travel in poland tips

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The Best Travel Tips for Visiting Poland!

1. getting around poland can be tricky..

Are you planning to visit more places than just Warsaw and Krakow on your trip to Poland? If so, you might want to put some extra thought in to transportation. If you are planning to rent a car , be aware that driving in Polish cities can be very challenging.

It is possible to drive yourself around Poland, but be aware that road signs are only in Polish, that your navigation system might not work accurately, and there are additional challenges like trams, bikers, and other specific rules of the road. It is also required to have an international drivers license while driving in Poland. Your average American driver's license will not suffice. We highly recommend traveling by train or using local tour operators to avoid the hassle.

2. Don’t refer to Poland as Eastern Europe.

This is something that people in Poland are very particular about. Poland is located in the center of Europe geographically and Poles prefer to be considered part of Western Europe than Eastern Europe. Also, as much as you might think it, don't say that Polish sounds like the Russian language.

3. There is MUCH more to Poland than Warsaw and Krakow.

Warsaw and Krakow are two incredible cities in Poland. As amazing as they are, if you really want to experience Poland, we highly recommend visiting some of the smaller cities or even villages. Life in these places is very different from in the giant cities . People might not speak English, but these differences might just make your experiences and travels a little more authentic.

4. Poland has incredible nature.

When travelers think about visiting Poland, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the difficult history and historic cities. Many people have no idea that Poland is an awesome destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts . Poland has giant mountains, thousands of lakes, sand dunes, rivers, the Baltic Sea , wildlife and magical forests. What do you want to see first?

5. Learn some basic Polish phrases when visiting Poland!

We know Polish is not an easy language, but we recommend trying to learn a couple of words before your trip. (This is actually a great travel tip for anywhere you visit in the world!) Using a word or two in Polish is a great way to break the ice with Polish locals , and trust me, they will appreciate it a lot! A simple word might open some unexpected doors for travelers. And don't feel offended if they smile or laugh when you try to speak - this is actually a really good sign!

6. Don’t drink alcohol in public places in Poland.

This might come as a surprise to you, but drinking alcohol in the streets in Poland is illegal . If the police see you doing this, you will end up with a large fine. The same goes for drinking and driving. It is completely illegal to even have one drink and then drive a car in Poland. If this happens, the consequences are higher than a monetary fine...

7. People do speak English in Poland.

Obviously, not everyone in Poland speak English, but the majority of people in their 20's and 30's do speak English .  Poles are very shy about their language skills. If you ask if they speak English they will probably answer with "a little." This usually means that they understand quite a lot.

8. Poland doesn’t use the Euro €. 

You can not pay in Euros when you are in Poland. In Poland, the currency used is called the Polish Złoty (PLN). If you don't feel like exchanging money, you can use a credit card almost everywhere. Read more about money in Poland .

9. Tipping in Poland is different than in the United States.

To find out more about tipping in Poland, head on over to our detailed article to find everything you need to know about tipping in Poland .

10. Poland is NOT a cold destination. 

Many people are under the impression that Poland is always cold. This couldn't be further from the truth. Yes, Poland is cold in the winter (many places are right?), though each year the winters are becoming more and more mild. The majority of the year Poland has rather agreeable weather. Spring is usually warm, summer can be very hot, and autumn is simply beautiful! Winter in Poland is also incredible, just make sure to pack some warm clothes!

What else would you like to know before visiting Poland? Feel free to send us an email with your questions!

We are Damian and Elizabeth, a Polish-American couple, and we are excited to share Poland with you! We have traveled around the world and seen many places but find ourselves most inspired by our home countries.

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• 12 Travel Tips You Need...

12 Travel Tips You Need To Know Before Visiting Poland

How many flowers should you give to your Polish date? Do you have to take your shoes off when at a Polish host’s house? If you are unsure of the answers, it may mean you need some tips before going to Poland . Here are 12 things you need to know to make your experience smooth and faux pas-free.

Don’t call it eastern europe (it’s not, and you will be corrected).

