Things to do in Poland: Travel guide for traveling to Poland

Introduction to Poland: first impressions, weather, and how to get around

When we think about Things to do in Poland, we can’t help but smile. We spent over a month traveling around this incredible country, living among its medieval cities, endless forests, and small towns that look like they were taken from a storybook. We arrived without too many expectations and found vibrant destinations, moving history, and a gastronomy that embraced us from the very first day. We loved it! Just like the pierogi!🤤.

Poland is perfect for short or long trips as it combines good prices, excellent infrastructure, and very varied nature. Culturally, there is a youthful energy, especially in cities like Wrocław and Warsaw, where urban art, alternative bars, and community spaces are growing to the fullest.

Stories, photos, videos, places, tips, and advice for traveling to Poland.

Best time to travel to Poland

• Spring (April-June): mild weather, flowers, and less tourism.

• Summer (July-August): heat, festivals, long days, and Baltic beaches.

• Autumn (September-October): spectacular colors, ideal for forests and trekking.

• Winter (November-February): intense cold, magical Christmas, and snow in the Tatra mountains.

We traveled at the end of the summer, and it was the perfect combination: good temperatures, long days, and golden colors in the mountains at sunset.

How to get around Poland

• Trains: the best way to cover long distances. Punctual and economical.

• Buses: Flixbus or Polonus work very well for intercity travel.

• Car: ideal if you want to explore castles or less accessible national parks.

• Useful apps: Jakdojade (urban transport), eBilet (tickets), Bolt (cheap taxis).

We stayed in (Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Poznan, Gdynia). We traveled by train and bus perfectly; recommended.

Estimated budget

On average, we spent between 35 and 45 USD per day per person traveling slowly, cooking often, and combining budget accommodations with apartments. Eating out is accessible and attractions usually have reasonable prices.

Warsaw: resilient history and vibrant modernity

Warsaw is a surprising city. Many people arrive thinking it is “less beautiful” than Krakow, but for us, it was a revelation. It is modern, cultural, diverse, and with a history that challenges you at every step; we liked it a lot.

Stare Miasto and the Royal Castle

After being almost completely destroyed in World War II, the Old Town was rebuilt with incredible precision. Walking its streets is understanding Polish resilience. The Market Square, the Royal Castle, and the pastel colors of the houses create a magical postcard, especially at sunset.

Warsaw Uprising Museum

Must-see to understand the war from a local perspective. It is interactive, intense, and very well curated. We left feeling both moved and reflective.

Parks and bohemian neighborhoods

• Łazienki Park: one of the most beautiful in the country. Deer, peacocks, lakes, and the Palace on the Isle.
• Praga: artistic and bohemian neighborhood, ideal for seeing murals, alternative bars, and vintage markets.
• Polin Museum: to understand the history of the Jewish community in Poland.

Warsaw has a different energy. It doesn’t try to be medieval: it is dynamic, creative, and fresh.

➜ More Info: Things to do in Warsaw

Krakow: the country’s medieval and cultural jewel

Krakow is the most visited city in Poland, and it’s easy to understand why. Its medieval center is one of the best-preserved in Europe, full of churches, towers, and huge squares.

Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica, and Wawel Hill

The Market Square is the heart of the city. From there, St. Mary’s Basilica imposes itself with its uneven towers, and every hour the famous Hejnał (traditional trumpet call) sounds.

We loved climbing Wawel Castle: panoramic view of the Vistula River, inner courtyards, art, and legends about dragons.

Kazimierz: Jewish Quarter and urban art

Kazimierz feels hipster, creative, and full of life. Coffee shops, street art, flea markets, and traditional restaurants like those serving zapiekanka, a kind of Polish pizza that we loved.

Nightlife and cafes

Krakow is full of underground medieval bars, craft breweries, and cafes with an intellectual vibe. Perfect for traveling while you work.

➜ More Info: Things to do in Krakow

Wrocław: city of gnomes, canals, and colorful squares

Wrocław was one of our favorite cities. Colorful, fun, and perfect for walking.

Rynek and Ostrow Tumski

The Market Square is one of the most beautiful in Central Europe. A few minutes away is Ostrow Tumski, the oldest part of the city, full of churches and street lamps that are lit by hand every night (yes, they still do it).

