stations for easy access to attractions and transit.

Poland is easy to navigate thanks to efficient public transport and walkable cities.

Trains:

  • PKP Intercity offers fast and affordable rail between major cities (e.g., Warsaw to Kraków in 2.5 hrs).
  • Book in advance for cheaper fares (starting from US$15–25).
  • Express Pendolino trains are modern and comfortable.

Buses:

  • FlixBus and PolskiBus cover smaller towns and international connections.
  • Reliable, with fares from US$5–15 depending on distance.

Trams & Metro:

  • Available in cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław.
  • Tickets cost ~US$1 for a 20–30 min ride (validate before boarding).
  • Day passes offer value for heavy users.

Taxis/Rideshares:

  • Uber and Bolt widely used in cities—cheaper than taxis.
  • Avoid unofficial cabs at airports.

Walking:

  • Historic old towns are very walkable—especially Kraków, Gdańsk, and Toruń.
  • Comfortable shoes are a must.

Car Rental:

  • Useful for countryside, mountains, and castles.
  • Roads are well-maintained; gas costs about US$6.50/gal (US$1.70/liter).
  • Parking in city centers can be tricky and metered.

Handy Tips

Poland uses the Polish Złoty (PLN), with bills in 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 PLN denominations; coins include 1, 2, 5 PLN and smaller groszy (1 zł = 100 groszy).

Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport/train station kiosks (high fees). Use ATMs (bankomat) or banks for better rates.

Using Cards: Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted, but carry cash for small shops, markets, or rural areas.

Tipping Etiquette:

  • Restaurants/Cafés: Round up or leave 10% (check if service is included).
  • Taxis: Round up or add 5–10%.
  • Tour Guides: 10–20 PLN per person for group tours.

Polish is the official language, but English is spoken in tourist areas. Helpful phrases:

  • “Dzień dobry” (Good morning)

  • “Ile to kosztuje?” (How much is this?)

  • “Gdzie jest…?” (Where is…?)

  • “Dziękuję” (Thank you)
    Pro Tip: Poles appreciate attempts to say basic phrases—start interactions with Dzień dobry before switching to English.

Poland is very safe, but watch for pickpockets in crowded areas (Kraków’s Main Square, Warsaw’s Old Town).

  • Emergency Contacts:

    • 112: All emergencies (police, medical, fire).

    • 997: Police direct line.

    • Your Embassy: Keep details handy (major cities have consulates).

Poland uses 230V/50Hz with Type E plugs (two round pins). Bring an adapter; converters are rarely needed for modern electronics.

Tap water is safe to drink (high quality). Restaurants serve free tap water—ask for woda kranowa to avoid bottled upsells.

Many shops/museums close on:

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day

  • 6 Jan: Three Kings’ Day

  • Easter Monday (varies)

  • 1 May: Labour Day

  • 3 May: Constitution Day

  • 15 Aug: Assumption Day

  • 1 Nov: All Saints’ Day

  • 11 Nov: Independence Day

  • 25–26 Dec: Christmas

Note: Museums are free on certain days (e.g., Warsaw’s National Museum on Sundays).

Stores: Typically 10:00–20:00 (smaller shops close earlier on weekends).

Pharmacies (Apteka): Often 24/7 in cities (look for całodobowa).

Markets: Try Hala Mirowska (Warsaw) or Stary Kleparz (Kraków) for local produce.

Pierogi: Dumplings filled with meat, cheese, or mushrooms—fried or boiled.

Bigos: “Hunter’s Stew” with sauerkraut, sausage, mushrooms, and pork.

Żurek: Sourdough rye soup with sausage and egg—served in a bread bowl.

Placki Ziemniaczane: Crispy potato pancakes, often topped with sour cream.

Gołąbki: Cabbage rolls filled with rice and minced meat in tomato sauce.

Kielbasa: Polish sausage, grilled or smoked—served everywhere, always satisfying.