With no clear-cut definition of what constitutes 21st century Eastern Europe, it may be tempting to bundle up all the countries which used to be under the Soviet influence during the Cold War together. However, this division forgets other geo-cultural factors such as religion and completely dismisses the recent political and economic developments. So, unless you are a referring to a specific historical concept, Poland is in Central Europe.

It’s not as cold as you think

Before you start fearing running into a polar bear in the middle of Warsaw , brush up on your geography. Poles don’t live in the North Pole. Located in the transitional zone between oceanic and continental climates, Poland may have quite cold winters, but it also has really hot summers.

Try to learn a few words, as Poles really appreciate the effort (even if terribly mispronounced)

Even though the array of bizarre vowels and consonant combinations may be intimidating at first, learning a few phrases could help you break the ice with the locals. Don’t get discouraged or upset if your pronunciation makes them laugh, as poking fun at others is a sign of friendship in Poland.

Tap water is safe to drink, but don’t let anyone see you do it

In line with European Union regulations, the tap water is safe to drink, however older generations still approach this fact with a pinch of salt. Similarly, asking for a glass of tap water in some restaurants will earn you a weird glance from the waiter, but an increasing number of venues are catching up to meet Western standards and will accommodate your request.

If you’re female, older gentlemen might attempt to greet you with a kiss on the hand

Kiss on a hand is a rather old school greeting, but many older men still equate it with a sign of gallantry and respect. Young people, on the other hand, prefer a simple handshake when they meet a new person and a kiss on the cheek when they are with people they already know. Three kisses are reserved for family gatherings.

Don’t ask people how they’re doing unless you really want to find out

Polish people rarely say things they don’t mean, so when your Polish friend asks you what’s up, they really want to hear all about your day. Polish language does not have an equivalent of the standard English “how are you/fine, thank you” exchange, making the concept rather foreign to Polish speakers. This is why when your Polish friends greet you in English, they pause and expect an honest answer.

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If you accept an invitation from a Pole, expect to be fed until your stomach is bursting

“Guest in the house brings God to the house,” a Polish proverb says, illustrating the Polish approach to hospitality rather nicely. And since everyone knows that the best way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, your Polish hosts will surely offer you uncomfortable amounts of food . No matter how full you may be after the first serving, always accept the second helping and observe how their faces light up with joy.

Don’t order tea with milk, unless you’re prepared to explain at length

Poles reserve milk for coffee, cereals and White Russians, so trying to add some to your tea will be met with some questions and making fun of your Britishness, regardless of your actual place of birth. If you want to order tea the Polish way, ask for a slice of lemon instead.

It is illegal to drink in the streets

It is possible that you have heard many legends about Polish drinking culture which could lead you to believe that drinking in the streets is allowed. Wrong! Opening a beer in a park or any other public space is an offence and if the police spot you, you will have to pay a fine.

Don’t give even number of flowers as a gift

If you choose to surprise your Polish date or host with a bouquet, always remember to buy an odd number of flowers. Even numbers are reserved for funerals and would make for an extremely uncomfortable first encounter.

Take your shoes off

When invited to a Pole’s house always take your shoes off. Unless they explicitly tell you that you can leave them on. Which also means that you should remember to bring socks without holes on your next trip to Poland.

Don’t come empty-handed

When invited to a Polish house party always bring something for everyone to share. Chocolate, cake or a bottle of alcohol are all a great choices. Traditionally, guests should hand the gift to the female head of the family, but with changing housing arrangements this custom is no longer so strictly followed.

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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 the price and with half the crowds!

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

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

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in poland.

1. Visit Auschwitz

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

2. Explore Krakow

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

3. See Wroclaw

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

4. Wander through Bialowieza National Park

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

5. Discover Warsaw

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

Other Things to See and Do in Poland

1. take a free walking tour.

