• South Africa
  • Turkmenistan
  • South Korea
  • Philippines
  • Timor Leste
  • Afghanistan
  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Northern Ireland
  • Isle Of Man
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • North Macedonia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Czech Republic
  • Antigua And Barbuda
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Dominican Republic
  • Puerto Rico
  • Saint Barthelemy
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Martin & Sint Maarten
  • Trinidad And Tobago
  • Turks And Caicos
  • US Virgin Islands
  • Falkland Islands
  • French Guiana
  • El Salvador
  • United States
  • New Zealand
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Cook Islands
  • French Polynesia
  • Accessories
  • Bags & Backpacks
  • Horseback Riding
  • Photography
  • Maintenance
  • Airport Hotels
  • Bed & Breakfast
  • Budget Hotels
  • Business Hotels
  • Family Friendly Hotels
  • Gay Friendly Hotels
  • Luxury Hotels
  • Pet Friendly Hotels
  • Pool Hotels
  • Romantic Hotels

13 Best Poland Travel Guide Books

  • Travel Gear
  • 13 Best Poland Travel Guide…

13 Best Poland Travel Guide Books

Poland is an underrated travel destination among other European countries. However, with its incredible history, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and magical mountains and sea, this beautiful country is getting more and more popular. Travelers visiting Poland mostly come to the medieval city Krakow. Maybe spend a day or two in the capital city Warsaw or the unique Gdansk. With so much to see and do, from old historic cities, empty coastlines, or beautiful parks, you should spend more rather than just those places. To explore the country, you’ll want to have a travel guide to Poland. With the help of travel guide books, you can visit more than the usual tourist attractions and enjoy more Poland’s scenic beauty. Plus, you’ll get rewarded with a beautiful and culturally rich country.

How To Choose The Best Poland Travel Guide Books?

To get the most of your trip to Poland , you should plan carefully and prepare a detailed itinerary. To get well prepared, you can get plenty of information about Poland from travel books. So, it’s important to choose the best travel books Poland for your next trip. There are some aspects you could consider when choosing Poland’s travel guide books. Check the simple guideline that will help you find the best travel books about Poland.

Coverage areas

Are you planning to visit multiple destinations or only a specific city/region? If you’re traveling to a specific city, like Krakow or Warsaw, you can choose a particular guidebook like Lonely Planet Pocket Warsaw. The guidebook will give you comprehensive and thorough information or tips and trick about Warsaw.

Publishers/authors

You’ll find a wide choice of guidebooks from several publishers and authors. Also, you’ll want to get full insights from reputable and experts about the culture or how to get around. This way, you can get richer travel experience and knowledge on how to travel in Poland.

The old or new edition?

We recommend you to check which edition of travel books Poland you’re going to buy. Was it printed a few years back, or does it have the newest edition? The latest edition or publication date is surely the best option. It gives you up-to-date information about hotels, restaurants, and top sight’s opening hours.

What is the best month to visit Poland?

Actually, you can travel to Poland all year round, depending on your choice of seasons. However, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are considered the best time.

Is Poland dangerous to visit?

Absolutely not! In fact, Poland sits in the top 20 of the safest countries in the world. That said, you may encounter or experience some threats, like pickpocketing, overcharge, petty theft, and ATM scams. But that is just common in most places in the world.

Is Poland expensive to travel to?

Compared to many European countries, Poland is a more affordable travel destination. However, in recent years, prices have been on the rise. You could save costs if you travel during the low season and find discount hotel rates.

Culture Smart! Poland: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Culture Smart! Poland: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture can be the best travel books Poland for travelers who want to go deeper. It’s also perfect for those who want to have a more meaningful time while traveling in Poland. The book is the essential guide to the country through a better understanding of the local culture. Plus, the content of the book is unique and incredibly useful. The book includes Land and People, Customs and Festivals, even Business Briefing sections.

You’ll find plenty of information in this book. A brief history, ethnic groups, and geographical overview in Land and People are included. Other sections provide social and business etiquette. Not to mention some communication tips (both verbal and non-verbal) plus advice on how to be a good guest. This information helps you to understand the Poles. It’s either their value, hospitality, and behavior.

The book also includes places to sleep, how to travel in Poland, and tips for health and safety. So, you’ll be more confident while traveling. What’s more, the book provides useful maps of Poland.

General travelers, adventurers, historian travelers

Check Price & Info

poland travel books

Berlitz Pocket Guide Poland

Berlitz has years of expertise in producing a wide range of travel products, including Berlitz Pocket Guide Poland . With this travel guide to Poland, you can explore Poland’s endless charms. From top tourist attractions in Krakow to the beauty of the Tatra Mountains. Even Zamosc, the hidden gems of Poland!

The book is small enough to fit in your pocket or handbag. Plus, it has a Kindle version for those who prefer digital travel books Poland. This pocket-sized guide gives you a quick reference to planning your trip. You can find comprehensive coverage of the country’s attractions with striking photos. It covers Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains, Krakow, Wilanów, Gdansk, Torún, Poznán, Warsaw, and Malopolska.

There is a history and culture section to give you a deeper understanding of the country. You’ll find info about the heritage, people, and contemporary life. Besides, reliable recommendations and expert travel advice on where to stay and dine out are provided. If you’re wondering how to travel in Poland, it also has a section on how to get around. What’s more, the book includes a quick-reference bilingual language guide. It helps you with basic vocabulary.

Backpackers, adventurers, and family/group travelers

Lonely Planet Pocket Warsaw

Are you on a business trip or staying temporarily in Warsaw? Or do you have plenty of time to explore the capital city? Whichever your reason is, you can get Lonely Planet Pocket Warsaw as your travel guide to Poland. The book is a perfect guide to the heart of Warsaw. With this book, you’ll get comprehensive info on things to do in Warsaw . Even the hidden places and gems of the urban city! Whether you’re visiting high-tech museums or splendid Royal Castel, this book is great for a short trip or weekend away.

It covers Warsaw Old Town, Warsaw New Town, Praga & Eastern Warsaw, Northern Srodmiescie, and more. The user-friendly layout is organized by neighborhood. So, you can pick the best spots and tailor trip itineraries to spend your time. Get insider tips and essential info, such as how to get around like a local. There are also tips on avoiding crowds, hours of operations, prices, etc. Besides, you can find a section on how to plan a trip for children.

What’s more, the book includes honest reviews of places to eat and the best hotels in Warsaw for all budgets. Plus, recommendation places for going out and shopping. This pocket-sized guide book even has a Survival Guide section. It provides information and travel tips for Poland, such as getting around. Last but not least, it includes full-color maps and images.

Business travelers, temporary residents, family travelers, and photographers

DK Eyewitness Krakow

If you’re looking for a travel guide to Poland, we recommend DK Eyewitness Krakow . It’s the best guide for travelers who are planning to visit Krakow. The book provides lots and practical tips, engaging stories, plus great pictures. This guidebook has everything you’ll need to discover the oldest city in Poland on any budget. Enjoy the scenic and charming cobblestone walks while exploring Krakow. Or, do you prefer the unique architecture and famous parks? Experience the stroll through the Historic Centre, take a trip to Main Square, and visit museums and galleries.

The book has detailed day-trip itineraries that help to make your own. Plus, there are ‘don’t miss’ destination highlights at a glance as well as the guided visitor information. You’ll also find the history and cultural insights. It helps you understand the stories, plus illustrated 3D drawings. What’s more, the book includes recommended hotels in Krakow. Also, places to eat, drink, and shop by area.

