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RITUALS HAND BALM 70 ML + FOAMING SHOWER GEL 200 ML + HAIR AND BODY MIST 50 ML

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Aby, przejść dalej musisz mieć ukończone 18 lat.

Tak, mam co najmniej 18 lat.

First-timer's guide to Poland

Sep 29, 2023 • 7 min read

Everything you need to know about visiting Poland for the first time © Imgorthand / Getty Images

Supported by

Poland  has a long, fascinating, sometimes tragic history, played out against a backdrop of royal castles and palaces, picturesque old towns and incredible landscapes.

From the Carpathian Mountains in the south to the Great Masurian Lakes in the north, Poland is a dream destination if you’re up for an activity-driven vacation – hiking, cycling and kayaking opportunities are abundant, plus there’s skiing in the winter.

If urban pleasures are more your thing, vibrant cities such as the capital Warsaw , the atmospheric old capital Kraków , and revamped 19th-century industrial powerhouse Łódź do not disappoint. Each offers masses of cultural attractions alongside delicious dining and lively nightlife scenes – all at very affordable prices.

As Poland is a big country packed with travel possibilities, you’re sure to have questions. Here are some tips and practical advice on how to get the most out of your first trip to Poland.

When should I go to Poland?

There’s no time of the year to specifically avoid when scheduling a trip. For fine weather and the chance to join summer festivals and events such as Kraków’s Jewish Culture Festival and Warsaw’s Summer Jazz Days , come between May and early September.

Towns and cities come alive as the warmer temperatures tempt everyone outside for alfresco dining and drinking. This is peak season, too, for visiting Poland’s 23 national parks.

The countryside in spring and autumn can also be very beautiful. Winter is the quietest season, except in ski resorts such as Zakopane . Come prepared for frigid temperatures and sloshing through snow and rain.

Compensations include low season rates at hotels and plenty of excellent museums in the major cities in which to shelter from the elements. Autumn through early spring is also when performing arts institutions such as Warsaw’s Teatr Wielki and Filharmonia Narodowa run their season of top-grade shows.

How much time do I need to visit Poland?

Two, or better, three days is the minimum needed for a short city break to either Warsaw or Kraków. You won’t have enough time to cover everything, but you will be able to get a feel for these places and tick off the main attractions.

If you’re prepared to move around quickly, you could cram in more of Poland over 10 days to two weeks, adding to your itinerary metropolises such as Gdańsk (also close to the Baltic seaside resort of Sopot ) and Łódź, as well as smaller historic towns like the artists’ retreat Kazimierz Dolny and Zamość , a perfectly preserved 16th-century Renaissance town.

Have a month to spare? Now you’re talking! This will give you the opportunity to explore rural backwaters and national parks such as World Heritage-listed Białowieża National Park , home to some 800 free-roaming European bison, Poland’s national symbol and Europe’s largest land mammal; and Karkonosze National Park with its spectacular Ice Age glacier-carved landscapes.

Is it easy to get in and around Poland?

Poland is tethered to the world by international flights. The capital’s main airport is the central Warsaw Chopin Airport , with Modlin Airport , 39km (24 miles) north of the city, handling budget carriers.

Other international airports include Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport, Katowice Airport, Kraków John Paul II International Airport, Łódż Airport and Wrocław Airport . There are also excellent rail and bus links, especially with Western European neighbors, including overnight train services to Berlin and Vienna .

Getting around Poland itself is a breeze. There’s a comprehensive system of buses and trains offering both frequent services and affordable prices. For more remote parts, including nearly all the national parks, you’ll really need your own set of wheels.

Hiring a car is straightforward and the roads have vastly improved in recent years (although you will encounter some unsealed roads in the most rural regions). Major cities and towns all have decent public transport, and you can easily cover historic old town centers on foot.

Top things to do in Poland

Kraków, the former royal capital, is a stunner with its heady blend of history and harmonious architecture. At its heart are the vast Rynek Główny, Europe’s largest medieval marketplace, and the magnificent Wawel Royal Castle , on a hill above the Old Town.

But that's just the start – every part of the city is fascinating, from the former Jewish district of Kazimierz and its lively nightlife to the atomic fallout shelters of Nowa Huta .

Warsaw had to be almost completely rebuilt after WWII. The powerful Warsaw Rising Museum focuses on the darkest hours of WWII, while the Museum of Warsaw superbly documents the city's rise, fall and resurrection. Also don’t miss the award-winning POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews , and regal Wilanów Palace and surrounding lush parkland.

Toruń , a walled Gothic city on the Vistula River, miraculously escaped WWII intact. Wander through the UNESCO-listed Old Town crammed with museums, churches, grand mansions and squares. When you’re flagging, perk up with a peppery gingerbread cookie, Toruń’s signature snack, which you can make yourself at the Gingerbread Museum .

The UNESCO-listed Białowieża National Park holds one of Europe’s last vestiges of primeval forest, which you can visit in the company of a guide. The bison, which was once extinct outside zoos, has been successfully reintroduced here, although your best bet for seeing these magnificent animals is the region’s European Bison Show Reserve .

My favorite thing to do in Poland

I’m a huge fan of street art and Łódź has embraced this public form of creative expression unlike anywhere else in Poland - the city is practically one giant art gallery! There are well over 200 public works of art ranging from massive painted murals to installations involving neon, nails and porcelain tiles.

Among my favorites are Pasaż Róży, a dazzling courtyard completely plastered with mirror fragments arranged in swirling rose patterns, and Wiedźmin, a 70m tall mural designed by Jakub Rebelka on the sides of adjacent apartment blocks – it’s a homage to the Witcher series of fantasy books by Łódź-based author Andrzej Sapkowski.

How much money do I need for Poland?

Like everywhere in Europe in recent times, prices have been rising in Poland. That said, the country offers great value, especially when it comes to accommodation, dining out and entertainment. Getting around by public transport is also a bargain.

• Hostel room: 60 zł
• Basic room for two: 200 zł
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): 120 zł
• Public transport ticket: 3.40 zł
• Coffee: 15-20 zł
• Sandwich: 15 zł
• Dinner for two: 150-200 zł
• Beer/pint at the bar: 12 zł

Is Poland part of the EU?

Yes, which means if you’re crossing into the country from neighboring EU countries – the Czech Republic (Czechia), Germany , Lithuania and Slovakia – there are no border formalities. However, rather than the euro, Poland’s national currency is the złoty (zł, sometimes also abbreviated as PLN) which dates back to the 14th century.

Most places accept card or electronic payments but sometimes you will need to pay in cash so it’s handy to keep some money in your wallet.

How easy is it to get online?

Very easy. Depending on your home mobile phone/internet plans, you should be able to surf the web and stay in touch using a smartphone or tablet. There are plenty of wifi hotspots and some of them are free.

What’s Polish food like?

Locals like nothing better than scoffing comfort foods such as pączki (rose-jam filled doughnuts) or a plate of pierogi , dough dumplings stuffed with anything from cottage cheese, potato and meat to blueberries or other fruits.

Traditional cooking is rustic and flavorful and can be summed up by Poland’s signature kiełbasa sausages. These are usually made with pork and various seasonings, though other meats, like beef and veal, can be added.

Beyond such staples Polish cuisine also includes hearty soups and dishes such as beef tartare. In the major cities and towns, there’s a wide choice of world cuisines alongside creative renditions of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Editor's note: This article was sponsored by Poland NTO after the city was selected for Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2024. Sponsors do not influence a destination's inclusion in Best In Travel, which is determined solely by Lonely Planet's editorial team.

Supported by Poland NTO

As a travel entertainment and inspirational media outlet, we sometimes incorporate brand sponsors into our efforts. This activity is clearly labeled across our platforms.

Funding for this story is provided by Poland NTO. All editorial views are those of Lonely Planet alone and reflect our policy of editorial independence and impartiality.

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ABOUT CONTACT US

• Destinations
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POLAND STATS

Official Language: Polish

Population: 38 million

Capital City: Warsaw

Currency: Z łoty (PLN)

Power Outlet: Types C and E

Poland Itinerary

10 day poland itinerary: gdansk, warsaw & krakow.

25 Great Things to Do in Krakow, Poland

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Europe travel inspiration & practical info, one week in europe: 25 epic itineraries.

Do you dream of visiting world-class cities like Paris, Barcelona, or Venice? Or would you rather hike the Alps, go on a scenic train ride, explore the beautiful beaches and coastal towns in southern Europe, visit fairytale towns and castles, island hop in Greece, or go on an unforgettable road trip in northern Europe?

In this article we list 25 ways to spend one week in Europe. 

10 Days in Europe: 10 Amazing Itineraries for Your Next Trip

12 Things You Should Know about Renting a Car in Europe

30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe (+ Map and Photos)

7 Things to Know When Planning Your First Trip to Europe

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Travel Photography Gear Guide: What’s In Our Camera Bag

Top experiences in poland.

Krakow: With its large market square, colorful streets, historic sites, and abundance of amazing, budget friendly restaurants, Krakow is a favorite stop for many people on their tour through Poland. 

Warsaw: Walk through the historic old town, sample Polish food, and get an eye-opening history lesson at several world-class museums in the beautiful city of Warsaw.

Gdansk: Gdansk is one of Poland’s most beautiful and historic seaside cities. Here you can explore the vibrant Old Town, relax on the Baltic coast, and enjoy the delicious food of Gdansk.

Malbork Castle: Malbork Castle is Poland’s most famous castle. It’s also the largest castle in the world, classified by surface area. Located just a short distance from Gdansk and easily accessible by train, Malbork Castle is one of the best day trips to take from Gdansk.

Visit Gdynia and Sopot from Gdansk: Collectively, the cities of Gdansk, Gdynia, and Sopot make up what is called the Tri-City. These three cities sit along the Baltic Coast. Sopot is a ritzy, coastal town famous for its beaches and nightlife. Gdynia is a smaller, quieter town with a beach, a harbor, and several unique museums. From Gdansk, you can day trip to Gdynia and Sopot in one day. 

Visit the Museum of the Second World War: This fascinating museum covers the events that led up to WWII and the impact the war had on Poland. This is one of the best museums in Poland and it is a must-visit, even if you are not a museum lover. 