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

2. Tour the Szczecin underground tunnels

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

3. Visit a national park

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

4. Explore Wawel Castle

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

5. Visit the Wooden Churches

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

6. Tour the Wieliczka Salt Mine

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

7. Stroll through Gdansk

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

8. Admire Kalwaria Zebrzydowska

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

9. Head to Lublin

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

10. See the world’s tallest pope statue

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

11. Visit the Exploseum

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

12. Visit the Churches of Peace

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

13. See the World War II Museum in Gdansk

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

14. Explore the Tatra Mountains

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

15. Take in the Warsaw Rising Museum

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

16. Tour Schlinder’s Factory

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

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

• Krakow Travel Guide
• Warsaw Travel Guide

Poland Travel Costs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Backpacking Poland Suggested Budgets

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

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

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

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

Poland Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

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

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

Where to Stay in Poland

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

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

How to Get Around Poland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

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17 Useful Poland Travel Tips: What To Know Before You Go

These Poland travel tips are the result of me traveling around the country in the span of two and a half months, both as a tourist (5 cities in three weeks) and as a digital nomad (the other 1.5 months). 

This article is packed with things to keep in mind while traveling in Poland, from transportation to cultural tips, accommodations, shopping, food, money and more. There are even a few tips dedicated to what not to do in Poland!

I hope these little life hacks and tips will help you on your trip to Poland :) 

Shops are closed on (some) Sundays…

Similar to a few other Central European countries, the majority of stores are closed on Sundays in Poland. This law was enacted in 2018 and banned shopping malls, supermarkets, and smaller shops from working on Sunday. However, restaurants, bakeries, gas stations, pharmacies, and smaller stores are open.  

What I’m trying to say is, be sure to stock up on groceries and other necessities before Sunday. However, if that doesn’t work, then the next tip will be helpful. :) 

… Fortunately, there’s a workaround: Zabka!

Zabka, Zabka, Zabka… Ah, my favorite convenience chain store in the entire world! :heart emoji: 

These little stores, with their glowing green logo (sometimes with an adorable smiling frog) and convenient layout, have saved me many times when I rolled up to a Biedronka or Lidl… and realized they were closed. :Sweat emoji: 

The majority of Zabka stores are open on Sundays thanks to a loophole (you can check Google for the full story). However, be sure to double check the store you plan to go to ahead of time — right next top the Zabka logo on every store, there should be their hours of operation (i.e. 24/7 means they work all the time, 6-23/7 means they work from 6:00 to 23:00 seven days a week, etc.) 

However, it’s important to note that Zabka takes advantage of its convenience and, as such, prices are a little higher than in other stores. Then again, you can find some really delicious stuff here, including ready-made meals, drinks, snacks, and the famous Zabka hot dog. :)

 (Psst… You’ll see Zabka Everywhere!) 

Poland has a sort of cult-like obsession with Zabka, and I can definitely see why. Besides its convenience and legendary hot dogs, Zabka stores are literally everywhere. 

No joke, one time in Wroclaw I saw three Zabka stores within one block of each other. :sweat emoji: 

There are a loooot of Lofts 

While looking for a place to stay during our two month-long trip, I noticed that many apartment rentals in Poland were lofts (i.e. it’s a studio but they created an upper floor that’s accessible via ladder — see the photo above of the loft we rented in Krakow :)).

I’m not sure if this is a space-saving trick, or if it’s a remnant of industrial buildings, but be aware that you’ll need to climb some stairs (oftentimes steep!) in order to reach the bed. 

If you have bad knees and/or are afraid of heights, I recommend looking at traditional accommodations — although, after living a month in a loft apartment, you get used to it :) 

BYOS — Bring Your Own Soap in Aparthotels!

Speaking of accommodations in Poland… This is a strange travel tip, but I was very surprised that many aparthotels (apartment-like hotels) didn’t provide soap for guests. To avoid any inconveniences, carve out a few extra minutes to stop by a Lidl or supermarket after you check into your aparthotel to buy soap, shampoo, and anything else you might need.

Public Transportation is Super Convenient

One of the most helpful apps during our trip to Poland was Jakdojade, which is an all-in-one trip planner app. You can check how to get to your destination (within a city and between cities!), look at bus/tram/metro timetables, and buy tickets! Best of all, the app works in most large- and medium-sized cities in Poland. 