Like others DK Eyewitness guide books, it’s provided with plenty of colorful pictures. Plus, colorful and useful maps pull-out maps are provided. It’s marked with sights, public transit map, and practical information on getting around, as well as a distance chart for measuring walking distances. Meanwhile, the detailed city maps have a street finder index. So, you can navigate the city easily. It’s one of the best travel tips for Poland, especially for Krakow.

Backpackers, family travelers, adventurers, photographers, city-slickers travelers

100 MOMENTS POLAND: A Virtual Travel Guide

Are you studying or working in Poland? Or, are you a seasoned traveler looking for deeper adventures in Poland? For whichever, you should learn more about the country. So, you’ll need a personal travel guide to Poland. 100 MOMENTS POLAND may answer your questions about almost anything. Is it the history, the culture, the people, and how to travel in Poland? The book has the answer. It’s written by Christopher Skutela, Ph.D., a Doctor of Philosophy of Travel. He’s also a well-known, highly-awarded private guide and the owner of a travel company based in Krakow.

This interesting book gives you different insights into what to see and do in all Poland’s areas from personal views and knowledge. You may feel as you’ve hired a local tour guide! Here, you’ll find suggestions with ideas to enhance your travel experience. Also, getting the excitement to discover Poland’s gems. The book includes Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk, Wroclaw , Proznan, and more.

Not only does it give you precious hints and suggestions for what to see, but this guidebook also gives you the answer to why you should visit the places. Plus, it gives you info on how to get to those places. Though it’s not available in e-book, the book is handy and easy to carry with you. Beautiful and meaningful pictures will enrich your experience along the way. What’s more, the book is easy to read and written informally. It even includes emoticons!

Adventurers, travelers who live temporary in Poland, business travelers, and photographers

Lonely Planet Polish Phrasebook & Dictionary

Gear up with important info on how to travel in Poland. We can assure you that you’ll have more confidence if you know some applicable Polish words and phrases, whether you’re traveling for few days or visiting Poland for work. The Lonely Planet Polish Phrasebook & Dictionary will help you learn and speak Polish. It’s very handy and convenient to carry when traveling.

The book covers basics, practical, social, safe travel, and food. With essential tips on manners and culture, you can order the right meals or avoid embarrassing situations. Plus, it covers a variety of practical topics, including directions and transports. Accommodations, shopping, and crossing the borders are also included.

What’s more, the book features many phrasing and phonetics that help you with pronunciation. There are vowel sounds, nasal vowel sounds, and consonant sounds.

Business travelers, travelers who live temporarily, and backpackers

Amazing Poland: 50 Things to See and Do

Amazing Poland: 50 Things to See and Do lets you learn about the many wonders of Poland and travel tips for Poland. From the big cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk, to more exclusive spots and lesser-known places. It provides a good introduction to other famous people in Poland’s history. The author, Neil Bennion, shares his experience on basic aspects of history, culture, language, and people.

This guide book covers World War II and communist history. The book is easy to read and arranged geographically. The sections consist of North, West, East, Center, South, and Everywhere. It helps you plan your itineraries. This book includes info on when to go, plus recommended accommodation and eateries. The section on getting around and modes of transports help you figure out how to travel in Poland.

Also, you’ll find numerous hints and tips, such as the free concerts which take place on Sundays in Lazienki Park. What we love most about the book is it has the correct pronunciation of Polish words. Plus, the recommended websites for further information. It’s a welcome bonus to experience the most of your trip.

Any types of travelers, including backpackers, adventurers, travelers who live temporary in Poland

The Rough Guide to Poland

When you’re planning a trip to Poland, you would want to have detailed and useful information. Hence, travel books Poland is a great help. It’s why the Rough Guide to Poland can be the most informative and concise guide on the market. Do you prefer to hike in the Tatra Mountains? Would you prefer relaxing on the Baltic Coast or wandering through the magnificent medieval Old Town? This book allows you to discover the fascinating country and makes the best of your time.

The book may only consist of three main chapters (Introduction, Basic, and Guide). But, it will show how to experience Poland your way. The introduction provides information on where and when to go. This chapter also includes things best sights and experiences. Plus, the carefully planned itineraries help you organize your trip based on your interest and budget. Also, you get independent, trusted reviews in the Basic section. Places to eat, sleep, and outdoor activities are among the reviews. Besides, you’ll find essential and practical pre-departure information as well as getting around.

Meanwhile, the detailed regional coverage offers lots of details for every city and region. It covers Torun, Lublin, Krakow, Warsaw, the Bay of Gdansk and the Wisla Delta. Whether you explore mainstream tourist destinations or off the beaten track, it gets you covered. Of course, we love the stunning photos for our inspiration. Plus, the full-color maps help you navigate places without needing to get online. You can’t skip the Contexts chapter! It gives you background information, including history, books, music, film, and language section.

Adventurers, long-time travelers, backpackers, and photographers

Fodor’s Krakow 25 Best

Fodor’s Krakow 25 Best is perfect for travelers looking for travel tips for Poland to visit only Krakow and the surrounding area. The book breaks into several areas, including Krakow, Kazimierz ( one of the most beautiful towns in Poland ), and Wawel Hill. Many of the areas show you sights, entertainment, and shops. In Essential Chapters, there is plenty of useful information. It includes where to eat, places to shop, and Krakow by night.

To make planning your trip easier, it includes short stay itineraries. Furthermore, you’ll find the top 25 essential top sights in Krakow. Also, there are lots of bright and vibrant beautiful color pictures. Need recommendations for you to stay while in Krakow? There are many types of accommodations in this book, from budget, mid-range, to luxury hotels.

Even before you arrive in Krakow, the book provides the information you’ll need. Getting there, getting around, language, and essential facts are among other things you can find in this book. On top of that, it provides full-color area maps and a large pull-out city map. You’ll find the detailed and beautiful pull-out laminated map of the streets of Krakow very useful. Though not available in e-book, but the book is small enough to tuck into a pocket or a travel purse. You’ll feel well prepared for planning and appreciate your visit to Krakow.

Every type of travelers, from backpackers, family travelers, photographers, to business travelers

Insight Guides Pocket Poland

Hassle-free traveling to Poland is any travelers’ wish. So it’s common to have plenty of questions on how to travel to Poland before leaving. Hence, Insight Guides Pocket Poland is something you should consider. It has essential information about what to do and where to go. Plan your perfect trip with this practical travel book! From the must-see Wieliczka Salt Mines to the magnificent Malbork Castle. Or, the beautiful Tatra Mountains? It’s the ideal on-the-go guidebook for your trip.

This pocket-sized travel guide to Poland features travel tips for Poland, including historical and cultural insights. So, you can learn about the country’s rich history and culture, art, people, and traditions. There’s a chapter about Poland’s Top 10 attractions. Plus, Where to Go, which covers Krakow, Malopolska, Gdanks, Poznan, and more. Get some ideas for your itinerary from its inspirational itineraries. It discovers the best sights and destinations.

Looking for a place to stay? There’s a hotel recommendation for several cities and regionals. Either it’s in Zakopane, Wroclaw, and Warsaw. Besides, the book includes tips and essential information. It includes opening times, transport, and tipping. The stunning color photos are very inspiring. Meanwhile, the full-color map and pull-out map offer practical and easy navigation while you’re exploring.

Photographers, adventurers, backpackers

Rick Steves Snapshot Kraków, Warsaw & Gdansk

If you’re planning to visit Krakow, Warsaw, and Gdansk, you should get travel books Poland that cover these best three cities. There are several reasons why Rick Steves Snapshot Kraków, Warsaw & Gdansk can be your best option. First, the area of Auschwitz-Birkenau and Pomerania are also covered in this book. This compact guidebook has three main sections. These sections make sure you get to see and experience everything you want during the trip.