Auschwitz-Birkenau: Located in southern Poland, this is the largest concentration camp in Europe. It is usually visited as a day trip from Krakow.

Go hiking in the Polish Tatras from Zakopane: Zakopane is Poland’s gateway city for exploring the mountain range known as the Tatras. From Zakopane, you can take your pick from quick, easy hikes to longer all-day affairs that have you climbing among the tallest mountain peaks.

How Many Days Do You Need in Poland?

For the best experience, plan on spending 7 to 10 days in Poland. With 7 days, you have just enough time to visit three cities (Krakow, Warsaw, and Gdansk). Add on 3 more days, for a total of 10, to add on day trips to places such as Malbork Castle and Auschwitz-Birkenau.

With even more time, you can visit the smaller cities in Poland, go to the beach, go hiking in the Tatras, or explore off the beaten path destinations. 

If you only have a few days in Poland, we recommend choosing one city and doing day trips from here.

Best Time to Visit Poland

May through September is the best time to visit Poland, if you are looking to travel when the weather is warm. Hiking conditions are also best during this time. However, June through August is the most crowded time to visit, so if you are looking to avoid crowds, we recommend visiting in May or September.

Poland in winter months can be a beautiful time to visit. Poland would be a great place to spend Christmas, as they hold many Christmas celebrations and Christmas markets throughout the country. Poland is also a great destination for skiing, ice-skating, and winter hiking through snow-covered mountains. 

Visit Poland

Hospitality

Traditional hospitality has always been and continues to be associated with our beautiful country, which is open to tourists. This very Polish hospitality is legendary and dates back to the period of Sarmatia, nobleman’s manors and feasting. Accepting every traveler under their roof was a matter of common courtesy. The well-known proverb “Guest at home, God at home” reflects this Polish hospitality. Those words spoken at the beginning of a visit signify the joy of welcoming a guest in one’s house. Today our guests can experience it both in big-city hotels, picturesquely located manors and palaces and in the idyllic surroundings of agro-tourism farms or rural vineyards. Our hospitality is also inevitably linked to our tasty cuisine. Tempting proposals for getting to know Poland through the prism of table delights can be found in the offer of Polish culinary routes . They cover the whole country and lead among tourist attractions: historical cities, museums, castles, national parks, sanctuaries, underground routes, recreational facilities. Along with the culinary delights, all these attractions make up the charm of the local routes. Whether in the mountains or by the sea, on plains, uplands or among lakes, the magic of flavors and tastes spreads its power, according to the proverb “through the stomach to the heart”, which takes on a new meaning on a culinary trail.

Sightseeing

Poland is a country with a long tradition of over a thousand years and a turbulent history. This is evidenced by the remaining numerous monuments of settlement, defensive, sacral or industrial architecture. The multitude and variety of those sights attract visitors who are kindly and professionally welcomed.

And there is something for everyone! There are numerous castles, palaces and mansions , mostly surrounded by historic and beautifully maintained gardens . Naturally, it is worth starting your adventure with castles and palaces from the most famous, largest, entered to the UNESCO list, or having great significance for the cultural and historical heritage of our country. And those will certainly be among them: The Wawel Royal Castle, the Royal Castle in Warsaw, the Książ Castle and the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork.

The high number of religious monuments scattered throughout the country, including Europe’s famous sanctuaries such as Jasna Góra [Luminous Mount] in Częstochowa , will interest not only pilgrims but also lovers of beautiful architecture and ornaments from many eras.

There are also archaeological sites (e.g., the Archaeological Museum in Biskupin, the Slavs and Vikings Center in Wolin, the Ethnographic Park in Sanok and the Ethnographic Park in Tokarnia ), mighty forts and fortifications erected for military purposes (e.g., Srebrna Góra, Modlin, Międzyrzecki Rejon Umocniony [Międzyrzecz Fortified Region]), monuments of technology and industry (including the UNESCO-listed salt mines in Wieliczka and Bochnia ), wooden architecture (The Wooden Architecture Route in Małopolska, Podkarpacie and Silesia) create a rich array of opportunities to visit our country.

They have been created throughout history, under different conditions, often as a result of the clash of influences between Western European and Eastern cultures. Today, those historical sites are offered to our guests as attractions or products of special value. Some serve as museums, and some are used directly to serve visitors as hotels or conference centers.

And what will a nature -loving tourist see? — — national parks , over 120 landscape parks , numerous urban parks and gardens , and those embedded in the landscape of small towns, villages and green areas. The tourist will see coastal and mountain, lowland and upland landscapes; they will see rivers, ponds and lakes, forests, woods and primeval forests …

There is a lot to see in Poland and every tourist will find something special for themselves!

Since its beginnings, Poland has been at the center of Europe – at the crossroads of different cultures. Therefore, here you will learn about multicultural and diverse traditions, historical monuments and interesting history. In terms of those resources, Poland is competitive on the European tourism market as it has many valued assets in the form of sites and events of high historical value – a testimony of Polish and European history, flourishing culture and arts.

Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of a country in the center of Europe through as many as 17 sites from Poland entered to the UNESCO World Heritage List. And the venues and sites are very diverse, with something for everyone. Among them there are castles, historical centers, mines, parks …

Apart from the historical centers of Kraków and Toruń , with their fascinating authentic medieval buildings, Warsaw’s Old Town occupies a special place in our heritage. Appreciated by the UNESCO commission as it was completely rebuilt after the destruction of World War II. Among the Polish Old Towns on the UNESCO list you will also find the Renaissance „Padua of the North”, i.e. Zamość .

One of Poland’s very attractive tourist regions – the Małopolska province – is rich in as many as 5 sites entered to the UNESCO list. Among them, apart from the already mentioned Old Town in Kraków within the old walls, Wawel Hill and the Kazimierz and Stradom districts , the region can also boast the world-famous Royal Salt Mines in Wieliczka and Bochnia, or the wooden churches of Małopolska. Not only wooden churches are among the UNESCO sites in Poland, but also wooden Orthodox churches in the Polish and Ukrainian Carpathian region .

The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork is also on the UNESCO list in Poland as a unique architectural work on a global scale whose bold and innovative technical solutions were later used in other strongholds.

The Centennial Hall in Wrocław was also included in this noble group of our country’s sites due to the „revolutionary” use of reinforced concrete as the cover with the largest span in the world. Not far from Wrocław you can visit the extraordinary Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica with their impressive interiors decorated with magnificent polychromes. If you head further west towards the German border, you will find yourself in Muskau Park , a German-Polish cross-border facility and the largest English-style park in Poland and Germany.

Additionally, Poland’s cultural heritage assets include those listed by UNESCO in recent years: Lead, silver and zinc ore mine in Tarnowskie Góry (in 2017) and Krzemionka region of prehistoric striped flint mining (in 2019).

In our country, you will also find two natural heritage assets listed by UNESCO. These include the ancient, more than 500-year-old Białowieża Forest as a Polish-Belarusian transboundary site and the recently inscribed (in 2021) Ancient and Primordial Beech Forests of the Carpathians and other European regions.

Polish roads will take you to interesting places connected with local customs and unusual traditions. The most important of these is … Polish hospitality! You will experience it, especially in the Polish countryside, where, in addition to well-organized and well-equipped agro-tourism farms, you will find beautiful landscapes, the cultural and culinary richness of the regions and a multitude of traditional and local products.

In the picturesque village of Koniaków , located in the south of Poland in the Silesian Province, you can see and buy unusual lace clothing … The village owes its uniqueness to the two-hundred-year-old, yet still alive, tradition of crocheting lace wonders. The mesh products from Koniaków have become so famous that everyone wants to own one. Tiny flowers, fanciful leaves, delicate buds … Dresses, shawls, tablecloths, napkins, or curtains are standard. But when lace makers received orders for lingerie, a lace war broke out. Although lace from altars worn under skirts still causes controversy, there are wonders on offer from Koniaków lace makers with such names as: „Subtle Heart” or „Swan Grace”.

The folklore of Łowicz is an interesting example of unusual traditions and costumes. Łowicz – a small town in the Łódzkie Province, is known for its colorful folk culture, including costumes, dialect, dance, music, festivals and Łowicz handicrafts, such as cut-outs and spiders made of colorful paper. The Łowicz costume is one of the richest and most attractive Polish folk costumes, still worn today. The beauty of the Łowicz costume was used in the fashions of other regions. The feast of Corpus Christi is celebrated exceptionally beautifully in Łowicz with a colorful procession in which the folk costume of Łowicz will catch everyone’s eye.

Of course, festive customs are most closely associated with Polish tradition. Polish Easter is traditionally accompanied by many colorful events and tourist attractions. In Poland in particular, Easter is unique, having been part of our tradition and culture for centuries. Those include Easter markets, fairs and markets, colorful processions accompanying Palm Sunday and the associated competitions for the prettiest or largest Easter palm, Easter festivals, Easter egg painting workshops, and cheerful games traditionally associated with Easter Monday. The blessing of food in colorfully decorated baskets on Easter Saturday is undoubtedly an extremely attractive tradition. Christmas in the Polish way, on the other hand, means a Christmas tree sparkling with different colors, fragrant gingerbread and Christmas carols. Unique gifts, beautiful Christmas decorations or the wonderful smells of Christmas dishes are just some of the attractions we can find at fairs that spring up before Christmas in central locations in Polish cities and towns. The Christmas fairs have become real hits, loved by tourists and locals alike.

Get inspired by those unique traditions, travel to Poland and explore many other unusual places, where you will find rich folklore and hospitable locals.

Theatrical performances, film screenings, festivals and concerts, which are a real treat for music lovers, exhibitions of paintings, posters, photographs, which will delight art connoisseurs, and to top it off, wherever you go there is fantastic historical architecture. In Poland, even the most demanding tourist will experience sublime moments and pleasurable sensations that they will not forget after returning home.

For our guests, Poland offers a wide range of places where culture can be fully experienced through the sensations of admiring art (numerous museums and galleries, e.g., n ational museums in large cities ) or music (e.g., Chopin concerts in Warsaw’s Royal Łazienki Park ).