Traveling Between Cities is Seamless… 

I was very surprised when I learned exactly how diverse and convenient the intercity transport network in Poland was — you can find buses, trains, Flixbus, flights, ride shares, and more! 

If you prefer the romance of train travel, the state-owned PKP offers convenient and cheap rail travel around the country. For trips between medium and small cities, your best bet is FlixBus. We traveled on Flixbus about 5 times during our trip (including an international trip from Berlin to Szczecin) and were pleased at the comfort and convenience. :) 

Best of all, Flixbus has more than 250 routes around Poland — click here to see them all and buy a ticket ! 

… But be careful when buying tickets!

However, one small warning when buying tickets (especially on trains) — some cities sound very similar to each other! 

When I was booking tickets to Wroclaw, I didn’t pay attention and ended up booking tickets to Inowroclaw instead (which, by the way, is about 300 kilometers away from our actual destination). 

Thankfully, after booking tickets to the ‘wrong Wroclaw,’ I could change them on the PKP website for a small fee — but learn from my experience and don’t make the same mistake!  :sweat emoji: 

You Can Get By Without a Car

To reiterate the points above, I’d like to note that Poland has excellent infrastructure for tourists, and you can visit most places without the need to rent a car.

Even some very off-the-beaten-path places, like the beautiful painted village of Zalipie (above), can be visited via public transportation (i.e. taking the train from Krakow to Tarnow and then a bus). There are also day trips and tours that go to such places like Zalipie, Zakopane, and much more :) 

An Up-and-coming Food Scene… 

From Korean fried chicken to Ethiopian kitfo, tikka masala, Japanese dango, Ukrainian borsch, and more… Poland has it all! 

Unexpectedly, Poland has become one of our favorite foodie destinations in Europe. We found dozens of cafes and restaurants serving dishes from around the world, including traditional favorites, street food, and pop-up cafes. Who would have thought that I’d try some of the best Japanese dango and matcha tea in the city of Poznan ? :)  

…With Plenty of Local Delicacies! 

While trying new international cuisine is always fun, don’t forget to enjoy some traditional Polish delicacies as well! My favorite Polish dish is, of course, pierogi, which are dumplings with dozens of different fillings, including potatoes, meat, spinach (vegetarian-friendly!), cottage cheese, cherries, and much more. 

Other must-try dishes include golabki (stuffed cabbage rolls),  placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes), Polish sausages, and zurek (a type of smoked soup with meat and eggs). 

Visit a Milk Bar!

Now that I’ve got your tastebuds drooling, let me tell you a little travel tip where you can find delicious Polish dishes on a budget — a milk bar!

Locally known as bar mleczny, these canteen-style restaurants are the best place to get hearty and budget-friendly Polish meals. While they’re typically self-serve and with a set menu for the day, milk bars also have a great assortment of typical Polish dishes that have that homemade touch. 

My favorite milk bars in Poland are Różowa Krowa (above) and Krówka bar in Wroclaw ; Milkbar Tomasza in Krakow ; and Jagienka in Bydgoszcz . However, each city should have at least one — check Google Maps for more info :) 

Don’t Exchange Those Dollars/Euros/Pounds!

Coming from Turkey, I was pleasantly surprised to see that credit cards are accepted everywhere. In fact, I didn’t know what paper zloty looked like until I had to find the photo above. :sweat emoji: 

After traveling to dozens of countries (some who were mostly cash-only, like Bosnia & Herzegovina , while others were almost fully cashless, like Sweden ), it was nice to not worry about searching my purse for scrunched-up paper bills to pay for a bottle of water. Just be sure to have a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees! 

Remember the Three D’s: Dzień Dobry, Dziękuję , and Do widzenia

One of the things that warmed my heart was how friendly Polish people were. Every time we would walk into a store, restaurant, cafe, or Zakba, the people inside would always greet us with Dzień Dobry (good morning/day). After a week or so, we started to automatically say it,and after more than two months in the country, saying Dzień Dobry became second nature to me. :cry smile emoji:

Of course, you can also learn the three most important phrases in Polish, as they’ll be very helpful during your trip. You can say Dzień Dobry (dzen’ dob-rih) when greeting someone, Dziękuję (dzen-koo-yeh) when thanking someone, and Do widzenia (doh we-dzen-ya) to say goodbye. 

