Whether or not you’re fascinated about historical past, tradition, meals, or out of doors actions, there’s no scarcity of wonderful locations to go to in Poland. Quickly rising in reputation with vacationers, Poland is a European vacation spot that has one thing for everybody.
As one of many high ten largest international locations in Europe, Poland presents an array of various locations. You possibly can ski within the Tatra Mountains resort city of Zakopane, discover traditionally vital cities like Warsaw and Krakow, and uncover lovely Baltic Sea locations like Gdansk.
For anybody fascinated about historical past, Poland is a must-visit vacation spot. From medieval occasions by means of World Struggle II and past, Poland has been traditionally vital, and there are many museums and historic websites scattered throughout the very best locations to go to in Poland.
Poland can be an ideal vacation spot for vacationers fascinated about meals and tradition. You possibly can’t miss attempting conventional Polish meals like pierogi, that are scrumptious savory dumplings, or a zapiekanka, a kind of open-faced sandwich that’s a preferred late-night snack.
With so many causes to go to this underrated nation, let’s check out the highest 10 locations to go to in Poland.
10 Greatest Locations To Go to in Poland
1. Warsaw
Warsaw is Poland’s capital and largest metropolis, making it a vacation spot you’ll be able to’t miss. Though greater than 85% of Warsaw’s historic middle was destroyed throughout World Struggle II, it has been meticulously reconstructed in lovely element.
This restoration is a testomony to Warsaw’s resilience. As we speak, the town is a mix of outdated and new. Outdoors the reconstructed Previous City, Warsaw is a contemporary, bustling metropolis.
Prime Sights in Warsaw
Visiting the Previous City is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Warsaw. The whole space is a UNESCO World Heritage Website, crammed with colourful reconstructed buildings, market squares, and cobblestone streets.
Within the Previous City, you’ll be able to go to the Royal Citadel, which was the residence of Polish monarchs however now homes a museum with a formidable artwork assortment.
One other of the highest sights in Warsaw is the Warsaw Rebellion Museum. This museum is devoted to the Warsaw Rebellion of 1944, which noticed courageous Warsaw residents battle again in opposition to the Nazis. It’s a transferring museum and a must-visit for anybody fascinated about World Struggle II historical past.
POLIN Museum of The Historical past of Polish Jews is one other museum within the capital of Poland that’s price a go to if you wish to study extra about Polish Jews and what occurred to them throughout World Struggle II.
Though it’s just a little outdoors the town middle, Wilanow Palace is one other excellent place to go to in Warsaw. This historic palace was constructed within the Baroque model and has an exquisite inside and gardens. Throughout the winter, the gardens of Wilanow Palace are remodeled right into a magical Christmas wonderland.
Final however not least, Warsaw’s cityscape is magnificent and that is why trying out a few of the greatest views in Warsaw is yet one more factor to not miss throughout your journey to the Polish capital.
2. Krakow
As Poland’s second metropolis, Krakow is one other vacation spot you shouldn’t miss. In contrast to many different cities in Poland, Krakow escaped heavy bombing throughout World Struggle II and was left nearly solely intact.
Because of this the medieval buildings and squares of the town are nearly all unique and haven’t been reconstructed as they have been in Warsaw.
Krakow is an exquisite metropolis that is stuffed with historical past and artwork. The middle of the town is Rynek Glowny, a big historic sq. the place you’ll discover the spectacular St. Mary’s Basilica.
Krakow can be house to Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter, which is without doubt one of the best-preserved Jewish areas in Europe after World Struggle II.
Prime Sights in Krakow
Wawel Citadel is one in all Krakow’s high sights. This historic fortified royal citadel is a logo of the town, and it’s the place the rulers of Poland ruled for greater than 500 years till the tip of the sixteenth century.
In keeping with legend, a dragon lived beneath the hill the place the citadel was constructed. You possibly can really see a statue of this dragon – that breathes actual hearth – behind the citadel.
Whereas in Krakow, be sure you spend a while in Kazimierz. As we speak, the Jewish Quarter is crammed with stylish eating places, classic outlets, artwork galleries, and quirky boutiques. Nonetheless, earlier than World Struggle II, it was house to just about 65,000 Krakow Jews.
Solely 10% of Jews in Krakow survived the conflict, however the Jewish Quarter was left largely intact, together with a number of synagogues and Jewish cemeteries.