In addition, well-known music festivals and concerts (e.g. „ Orange Warsaw Festival”, „Open’er Festival Gdynia”, „Misteria Paschalia” in Kraków ), unique re-enactments and historical shows (e.g. the re-enactment of the Battle of Grunwald, the open-air show „Eagle and Cross”, „The Siege of Malbork”, „Storming of Zamość Fortress „), amazing light events and spectacular shows (e.g. festivals of light : „Light Move Festival” in Łódź and „Bella Skyway Festival” in Toruń ), fairs and international cultural events—all this is organized in Poland—a country in the center of Europe with an interesting history and a rich cultural heritage of diverse traditions.

Everyone will find a perfect event for themselves!

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Poland - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.                     Exercise normal precautions in Poland.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Poland.

If you decide to travel to Poland:                                  

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Poland.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Six months remaining validity strongly recommended; at least three months remaining validity beyond planned departure from the Schengen area is required

Must have at least one page

Not required for stays under 90 days

 10,000€ (euros or equivalent)

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy warsaw.

Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31 00-540 Warsaw, Poland Telephone:  +48 (22) 504-2000 American Citizens Services:  +48 (22) 504-2784 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +48 (22) 504-2000 Fax:  +(48) (22) 504-2088 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Krakow Ulica Stolarska 9 31-043 Kraków, Poland Telephone:  +48 (12) 424-5100 American Citizens Services:  +48 (12) 424-5129 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +48 (22) 504-2000 Fax:  +(48) (12) 424-5103 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agent Poznan Ulica Paderewskiego 8 61-770 Poznan Telephone:  +(48) (61) 851-8516 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(48) (22) 504-2000 Fax:  +(48) (61) 851-8966 Email:  [email protected]

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens are restricted from entering Poland from Belarus and Russia unless they meet one of the exceptions currently in place. You may find the list of exceptions on the Polish Border Guard website .  

U.S. citizens who do not meet one of the listed exceptions, but who want to return to the United States from Belarus by transiting through Poland, may seek a special permit to enter Poland only at the border crossing point in Brest-Terespol.

Traveling Through Europe : If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.  If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .  
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

Military/Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Travelers : Active-duty U.S. military personnel may enter Poland under the SOFA with proper Department of Defense (DOD) identification and travel orders. All SOFA family members, civilian employees, and contractors must have valid passports. Active-duty military personnel should obtain a tourist passport before leaving the United States to accommodate off-duty travel. DOD travelers should consult with their unit for clearance  before  leaving the United States.

If you are transiting Poland  en route  to other countries,  know all entry and exit requirements for your final destination . You may be denied boarding for your connecting flight if you have incorrect documentation or insufficient validity on your passport. If you are denied boarding, you will need sufficient funds and a return airline ticket or an itinerary that does not require re-entry into the Schengen zone in order to return to the United States.  

For further information on entry requirements and current visa information, please contact the consular section of the  Embassy of Poland , 2224 Wyoming Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, (202) 499-1700, or a Polish consulate in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, or Houston.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any  HIV/AIDS entry restrictions  for visitors to or foreign residents of Poland.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction,  and  customs  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime:   Poland has a low crime rate overall, the highest rates of crime rates occur in major cities.

• Safeguard your belongings in public areas . Thieves and pickpockets operate at major tourist destinations, railroad stations, and on trains (particularly overnight trains), trams, and buses. Report incidents of theft to the police.
• Do not leave valuables in plain sight inside vehicles .
• If someone directs you to pull over or signals that something is wrong with your car,  continue driving until you reach a safe spot  (such as a crowded gas station, supermarket, or a police station) to inspect your vehicle.
• Only change money at banks or legitimate exchange kiosks (kantor).   ATMs at commercial banks, large hotels, shopping malls, and airports are safest.
• While casinos and gaming establishments are government-regulated, some are affiliated with or have attracted the interest of  organized crime.
• Avoid adult entertainment venues . Such establishments have been known to present foreign customers with inflated charges and threaten those who refuse to pay. There have been some incidents of suspected drink spiking associated with these venues.
• Travel in a group  when going out at night to nightclubs, discos, bars, or high-tourism areas, such as the Market Square in Krakow and Old Town in Warsaw.

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable; avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

The Travel Advisory and Security Alerts can be found on the  U.S. Mission to Poland’s website .

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.

Victims of Crime:   U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the local police. Report crimes to the local police by  calling 112  (multilingual emergency dispatch centers serving Poland and EU countries), and contact the  U.S. Embassy  in Warsaw at +48 (22) 504-2000 or the U.S. Consulate in Krakow at +48 (12) 424-5100.   Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Provide a  list of health care providers  in Poland
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of  local attorneys
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States.   A list of organizations providing assistance programs for victims of crimes in Poland is available on the website of the Ministry of Justice  here .
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:   U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should contact local authorities and the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw or the U.S. Consulate in Krakow for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated. Rules (with regards to best practices and safety inspections) are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country.  Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, imprisoned, or deported. 

A U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website. 

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately . Under Polish law, a person with Polish and U.S. citizenship is deemed to be a Polish citizen; however, dual U.S.-Polish nationals may still ask to see a U.S. consular officer.  See our  webpage  for further information. 

Special Circumstances: Polish Law prohibits possession of firearms or ammunition without proper permits.

In Poland, it is illegal to possess, carry, transport, import or export arms or ammunition without proper authorization. Polish law broadly defines the meaning of “arms” to include items that may put life or health at risk, which may include parts of firearms or ammunition. Travelers have been arrested who were in possession of military items without proper permits.  Please visit the Government of Poland’s website to find out more about obtaining a permit and our website on traveling with firearms .    

Polish Customs enforces strict regulations concerning the export of items such as works of art.  Contact the  Polish Embassy  in Washington, D.C., or a Polish consulate in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, or Houston for specific information regarding customs requirements. 

Taking pictures of Polish military buildings or other national security/restricted objects is illegal.

Penalties are severe for possessing, using, or trafficking  illegal drugs  in Poland. Expect  long jail sentences  and  heavy fines  if convicted. 

Local police can stop a car and request identification to establish identity, and may ask the driver subsequent questions. 

Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.  Information about conducting business in Poland can be found at the  U.S. Embassy’s website .

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, including Poland, they may still be illegal according to local laws. Possessing or purchasing them is against the law. You may be subject to heavy fines and even imprisonment. You must also relinquish the items if you bring them back to the United States. For more information, see the  U.S. Department of Justice website  and the  Polish Ministry of Finance Customs Department.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

      ·        Faith-Based Travel Information

      ·        International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports

      ·        Human Rights Report – see country reports

     ·        Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers

      ·        Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad   

LGBTQI+ Travelers : There are  no legal restrictions  on either consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Poland. Polish law prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and the government enforces these provisions.  The social acceptance of LGBTQI+ individuals is not as prevalent  as in the United States, though polling indicates tolerance is steadily increasing. Some politicians have made derogatory comments about LGBTQI+ persons. Media have not recently reported on physical and verbal attacks against LGBTQI+ persons, but community members have reported concerns about their physical safety. Travelers identifying openly as LGBTQI+ may face harassment. The practice of so-called conversion therapy is legal and offered on a voluntary basis. See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section six of our  Human Rights report  for further details. 

Travelers with Disabilities : Polish law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, but some discrimination occurs. Polish law states that buildings should be accessible for persons with disabilities, but in practice, many buildings remain inaccessible. Newer public trains, vehicles, and stations may be accessible, but older ones are not. Wheelchair users will find many challenges throughout the country. Service animals are generally allowed in public buildings and on transportation. Pedestrian crossings at intersections in large cities are generally equipped with audible crossing signals. 

Students:  See our  students abroad  page and  FBI travel tips . 

Women Travelers : See our travel tips for  women travelers .

COVID-19 Testing:  COVID PCR and antigen tests are available for U.S. citizens in Poland and results are available within 24 hours.

Adequate medical care is available, but the quality of hospitals and nursing support may not be comparable to U.S. standards in all regions of Poland . Emergency services may be lacking in small towns and rural areas. Physicians are generally well-trained, and many younger doctors speak English (nurses and staff may not).  While medication and treatment are generally substantially less costly than in the United States,  doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment prior to treatment . Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. Medication, while generally available, may not be U.S. brand-name drugs.

For emergency services in Poland,  dial 112 .  Ambulance services are widely available. 

The U.S. Embassy maintains a  list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

The Embassy does not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the  Ministry of Health Poland  to ensure the medication is legal in Poland.

Vaccinations:   The CDC does not recommend and there is no requirement for specific vaccinations for U.S. citizen travelers.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery :

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry.  U.S. citizens traveling to Poland for medical tourism or elective surgery should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations.  Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on Medical Tourism.
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Pharmaceuticals :

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for use in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Water Quality:

• Food and water standards in Poland are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home. For more information please visit  CDC Traveler’s Health.

Adventure Travel:

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

Air Quality:

• Cities in Poland have higher air pollution levels than major U.S. cities. Especially in Krakow, levels are often above U.S. health-based standards in the winter. Air quality is often good to moderate during warmer months. Visit  the European Environment Agency’s website  for information on air quality in Poland.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in Poland differ significantly from those in the United States. Poland has the third-highest road fatality rate based on population in the European Union. Driving, especially after dark, is hazardous. Roads are sometimes narrow, poorly lit, frequently under repair (especially in summer), and are often also used by pedestrians and cyclists.  Pedestrians account for approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities in Poland. 

• Polish roadside services, while not equal to those in the United States, are adequate. The Polish Automobile Association ( Polski Związek Motorowy Auto-Tour ) has multilingual operators and provides assistance countrywide 24/7. Call (22) 532-8403 or email  [email protected] .
• The police emergency number is  997 , fire service is  998 , ambulance service is  999 , and the general emergency number is  112.

Traffic Laws:  You must have a U.S. driver's license and International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to drive in Poland .  U.S. citizens  cannot  obtain IDPs in Poland.  If you stay in Poland for more than six months and continue to drive, you must obtain a Polish driver’s license. You can find information on obtaining an International Driving Permit  here .