Tourist information centers are a treasure trove of information

Well, duh Luda, of course they are, you might say, but the tourist information centers in Poland are something else. Seriously, they’re over the top and filled to the brim with information, leaflets, maps, and some even have souvenirs (at much better prices than at the market!) 

Even in the fairly off-the-beaten path city of Bydgoszcz, we met one of the most helpful and friendly information center workers, who spent at least 30 minutes talking about the city in detail, what kind of day trips there are, where we should eat, along with a bunch of fun facts about the city. He even treated us to local chocolate and a handmade magnet. :) 

If you’re lost and/or want to experience Polish hospitality, then make a beeline to the nearest tourist information center. 

Go Beyond Warsaw and Krakow

While Poland may be famous for its charming historical cities, that’s not all there is to it! 

In fact, did you know that Poland has 770 kilometers (480 mi) of coastline? With gorgeous sandy beaches like Krynica Morska, Jurata Beach, or Sopot, I wouldn’t be surprised if Poland eventually becomes a popular beach destination. :wink emoji: 

Likewise, Poland also has 23 (!!) national parks, including the famous Białowieża National Park (the only park that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Biebrza National Park (the largest national park in Poland), and Slovincian National Park (which has sand dunes!)

Be sure to visit the beaches and rugged coast of the Tricity area (Gdansk, Gdynia, Sopot), immerse yourself in the absolutely lush nature in Zakopane National Park (it’s beautiful both in winter and summer!), and enjoy the Renaissance architecture of Zamość. 

Fly to a Nearby Country

One final travel tip is to consider flying into a neighboring country (like Germany, Czechia, or Slovakia) and then make your way to Poland. You might be able to save a good amount of money and visit two countries (or more) in one trip!  

I actually took advantage of this tip during our last trip to Poland and flew into Berlin (Germany) on Pegasus (a Turkish budget airline) before taking a Flixbus to Szczecin. Thanks to this, I was able to save about 30% on our airline tickets (since there aren’t many budget-friendly ways of flying from Turkey to Poland — yet, I hope :wink emoji:) 

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I just read your blog post about Poland travel tips and I found it very informative and helpful. I especially liked the tip about Zabka stores, which I had never heard of before. I’m definitely going to keep that in mind when I plan my trip to Poland!

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10 best things to do in Poland

Jun 19, 2024 • 7 min read

Lovers of the outdoors and city-break fans alike are spoilt for choice in Poland © tramper79 / Shutterstock

Beyond the headline cities of Warsaw and Kraków, Poland  offers abundant and memorable travel experiences.

Into history and culture? This European gem delivers with more castles, churches, palaces and museums than you could imagine. The great outdoors more your bag? Take your pick from Baltic beaches, snowcapped mountains, meandering rivers, thousands of lakes and 23 national parks.

And if you thought that Polish food and drink was all pickles, potatoes and vodka, think again. That culinary trio is the amuse-bouche for a gastronomic buffet ranging from blueberry-filled dumplings to gold-leaf-flaked liquors.

Read on for our selection of the very best experiences in Poland.

1. Get a bird’s eye view of Warsaw

Warsaw  is one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals, and its current economic boom is symbolised by the Varso Tower which, at 310m (1017ft), is the EU's tallest skyscraper. The Varso’s 240m-high (787ft) observation deck is slated to open in 2025. In the meantime, enjoy the retro vibes of the observation terrace of the 1955 Palace of Culture & Science ; the amazing panorama of Warsaw’s reconstructed Old Town from the bell tower of St Anne's Church ; and vistas over the Vistula from the rooftop garden of Warsaw University Library .

Detour: Fabryka Norblina once produced metal goods. It's now the biggest of Warsaw's spate of industrial transformations and includes the city’s biggest food hall and lots of other fun places to eat and drink.