Throughout the Nazi occupation, Krakow Jews have been compelled right into a ghetto throughout the river earlier than finally being deported to focus camps. You possibly can go to Ghetto Heroes Sq., in addition to Oskar Schindler’s manufacturing unit, the place a German industrialist managed to save lots of greater than 1,200 Jews throughout the conflict.
With regards to day journeys from Krakow, there are a variety of locations you’ll be able to go to simply. Probably the most common day journeys is the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which is positioned about half an hour outdoors the town. Extremely, this underground salt mine operated for over 1,000 years.
Though it’s a really somber expertise, it’s additionally attainable to go to the Auschwitz-Birkenau focus camp, which is simply over an hour outdoors of Krakow.
Your JayWay journey planner can add excursions of Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz-Birkenau, and different websites close to Krakow to your custom-made Poland itinerary.
3. Wroclaw
Wroclaw is a picturesque metropolis that’s among the many most lovely locations in Poland. A part of what makes Wroclaw so distinctive is its many bridges. There are greater than 100 bridges spanning the river and canals that run by means of the town.
One other factor that units Wroclaw aside? Gnomes. There are greater than 600 small gnome statues hidden all through the town. This enjoyable custom began in 2005, and the variety of gnomes in Wroclaw has grown ever since.
A well-liked pastime for vacationers is looking gnomes all through the town – maps can be found to indicate you their areas.
Prime Sights in Wroclaw
One of many high sights in Wroclaw is Cathedral Island. Though this a part of the town is now not an island, it as soon as was way back. Cathedral Island is the oldest a part of the town, relationship again to the tenth century. It’s a picturesque a part of the town, positioned alongside the Oder River and crammed with historic church buildings.
Among the best church buildings to go to is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which has an incredible view of the town from one in all its bell towers. Whereas on Cathedral Island, it’s additionally price visiting the Botanical Backyard of the College of Wroclaw.
One other space you’ll be able to’t miss in Wroclaw is the Previous City. Wroclaw’s Market Sq. is without doubt one of the largest in Europe. You possibly can simply spend a number of hours wandering across the Previous City, which is crammed with outlets and eating places.
Throughout December, Wroclaw’s Previous City is remodeled into some of the festive Christmas markets in Europe.
4. Zakopane
In case you’re fascinated about out of doors actions, Zakopane is a vacation spot you’ll positively wish to go to. Positioned in Southern Poland within the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is the nation’s high mountain resort city, good for out of doors and nature lovers.
Zakopane is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Poland at any time of yr. Throughout the summer time months, it’s a preferred place for climbing and mountaineering, in addition to different out of doors actions, like swimming and biking.
Within the winter months, Zakopane is the highest snowboarding vacation spot in Poland. You can too attempt different winter actions like snowboarding, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides.
Though it’s attainable to go to Zakopane on a day journey from Krakow, which is about an hour and a half away, we advocate spending at the least one or two nights there to immerse yourselves in Zakopane’s pure magnificence.
Prime Sights in Zakopane
With regards to pure magnificence, there’s no scarcity of it in Zakopane. Morskie Oko Lake is without doubt one of the hottest pure sights in Zakopane. This clear blue-green lake surrounded by mountains is a well-liked climbing vacation spot, and it’s reachable through a 5-mile paved path.
One other attraction is the Kasprowy Wierch cable automobile. This cable automobile takes you to the height of Kasprowy Wierch in Tatra Nationwide Park. As you climb greater than 6,500 toes, you’ll be capable of soak up views of the encompassing mountains.
In case you’re not into out of doors actions as a lot, you would possibly want visiting one in all Zakopane’s enjoyable thermal baths as a substitute. With a number of choices to select from, you’ll be able to chill out within the heat waters of the thermal baths and swimming pools and revel in spa therapies, comparable to massages and physique wraps.
5. Gdansk
Positioned in Northern Poland on the Baltic Coast, Gdansk is a key seaport with a wealthy maritime historical past and delightful structure. This metropolis was as soon as part of the affluent Hanseatic League, and its service provider wealth is clear in its beautiful historic structure.
Gdansk has performed a major position in current historical past, too. It’s the place World Struggle II began, because it was the primary metropolis Nazi Germany invaded in 1939, resulting in a six-year battle not like every other. Later, within the Eighties, it was the guts of the Polish Solidarity motion, designed to advance the reason for staff’ rights.