Barszcz: Beetroot soup—served clear with dumplings or hearty with beans.

Pączki: Jelly-filled donuts dusted with sugar (Fat Thursday’s star).

Sernik: Polish-style baked cheesecake, often with a hint of citrus.

Makowiec: Poppy seed roll—rich, nutty, and holiday favorite.

Szarlotka: Polish apple pie—less sweet, often served warm with whipped cream.

Alcoholic:

  • Polish Vodka: Try Żubrówka (with bison grass) or Wyborowa—smooth and iconic.

  • Mead (Miód Pitny): Honey wine—sweet, ancient, and great as a digestif.

  • Tyskie: Popular lager with a light, crisp profile—great with grilled kielbasa.

  • Żywiec: A rich-bodied Polish pilsner—widely loved by locals.

  • Perła: Lublin’s pride—a smooth lager with herbal notes.

  • Craft Beers: Explore microbreweries in Wrocław and Kraków (try AleBrowar).

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Kompot: Fruit drink made from stewed dried fruits—served chilled or warm.

  • Kefir: Fermented milk drink—tangy, probiotic, and a local staple.

  • Barszcz Czerwony: Cold beetroot drink, refreshing and earthy.

  • Mineral Water: Poland has dozens of spa towns—try local waters like Muszynianka.

  • Herbata z Cytryną: Black tea with lemon—a Polish comfort classic.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial: A sobering but essential visit near Kraków.

Wawel Castle: Historic residence of Polish kings in Kraków.

Warsaw Uprising Museum: Insight into WWII resistance.

Gdańsk Shipyard: Birthplace of the Solidarity movement.

St. Mary’s Basilica: Hear the trumpet call every hour in Kraków’s main square.

Wieliczka Salt Mine: Underground chapels and tunnels carved from salt.

Wooden Churches of Małopolska: UNESCO-listed gems scattered across southern Poland.

Polish Folk Music: Catch a live show of Mazowsze or Śląsk ensembles.

Ethnographic Museums: Great in Kraków and Sanok for learning about rural life.

Hidden Gem: Łódź’s OFF Piotrkowska—a hip, post-industrial cultural zone with galleries, bars, and boutiques.

Historic Centers: Explore Old Towns in Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław—UNESCO-listed and postcard-perfect.

Jazz Clubs: Visit Warsaw’s “12on14” or Kraków’s “Harris Piano Jazz Bar.”

Tatras & Zakopane: For mountain lovers—ski in winter, hike in summer.

Białowieża Forest: Primeval forest and home to European bison.

Masurian Lakes: Rent a boat or kayak in this tranquil lake district.

Thermal Baths: Warm up at Chochołowskie or Bukovina Baths.

Castle Hopping: Malbork Castle (largest brick castle in the world) is a must.

Vodka Museum (Warsaw): Learn the history of Poland’s most iconic drink.

Open-Air Film Nights: Held in summer in city parks like Kraków’s Błonia or Warsaw’s Skaryszewski Park.

Festivals: Pierogi Festival (Kraków), Jewish Culture Festival, or Open’er Music Festival.

Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa: Retro communist-style bars—cheap vodka shots + herring snacks.

Złoty Pies (Wrocław): Brewpub with hearty beer + live music.

Alchemia (Kraków): Candle-lit bar in Kazimierz—magical and moody.

Piwna Stopa (Poznań): Top craft beer bar with local brews.

Szklarnia (Zakopane): High-altitude cocktails + mountain views.

BarStudio (Warsaw): Artsy cocktail spot in the old communist Parliament building.

Barka (Kraków): Floating bar on the Vistula—DJ nights and chill vibes.

Jabeerwocky (Warsaw): 20+ taps of Polish and international craft beers.

Las (Warsaw): Jungle-themed club—electro beats and neon plants.

Mleczarnia (Wrocław): Cozy beer garden with warm lighting and local crowds.