2. Time travel beneath Kraków’s Old Town

Kraków ’s atmospheric Old Town is centred on Rynek Główny , Europe’s largest public square, which is dominated by the magnificent Cloth Hall . Go beneath the square to Rynek Underground for a subterranean glimpse into the market of six centuries ago, enhanced by 21st-century audiovisual effects.

Back above ground, on the hour, listen for the hejnał (bugle call) emanating from the taller of the two towers of St Mary’s Basilica on the market square’s west side. Inside, Jan Matejko’s polychromatic murals flank the high altar, Poland’s greatest masterpiece of Gothic art. 

Detour: The Wieliczka Salt Mine , one of the world’s oldest salt mines, is around 14km (9 miles) southeast of Kraków. It's a subterranean labyrinth of some 300km (186 miles) of tunnels, lakes and chambers including astonishing chapels with altarpieces, statues, monuments – even chandeliers – all carved out of salt.

3. Tour Malbork Castle, the world’s biggest brick building

This UNESCO-listed complex is Europe’s largest castle. Begun by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, Malbork Castle was the order’s headquarters for almost 150 years. Despite sustaining serious damage during WWII, almost the entire complex has been preserved, and the castle today looks much as it did six centuries ago. Highlights include the Grand Masters’ Palace with its splendid interiors such as the Great Refectory (look out for its remarkable palm-vaulted ceiling), and the Amber Museum.

Planning tips: Avoid queues by purchasing tickets online. Pack a picnic as the dining options at the castle are limited.

4. Understand the horrors of war at Gdańsk’s Museum of the Second World War

The first shots of WWII were fired in Gdańsk, so it’s fitting that this historic Baltic Sea port is home to the monumental Museum of the Second World War . Occupying a striking piece of contemporary architecture, the 5000-sq-meter (53,819-sq-ft) museum delivers an emotionally powerful history lesson as it charts the causes, progress and aftermath of the 20th century's biggest conflict – all from a point of view of Poland being a victim.

Planning tips: This is a massive museum that can easily take half a day to see fully. For a break there's a museum cafe and you can also leave and return the same day using the same ticket.

5. Learn about Jewish Poland at POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews

Another in Poland’s exceptional collection of museums is POLIN , which charts over 1000 years of Jewish history across the nation’s historic territories. The highlight is a dazzling reconstruction of the painted ceiling and bimah (raised central platform for reading the Torah) of the synagogue that once stood in Gwoździec (now part of Ukraine). The section on the Holocaust (1939–45) is appropriately dark and claustrophobic. The exhibition ends with videos of local Jews talking about the continuing specter of anti-Semitism in Poland.

Detour: Warsaw’s Jewish Historical Institute houses the UNESCO-listed Ringelblum Archive, a precious collection of 6000-plus documents, including diaries, drawings, photographs and posters, that provide first-hand accounts about Nazi Germany’s extermination of Jewish communities in Poland.

6. Track bison in Białowieża National Park 

In the northeast of country, adjoining Belarus, the forests of Białowieża were protected for centuries by royal patronage, first as a private hunting ground for the Polish kings and later for Russian tsars. Today it’s Europe’s largest old-growth forest, and home to some 800 bison. There’s a chance of spotting the continent’s largest mammal and Poland’s national symbol in the wild on an early morning walk among the ancient lime, oak and hornbeam trees – it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with Polish nature.

Detour: Seven bison live at the European Bison Show Reserve , near the national park. View several other species in large pens here too, including elk, wild boar, deer, a wolf and a three-legged lynx (sadly, the wolf bit off the lynx's missing leg!).

7. Encounter Łódź's abundant street art

The city of Łódź , which grew fabulously wealthy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through manufacturing, has embraced street art unlike anywhere else in Poland. There are well over 200 public works of art to discover as you walk around, including Pasaż Róży  by Joanna Rajkowska, a magical courtyard that's completely covered with mirror fragments arranged in swirling rose patterns; and Wiedźmin ( Witcher ) ,  designed by Jakub Rebelka, which is Poland's tallest piece of street art and covers the 70m-high (230ft) sides of an apartment block.

Detour: Marco Italian Food and Street Art , the cafe at Łódź's Central Museum of Textiles includes a gallery of images from Urban Forms, the foundation that organises the creation of some of the city's most impressive pieces of street art.