Next, it provides firsthand advice on the best sights and experiences along the way. Whether you’re visiting Gdansk’s Main Town Hall or sip local wódka, you’ll get up-to-date info on things to do in Gdansk . Also, the book is filled with historical information for your great travel experience.

What’s more, the book includes good-value hotel and restaurant recommendations. There are also tips on arrival and transportation. All the information helps you plan an itinerary. Either you want to do independent walking tours or tour guides for another option, it has all the details. Last, the book provides maps to make the most of your trip. It’s available both in paperback and e-book.

Business travelers, family travelers, photographers, backpackers

Lonely Planet Poland

Get the most comprehensive travel guide to Poland from Lonely Planet Poland’s 2020 edition . The book gives you up-to-date and relevant advice on what to see and skip. You’ll also find what hidden discoveries await on your trip. The book covers all activities, whether you plan to learn dramatic history in Warsaw or wander around Gdansk’s medieval lanes. Want to sample Krakow’s nightlife? You’ll gave them covered, too! The book also provides hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, etc.

There are several main chapters. These include Plan Your Trip, On The Road, Understand, and Survival Guide. In the section of Plan Your Trip, you’ll find cultural insights about history and people. Plus, cuisine, music, landscapes, wildlife, and politics. Surely, this information gives you a richer, more rewarding travel experience. This chapter also includes itineraries you can use to make your own based on your personal interests and needs.

On The Road section covers plenty of cities. These include three big cities: Krakow, Gdansk, and Warsaw. Also, Mazovia and Podlasie, Pomerania, Malopolska, and the Carpathian Mountains are included. Each city gives you detailed activities and sights. You can even explore outside the cities, rivers, woods, lakes, and hills for fresh-air fun. Besides, you’ll find honest reviews on what to eat, where to sleep, where to shop, and more. Of course, we love the color images and useful maps. This one of the best travel books to Poland is available both in paperback and Kindle.

Backpackers, adventurers, family/group travelers, and photographers

DK Eyewitness Poland

What would you prefer when traveling to Poland? Is it the energetic urban Warsaw or chic medieval hot spots in Gdansk and Krakow? Or maybe the beautiful beaches of the Baltic Coast? Whichever you choose, DK Eyewitness Poland is your perfect travel guide to Poland. The book is easy to navigate and has everything of interest for travelers. With depth-area guides, it will make your travel around Poland easy. Also, you’ll get the very best that Poland has to offer. It covers every part of Poland, from Silensia to Gdansk, Mazovia to Krakow.

This guidebook will bring Poland to life and transport you there with expert advice and insights even before your trip starts. Plus, there’s detailed information on all the must-see sights. Wondering where to eat, drink, shop, and stay? Worry not! The book covers them all! You can even get some expert advice to get ready before traveling, how to get around, and how to stay safe.

The book includes selections of suggested itineraries. Those will fit your interests, whether you’re staying for few weeks or just a few days. Besides, it provides travel tips for Poland, such as how to entertain the kids. You’ll find information about how to appreciate Jewish heritage. Also, how to visit palaces and castles and discover natural wonders. On top of that, the detailed maps and walks help you navigate the country easily and confidently. You can get this guidebook in paperback or e-book.

Any type of traveler, from family travelers, solo backpackers, to adventurers

Author:  Adam G

As a travel enthusiast and experienced adventurer, I have spent years exploring the world and discovering hidden gems in every corner of the globe. From backpacking through Europe to trekking in the Himalayas, I have chased my passion for travel and embraced every opportunity to learn about different cultures and ways of life. Now, as a travel writer, I channel my love of exploration into creating informative and inspiring content for fellow travelers. Whether you're planning a solo trip to a remote destination or seeking family-friendly activities in a bustling city, I am dedicated to providing you with the tools and knowledge you need to make the most of your journey. With a keen eye for detail and a love of storytelling, I bring each destination to life through vivid descriptions and engaging narratives, highlighting the unique experiences and attractions that make each place so special. So join me on this journey of discovery, and let's explore the world together!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

15% off with code APRIL15

poland travel books

  • North America
  • South America
  • Middle East
  • Australia & Pacific

poland travel books

New Releases

poland travel books

Trending Destinations

poland travel books

Experience Guides

  • Outdoor Travels & Adventures
  • Epic Guides
  • Food & Drink
  • Gifts & Inspiration
  • Language Guides
  • Lonely Planet Kids

poland travel books

Country Guides

poland travel books

Pocket Guides

poland travel books

All Guides & eBooks

  • Lonely Planet Insider

Your cart is empty

Get this book for free by becoming a Lonely Planet Insider:

  • 3 eBook downloads every year
  • Exclusive offers and discounts
  • Free shipping on all orders

$2.99 USD/month (charged annually) Learn more

Inside Lonely Planet’s  Poland  Travel Guide:

  • Full-colour maps and images throughout
  • Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests
  • Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots
  • Honest review for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss
  • Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - Poland today, histo-ry, Jewish heritage, arts, landscape, wildlife, food, drink
  • Free, convenient pull-out city map (included in print version), plus over 54 colour maps

Coverage includes:  Warsaw, Mazovia, Podlasie, Kraków, Małopolska, Carpathian Mountains, Silesia, Wielkopolska, Gdańsk, Pomerania, Warmia, Masuria and more

eBook is available in ePub, MOBI and PDF.

ISBN: 9781786575852

Edition: 9th

Publication Date: March 2020

Writers: Simon Richmond, Mark Baker, Marc Di Duca, Anthony Haywood, Hugh McNaughtan, Ryan Ver Berkmoes

448 pages, 448pp color, 63 maps | Dimensions: 128mm × 197mm

Next edition due: July 2024

Which guidebook is right for me?

Country, city & regional guides.

  • Top experience collections
  • Regional itineraries recommended by experts (from a couple of days to multi-week)
  • 3D illustrations and guided tours of key sights
  • Extensive coverage of history and culture
  • Detailed maps throughout - includes walking maps and a pull-out planning map

EXPERIENCE guides

(country, city & regional).

  • Led by local experts that reveal their favorite experiences and hidden gems
  • Personal itinerary building tools
  • Seasonal planning calendars
  • QR codes unlock additional online content

POCKET guides

(city & regional).

  • Special features cover most popular sights
  • Content organized by neighborhhod
  • Recommended 1, 2, 3 and 4-day itineraries
  • Guided walking tours
  • Follow Us On Twitter
  • Like Us On Facebook

What We Reading Logo

What We Reading

Find Your Next Great Read

  • Non-Fiction

7 Best Travel Books About Poland 

poland travel books

“It has been said that Poland is dead, exhausted, enslaved, but here is the proof of her life and triumph.”

From the freezing Baltic Sea in the north to the stunning Carpathian Mountains in the south, Poland is a country of rugged and diverse natural beauty. From its roots in the late age of antiquity, its Imperial Golden Age to its modern-day resistance behind the Iron Curtain, Poland has been a melting pot of cultures and customs, and home to some of the most liberal and innovative artists, thinkers, and scientists the world has ever seen. With the country continuing to emerge as one of the most popular destinations for tourists and travellers from within the European Union and beyond, join us at What We Reading for the best Poland travel books! From its customs and history to mapping out the best attractions and accommodations, these Poland travel guides are sure to inspire your next adventure.

The Rough Guide To Poland – Rough Guides

First up on our list of the best Poland travel books is Rough Guides’ comprehensive guide to the country. From off-the-beaten-track adventures in The Bieszczady , chilled breaks at Rynek Glowny to family-friendly activities at Slowinski National Park, The Rough Guide to Poland comes with a wealth of time-saving itineraries, practical travel tips tailored to every type of traveller, and detailed coverage to each region of this fascinating country.