• Seat belt use is mandatory .
• Use headlights year-round at all times .
• Children under 12 must sit in rear seats .  Children under 12 and shorter than 4’11” must use a child’s car seat.
• Using hand-held cell phones while driving is prohibited .
• Polish law provides zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs . Prison sentences for DUI violations or accidents caused by impaired drivers can range from two to twelve years. 
• Fines for traffic violations can be substantial . Non-residents are expected to pay the police officer at the time the ticket is issued. Be prepared to pay in cash in local currency.

Public Transportation :  Public transportation in Poland is efficient, inexpensive, and safe. A ticket is required when boarding a bus or tram and if the ticket is not validated upon entry, you may be fined. In cities, taxis are available at major hotels and designated taxi stands, and can be ordered in advance by phone.

Avoid taxis without a company name and/or telephone number printed on the light bar . Make sure that the driver displays his or her license inside the vehicle, has a functioning meter, and uses the meter when starting your trip. At airports in Poland, including Warsaw’s Chopin Airport, only use taxis found at designated stands and avoid unregistered taxi stalls.

Apps-based Ride Sharing:  Internet-based ride services, such as Uber, iTaxi, and Freenow, are legal in Poland and growing in popularity as a safe ride option. However, some internet-based ride services may not be authorized to drop off or pick up patrons in some downtown tourist areas.

See our  Road Safety  page for more information. Also, visit  Poland’s National Tourist Office  and Poland’s  General Roads and Highways Authority  responsible for road safety information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Poland’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Poland’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . 

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Poland should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Poland . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Poland Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Poland is one of the most underrated destinations in Europe . With its incredible history and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cheap food, world-class museums, wild nightlife, and plentiful nature, Poland is a budget-travel paradise. It has everything you’ll find in Western Europe — but for half the price and with half the crowds!

Most travelers visit Krakow or spend a day or two in Warsaw before departing to a neighboring country. While that’s better than nothing, Poland has so much more to offer.

From beautiful parks to medieval cities to cheap beer to rugged coastlines, you can spend weeks here and still only scratch the surface.

Best of all, there are far fewer tourists here than elsewhere in Europe so it’s easy to have a more local, more authentic experience.

Use this travel guide to Poland to plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this budget-travel paradise!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Poland

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in poland.

1. Visit Auschwitz

Auschwitz-Birkenau is the site of a former concentration camp used by the Nazis during World War II. Approximately 1.3 million people were sent here and an astounding 1.1 million of them were killed. When the camp was liberated in 1945, there were just 7,000 people there, many of whom were incredibly ill or sick. A visit here is sobering but shouldn’t be missed. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking and keep in mind you’re allowed to take photographs but be considerate that this is a somber place. Admission is free, but the experience is much more meaningful with a guide who can provide context. Expect to pay around 550 PLN for a guide.

2. Explore Krakow

Krakow is a student city and one of the biggest tourist destinations in the country (people love coming here to party). This city is beautiful, inexpensive, and is filled with plenty to do. Be sure to check out the castle, the nearby salt mines, and underground ruins. The Christmas market in December is amazing too!

3. See Wroclaw

Wroclaw is one of Poland’s lesser-known destinations. Home to some amazing architecture, this small city is beautiful, inexpensive, and free of crowds. Be sure to see the Raclawice Panorama, which depicts the Battle of Raclawice that took place during the Kosciuszko Uprising in the 1790s.

4. Wander through Bialowieza National Park

This national park on the Belarus border contains the last remains of a primeval forest that once covered most of Europe. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, and remarkably, the only place where European bison still live in the wild. Bialowieza National Park is the oldest in Poland. Stretching 105 square kilometers (40 square miles), it’s thriving with biological diversity. Visitors can hike, walk, and bike in nature and you can also try unique local cuisine from Bialowieza, which is influenced by nearby Belarus and Ukraine. Some local favorites include Pielmieni meat dumplings, Mrowisko sweet cakes, and Zubr (bison) beer. Admission is 16 PLN. If you want a guide, expect to pay around 250 PLN.

5. Discover Warsaw

Explore the old and new towns, see the castle, binge on pierogis, and visit the city’s amazing museums that highlight the struggles of the Warsaw Uprising and the ghettoization of the Jews during World War II. Be sure to spend time wandering Warsaw’s Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with history, art, culture, and science. Savor a hearty Polish meal at one of the many ‘milk bars’ and check out Hala Koszyki, a funky food market hall with nearly 20 different eateries and many tasty offerings.

Other Things to See and Do in Poland

1. take a free walking tour.

One of the best things you can do when you arrive in a new destination is take a walking tour. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land and learn about the culture, people, and history of the destination. Walkative offers free tours in Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Poznan, and a few other cities around the country. These tours provide much more insight than any guidebook. Just be sure to tip your guides at the end!

2. Tour the Szczecin underground tunnels

These concrete tunnels lie beneath the city of Szczecin in northwest Poland (near the border with Germany). The tunnels were designated as a bomb shelter in the 1940s and then used as a fallout shelter during the Cold War. Located 17 meters (56 feet) below ground, here you can see artifacts from World War II and learn how the shelter was used during the war. You’ll also learn how the tunnels were reinforced during the Cold War to survive a nuclear attack. Tours last around an hour and admission is 38 PLN. It can get cold in the tunnels so bring a sweater.

3. Visit a national park

Poland has 23 different national parks. Ojcowski National Park (near Krakow) is a small park filled with stunning caves and castles while Slowinski National Park (on the Baltic Coast), Biebrzanski, Narwianski, and Poleski National Parks (all located in the northeast) offer great bird watching. Bialowieza National Park (near Belarus) is where you can see Europe’s only wild bison. They’re a great way to get away from the crowds and stretch your legs, especially in the summer when the weather is nice, or in the fall when the leaves are changing. There are usually lodges and campgrounds near each park as well if you want to disconnect for a few days.

4. Explore Wawel Castle

This site in Krakow is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in all of Poland. Castles here are rare as most were mostly destroyed over the years (the vast majority of which being destroyed during World War II). Built in the 13th century under the order of King Casimir III, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an art museum that has medieval tapestries, the former Polish crown jewels, and Ottoman Empire treasures. Admission ranges from 5-46 PLN depending on what you want to see. On Mondays in the summer, free tickets are available for the Crown Treasury and Armory. There are seasonal discounts from September to October as well for the Dragon’s Den, Sandomierska Tower, and The Lost Wawel archeological exhibition, and The Church of St. Gereon.

5. Visit the Wooden Churches

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the country, The Wooden Churches of Southern Lesser Poland consists of six Roman Catholic churches that reflect various periods of religious architecture in Poland: from Medieval to Gothic, Rococo, Baroque, as well as the occasional onion dome and Greek cross. Dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, the interiors of these UNESCO churches were intricately painted and carved by hand, with every inch of the church a veritable work of art. Dress appropriately when visiting as these are sites of religious worship.

6. Tour the Wieliczka Salt Mine

This mine produced table salt and was first used in the 13th century. It became one of Krakow’s main industries and was in use until 2007. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can marvel over the cavernous chambers, statues, chapels, chandeliers, and cathedrals — all carved out of salt and stone by the miners. The mines reach depths of over 300 meters (984 feet) and are also home to contemporary works of art. The mine is just 13 kilometers (8 miles) outside the city. Admission is 109 PLN.

7. Stroll through Gdansk

Formerly known as Danzig, Gdansk is a beautiful coastal city in northern Poland. Much of the city was rebuilt after World War II but you can still find plenty of history here. Be sure to spend some time wandering the old town and checking out the local markets and small artisan shops. And don’t miss the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the city’s towering 16th-century gothic church. There’s also an excellent World War II museum here too.

8. Admire Kalwaria Zebrzydowska

Located an hour from Krakow, this Catholic monastery dates back to the 17th century. Built in the Mannerist (Late Renaissance) architectural style, it was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1999. Surrounding the monastery are over 5 kilometers (3 miles) of pilgrimage routes and 42 chapels and churches which have been in regular use for over 400 years. Tours are free (though they must be booked in advance) and last around an hour. Donations are welcome.

9. Head to Lublin

Lublin is eastern Poland’s main city. It was an important trading and military center during the Middle Ages. It developed its own architectural style at the end of the 16th century, which has become known as the Lublin Renaissance as rulers here brought in many Italian architects to expand the city. Be sure to visit the castle, the monastery, and the old town (which is sometimes called “Little Krakow” owing to its similarities with Krakow’s old town). There’s also the sobering State Museum that illuminates the atrocities of the death camps of World War II.

10. See the world’s tallest pope statue

Located 2.5 hours south of Warsaw in Czestochowa, this statue of Pope John Paul II (who was born in Poland) stands 13.8 meters (42 feet) tall and is made of fiberglass. There really isn’t much else to see here but it makes for a quirky photo op if you’re in the area!

11. Visit the Exploseum

This abandoned Nazi explosive plant, founded by Alfred Nobel (the inventor of dynamite), is now a museum open to the public. Here visitors learn about Alfred Nobel, his company, what life was like for Polish residents during the German occupation, weapons used during the war, as well as modern weapons of war. It’s an interesting and eye-opening museum. Tucked away in Bydgoszcz (3 hours north of Warsaw), the museum takes 1-2 hours to explore. Admission is 17 PLN and includes a guide. Children under 6 are not allowed to enter.

12. Visit the Churches of Peace

These are the biggest timber-framed churches in Europe. Located in Jawor and Swidnica (near Wroclaw), they were built in the mid-17th century and were the first Lutheran churches constructed in Roman Catholic Poland. Since the churches were not Catholic, they were only allowed to be built from wood and could not have steeples or bells (Lutherans were not allowed to construct stone churches that could compete with the dominant religion). Today they are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Admission is 12 PLN and an audio tour is available. Just be sure to dress appropriately.

13. See the World War II Museum in Gdansk

The Museum of the Second World War opened in 2008 and is one of the best museums in the country. It’s an immersive experience that really opens your eyes to the death and destruction that the war unleashed — in Poland and beyond. In addition to the weapons, clothing, letters, and maps there is an entire recreated street to give you a palpable sense of what it would have been like to live through the worst of the war. Admission 25 PLN. For an extra 2 PLN, you can also see their temporary expositions.