Prime Sights in Gdansk
Gdansk is a sexy metropolis and it is best to positively spend a while exploring the Previous City, with highlights together with St. Mary’s Church and the Lengthy Market Sq., or Dlugi Targ.
Very like Warsaw, the Previous City of Gdansk was nearly destroyed throughout World Struggle II, so what you’re seeing is definitely a painstaking historic reconstruction.
In case you’re fascinated about World Struggle II historical past, the expansive Museum of the Second World Struggle in Gdansk can be price visiting. The museum incorporates many displays concerning the conflict and its impacts.
Among the best day journeys from Gdansk is Malbork Citadel. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1997, this historic Teutonic Order citadel dates again to the thirteenth century.
It holds the excellence of being the most important citadel on this planet, and it’s simple to think about how this imposing fortified citadel saved the Teutonic Knights’ enemies at bay for hundreds of years.
In case you’re touring to Gdansk with JayWay, you’ll be able to select whether or not you’d like to go to Malbork Citadel on a bunch go to or a personal tour.
6. Poznan
Poznan is a college metropolis in Western Poland recognized for its historic significance and vibrant pupil tradition.
Poznan’s wealthy historical past stretches all the best way again to the ninth century, and the town was house to the primary Polish kings. There are a number of universities in Poznan, and the massive pupil inhabitants lends a vigorous ambiance to the town.
Apparently, one other factor that the town of Poznan is greatest recognized for is its croissants. The St. Martin’s croissant originated in Poznan and you may’t go to the town with out attempting one. These scrumptious pastries encompass icing and nuts on the surface and a white poppy seed filling on the within.
Prime Sights in Poznan
In Poznan, you’ll be able to’t miss wandering across the colourful Previous City, particularly the Previous Market Sq., the historic coronary heart of the town.
On daily basis at midday, two combating mechanical goats emerge from the clock outdoors the City Corridor in Previous Market Sq.. This amusing spectacle at all times attracts vacationers. In case you’re questioning concerning the significance of the 2 goats, they’re the image of the town.
Poznan can be house to many lovely church buildings, together with the placing Poznan Cathedral and the pink Basilica of Our Girl of Perpetual Assist.
A singular attraction just a little outdoors the historic middle is the Poznan Palm Home. One of many largest greenhouses in Europe, this indoor botanical backyard options ten pavilions with greater than 1,100 plant species.
After all, you need to attempt a croissant whilst you’re in Poznan, and you may even go to the Poznan Croissant Museum to study extra concerning the historical past of the well-known St. Martin’s croissant.
7. Lublin
One other of the very best locations to go to in Poland is Lublin. This metropolis has a captivating Previous City and a historical past of multiculturalism. Positioned within the japanese a part of the nation, Lublin has traditionally been an important metropolis in Japanese Poland and a gateway to Japanese Europe.
All through historical past, Lublin has been a melting pot attracting varied nationalities and cultures, together with Jews, Russians, Armenians, Turks, and extra.
Prime Sights in Lublin
A fantastic place to begin is Lublin’s Previous City, which options colourful historic buildings and cobblestone streets. Round 70% of the buildings in Lublin’s Previous City are unique, which isn’t the case with many cities in Poland that have been destroyed throughout World Struggle II.
One of many high sights within the metropolis is Lublin Citadel, which dates again to the twelfth century. This traditionally vital citadel homes a captivating museum as we speak.
One other museum price a go to is the Lublin Village Open Air Museum, which is simply outdoors the town middle and presents a glimpse into what life would have been like in close by villages all through the centuries.
The ultra-modern Centre for The Assembly of Cultures in Lublin can be an fascinating spot to go to. There’s at all times one thing taking place at this cultural middle, which options exhibition areas, a theatre, a brewery, and a café.
8. Torun
Torun is a medieval metropolis alongside the Vistula River that’s well-known for its Gothic structure, incomes it a spot on the listing of UNESCO World Heritage Websites. Based by the Teutonic Knights within the thirteenth century, Torun has traditionally been an essential metropolis for commerce and commerce.
Town can be recognized for being the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, the Polish astronomer who first acknowledged that the Earth and different planets revolve across the Solar – and never the opposite manner round – throughout the early sixteenth century.