The Rough Guide to Poland also comes with handy pre-departure information, the best means of navigating the country, and a visual list of all the sights and attractions any visitor doesn’t want to miss! From Warsaw to Wroclaw, this is one of the most up-to-date and essential travel companions for anyone looking to make the most of their trip to Poland.

poland books - lonely planet poland

Lonely Planet Poland – Lonely Planet

No list of the best travel books about Poland would be complete without mentioning Lonely Planet. Still, the world’s most trusted travel guide publisher, Lonely Planet Poland takes readers into the heart of the country and arms them with the most relevant advice on what to see, skip, and what hidden adventures are just waiting to be unearthed.

Helping travellers navigate everything from Gdansk’s fabled medieval lanes to the vibrant nightlife of Krakow , Lonely Planet’s Poland travel guide comes with rich cultural insights that help them unlock a richer, more rewarding experience. Complete with honest reviews on everything from food to accommodation, this travel guide on Poland even comes with a passport-sized pull-out filled with essential information on Wi-Fi, ATMs, transport, and opening hours, all of which guarantee a smooth experience while inside the country’s borders.

Only In Krakow – Duncan J.D. Smith

As we mentioned, Krakow is one of the bustling cultural capitals of Poland, and undoubtedly a must-visit for any traveller looking to experience a truly authentic Polish experience. And, in Only in Krakow , readers are taken through the rich royal heritage, astonishing architecture, and vibrant street life of the city by Duncan J.D. Smith aka—the Urban Explorer.

From ancient mounds, Europe’s biggest medieval marketplace, candlelit cellars, stained glass workshops, and mysterious monasteries, there’s no better Poland travel book for skipping past the typical tourist traps and tackling Krakow and its 100+ fascinating historic sites than Duncan J.D. Smith’s travel guide.

Rick Steves Eastern Europe – Rick Steves

Another one of the world’s most trusted travel guide writers, Rick Steves offers readers a comprehensive tour guide across Eastern Europe in his dedicated book on the region.

Whisking readers, Rick Steves takes them through the Czech Republic , Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia, utilizing decades of experience to show which sights are worth their time and money, and how to get around by car, train, bus, and boat. From Krakow’s charm, the waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes National Park, and the romantic spires in Prague, Rick leaves no stone unturned in helping readers plan the ultimate trip to Eastern Europe.

Explore Warsaw – Insight Guides

For readers looking for a Poland travel book that will help them ensure they make the most of their visit to the country’s capital city, Insight Guides has you covered with their Explore Warsaw edition.

Practical, pocket-sized, and packed with helpful insider information, Explore Warsaw features 12 of the best ready-made walking routes around the city. Featuring concise information about its landscape, food and drink, history, and entertainment, these tours are designed to help readers plan, save time, see all the must-sees and unlock some of Warsaw’s best-kept secrets. Accompanied by a full-colour map and a free ebook, it is an invaluable travel companion for discovering Poland’s capital.

Gdansk Travel Guide – Emily Sutton

Formerly known as ‘Danzig’, Gdansk has become one of the most significant cities in European history, and remains one of Poland’s most dazzling destinations. Emily Sutton arms readers with one of the most comprehensive travel guides on the city in her Gdansk Travel Guide.

Taking readers through the rich Old World cobblestone streets of the Biskupia Gorka district, the sobering but important Stutthof concentration camp to the Roads of Freedom exhibition outside the Gdansk shipyard, Sutton showcases the resilience and significance of the city and its place in history. With insider tips on where to eat and shop, the best accommodation and, crucially of all, how to fast travel around the city capturing all it has to offer, there’s no guide on Gdansk you need other than Sutton’s edition.

Kaleidoscope Of Poland: A Cultural Encyclopedia – Oscar E. Swan

Rounding off our list of the best Poland books is Oscar E. Swan’s Kaleidoscope of Poland . A sweeping narrative of the tragedy and triumphs that have enveloped the country throughout history, Kaleidoscope of Poland is a series of short articles on the events, personalities, and places that have shaped the country’s thousand-year history.

The perfect supplement to any travel guide on the country, Swan’s book helps further a reader’s understanding and appreciation of Polish culture and history. From bagels on the Bug River to the brilliance of Marie Curie, the book offers witty and colourful insights into folklore, customs, phrases, geography and so much more in its effort to capture all that has gone into Poland the proud and vibrant destination it is today.

James Metcalfe

Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).

Related Posts

Napoleon books

7 Of The Best Books On Napoleon Bonaparte

Tokyo books

7 Books About Tokyo To Read Before Visiting 

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Poland Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Colorful and historic architecture in Poland on a sunny summer day

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.

view of Krakow's waterfront, 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

A wide, regal palace surrounding by green grass on a sunny day in Warsaw, Poland

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

view of Krakow's historical city square with people walking around on a sunny day

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.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

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 Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

  • Where To Stay
  • Transportation
  • Booking Resources
  • Related Blogs

DK Eyewitness Poland

Paperback cover of DK Eyewitness Poland

get a closer look

Thumbnail image of DK Eyewitness Poland - 1

Published by DK Eyewitness Travel

Rrp:  $24.99, about dk eyewitness poland.

Historic cities and ancient castles, diverse landscapes and traditional food – Poland is a country that demands exploration. Whether you want to wander around fairy-tale Kraków, spy rare bison in Białowieża Forest, or hike among the snow-capped Tatra Mountains, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that Poland has to offer. Poland is as famed for enchanting Kraków, with its cobbled streets and opulent palaces, as it is for edgy Warsaw, home to high-tech museums and neon-lit bars. But beyond this tale of two cities, there’s so much more to discover. Encounter medieval towns, artsy cities and some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes, including wildlife-filled forests, expansive lakes and white-sand Baltic beaches. Our updated guide brings Poland to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights, trusted travel advice, detailed breakdowns of all the must-see sights, photographs on practically every page, and our hand-drawn illustrations which place you inside the country’'s iconic buildings and neighbourhoods. We’ve also worked hard to make sure our information is as up-to-date as possible following the COVID-19 outbreak. You'll discover:

  • our pick of Poland’s must-sees , top experiences and hidden gems
  • the best spots to eat , drink , shop and stay
  • detailed maps and walks which make navigating the country easy
  • easy-to-follow itineraries
  • expert advice : get ready, get around and stay safe
  • colour-coded chapters to every part of Poland, from Mazovia to Kraków, Silensia to Gdansk
  • a lightweight format , so you can take it with you wherever you go

Only visiting Kraków? Try our DK Eyewitness Kraków

The Uncorked Librarian logo 2023 with gray cat, green suitcase, and pile of books with glass on wine on top and tv remote

16 Gripping Books About Poland

This post may contain affiliate links that earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

Travel across Europe with the best books about Poland to teach you more and take you there.

If you are planning a trip to Europe or are hoping to travel there via armchair, these fiction and nonfiction books on Poland offer a great introduction to the country.

Below, explore anguishing and powerful books about Polish history, including events during World War 2, the rise and fall of communism, and Soviet occupation.

Then, find books about Poland for adults and teens that have more surreal and fantastical elements. There are murder mysteries, thrillers, and classic retellings.

So, what are the best books on Poland to add to your reading list? Don’t forget to tell us your favorites in the comments. Let’s get started!

If you love these books, you might enjoy these Polish movies .