14. Explore the Tatra Mountains

This mountain range, part of the Carpathian Mountains, is located near the border of Poland and Slovakia. It’s here where you’ll find Tatra National Park (a protected UNESCO site), a great destination for hiking. Spanning over 200 square kilometers (77 square miles), there are plenty of day hikes available ranging from 2-12 hours. While you can’t camp in the park, there are mountain huts if you book in advance (they cost 35-70 PLN per night depending on where you stay). Make sure you check the weather before you go and bring ample water and sunscreen for your hike.

15. Take in the Warsaw Rising Museum

This museum is a tribute to the people of Warsaw who fought and died for Polish independence. Opened in 2004, the museum is home to hundreds of artifacts from the uprising of 1944, when Polish citizens rebelled against German occupation. The uprising lasted 63 days and was the largest resistance movement during World War II. Some 15,000 members of the Polish resistance were killed, as well as 2,000-17,000 German troops. There are weapons, clothing, letters, and interactive films that shed light on one of the most important events in Polish history. Admission is 25 PLN.

16. Tour Schlinder’s Factory

Oskar Schindler was a German industrialist who saved over 1,200 Jews during the war. His story was made famous by Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film, Schindler’s List . Located in his actual factory in Krakow, this museum offers a thorough trip through the history of World War II, highlighting how he saved so many people during the war while bankrupting himself in the process. Admission starts at 10 PLN or 72 PLN for a guided tour. There are a number of limited free tickets on Mondays.

  For more information on specific cities in Poland, check out these guides:

• Krakow Travel Guide
• Warsaw Travel Guide

Poland Travel Costs

Accommodation – A bed in a dorm with 8-10 beds costs 55-95 PLN per night. Private rooms cost 120-200 PLN. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Free breakfast is available at many hostels too.

Budget two-star hotels start at 150-275 PLN per night. Free Wi-Fi is common and many hotels also include a simple free breakfast as well. For a three-star hotel, expect to pay at least 300-500 PLN.

Airbnb is available throughout the country with private rooms starting at 75 PLN per night while entire homes/apartments cost at least 100 PLN. Prices are usually double these numbers, however, so be sure to book early to find the best deals.

There are plenty of campgrounds throughout the country for those traveling with a tent. Expect to pay around 40 PLN per night for a basic tent plot for two people without electricity. Wild camping is tolerated if you’re in the mountains and as long as you are not in a national park (camping in national parks is strictly prohibited in Poland).

Food – Polish meals are quite hearty, usually containing potatoes, meat (pork and chicken), and seasonal produce like beets or cabbage. Stews and soups (like borscht, a beet soup) are popular and can be found at most local restaurants. Pierogis are also a common staple and can be found everywhere for cheap. For some traditional Polish food, try beef tongue or pork knuckles. The country also has lots of traditional desserts too, like paczki (a Polish donut) and makowiec (poppy-seed cake).

Most cheap meals of traditional cuisine (served at local restaurants called bar mleczny or “milk bars”) cost around 35 PLN. For a three-course meal with a drink and table service, expect to pay around 75 PLN. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs 25 PLN for a combo meal.

A large pizza costs around 25-30 PLN while Chinese food costs around 15-20 PLN. Zapiekanki , a popular Polish street snack that’s like a pizza on a baguette, costs 5-6 PLN.

Beer costs 8-12 PLN, while a glass of wine is a minimum of 12 PLN. A latte or cappuccino is around 11 PLN. Bottled water is 5 PLN.

If you buy your own groceries and cook your meals, expect to pay around 150-165 PLN per week for basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal vegetables, and some meat. Local markets are the cheapest places to buy fresh produce. Biedronka is a cheap grocery store that’s everywhere.

Backpacking Poland Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 175 PLN per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do some cheap activities like free walking tours and visiting the free museums. If you plan on drinking, add 10-20 PLN to your budget per day.

On a mid-range budget of 330 PLN per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out for most meals at cheap milk bars, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting the Uprising Museum or taking a tour of Auschwitz.

On a “luxury” budget of 600 PLN or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do whatever guided tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in PLN.

Poland Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Poland is a very affordable country so there aren’t too many tips out there to help you save. You won’t be spending a lot of money anyways unless you go out of your way to spend money. That being said, there are still a few extra ways you can save money while you visit Poland:

• Eat at milk bars – You’ll get a taste of Poland at a mleczny (milk bars). Hearty pierogis, homemade soups, plenty of meat, and a local beer usually cost around 30 PLN. While they are a no-frills choice, the food is tasty and filling.
• Get a tourist card – Certain cities, like Krakow and Warsaw, offer tourist cards that provide unlimited public transportation and free or discounted museum access. If you plan to see lots of sites, be sure to go to the local tourism office and pick up one of these cards. They usually cost 100-160 PLN.
• Take advantage of train specials – Poland has various special train tickets that can save you money during your visit. For example, the Weekend Ticket ( Bilet Weekendowy ) is available for several train lines and lasts from Friday night at 7pm to Monday at 6am and allows for unlimited trips within Poland. It’s a great way to see the country if you need to cover a lot of ground in a short time!
• Watch your drinking – Cities like Krakow are known for their parties, pub crawls, and long nights out. These can add up quickly, so watch how much you drink. Start off by grabbing your favorite drinks from a grocery store first whenever possible. You’ll save a ton that way.
• Take a free walking tour – Free tours from companies like Walkative can be found in Poland’s larger cities. They are a great way to explore the city while learning about the history, culture, and architecture. Just be sure to tip!
• Use ridesharing apps – Ridesharing apps like BlaBlaCar are a great way to get around the country for cheap. You simply download the app, find someone looking for passengers, pay a small fee, and go! Everyone is rated and verified, and it’s usually more convenient (and cheaper) than other forms of transportation. For travel within a city, use Uber. It’s cheaper than the local taxis.
• Stay with a local – While accommodation is not expensive in Poland, Couchsurfing is a great way to lower your accommodation costs. Not only will you save money by getting a free place to stay but you’ll also be able to make a local friend and get insider knowledge about the country.
• Bike share – For 10 PLN, you can register for Vetrulio, a bike-rental company in Warsaw. After you sign up, bike use is free for 20 minutes, making it essentially free to bounce around the city during your visit. After 20 minutes (up to the first hour) it’s just 1 PLN and then 3 PLN for the next hour.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water in Poland is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Poland

Accommodation in Poland is very affordable. Even if you don’t want to do the whole hostel thing, you can find really comfortable and inexpensive hotels throughout the country. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Poland:

• Oki Doki Old Town (Warsaw)
• Warsaw Centrum Hostel (Warsaw)
• Greg and Tom Hostel (Krakow)
• Let’s Rock (Krakow)
• Slowgate Hostel (Gdansk)
• Mleczarnia Hostel (Wroclaw)

How to Get Around Poland

Public transportation – Buses and trams are the most common ways to get around in each city. Only Warsaw has a subway system. Public buses and trams cost around 3-5 PLN for a one-way ride, depending on how far you go. For a single-day pass, expect prices to start at 15 PLN per person. In Warsaw, a three-day public transportation pass starts at 36 PLN.

Bus – Poland has an extensive bus network so you can easily travel around the entire country by bus if you’re on a budget. Flixbus (and its partner company, Polski Bus) are the best options as they have comfortable buses for affordable prices. For example, the 4-hour journey from Warsaw to Krakow costs around 44 PLN while the 7-hour ride to Gdansk from Warsaw costs around 50 PLN.

The buses have bathrooms, electrical outlets, and Wi-Fi, making them a good choice for budget travelers.

Train – While trains aren’t as cheap as buses, they’re a good option for long-distance trips. There are several different companies operating trains here with a variety of train types. The three most important to travelers are the ExpressInterCity Premium (EIP), ExpressInterCity (EIC), and InterCity (IC).

The EIP trains are fast and operate between major cities. They have first-class and second-class seats and reservations are mandatory. These are the newest trains and have a dining car if you’re looking to eat during your trip. They can be pricey if you book on the day, so try to book in advance for the best prices.

EIC trains also run between major cities but are a little slower. They are still perfectly safe and comfortable, with a dining car and business class seats available. Since the services aren’t as great, the prices here are lower than on EIP trains. There are first- and second-class seats as well.

IC trains are the cheapest of the three but also the slowest as they make more stops. They have basic amenities such as power outlets.

InterRegio (IR) trains are another option as they stop in most medium-sized cities. There are no first-class or seat reservations here, so they can be a bit busier and sometimes won’t have space for luggage. But they are affordable!

The train from Warsaw to Gdansk costs around 175 PLN and takes around 2.5 hours while the 2-hour train from Warsaw to Krakow is just 50 PLN.

Flying – Flying around Poland is relatively cheap thanks to budget airlines like Ryanair. From Warsaw, you can get to pretty much any city in the country for under 325 PLN, round trip.

For example, Warsaw to Krakow takes just under an hour and costs 280 PLN while Warsaw to Gdansk takes an hour and costs 180 PLN.

It’s also easy to get to/from Poland via plane as Wizz and Ryanair fly all over the continent. You can find flights for as little as 50 PLN to destinations all around Europe if you book early and are flexible.

Rideshare – BlaBlaCar is the best ride-sharing option for intercity travel. It’s cheap and fast, and drivers are verified and have reviews so it’s quite safe. Just make sure you have flexible plans as drivers are often late or change their plans entirely.

Car rental – Car rentals start at 75 PLN per day for a multi-day rental. Drivers must have had their license for at least one year and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for citizens of certain countries.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Poland

The best (and most popular) time to visit Poland is during the summer, from June to August. Temperatures are hot and rain is infrequent. Expect daily highs between 17-25°C (63-77°F) during this time (and a 1-3 degree difference between Gdansk in the north to Krakow in the south).

The summer is also the busiest time of the year for tourism, though and you’ll only really notice it in the main tourist cities (such as Warsaw and Krakow).

The shoulder season of late April-May and September-October are great times to visit as well, with temperatures ranging from 5-15°C (41-59°F). You’ll beat the crowd and have much milder temperatures. There’s more rain in the spring but you’ll get the stunning autumn colors in the fall which makes for a scenic backdrop to your trip.

