Poland Travel Guide

Continent: Europe
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Poland Travel Packages

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Poland Travel Essentials

Ideal Duration: 7-10 days for exploring major cities; 2 weeks for a broader experience

Currency: (PLN)

Best Time: May to September (Spring/Summer) Read More

Accommodation Cost (per night in USD): Dorm bed: $10-20
Budget: $20-40
Mid-range: $60-100
Luxury: $120 and above

Budget for Food & Drinks (per day in USD): Budget: $10-20
Mid-range: $30-50

Visa Policy for Indians: Schengen Visa

Visa Policy for Other Nationals: Schengen Visa for many countries

Getting In Poland: Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice (KRK) Read More

Getting Around Poland: Trains, trams, buses, and rental cars Read More

"The Country With A Quiet Charm"

Poland Tourism

Poland, in Central Europe, is known for its medieval cities, stunning castles, diverse landscapes, deep historical significance, and its role during World War II. Poland’s Old Towns, such as Kraków, Gdańsk, and Wrocław, are filled with cobbled streets, Gothic churches, and colorful market squares. Warsaw, the capital, blends history with modernity, with landmarks like the Royal Castle, Wilanów Palace, and the rebuilt Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Poland is also home to Auschwitz-Birkenau, an important memorial and historical site that reminds visitors of World War II’s impact.

The country’s landscapes range from the Tatra Mountains, ideal for skiing and hiking, to the Mazurian Lake District, known for its peaceful waters and sailing opportunities. Poland has over 500 castles, including Malbork Castle, the largest brick castle in the world, and Ksiaz Castle, set on a scenic hilltop. The Baltic coast offers sandy beaches, with Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia forming the popular "Tri-City" region.

Must Know Before You Travel to Poland

Train, Trams & Buses Tickets Must Be Validated: If using regional trains, trams or buses, stamp your ticket at the yellow machines before boarding. Fines are strict if caught without validation.
Winters Are Harsh, Even in Cities: Snow and sub-zero temperatures are common in winter.

Best time to visit Poland

Like many countries in Europe, Poland is an excellent place to travel all around the year, depending on your choice of weather. However, the best time to visit Poland is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). This country has a typical European temperate climate with six distinctiv... (Read More)

Holidify's opinion on Travel to Poland

What's Great about Travelling to Poland?

Friendly and kind locals. Delicious food. Centrally located for easy travel. Relatively cheaper destination.

What's Not So Great about Travelling to Poland?

Extreme winters. Poor road conditions. Subtle racism.

Who should Travel to Poland?

History lovers. Adventure enthusaists. Solo travellers.

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Read More on Poland Travel

Nightlife in Poland

Polish nightlife is great, especially in the cities of Warsaw and Gdansk. Clubs and bars stay open well into the night. Jazz clubs can also be found in Warsaw, for a night of drinks and good music. Gdansk is known for its discos and is a great place to visit for those who love dancing since it has so many options. Gdansk is also popular for its live music venues, beer gardens and wine bars. The city also hosts many concerts.

Shopping in Poland

Poland is truly a shopper's paradise. Every kind of store you could have ever imagined or dreamed of can be found here. There are shopping complexes, markets, antique shops, bookstores, city squares and more. Warsaw's famous shopping complex is Arkadia. Warsaw also has a flea market in the Kloo district where you can pick up a lot of souvenirs to take back home with you. Stary Kleparz in Krakow is the best place to shop for fresh vegetables. Some cities have specific market days, and these are considered to be the best as they sell cheese, eggs, freshly baked bread, meats, vegetables and more.

Festivals of Poland

Poland has a lot of festive days, celebrations and holidays for the same. Some of the major ones include Drowning of Marzanna, a pagan tradition, Easter, Juwenalia, Wianki, St. Andrew's Day, Mikolaj's Visit and Christmas. The Polish people come together as one and celebrate all of these events. Traditional Polish cuisine is prepared and served during this time, and ethnic arts and craft are sold in various stalls and souvenir shops to keep with the festive spirit.