Best Books About Poland and Polish History with picture of Gdansk Old Town in Poland which is older building that are orange, brown, and yellow along water canal

Grab the best books on Poland here :

  • Audible Plus : From Amazon, listen to Amazon Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks. They add new titles every week.
  • Book of the Month : Get the month’s hottest new and upcoming titles from Book of the Month. You might snag an early release or debut author. Along with selecting a book a month, find terrific add-ons, both trendy and lesser-known titles.
  • Amazon Prime Video – Stream thousands of ad-free movies and TV series on demand with Prime Video.
  • Express VPN – Using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) allows you to view movies worldwide – and they help keep your information safe. Our writers couldn’t have such diverse film reviews without using a VPN.

Table of Contents

16 Best Books About Poland

By Dagney McKinney

Maus by Art Spiegelman book cover with two illustrated gray mice and black and white cat in Swastika

Maus by Art Spiegelman

Originally published as a serial from 1980 to 1991, Maus depicts the recollections of Vladek Spiegelman as told to his son Art (the author and artist).

While interviewing his father, Art learns of Vladek’s experiences as a Polish Jew during World War II, including how he managed to survive the Holocaust.

With the Jews depicted as mice and the Germans as cats, the atmosphere and the stakes are immediately evident.

As Vladek recounts moments of utter horror and despair, his son Art finds that he might have more difficulty coming to terms with what he hears than he thought.

As one of the most internationally renowned books about Poland ever written, Maus is an unflinching, powerful, and important teen graphic novel that uses a simple yet evocative animal-based allegory to better convey its message and themes.

Maus is – so far – the only graphic novel to have won a Pulitzer Prize, and is one of the more popular choices for Holocaust books for high school and middle school . Read Maus : Amazon | Goodreads

Swallowing Mercury by Wioletta Greg book cover with illustrated red palace with greenish cloud on yellow background

Swallowing Mercury by Wioletta Greg, translated by Eliza Marciniak

Born into a rural life under the occasional influence of late 20th-century communism, Wiola lives a quiet life in a community full of religious and superstitious practices.

As locals cross themselves at junctions and tie red strings around babies’ wrists to ward off evil spirits, Wiola observes the townsfolk and attempts to process their strange activities.

But as she approaches adolescence, things that appeared commonplace and normal start to seem unusual.

Suddenly, things she has taken for granted are revealed to be abnormal, and seemingly everyone in the village of Hektary turns out to have a dark secret.

With only her innate resourcefulness to help her cope, will Wiola find her outlook forever changed by the shocking actions of her neighbors?

This lyrical and vivid semi-autobiographical novel provides a snapshot into a less talked about portion of former soviet life.

Where most books about Polish history tend to cover World War II, Swallowing Mercury instead gives the reader a vibrant taste of the calmer side of 20th century Poland. Read Swallowing Mercury : Amazon | Goodreads

Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski book cover with young white skinned boy with light brown hair in water without a shirt

Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski

For a few weeks in the summer of 1980, disillusioned Ludwik Glowacki manages to find happiness in the form of the charismatic and carefree Janusz.

Bonding over literature banned by the state, the two young men spend their time camping in the countryside and falling in love.

However, once they both return to Warsaw, the combined pressures of the religious and political communities ensure that their relationship cannot be public knowledge, and the two begin to drift apart.

Janusz rises through the ranks of the political system and into a powerful position in the ministry, while Ludwik grapples with protesting as food prices rise.

With communism gradually falling apart around them, the two seem destined to be kept from each other.

This is a beautiful queer love story set against the backdrop of 1980s Warsaw and one of the best books on Poland to show the struggles of wanting to be with someone when the world seems set against it. Read Swimming in the Dark : Amazon | Goodreads

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk book cover with blue, black and pink like stripes and award sticker

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk, translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones

In a remote village near the Czech border, during the depths of a hard Polish winter, Janina Duszejko takes care of the summer homes of wealthy Warsaw residents.

Thought of by many of the locals as an old eccentric and a recluse, it is she who finds the first body; her neighbor, Big Foot.

As more people begin to turn up dead in increasingly strange circumstances, Janina decides to put her translations of William Blake aside and get involved in the investigation.

She just needs to be able to convince people to take her seriously.

Part thriller, part isolated murder mystery, this entertaining novel from author Olga Tokarczuk has plenty of distinctive characters and an evocative setting.

As we follow events from Janina’s perspective, we get to know her and her worldview; she becomes a very relatable character.

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead is one of the best books about Poland for anyone looking for entertaining crime novels with a dark sense of humor.

Olga Tokarczuk is one of the most prominent Polish authors available in English with a handful of other unique Polish books already translated.

Find more books about winter . Read Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead : Amazon | Goodreads

The Street of Crocodiles by Bruno Schulz book cover with black and white illustrated cover with foot in person's face

The Street of Crocodiles by Bruno Schulz

Densely packed with metaphors, imagery, and rich language, author Bruno Schulz’s short story collection is a hugely creative tour of the imagination.

Using something that could be described as “mythologized reality,” Schulz takes us on a journey through – among other things – the Street of Crocodiles, a blend of memories and dreams from his childhood in the city of Drohobych (now in modern-day Ukraine).

Set in a town very much resembling Drohobych, the stories collected here follow a merchant family as seen through the eyes of the young son in the family, Józef.

From Józef’s eager and imaginative perspective, we learn principally about his Father, a textile merchant who collects rare bird eggs in order to hatch them in his attic.

The Street of Crocodiles contains many fantastical elements.

Fans of surrealism – and what can sometimes be referred to today as magical realism – will find this to be one of the most creative books about Poland available.

Read more books set in and about Ukraine . Read The Street of Crocodiles : Amazon | Goodreads

Poland: A History by Adam Zamoyski book cover with illustrated battlefield with person in armor on black horse holding a flag

Poland: A History by Adam Zamoyski

Covering a thousand years of history, author Adam Zamoyski’s original Polish history book was published 2 years before the end of the Soviet Union.

This edition has since been updated and expanded upon to become one of the best resources for anyone with a burgeoning interest in books about Polish history.

One of the main achievements of Poland: A History is that it puts many events into a meaningful context.

Another is that it covers a lot of ground without becoming too dense with details and incidental asides, making it very accessible for light or casual readers.

Be warned: those with an academic-leaning mind might find the lack of citations to be disturbing or invalidating. But technicalities aside, Zamoyski’s book is still well researched and engaging. Read Poland – A History: Amazon | Goodreads

Death in Breslau by Marek Krajewski book cover with illustrated woman's face with bright red lips with red scorpion tail hanging from them

Death in Breslau by Marek Krajewski, translated by Danusia Stok

The year is 1933; with the watchful eyes of the Gestapo seemingly following his every move, Inspector Eberhard Mock has been called in to try and solve a particularly mysterious and gruesome case.

On a train in Breslau, a young woman and her maidservant have been brutally murdered.

One disturbing yet perhaps vital aspect of the incident was the live scorpions swarming in the slashed stomachs of the bodies.

With his assigned assistant – the orphaned Herbert Anwaldt – Mock must head down into the seedy underbelly of Breslau among the corruption and prostitution that the upper classes will either avoid talking about or deny altogether.

This is the first in a small series of novels from author Marek Krajewski, all of which follow a Breslau theme.

The shadow of the Gestapo looming over everything adds excellent tension and makes for a thrilling addition to the world of World War 2 historical fiction . Read Death in Breslau : Amazon | Goodreads

Take The Uncorked Reading Challenge!

Travel around the world with our Uncorked Reading Challenge. Never be late to the party with unique new book releases. Get the latest movie and book lists straight to your inbox.