Winter in Poland can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to around -1°C (30°F) during the day and -5°C (23°F) overnight. Snow is common, which can affect conditions if you’re traveling by car. In short, I wouldn’t recommend a winter visit unless you plan on going skiing or taking part in other winter activities such as visiting the Christmas markets.

How to Stay Safe in Poland

Poland is a very safe country. The risk of theft or getting pickpocketed is much lower here than it is in other parts of Europe. Of course, you should always keep your valuables secure and out of sight when riding public transportation and while you’re in popular tourist areas.

Taxi scams are rare, but always make sure your driver is using the meter. If they aren’t, ask them to stop and find a taxi that will. To avoid fake taxis, have your hotel/hostel staff call a taxi for you to ensure you aren’t scammed.

ATM skimming (when criminals attach a covert device to an ATM that can steal your information) can occur here, so always make sure you use verified ATMs. If you can, go into the bank to withdraw your money (as opposed to using outdoor ATMs, which are easier to tamper with).

If you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.).

If you rent a vehicle here, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Poland Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Poland Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Europe travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hotels in Stockholm

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• Related Blogs

Visa-free travel

Allowed period of stay.

In the case of foreigners traveling in visa-free travel on general terms, the permitted period of stay under the visa-free regime is 90 days of stay during each 180-day period of stay.

The extension of the stay under the visa-free regime is possible only in the case of bilateral agreements signed by the Republic of Poland and notified by the Republic of Poland to the European Commission – a list of Member States’ bilateral visa waiver agreements with third countries allowing for an extension of the period of stay in accordance with Article 20(2), point (b) of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement (Journal of Laws EU of 8.4.2019, C130/17).

In the case of national derogations concerning visa-free stays of special categories of third-country nationals, the period of legal stay in visa-free travel may be less than 90 days.

Method of calculating the period of stay (90 days in every 180 days)

The legality of visa-free stay is determined by taking each 180-day period (180 consecutive days, e.g. from 1 March to 27 August, 20 June to 16 December, 15 August to 10 February) and checking whether the foreigner was staying on a given day in the territory of one of the Member States (including the day of entry and exit).

===============================================================================================

On June 15, a foreigner wants to check when they must leave the Schengen area. The foreigner stayed on the territory of various Schengen states from 12 March to 27 April; on the territory of Iceland from 5 to 13 May; on the territory of Ireland from 13 to 20 May; on the territory of Croatia from 20 May to 5 June and on the territory of Germany from 5 June.

Period of stay = 47 (12.03 to 27.04) + 9 (5 to 13.05) + 27 (from 20.03) = 83 days, as Ireland is not considered when examining the period of stay, but Iceland (a country belonging to the Schengen area) and Croatia (an EU member state that is obliged to apply the Schengen acquis) are taken into account. The foreigner must therefore leave the territory of the Member States by 22 June.

The same foreigner left on June 19 and is planning a 14-day holiday in Malta. They wonder when they will be able to start this holiday. Due to the fact that they stayed 87 days on the territory of the Member States in the period starting on March 12, they will be able to come for a 14-day holiday on September 5 at the earliest: the 180-day period ends on September 7, and 3 days of allowed stay remain.

Combining the period of permitted stay with long-term stay

The period of stay based on a long-stay national visa or residence titles issued by a Member State or title shall not be counted towards the period of authorised stay under the visa-free regime.

Nationals of countries listed in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 may, as a rule, stay for 90 days in a further 180 days after the expiry of the validity of the long-term national visa or residence title; or after the expiry of the period of authorised stay indicated in the long-term national visa.

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Poland Travel Guide

A country of vast landscapes dotted with castles, each one towering over picturesque cities with unique stories.

Best time to visit Poland

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Poland has a varied climate with four different seasons. Summers are warm but do see occasional rain, and winters are cold but atmospheric with snow. Soak up the sun on vibrant terraces or visit castles surrounded by a winter wonderland.

Cities in Poland

7 best things to do in warsaw, poland, 9 best things to do in wroclaw, poland, impressive locations, ksiaz castle, poland: all you need to know when visiting, best travel insurances, how to plan a trip.

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find Hostels via Hostelworld
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Poland via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
• Get a Visa via iVisa
• How to pack light for your trip
• How to plan your trip our tips

Why is Poland worth visiting?

With a rich history, stunning architecture, delicious food, and beautiful countryside, Poland is an exciting travel destination. Explore medieval castles, picturesque towns, and vibrant cities like Warsaw and Krakow . In between, stop at the mountains, the sea, and many beautiful lakes – there’s not a dull location in Poland.

Is Poland cheap to visit?

Poland is one of the cheaper countries to travel to in Europe compared to its Western neighbors, like Germany or France. The lower cost of living impacts tourism, with many affordable hotels and delicious restaurants. Expect to spend 30 – 70 USD per night for a mid-range hotel and 20-40 USD per day on food. 

Can I drink tap water in Poland?

Tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Poland, though many locals prefer bottled water (mineral). Stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle while simultaneously reducing plastic waste.

Do I need a visa for traveling in Poland?

Most foreign travelers can visit Poland for up to 90 days without a visa – plenty of time to explore the country’s beauty! Visas are not required to enter for EU citizens. Check your entry requirements before travel and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival. 

What language do they speak in Poland?

People in Poland speak the Slavic language of Polish, words that carry the stories of the country’s culture and past. However, English is also widely spoken and understood in bigger cities and tourist destinations.

Do I need travel insurance for Poland?

Travel in Poland with peace of mind by getting travel insurance for your unforgettable trip. Whether it’s an accident or lost luggage, insurance protects you against unexpected events. This way you can do exactly what you want on your Poland holiday .

Is Poland safe?

Crime levels in Poland are generally low, making beautiful cities like Wroclaw exciting to explore. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing or bag snatching, can occur (especially in larger cities).

What power plug type does Poland have?

For Poland, you need either power plug type C or type E. Type C is the one with two round pins, and type E has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s pin. Bring an adapter to power your devices during your travels.

Why do people love Poland?

Poland is a country that has it all: beautiful cities, pastel-colored towns, vibrant culture, and unspoiled nature like forests, mountains, and the sea. Because of this, and its rich and turbulent history, it’s a beautiful country to visit, yet it remains one of the most underrated in Europe .

Travel to Poland

Poland is a country steeped in history and full of natural gems, welcoming travelers to many incredible experiences. From journeying through the medieval cities of Krakow and Warsaw , cities reborn from the ashes of war – there’s a beautiful blend of old and new. Discover the haunting history of Auschwitz-Birkenau or visit lesser-known spots like the colorful Zalipie or the Baltic Coast. In Poland, every step reveals another part of the country’s rich narrative.

How to Plan Your Trip to Poland

Use our Poland travel guides to plan your perfect trip to this underrated country. Whether you’re looking to stroll through pastel-colored streets, look out over the rolling hills from castle walls, or learn about Poland’s turbulent history, we’ve got you covered. Discover the best things to do in Poland in our complete 2-week travel guide for inspiration and tips.

Best Time to Visit Poland

The best time to visit Poland depends on your wishlist of experiences. Each season has its own unique charm, from spring’s blossoms to winter’s cozy traditions.

Spring: As the country awakens from its winter slumber, it bursts into color. Cherry blossoms bloom in Warsaw’s parks, and the countryside fills with stunning wildflowers. Embrace the milder weather while strolling through the cities and enjoying outdoor terraces.

Summer: Imagine sunny beaches along the Baltic Sea, medieval streets in Krakow alive with festivals and open-air concerts, and the mountains covered in green. Summers are the best time to visit Poland for a range of different activities, whether it’s savoring pierogi at a street-side cafe or lazing under the lake-side trees.

Fall: The country turns into a colorful symphony with shades of red, orange, and gold across the landscapes. Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine or take a leisurely cruise on the lakes. The harvest season also brings in delicious local products, so cozy up in the corner of a cute restaurant, huddled over a steaming bowl of stew.

Winter: This is when Poland turns into a real-life fairytale, where Christmas markets take center stage in cities, and the landscape turns into a winter wonderland. If you’re into winter sports, Poland is a great location for skiing, sledding, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. Discover the charm of Wroclaw under a blanket of snow and enjoy delicious mulled wine.

Countryside, Beaches, and Cities

A vacation in Poland is the perfect decision if you’re looking for diversity. From its idyllic countryside to the sun-kissed beaches and historic cities, there’s something for every type of traveler. 

The countryside unfolds like a painting, with forests, beautiful UNESCO   sites, and many wild animals. Explore Poland’s lakes, where wooden cottages dot the landscape, or go hiking in the alpine mountains. In every village you pass, expect warm hospitality and delicious traditional cuisine.

Often forgotten is that Poland also has a coastline that stretches along the Baltic Sea. This gem has golden sands that stretch on for miles and offers many water sports. Gdansk , steeped in maritime history, makes a must-see on your Poland holiday , with a colorful Old Town and many stories. Twenty minutes further lies the seaside town of Sopot, with a wooden pier perfect for catching the sunset.

But perhaps the most fun to explore are the country’s enchanting cities, from Poland’s capital, Warsaw , where modern meets old, to medieval Krakow , with Europe’s largest market square. As well as Wroclaw , known as the ‘Venice of Poland’ and the romantic port town of Gdansk – there are many things to do in Poland .

Food, Culture, and Religion in Poland

The cuisine, culture, and religion of Poland are inseparable from its identity. The food is a celebration of hearty flavors and tradition, like its pierogi or famous hunter’s stew (bigos). As you stroll through old villages, stop to try some local beet soup or Polish sausages, ending your meals with an iconic apple pie.

Poland’s culture is woven together with its history and art. In Krakow’s Old Town, you can explore the stunning architecture (now a UNESCO site), like the Gothic Basilica next to Europe’s largest medieval square. Watch as folk traditions come alive with festivals, dances, and many crafts sold at the markets.

And its religion is just as diverse as everything else. With some of Europe’s most stunning cathedrals and churches dotted throughout the country, Poland is predominantly Roman Catholic. You’ll even find a few pilgrimage sites here, like the Jasna Góra Monastery. However, historic synagogues in Krakow reflect the country’s Jewish heritage, while Orthodox Christianity also thrives.