One other factor that Torun is thought for? Gingerbread. Torun has been producing scrumptious gingerbread cookies, often called pierniczki, for hundreds of years.
You possibly can’t go to Torun with out attempting one, particularly should you’re visiting round Christmas. Nonetheless, you’ll discover outlets in Torun promoting gingerbread year-round, not simply throughout the vacation season.
Prime Sights in Torun
Like nearly all cities in Poland, Torun has an exquisite Previous City. Nonetheless, not like many cities, Torun was spared from bombing and destruction throughout World Struggle II, which means the entire buildings are intact and unique. It’s price wandering by means of the Previous City to admire the spectacular Gothic structure.
One of many high sights within the Previous City is the Copernicus Home, which is believed to be the birthplace of the well-known astronomer and homes a museum devoted to his life and discoveries.
In case you’re fascinated about a tastier type of museum, you would possibly wish to go to the Muzeum Piernika or Gingerbread Museum. This enjoyable museum is all concerning the historical past of gingerbread in Torun and consists of hands-on baking actions.
9. Bialowieza
Positioned within the far japanese reaches of Poland on the border with Belarus, Bialowieza is a pure paradise. It’s the right vacation spot if you wish to escape the most important cities and return to nature. Bialowieza is house to the final primeval forest in Europe and the enduring European bison.
Due to its distinctive untouched ecosystem, Bialowieza has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Website and a Biosphere Reserve. It’s the best place to go in Poland if you wish to immerse yourselves within the tranquility of nature and discover a primeval forest.
Prime Sights in Bialowieza
Bialowieza Nationwide Park is the primary spotlight of this area. You possibly can discover the nationwide park on walks by means of the forest, the place you’ll have an opportunity to identify European bison and different wildlife together with elk, wild boar, foxes, and uncommon birds.
Since many of the nationwide park is very protected, you received’t be capable of discover freely by yourself. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to be part of a small group tour with an official information on the nationwide park, which we at JayWay Journey can prepare for you.
If you wish to assure seeing bison and different wildlife up shut, you’ll want to go to the European Bison Present Reserve contained in the nationwide park.
10. Kazimierz Dolny
Kazimierz Dolny is among the many greatest locations to go to in Poland should you’re looking for small-town attraction. Positioned alongside the Vistula River, lower than an hour from the town of Lublin, Kazimierz Dolny is thought for its picturesque magnificence and inventive neighborhood.
Though it’s a preferred weekend getaway for Poles, Kazimierz Dolny stays lesser recognized amongst overseas vacationers, making it an exquisite hidden gem. Kazimierz Dolny was traditionally a rich service provider city, which is mirrored in its lovely Renaissance structure.Â
We advocate visiting Kazimierz Dolny on a day journey from Warsaw. Nonetheless, when you’ve got further time, it is best to ideally prolong to an in a single day journey to take pleasure in this attractive vacation spot to the fullest.
Prime Sights in Kazimierz Dolny
As we speak, Kazimierz Dolny is called a haven for artists, and also you’ll discover many artwork galleries, craft outlets, and open-air exhibitions on the town. It’s the right place to walk round and admire work from native artists, or choose up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Being such a small city, Kazimierz Dolny doesn’t have many issues to do or notable vacationer sights. It’s extra about slowing down and having fun with the ambiance of this charming small city. Along with artwork, there are many purchasing and eating choices round city.
You can too go for scenic walks and hikes within the countryside surrounding Kazimierz Dolny. Not too removed from city is Korzeniowy Dol Gorge, a preferred climbing vacation spot the place you’ll be able to stroll by means of a novel gorge lined with twisting tree trunks and shaded by overhead bushes.
Discover The Most Implausible Locations To Go to in Poland With JayWay
Whether or not you’ve been to Poland earlier than or not, our knowledgeable journey planners are positive to craft the right itinerary, tailor-made to your wants and wishes.
For first-timers, a grand tour of Poland stops on the nation’s most sought-after locations. Historical past buffs will welcome this WW II-themed Poland itinerary, whereas nature lovers would possibly wish to select a visit by means of Poland’s pure wonders.
Irrespective of your preferences, relaxation assured that your Poland trip shall be sprinkled with a few of the greatest actions and high locations to go to in Poland.
Born and raised in Athens, Maria’s enthusiastic about journey and storytelling, a mix that makes her perfect for her position as our content material supervisor.