The Uncorked Librarian Logo with graphics of gray cat, stack of books, glass of pink wine, green suitcase

The King of Warsaw by Szczepan Twardoch, translated by Sean Gasper Bye

As the rise of fascism threatens to inevitably tear Warsaw apart, one man refuses to accept the way the wind is blowing and leave the city he believes he was born to rule.

It’s 1937, and Jewish boxer Jakub Szapiro is riding high in the eyes of his community. Fearsome both inside and outside of the ring, he makes a living as an enforcer for a powerful crime lord.

And as someone who spends money with abandon, he’s currently getting the most out of life.

However, things are not going that well for the Jews living in Warsaw in 1937. The rise of Hitler is the beginning of a storm of epic proportions, and Jakub knows it.

But escaping the clutches of the Nazis would mean leaving the city, and that is something Jakub never imagined he would do.

There aren’t many books about Poland that cover this kind of ground, and while I’m not always a fan of hyper-masculine hoodlum characters like Jakub, the reluctance to leave the place we think of as home is relatable for everyone. Read The King of Warsaw : Amazon | Goodreads

A Memoir of the Warsaw Uprising by Miron Białoszewski book cover with black and white image of people facing something and young boy holding large rock or object

A Memoir of the Warsaw Uprising by Miron Białoszewski, translated by Madeline G. Levine

Beginning on August 1st, 1944, the people of Poland attempted to rise up and overthrow their Nazi overlords.

This doomed movement resulted in the near-complete destruction of Warsaw and the slaughter of 200,000 civilians. The uprising was abandoned just two months after it began.

Author Miron Białoszewski’s written recollection of that turbulent bid for freedom differs from other books on Poland in that it is far more personal than most, even for a memoir.

By focusing on the intimate details – the objects he handled, the sounds and smells of the city, the weather on the first day of the uprising – he presents a far more personal and human account of one of Poland’s darkest times.

Each detailed description of the everyday things that were present during this time builds up a larger and more colorful picture.

Through this, Białoszewski manages to freeze and give longevity to a place that the Nazis almost wiped off the face of the Earth.

If you’re looking to emotionally connect with a period of Polish history through writing, this is a great place to start. Read A Memoir of the Warsaw Uprising : Amazon | Goodreads

Lala by Jacek Dehnel book cover with title in white with green vines and steams with blue flower

Lala by Jacek Dehnel, translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones

When she senses the first signs of dementia, the now elderly Lala decides to tell her grandson stories about her life in an attempt to make sure the memories stay alive.

As her grandson is about to find out, Lala has led quite a life.

Beginning in 19th century Kiev and finishing in modern-day Poland, Lala’s tales take her and her grandson on a storytelling adventure, filled with acts of love, bravery, and courage against the odds. 

Told in a realistically meandering style, the writing can seem quite cerebral, much like a stream-of-consciousness account should be if told engagingly.

Lala herself comes across as lively, spirited, and overall, very endearing, often using humor where the circumstances become particularly unpleasant. Read Lala : Amazon | Goodreads

Mrs. Mohr Goes Missing by Maryla Szymiczkowa book cover with city in silhouette of person

Mrs. Mohr Goes Missing by Maryla Szymiczkowa, translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones

What starts off as a harmless way to pass the time quickly evolves into a murder mystery in author Maryla Szymiczkowa’s Agatha Christie-esque crime investigation novel.

In order to stave off boredom and score some points in the local community, Zofia Turbotynska decides to hold a charity raffle.

Thinking that older aristocratic ladies might be generous enough to help her out, she heads to Helcel House retirement home.

Zofia promptly winds up embroiled in the investigation into the deaths of two of the residents.

Or rather, she would get caught up in it, but the local magistrate refuses to take Zofia’s insistence on foul play seriously.

So instead, she begins her own investigation, and before long, Zofia is hot on the trail that will lead to those responsible.

Combining a 19th-century period setting with social commentary and a healthy amount of murders to solve, Mrs. Mohr Goes Missing is one of the best books on Poland for historical crime readers.

If you love fun and resourceful female protagonists in historical fiction books , this should be one of the first books about Poland you pick up. Read Mrs. Mohr Goes Missing : Amazon | Goodreads

Entanglement by Zygmunt Miloszewski book cover with one man interrogating another in room under lamp

Entanglement by Zygmunt Miloszewski, translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones

Henry Talek is dead – with a roasting spit sticking out of his eye – following a group therapy session that was being held in a Warsaw monastery.

Arriving to investigate is world-weary public prosecutor Teodor Szacki, a man with marital ennui and a distinct lack of patience for bureaucracy.

But he may just find he’s got something to get his teeth into with this case, especially when he realizes he needs to deal with both the enticing charms of young journalist Monika Grzelka and the sudden and unexplained interest from the secret police.

Entanglement is the first in a series featuring prosecutor Teodor Szacki, and it’s also one of the best books about Poland for fans of thrillers and noir fiction. Read Entanglement : Amazon | Goodreads

More of the best books on Poland from Christine

Salt to the Sea Ruta Sepetys Book Review

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Meet four teens – Emilia, Joana, Alfred, and Florian – in 1945 during the war.   

With the Soviet army advancing, refugees Emilia, Joana, and Florian must find safe passage to Germany. Alfred, on the other hand, is a Nazi and part of Hitler’s Youth.

The teens and their newfound companions struggle to arrive alive at and board the Wilhelm Gustloff . The ship promises to take over 10,000 passengers to safety across the Baltic Sea. 

Unfortunately, Soviet torpedoes strike the Wilhelm Gustloff, and over 9,000 innocent (and mostly) women and children perish.

Sepetys is infamous for shedding light on tragedies that have previously been left in the dark as well as stories about history and war impacting youth.

YA fictional books about Polish history ( and the Baltics ) don’t get any more enlightening and accessible than this.

Explore even more books about ships and boats . Read Salt to the Sea : Amazon | Goodreads | Review | Discussion Guide

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly book cover with three women walking with arms interlinked

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

Caroline Ferriday, a New York socialite, is working for the French consulate when the Nazis invade Poland in 1939. France is inevitably next.

Across the ocean, Kasia is a Polish youth working as a courier for the underground resistance, and Herta is a German doctor, trapped in a male-dominated professional controlled by Nazis.

When Kasia is sent to Ravensbrück, a Nazi concentration camp for women, the three women’s lives collide with their stories spanning the globe.

If you enjoy longer fictional WW2 books about Poland, find an unsettling and captivating book about sisterhood during wartime. Discover even more books with colors in the title .

Read Lilac Girls : Amazon | Goodreads

Night by Elie Wiesel book cover with gray images and red barbed wire fence on beige section with title

Night by Elie Wiesel, translated by Marion Wiesel

One of the most widely read WW2 books for high schoolers,  Night  by Elie Wiesel is the autobiographical account of Wiesel’s survival in the horrific Nazi concentration camps.

Growing up in what is today Romania, in 1944, the Nazis capture Wiesel and his family; at the time, he is only 15 years old.

The Nazis take them to Auschwitz and then Buchenwald. Less than half of Wiesel’s family will survive the Holocaust.

Night is the first book in the Night Trilogy and one of the most heartbreaking and chilling books about Poland and the concentration camps during the war.

In this newer translation from Wiesel’s wife, explore themes of survivors’ guilt while receiving a stark reminder that we cannot let these atrocities happen again.

Read Night : Amazon | Goodreads

The Warrior Maiden Melanie Dickerson

The Warrior Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

For YA books on Poland and fans of classic retellings, The Warrior Maiden promises a feminist and reimagined Mulan story .