Tips for visiting Poland

Take good care of your belongings in crowded areas, as pick-pocketers can be found there. Traveller's cheques are not accepted. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. If you're bringing someone flowers, make sure to get an odd number, as even numbers are bought here for funerals.

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FAQs on Poland

What Poland is famous for?

Poland is famous for its rich history, medieval architecture, and stunning landscapes. It played a major role in World War II, with historic sites like Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Warsaw Uprising Museum, and the remnants of the Jewish Ghetto drawing visitors interested in history. The country is home to beautiful old towns, including the fairy-tale-like Kraków, Gdańsk, and Wrocław, each offering cobblestone streets, vibrant market squares, and impressive castles. Poland’s natural beauty is equally breathtaking, with the Tatra Mountains providing excellent hiking and skiing opportunities, the Masurian Lake District perfect for water sports, and the Białowieża Forest, home to Europe’s last wild bison. Poland has a deep-rooted vodka culture, and its nightlife in cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Sopot is lively and affordable.

Where is Auschwitz in Poland?

Auschwitz is located in Oświęcim, a small town in southern Poland, about 70 km (43 miles) west of Kraków. It was the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp during World War II, where over a million people, mostly Jews, were killed. Today, it is preserved as the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant historical sites in the world. The museum offers a harrowing but essential insight into the Holocaust, with well-preserved barracks, gas chambers, and exhibits displaying the personal belongings of victims. It is recommended to visit Auschwitz with a guided tour for a deeper understanding. The best way to get there is by bus or train from Kraków, which takes around 1.5 hours. Entry is free, but guided tours require advance booking. Mornings are the best time to visit, as afternoons tend to be more crowded.

Which currency does Poland use?

Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN) instead of the euro, even though it is part of the European Union. The exchange rate fluctuates, but 1 PLN is approximately 20 INR, 0.23 USD, or 0.21 EUR. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, public transport, or rural areas. ATMs are easily available, and exchange offices (kantors) in cities offer fair rates. Contactless payment is widely used, and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt make transactions cash-free.

Is Poland safe to visit?

Poland is one of the safest countries in Europe, with low crime rates and a well-developed infrastructure for travelers. Violent crime is rare, and tourists can explore cities safely, even at night. However, in crowded areas such as train stations, public transport, and tourist sites, pickpocketing can occur, so it is best to keep valuables secure. Public transport is generally reliable and safe, though unlicensed taxis should be avoided. Women traveling solo find Poland to be safe, but as with any destination, it is advisable to stay in well-lit areas and use common sense when exploring at night. The healthcare system is efficient, and in case of emergencies, travelers can dial 112, the European emergency number.

Warsaw Vs Kraków: Which is better?

Both cities offer unique experiences, and the choice depends on the type of trip you want. Warsaw, the capital, is a bustling metropolis that blends history with modernity. It was almost entirely destroyed during World War II but has been meticulously rebuilt, with the Royal Castle, Old Town, and Warsaw Uprising Museum standing as symbols of resilience. The city has a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with world-class museums, stylish restaurants, and a dynamic nightlife. It is ideal for those interested in history, shopping, and urban exploration.

Kraków, on the other hand, is Poland’s most charming and picturesque city. Unlike Warsaw, it was largely untouched during the war, preserving its medieval Old Town, Wawel Castle, and historic Jewish Quarter. Kraków has a more traditional and cozy atmosphere, with beautiful streets lined with cafés, street performers, and centuries-old architecture. It is also the best base for visiting Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, two of Poland’s top historical sites. It is cheaper than Warsaw, more compact, and easier to explore on foot.

If you are looking for a lively, modern city with a mix of old and new, Warsaw is the better choice. If you prefer a historic, fairytale-like city with a rich cultural heritage, Kraków is ideal. If time allows, visiting both is highly recommended, as they are well-connected by trains, with a journey time of 2.5 to 3 hours.

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