Why You Should Travel to Poland

Immerse yourself in the warmth of Polish hospitality, its inspiring historical stories, and the many wonderful landscapes and architecture. Unlike Western Europe, Poland remains an undiscovered gem, offering quieter journeys with fewer people. This allows you to truly explore its serene nature, from the southern mountains to the Baltic coastline, and unwind in beautiful cities, savoring delicious cuisine. 

Every corner offers something new and interesting, whether you’re looking to be outside between the hills and trees or learn about Poland’s tumultuous history. Nature and culture come together no matter where you go, offering a glimpse into Poland’s best places to visit .

Safety and Travel Advice in Poland

Although Poland is a safe destination to travel to, it’s always good to be up-to-date about safety measures and tips for traveling to the country.

Natural disasters: The risk of natural disasters is relatively low in Poland. However, heavy rains and thunderstorms are frequent during the summer months, which sometimes lead to flooding. Stay informed by watching local and international news for the latest information and register at an embassy for emergency updates.

Mountains: If you’re visiting southern Poland, there are two high mountain ranges (the Carpathians and Sudetes), perfect for hiking, climbing, and skiing. These areas can be dangerous if you go unprepared. Lightning strikes are common, as well as risks of sudden storms or avalanches. Always check weather forecasts and go well-prepared. 

Crime and safety in Poland : Public security in Poland is generally really good, especially in bigger cities, though petty crime does happen. This is more common in crowded areas, tourist destinations, and train stations. Keep your valuables on you secure and leave any important belongings at home. 

Learn more about travel safety

Traffic: If you’re driving in Poland, always keep an eye on the road and traffic. Though the country continues to improve its highway system, travel can still be challenging outside major city centers. Road conditions on secondary roads are poor, and Polish driving can sometimes be a bit erratic. Remember that the country also sees a lot of truck traffic, as it’s part of a major east-west route, and that horse-drawn and slow-moving agricultural vehicles are common in rural areas.

Travel Insurance: One of the things we always recommend for your Poland holiday is purchasing travel insurance. Whether it’s lost luggage or an accident – travel insurance gives you more peace of mind on your travels. Check out these best travel insurances .

How to Travel by public transport in Poland (and the best public transport app)

• Last Updated: October 1, 2023

If you are visiting Poland and plan on using public transport, you might be a little confused about how to plan your journey and travel by public transport in Poland. So I come to the rescue. I will give you all the important tips and app information so you can travel around Poland cheaply and hassle-free.

Are you preparing for your trip to Poland and planning on using public transport? You are in luck! In general, public transport in Poland is very efficient and if you decide not to rent a car, you can get to almost anywhere in Poland by public transport. 

With a wide network of buses, trains and trams, travelling in Poland by public transport is generally easy, but there are a few things you need to know if you don’t want to get into trouble or end up paying fines.

In this guide, I will explain to you how to use different means of public transport in Poland, how to buy a ticket and how to plan your trip. So let’s begin!

Table of Contents

Travelling by public transport in Poland

Travelling in poland by bus.

All Polish cities have an extensive internal bus network. You can also travel easily all over Poland using busses.

Travelling by bus in Poland is usually the cheapest . Each city has its own network of buses managed by local authorities. There are also numerous public and private bus companies that will take you from one city to another.

Every larger city in Poland will have a dedicated bus station, often more than one. 

The urban buses are of good quality and there is always a large network of bus stops spread throughout the city. At each bus stop, you will find a timetable and an explanation of the bus lines. But if you find this confusing, there is a great app that will make it extremely easy – more about this later.  

In more rural areas, you can find private vans instead of buses where the ticket is purchased with the driver.

There are also plenty of national and international bus companies like Flixbus , that will take you not only to most destinations in the country but also to many European cities. The intercity buses are high quality, comfortable and air-conditioned. In the majority of cases, bus tickets need to be purchased upfront.

You can check the timetable and buy the bus ticket online on websites like Omio , Busbud or   e-podroznik.pl

More detailed info can be found below in the ‘travelling around cities’ section. 

Travelling in Poland by train

Only 15 years ago, travelling by train in Poland was an adventure in itself. Fortunately, this has changed since then, and the train network in Poland is excellent and trains are of medium to high quality.

As you travel around Poland by train you will see train stations that are modern, run-down, works of art, full on shopping centres, housed in stunning historical buildings and those that still resemble the Polish communist past. It’s always fun to travel by train in Poland, it’s sometimes confusing, sometimes takes longer than it should, but it’s always fun!

The Lonely Planet says : ‘ Polish trains are somewhat like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates – you never know what you’ll get until it arrives’.

Made me laugh, but it’s definitely true!

For travellers, rail transport is one of the best ways to get around Poland. The railway station is often located in, or very close to the city centre and is always well connected to the local transport system. Most parts of the country can be reached by train.

Nevertheless, it is still not so straightforward to buy a train ticket. At some train stations, you will be able to buy a ticket from the ticket machine, but at others, even in Krakow, you will still have to queue at the checkout. The odds that the cashier will speak English are 50/50, so I recommend writing down the destination and time for the ticket you need. And always allow extra time, the queues can be long.

On some trains, you can find machines where you can buy a ticket, but not on all of them, and there is no way to predict it. I recently bought a ticket from Krakow on the actual train but didn’t find this machine the other way around.

Please note – you will not be able to buy a ticket from the conductor, to avoid the fine always buy the ticket in advance.

Given all these shenanigans, the best and easiest way is to buy a train ticket online. It’s often cheaper and will save you stress and time trying to get one at the station.

Important information about rail travel in Poland:

• InterCity operates long-distance and mid-distance express trains and most of the regional and local train services in Poland are operated by Polregio .
• Bullet train service, also called “Pendolino” , is available only on selected routes from Warsaw to Gdańsk, Katowice, Kracow , and Wrocław . The price is more than twice the price of a regular Intercity ticket but they are much faster and more comfortable. When looking at the timetable those trains are marked as Express Intercity Premium (EIP)
• If you buy a ticket online make sure you have an ID you can show to the conductor
• Try to buy the tickets online before your journey. 
• To plan your train journey in Poland it is best to visit the PKP timetable site or e- podroznik.pl. You will have to enter the departure and destination station and the date and you will find available times and will be able to buy the ticket as well. Europodroze.pl is also a good website for trip planning.

How to buy a train ticket in Poland:

• At ticket offices on railway stations (least tourist-friendly)
• From the ticket machine at the bigger stations – convenient but not always available
• On line (the best option) – F or long-distance /inter city on intercity.pl or e-podroznik and for regional routes polregio.pl but also o e-podroznik.pl.

For international train tickets, you can check out the Trainline or Omio . 

Eurail Pass validity

You can travel in Poland with the Eurail Global Pass or the Eurail Poland Pass . Both of those passes are valid on:

• all trains operated by the national railway company PKP / PKP Intercity JSC. This includes domestic trains with sleeper cars.
• trains on the regional railway lines: – Przewozy Regionalne (Regional Services). – Koleje Dolnośląskie (operating in the area of Lower Silesia).  Please note : the Kulturzug , the direct train between Wroclaw and Berlin, is not included. – PKP Szybka Kolej Miejska w Trójmieście Sp. z o.o. (SKM w Trójmieście).

Eurail Passes are not valid in Poland on:

• trains operated by Arriva PCC.
• trains operated by Koleje Mazowieckie (KM).

Travelling in Poland by plane

Although it is not the most popular, it is possible to travel by plane between the largest cities in Poland.

I will be honest with you. If you add the check-in and check-out time as well as the journey to the airport and compare the prices of air tickets to other means of transport – I do not see the reason why would most travellers choose to fly within Poland. Probably if you were short on time and wanted to get from Krakow to Gdansk you could probably save around a couple of hours, but this is really it.

The two main domestic carriers in Poland are the national LOT airline and Ryanair, which is of course a cheaper option. Poland has 12 civil airports, so if this is your preferred mean of transport you will be able to get by.

Travelling in Poland by Metro

The only Polish city that has a metro network is Warsaw.

It is a fairly new development and currently, there are 2 metro lines in Warsaw – the North-South blue M1 line and the West-East red M2 line. It is a modern, clean, safe and very easy-to-use way of public transport if you are visiting Poland’s capital.

The great thing is that Warsaw has an integrated ticket system, which means that all public transport tickets are valid for all types of public transport, so you won’t have to buy a separate ticket to travel by metro. At each station, you will find a few ticket machines as well as validation gates. But of course, you can also buy tickets online.

To get to the metro platform, you need to validate the ticket and go through the gate or take the elevator and validate the ticket in a validator. Passengers with tickets purchased in a vehicle or an application can get to the platform using large luggage doors – they are equipped with QR code readers that allow you to open the gate.

How to travel within bigger cities in Poland

The most popular way of travelling around the city in Poland is by bus or tram.

As I mentioned earlier every city has its own public bus system that differs slightly from town to town. However, the main principle is the same.

You plan your trip, but your ticket upfront, make sure it’s validated on the bus and viola!

In the majority of the cities, you will be able to use the same ticket for both buses and trams as they are part of the same transport network. Please note that the ticket system varies from town to town and for example, the Wroclaw ticket will not be valid in Katowice !

How to buy bus tickets in Polish cities?

• you can buy a paper ticke t at a newsstand and in some towns from the ticket machines located at the bus stop. To do this, you need to know exactly what ticket you need beforehand (how many cities or how long is the journey). In this case, you also need to remember to validate the ticket as soon as you enter the bus or tram. This is the least traveller-friendly option.
• to validate the ticket you need to insert it into the validating machine inside of the bus or tram to be stamped. Keep the ticket for the ticket control.
• the easiest way to plan the journey and buy a bus ticket in most Polish cities is via jakdojade.pl app.
• The most popular cities in Poland also offer city passes that often offer great value for money. Within these passes, you will get some free entries to museums or attractions, discounts and often free public transport pass. Examples include the Krakow City Pass or Gdansk Tourist Card .

How to travel in rural areas in Poland

Travelling by public transport in rural areas of Poland can get a bit more difficult, even for Polish people.