With Christian undertones – characteristic of Dickerson’s novels – this is the 7th book in a series of standalone “fairy-tale” retellings.

Mulan has lost her father. Now, she must either marry the rather obnoxious butcher or take on the role of forgotten son to save her Lithuanian home.

As Mulan heads off to war, she must not only go undetected as a woman but also save Poland from the Teutonic Knights.

Find themes of gender and class along with love and loyalty. Books set in Poland combining both history and romance don’t get any more captivating than this, especially for teens.

Read The Warrior Maiden : Amazon | Goodreads | Review

More Great Books On Poland

Tears Of Amber by Sofia Segovia book cover

Save These Books About Poland For Later:

Best books on Poland Pinterest Pin with picture of Krakow Poland from above with city and church at night and books for Death in Breslau, Mrs Mohr Goes Missing, Swallowing Mercury, Entanglement, Drive your plow over the bones of the dead, the kind of Warsaw, maus, and lala

Thank you to TUL contributor, Dagney McKinney

Writer Dagney McKinney white female with light brown hair wearing a purple shirt and smiling

Dagney (pronouns: any) is a neurodivergent writer who loves all things macabre and weird. She likes outrageously spicy food, long walks through graveyards, and historical tangents. You’ll most likely find her wandering around somewhere quiet or underground, buying salt, or whispering to camels.

Which books about Polish history, culture, and travel do you recommend?

Which books about Poland have you read and enjoyed? Are there any more books that we should add to our TBR pile? Please let us know in the comments.

Where to head next:

Books Across Europe Norway Books Sweden Books

Writer Dagney McKinney white female with light brown hair wearing a purple shirt and smiling

Dagney McKinney

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Colorful renaissance facades on the central market square in Poznan, Poland

Getty Images/iStockphoto

poland travel books

Check out this year's Best in Travel winners

Picturesque cities such as Kraków and Gdańsk vie with energetic Warsaw for your urban attention. Elsewhere, woods, rivers, lakes and hills beckon for some fresh-air fun.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Medieval Malbork Castle, Marienburg Fortress of Mary, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pomerania, Poland, Europe

Malbork Castle

Gdańsk & Pomerania

Malbork’s blockbuster attraction is its show-stoppingly massive castle sitting on the banks of the sluggish Nogat River, an eastern arm of the Vistula…

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Some 14km southeast of Kraków, the Wieliczka (vyeh-leech-kah) salt mine has been welcoming tourists since 1722 and today is one of Poland's most popular…

poland travel books

Museum of WWII

Opened in 2016, this striking piece of modern architecture is a bold addition to the northern end of Gdańsk's waterfront. It has rapidly become one of…

The Wawel Royal Cathedral (Polish: Katedra Wawelska, na Wawelu) by night in Krakow, Poland, city landmark dating back to the 11th century.

Wawel Royal Castle

As the political and cultural heart of Poland through the 16th century, Wawel Royal Castle is a potent symbol of national identity. It's now a museum…

Gates to Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp, Poland; Shutterstock ID 135123005; Your name (First / Last): Gemma Graham; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: BiT Destination Page Images

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial & Museum

Auschwitz-Birkenau is synonymous with the Holocaust. More than a million Jews, and many Poles and Roma, were murdered here by German Nazis during WWII…

Wilanow Palace, summer residence of King John III Sobieski (17th century), Wilanow, Warsaw, Poland

Wilanów Palace

Warsaw’s top palace, 10km south of the city centre, was commissioned by King Jan III Sobieski in 1677. It has changed hands several times over the…

Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw

Palace of Culture & Science

For over 60 years this socialist realist palace has dominated central Warsaw. A ‘gift of friendship’ from the Soviet Union, it was completed in 1955 and…

Castle Square in Warsaw

Royal Castle

This remarkable copy of the original castle blown up by the Germans in WWII is filled with authentic period furniture and original works of art…

Latest stories from Poland

Filter by interest:

  • All Interests
  • Adventure Travel
  • Art & Culture
  • Beaches, Coasts & Islands
  • Food & Drink

poland travel books

Destination Practicalities

Sep 29, 2023 • 7 min read

Poland is a big country packed with incredible landscapes and beautiful cities – where to begin? With our first-timer's guide to Poland, of course!

poland travel books

Jan 30, 2022 • 5 min read

Two girls ice skate on a skating rink in the Old Town Square in Warsaw on Christmas eve.

Feb 17, 2021 • 2 min read

A diver is seen in the deepest pool in the world with 45.5-metre (150-foot) located in Mszczonow about 50 km from Warsaw, November 21, 2020. - The complex, named Deepspot, even includes a small wreck for scuba and free divers to explore. It has 8,000 cubic metres of water -- more than 20 times the amount in an ordinary 25-metre pool. (Photo by Wojtek RADWANSKI / AFP) (Photo by WOJTEK RADWANSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Dec 7, 2020 • 2 min read

Mike and Anne have decided to wait out the pandemic in a campervan in Poland

Apr 30, 2020 • 6 min read

poland travel books

Jan 15, 2020 • 5 min read

poland travel books

Jan 7, 2020 • 2 min read

poland travel books

Nov 25, 2019 • 4 min read

poland travel books

Nov 21, 2019 • 6 min read

poland travel books

Oct 31, 2019 • 7 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Poland

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Poland with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Poland and beyond

Old town in Warsaw, capitol of Poland.

poland travel books

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

  • Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
  • Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
  • Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
  • A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
  • Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
  • Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Buy new: $9.99

Return this item for free.

Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges

  • Go to your orders and start the return
  • Select the return method

Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Image Unavailable

Poland Travel Guide 2024: The Ultimate Travel Book To Exploring The Best Of Poland

  • To view this video download Flash Player

poland travel books

Poland Travel Guide 2024: The Ultimate Travel Book To Exploring The Best Of Poland Paperback – July 9, 2023

Purchase options and add-ons.

  • Print length 137 pages
  • Language English
  • Publication date July 9, 2023
  • Dimensions 6 x 0.31 x 9 inches
  • ISBN-13 979-8851617973
  • See all details

Amazon First Reads | Editors' picks at exclusive prices

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C9SF6FHG
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (July 9, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 137 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8851617973
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.9 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.31 x 9 inches
  • #249 in General Poland Travel Guides
  • #3,974 in General Europe Travel Guides
  • #8,674 in Tourist Destinations & Museums Guides

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

No customer reviews

  • Amazon Newsletter
  • About Amazon
  • Accessibility
  • Sustainability
  • Press Center
  • Investor Relations
  • Amazon Devices
  • Amazon Science
  • Sell on Amazon
  • Sell apps on Amazon
  • Supply to Amazon
  • Protect & Build Your Brand
  • Become an Affiliate
  • Become a Delivery Driver
  • Start a Package Delivery Business
  • Advertise Your Products
  • Self-Publish with Us
  • Become an Amazon Hub Partner
  • › See More Ways to Make Money
  • Amazon Visa
  • Amazon Store Card
  • Amazon Secured Card
  • Amazon Business Card
  • Shop with Points
  • Credit Card Marketplace
  • Reload Your Balance
  • Amazon Currency Converter
  • Your Account
  • Your Orders
  • Shipping Rates & Policies
  • Amazon Prime
  • Returns & Replacements
  • Manage Your Content and Devices
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • Conditions of Use
  • Privacy Notice
  • Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
  • Your Ads Privacy Choices