The famous gnomes

The city has more than 600 gnomes (Krasnale), small sculptures hidden everywhere. Searching for gnomes became a daily game.

➜ More Info: Things to do in Wroclaw

Gdansk: the pearl of the Baltic

Gdansk is in the north, facing the Baltic Sea, and combines medieval history with coastal energy.

➜ More Info: Things to do in Gdansk

Old Town and Long Market

The center is beautiful: tall and narrow houses, vibrant colors, and the famous medieval Crane of the port. It looks like a fairy tale setting.

Tri-City: Sopot / Gdynia / Gdansk

Visiting Sopot

Very easy to visit from Gdansk: beaches, piers, and lots of summer life. In Sopot, you will find the longest pier in Europe.

➜ More Info: Things to do in Sopot

Visiting Gdynia

Gdynia is a modern coastal city in northern Poland, located on the Baltic Sea and part of the Tri-City along with Gdansk and Sopot. It stands out for its quiet atmosphere, its maritime identity, and its balance between city, nature, and beach.

➜ More Info: Things to do in Gdynia

Poznan: Renaissance architecture and gastronomy

Poznan surprised us with its colorful style and young rhythm.

Main Square and the goats

Every day at noon, the Town Hall clock shows a show with two mechanical goats that butt each other. A local classic.

Cathedral Island and gastronomic route

The island is the oldest part of Poland and is full of history. Also, Poznan has some of the best pierogi we tried.

➜ More Info: Things to do in Poznan

Polish gastronomy: what to eat and where to try it

Polish food is hearty, homemade, and delicious.

Must-try dishes

• Pierogi: potato, cheese, meat, spinach, or forest fruit fillings.
• Zapiekanka: open-faced pizza style.
• Bigos: cabbage and meat stew.
• Barszcz: beetroot soup.

Where to eat

In almost every city in Poland, you will find milk bars (bary mleczne), traditional canteens where you can eat very well at low prices. They are an excellent option for trying typical dishes without spending much, ideal for a quick meal during the trip.

Practical tips for travelers

Safety

Poland is a very safe country. We saw almost no risky situations.

Language

Polish is complex, but most young people speak basic English.
Still, learning a “dziękuję” (thank you) or “cześć” (hello) adds a lot and is always appreciated.

Currency

Poland does not use the Euro. The official currency is the zloty (PLN).

• 1 USD ≈ 4 PLN (approximate value, always check)
• In almost all places, they accept cards, even at kiosks and trains.
• Withdrawing money from the ATM is usually more convenient than changing cash.
• Avoid Euronet ATMs because they have high commissions.

Plugs

The plugs are type C and E, the same as in most of Europe.

• Voltage: 230 V

🇵🇱 Stories: Things to do in Poland! 🇵🇱

Krakow

Gdynia

Things to do in Poland (Videos)

Sopot

Warsaw

Frequently asked questions about things to do in Poland: Travel Guide

How many days do you recommend for traveling in Poland?

Between 10 and 15 days is ideal, although we were there for more than a month and there was always something new to see.

Is it expensive to travel around Poland?

Compared to other European countries, it is quite economical. Eating out and traveling by train is very accessible.

Should I rent a car?

Only if you want to explore castles or remote parks. For cities, the train/bus works perfectly.

Is it safe to travel around Poland?

Yes, it is one of the safest countries in Europe. Just be careful in very touristy areas for potential pickpockets, as in major European cities.

Which city can I not miss?

Wrocław was our favorite, although Krakow is the most iconic.

What is the best time to travel?

Spring and autumn for ideal weather; summer for beaches; winter for snow and Christmas markets.

Conclusion: why Poland surprises and makes you fall in love

After more than a month touring the country, we can say something without hesitation: Poland is one of the most diverse, accessible, and exciting destinations in Europe. Its cities are vibrant, its nature is immense, and its history leaves deep marks. Plus, traveling here is easy, safe, and economical.

If you are looking for a destination that combines culture, gastronomy, nature, and friendly prices, Poland is a safe bet. Hopefully, this Travel Guide on Things to do in Poland inspires you to build your route and enjoy the country as much as we did.

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— Nanu & Facu 🌎 | Recalculando Viajes 💜