In rural areas, large buses often run less frequently and popular routes are covered by private carriers – often in the form of a minivan. This is where things get tricky as timetables are not always easily found on the internet.

One of the best ways is to find the main bus station which can be found in the majority of Polish towns. Timetables and bus lines are always displayed. In more remote areas, I recommend that you seek advice in your hotel. The hotel owners will tell you where to go, what to ask for and how much you will pay.

Locals will always know the best ways to get somewhere and ways that are often not official.

If you are starting your trip in a city and heading to a rural area always head to the biggest town near your destination first. Once there, you will have to ask at the bus or train station for the best ways of getting to the village you are heading to. If you are concerned about the language barrier, have your destination address written on the piece of paper.

Be sure to always have some small cash ready as the majority of private carriers will ask for an upfront cash payment for your ticket.

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How to travel by bus between cities in Poland

All Polish cities are well connected by a bus network and travelling by bus between the cities can be often cheaper and faster than travelling by rail. There are many bus companies serving the majority of the destinations in Poland and among them are the public buses called PKS and well as private carriers.

One of the best and cheapest options is Flixbus which now serves the majority of the most popular bus routes in Poland.

Most of the time bus stations are located right next to the train stations (with a few exceptions like Katowice).

How to travel between the cities in Poland by bus?

• Check availability online on websites like Omio , checkmybus.pl , Busbud or Rome2Rio . Rome2Rio is generally a great site to check available transport on your route.
• If Flixbus operates the route , I recommend buying the ticket on their website.
• If possible, try to buy a ticket online. If you are travelling between major cities – it will always be possible.
• In case it’s impossible to purchase the ticket online, aim to arrive at least 15 minutes earlier at the bus station to have enough time to buy the ticket.

Best public transport apps in Poland

Currently, the best public transport app in Poland is jakdojade.pl . This is an awesome app that is used by travellers, tourists and locals alike.

Jak dojade means “how will I get to..” and this app will tell you exactly that. It has a lot of impressive features, from life travel planning and schedules to bus stop locations as well as the ability to buy and validate tickets.

This is the only app you will ever need if you are visiting any bigger city in Poland. It is very easy to use and I couldn’t recommend it enough.

Once you open the app, it will recognize your location. You can of course type in your starting point as well. Then you will have the option to type in your destination. Once you click on the search (green arrow) you will be given all public transport options, including the departure time.

The real-time feature is a great advantage of the jakdojade.pl application. The presented travel plans will be prepared for the current moment, as of course, individual timetables differ depending on the day of the week or time.

You can then buy the ticket for the whole journey even if you need to change the bus at some point. As easy as that!

You can’t buy a bus ticket using the app in all of the cities, but you can use the journey planning for the majority of Polish cities.

Another great app that will help you buy a ticket for public transport in Poland is Skycash .

Getting tickets and validating them on Polish buses or trams can get confusing. Skycash is a ticket-buying app mainly focused on simplifying ticket buying in cities. With Skycash you won’t have to worry about looking for the ticket machine, figuring out what type of ticket you need or having to carry cash to buy the ticket.

The process itself is extremely simple. All you need is a smartphone. Just select the type and amount of tickets you need, and the validated ticket goes straight to your phone. Simple!

Did you get your travel insurance yet? Travel Insurance will let you travel with the peace of mind knowing that no matter what, your unexpected medical or travel emergencies are covered. I use Heymondo for a few reasons. They have clear policies with no deductibles, the price is excellent for what they offer and the price doesn’t go up when you are over 30 years old. They have a dedicated, easy-to-use app and free assistance calls.

I can get a cover for a month or three months and I know I can travel with peace of mind and get the best product for my money.

Heymondo offers my readers 5% off so go ahead, and click on this link and get your quote.

Is travelling by public transport in Poland safe?

Travelling in Poland by public transport is very safe. In fact, this is still one of the main and preferred ways of transport for many Polish people. On Polish buses, trams and trains you will find daily commuters as well as tourists.

Of course, as everywhere else in the world, you need to be aware of common pickpocketers. Especially in very touristic areas. During rush hours and on crowded buses make sure you keep an eye on your belongings because even the safest places in the world will have common thieves looking for opportunities.

But you can hop on a bus or train at any time of night and day and you will be perfectly safe.

I hope you found this article helpful and you will enjoy travelling around Poland by public transport. 

Don’t hesitate to ask any questions in the comments in case I didn’t cover something!

Until then, stay free and happy travelling!

Exploring more of Poland?

If you planning your winter escape in Zakopane don’t miss this article listing all the great things to do in Zakopane in Winter !

Don’t miss visiting the iconic city of Krakow which is a must-visit for every traveler to Poland!

For off-the-beaten-path attractions in Poland, be sure to visit the charming town of Bielsko Biala!

This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you purchase the product or make a booking via one of my links, I will receive a small commission. Please know that I will never recommend or promote a product I don’t believe in or haven’t used. This way, you are supporting this blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

My favourite Travel Resources 

• For most of my accommodation, I use Bookings.com  and  Hostel World . With both booking platforms, you will often get free cancellations and access to tons of reviews. Read them! You will also get the most extensive selection of all types of accommodation. I hardly ever look elsewhere. If you are travelling in Asia – Agoda is definitely worth checking out!
• Make sure you download Google Maps and, for each new destination, download an offline map of your location and surrounding area. This way, even without the internet or Wi-Fi, you will be able to get to navigate around the town.

Moovit is also an excellent and very underrated travel and journey-planning app. It works great in many countries and will show you all possible routes by public transport, including the timetables.

For busses, I mainly use  Busbud  or  Omio  and  Flixbus to travel in Europe. 

123Go   — Great for tickets for trains, buses, ferries and charters in Southeast Asia! The best way to buy your ticket for the overnight Bangkok train! Rome2rio   – Another great journey-planning app. If your way of travel is mainly public transport  – you will use this app for sure!

 The travel insurance I use is Heymondo , and their plan suits me perfectly. They have clear policies with no deductibles, the price is excellent for what they offer and the price doesn’t go up when you are over 30 years old. They have a dedicated, easy-to-use app and free assistance calls.

I can get a cover for a month or three months and I know I can travel with peace of mind and get the best product for my money. And it also covers COVID-19.

Heymondo offers my readers 5% off so go ahead, and click on this link and your quote.

• I carry two debit cards with me. Given I don’t have a permanent country of residence,  Revolut  and Wise  work fantastically. In case one gets frozen, stolen or simply lost, I have a backup. The great thing about both cards is that you can freeze them straight from your phone and transfer money between them in case you need to. You will also get a great exchange rate and create separate foreign currency accounts. 
• I booked most of my tours via either  Get Your Guide  or  Viator . You can also book locally, but I advise you to ask around and follow the local recommendations. 

For more travel tips and recourses, visit Pati’s Travel Tips page!

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Hi, I’m Pati. A traveller, photographer (aspiring), dreamer and hopeless believer in magic. I caught the travel bug in my forties – and not planning to look back any time soon. I travel solo and on a budget and I try to spend as much time and effort as possible to truly immerse myself in the country I am visiting.

Whether you are like me and decided to change your life around a new dream or just wandering (because not all who wander are lost) – I am here to tell you that everything is possible. 

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Borders and international traffic.

Pursuant to the Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 25 March 2022 on establishing specific restrictions, orders, and prohibitions in relation to the state of epidemic (Polish Journal of Laws, item 673), from 28 March 2022 onwards, all restrictions on travel to the Republic of Poland are lifted, which means there is no obligation to:

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Note: Persons crossing the Poland-Ukraine border due to the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine are not subject to mandatory quarantine upon entry.

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Passenger rail traffic involving the crossing of Poland’s border with the Republic of Belarus is suspended.

In effect until 31 March

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The 5 best online travel agencies in Poland

Best online travel agency for business travel, 1. travelperk: the one agency for all your business travel needs.

• Extensive inventory of travel services
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See how to save your company time and money on business travel

2. wakacje: best travel agent for last-minute holiday bookings.

• Wide variety of trip bookings available
• Travel insurance offered with every booking
• No commissions, additional costs, or hidden charges on bookings
• Free customer panel accounts for accessing all trip and payment details
• Book now pay later option available for all holiday bookings

3. Rainbow: best travel agency for adventure and sightseeing trips

• A wide variety of holiday bookings available
• Special offers and discounts on bookings
• Option for hotel and airport transfers with every booking
• Charter flight bookings available
• Free cancellation on sightseeing trip bookings

4. Fly: best travel agents for all-inclusive tour packages

• Option to book an affordable last-minute all-inclusive private tour
• Recommendations from experts to make your trip hassle-free and safe
• Travel insurance offered on every booking
• Option to book no passport holidays
• Payback points credited for every booking made through Fly

5. Sun & Fun: best travel company for exclusive hotel bookings

• Best tour agency for exclusive hotel bookings
• Price-constant guarantee on all bookings
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• Option to book affordable private hotel and airport transfers
• Club hotel bookings from Croco Club & Blue Club

Visit Poland and its UNESCO World Heritage sites with the best travel agencies

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Extension of visa-free travel

Who can apply.

You can apply for extension of stay in visa-free travel if you are a citizen of:

• Argentina, or
• Costa Rica, or
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When should I apply?

You apply for an extension of stay within the visa-free travel scheme no later than on the last day of your legal stay  in Poland. 

Remember to apply  in person.

Use our application template or write your application for extension of stay under visa-free travel and justify it. Remember to provide your details in the application - name and surname, date of birth, citizenship, address of residence in Poland.

Where should I apply?

You may apply in person at the Department for Foreigners in Poznań or one of the office's delegations:  Book your visit

What counts is the date of postage at the  post office .

What documents do I need?

• your application in 1 copy, completed as instructed ( template to download );  you can also obtain the application form  any of our offices ,
• your travel document ,
• any documents justifing your request.

Remember to submit all documents in original /authenticated copy

What should I know?

Read our guide

If your visa-free travel is extended you will be placed a stamp in your passport confirming extension of the validity period of that stay by 90 days.

If you are refused to extend your visa-free travel there will be a decision sent to the address indicated in the application. You have the right to appeal  against the decision. 

Updated: 07-10-2021

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