IMAGES

  1. 13 Best Poland Travel Guide Books 2024

    poland travel books

  2. Poland Book by Andrzej Zieleniewicz Edward J Piszek Center for

    poland travel books

  3. Poland (English) Hardcover Book Free Shipping! 9781645273509

    poland travel books

  4. Poland :HarperCollins Australia

    poland travel books

  5. Vintage Books From Poland Polish Earthtone Book Set 4 Old Books Written

    poland travel books

  6. Poland (Eyewitness Travel Guides) book by Teresa Czerniewicz-Umer

    poland travel books

VIDEO

  1. Unreal places in Poland || Najpiękniejsze miejsca w Polsce

  2. Top 10 Places To Visit In Poland

  3. Best Travel Tips For Poland 🇵🇱 🏞 #poland #travel #polska

  4. Wyjazd na Islandię, spełnianie marzeń, audiobooki i dobre książki ❤️📚 READING VLOG

  5. Poland's Most Beautiful City 🇵🇱

  6. Poland’s Hidden Gems: A Unique 11-Day Travel Experience!

COMMENTS

  1. 13 Best Poland Travel Guide Books 2024

    5. Fodor's Krakow 25 Best is perfect for travelers looking for travel tips for Poland to visit only Krakow and the surrounding area. The book breaks into several areas, including Krakow, Kazimierz ( one of the most beautiful towns in Poland ), and Wawel Hill. Many of the areas show you sights, entertainment, and shops.

  2. Amazon Best Sellers: Best Poland Travel Guides

    Best Sellers in Poland Travel Guides. #1. Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer's Guide (Atlas Obscura) Cecily Wong. 1,631. Hardcover. 109 offers from $3.99. #2. Poland Map (National Geographic Adventure Map, 3330)

  3. Poland Travel Guide by Rick Steves

    Visitors who imagine Poland as a backward, impoverished land of rusting factories, smoggy cities, and gloomy natives are left speechless when they step into Kraków's vibrant main square, Gdańsk's colorful Royal Way, or Warsaw's lively Old Town. While parts of the country do still feel like a time warp, today's Poland also has a vibrant urbanity, enticing food and design culture, dynamic ...

  4. Amazon Best Sellers: Best General Poland Travel Guides

    14 offers from $10.59. #6. Polish'd: Modern Vegetarian Cooking from Global Poland. Michal Korkosz. 25. Hardcover. 56 offers from $17.74. #7. Krakow Bucket List Travel Guide: History and Adventure to Krakow: Your Ultimate Trip-Planning Companion.

  5. Lonely Planet Poland (Country Guide)

    Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher. Lonely Planet Poland is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Experience Krakow's scintillating nightlife, admire the elegance of Warsaw's 'Palace on the Water' or explore the amber stalls along the crooked medieval lanes of Gdansk -all with your trusted ...

  6. Poland Guidebook

    Snapshot: Kraków, Warsaw & Gdańsk. Share. $16.99. Just what you need for the best of Poland. Rick's picks for sights, eating, sleeping. Great self-guided walks and tours. Tips for connecting each stop by train and bus or car. Easy-to-read maps. Shipping & Returns.

  7. 20 Best Poland Travel Guide Books of All Time

    The 20 best poland travel guide books recommended by The Philadelphia Inquirer, such as DK Eyewitness Krakow and Lonely Planet Poland.

  8. Best Sellers in Poland Travel Guides

    Poland Travel Guide 2023: Exploring the Country's Colorful History, Diverse Culture and Enchanting Landscapes. Melissa Harris. ... Picture Book of Poland: Experience the Rich History and Culture of the Polish Country with High Quality Photos. Anne Thomson. 5.0 out of 5 stars ...

  9. Poland Travel Guide 2020

    Trip duration: 1 - 7 days. For travelers on a short trip that want to make the most of their time, these handy-sized guides cover a city's best local experiences. Special features cover most popular sights. Content organized by neighborhhod. Recommended 1, 2, 3 and 4-day itineraries. Guided walking tours. Detailed maps throughout - includes ...

  10. 7 Best Travel Books About Poland

    For readers looking for a Poland travel book that will help them ensure they make the most of their visit to the country's capital city, Insight Guides has you covered with their Explore Warsaw edition. Practical, pocket-sized, and packed with helpful insider information, Explore Warsaw features 12 of the best ready-made walking routes around ...

  11. Poland Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    Poland Travel Guide. Last Updated: April 18, 2024. 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 ...

  12. Best Books to Read Before Traveling to Poland

    Primeval and Other Times. Antonia Lloyd-Jones, Olga Tokarczuk. CATEGORIES: Classic/Culturally Significant. The book that launched the Nobel Prize winner to international fame follows the inhabitants of the fictional Polish town of Primeval ( Prawiek in Polish) over a period of eight decades, beginning after the end of World War I.

  13. Lonely Planet Poland 9 (Travel Guide)

    The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Poland is our most comprehensive guide to Poland, and is perfect for discovering both popular and off-the-beaten-path experiences. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for ...

  14. DK Eyewitness Poland

    Published by DK Eyewitness Travel. RRP: $24.99. Buy from Amazon. Buy from Barnes & Noble. Buy from Bookshop.org. Buy from Books-A-Million. Buy from IndieBound. ISBN: 9780241473993 Size: 215 x 127 mm Pages: 336 Published: 27 Jun 2023.

  15. First-timer's guide to Poland

    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 ...

  16. Travel Poland Books

    Travel Poland Books Showing 1-17 of 18 Swimming in the Dark (Hardcover) by. Tomasz Jedrowski (Goodreads Author) (shelved 1 time as travel-poland) avg rating 4.26 — 41,668 ratings — published 2020 Want to Read saving… Want to Read; Currently Reading ...

  17. Poland Travel Guide

    Get information on Poland Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, sightseeing, and activities. Read the Fodor's reviews, or post your own.

  18. Amazon.com: Poland

    Stunning Colorful Poland Images Coffee Table Book: 40 AI-Generated Designs for Relaxation and Meditation and for Travel Lovers. $899. KRAKOW TRAVEL GUIDE 2024: Poland's Jewel: Exploring the Heart of Eastern Europe. $1599. Pocket Rough Guide Walks & Tours Warsaw: Travel Guide with Free eBook. $1299.

  19. 16 Gripping Books About Poland

    A Memoir of the Warsaw Uprising by Miron Białoszewski, translated by Madeline G. Levine. Beginning on August 1st, 1944, the people of Poland attempted to rise up and overthrow their Nazi overlords. This doomed movement resulted in the near-complete destruction of Warsaw and the slaughter of 200,000 civilians.

  20. Poland travel

    Poland. Europe. Check out this year's Best in Travel winners. Picturesque cities such as Kraków and Gdańsk vie with energetic Warsaw for your urban attention. Elsewhere, woods, rivers, lakes and hills beckon for some fresh-air fun. 01 / Attractions.

  21. DK Eyewitness Poland (Travel Guide)

    DK Eyewitness Poland (Travel Guide) Paperback - May 21, 2019. DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Poland will lead you straight to the best attractions this breathtaking country has to offer. Whether exploring the liveliness of its big cities or taking in the natural beauty of its idyllic lakes, beaches, and mountains, you will experience the culture ...

  22. Travellers' Tales: 6 Books about Poland from the Perspective of

    The result is the best contemporary travel book on Poland…. Moran's text takes its title from the words of Irish statesman Edmund Burke. Upon the final partition of Poland in 1795, Burke commented that, 'with respect to us, Poland might be, in fact, considered as a country in the moon.' Moran's text brings readers to that 'country in the ...

  23. Poland Travel Guide 2024: The Ultimate Travel Book To Exploring The

    Poland is the only place to look! With our thorough and enticing "Poland Travel Guide," set out on an extraordinary tour through this fascinating country. This book is your key to discovering Poland's unique history, whether you're an experienced traveler or a curious novice.