8. Succumb to the Renaissance charms of Zamość

The beautifully proportioned “Pearl of the Renaissance,” Zamość offers the real deal: an original late-16th-century Old Town centred on a gorgeous arcaded plaza surrounded by Armenian merchants’ residences. The town, in Poland’s southeast corner, is also ringed with defensive bastions that kept the Swedes at bay in the 17th century when they rampaged with ease through other Polish towns.

Detour: The Old Town of Lublin also survived WWII relatively unscathed. Its evocative swirl of legend-filled cobbled lanes and its main square surrounded by Renaissance and baroque townhouses is the prime visitor draw, along with the city’s vibrant festival scene.

9. Taste gingerbread in Toruń

They’ve been baking and perfecting gingerbread in World Heritage–listed Toruń for centuries. To learn more about this sweet and spicy treat, visit one of town’s two museums devoted to gingerbread. The bigger and better of the two is the Museum of Toruń Gingerbread , housed in the world's oldest gingerbread bakery. Sign up for one of the museum's workshops to learn how to make your own gingerbread.

Detour: Gateway to the Great Masurian Lakes , Olsztyn offers an attractive, spruced-up old town and plenty of new hotels, restaurants and bars. Never overwhelmed with tourists, it’s a refreshing slow down before moving on to the usually busier lakeside towns.

10. Go hiking or skiing in the Tatras

No other area of Poland boasts such a diversity of landscapes as the Tatra Mountains. The most popular area for hiking is the 212-sq-km (82-sq-mile)  Tatra National Park , which begins just south of Zakopane , Poland’s most fashionable mountain resort. For a short walk, the densely forested valleys of Dolina Strążyska are lovely. Alternatively strike out for the 1894m (6214ft) summit of Mt Giewont.

When the snow starts to fall, Zakopane’s 50 or so ski lifts and tows crank into action. There’s ski terrain here for everyone, from level cross-country touring to black diamond slopes for hardcore shredders.

Planning tip: Book ahead online for a ticket to visit the Tatra Park Nature Education Centre as numbers are limited to 25 people at a time.

This article was first published May 26, 2015 and updated Jun 19, 2024.

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Poland Travel Tips - 25 Most Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a trip to poland.

You're in for an exciting and culturally rich adventure. To help you navigate your journey with ease, we've compiled a list of the 25 most frequently asked questions about traveling in Poland. Whether you're curious about visa requirements, the best time to visit, or what delicious Polish dishes to try, this brief FAQ has got you covered.

Poland offers a captivating blend of historical landmarks, picturesque landscapes, and warm hospitality. As you explore this diverse European destination, our answers to these commonly asked questions will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience. From understanding local customs to uncovering hidden gems, these tips will empower you to make the most of your visit to Poland. So, let's dive in and discover all you need to know for an unforgettable journey through this enchanting country.

Do I need a passport to travel to Poland?

Yes, you generally need a valid passport to travel to Poland as a U.S./Canadian citizen. Ensure it's valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.

Do you need a vaccine to travel to Poland?

Poland currently does not require a specific vaccine for entry and stay, including the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Do I need travel insurance for Poland?

Travel insurance isn't mandatory for Poland, but it's highly recommended. It provides financial protection in case of unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage, ensuring a smoother and more secure travel experience.

Do I need travel insurance for Poland on a Schengen Visa?

Yes, when applying for a Schengen Visa, including one for Poland, travel insurance is a compulsory requirement. The policy should offer at least €30,000 in medical coverage and cover the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area, which includes Poland. This insurance is essential for your visa application and peace of mind during your trip.

Is it safe for Americans/Canadians to travel to Poland?

Poland is generally considered safe for American/Canadian travelers. Exercise standard precautions, stay informed, and follow local advice.

Is Poland on The Euro?

Poland doesn't use the Euro; it uses the Polish złoty (PLN)  as its currency. Make sure to exchange your currency accordingly.

Is Poland expensive to visit?

Poland is generally considered an affordable destination compared to many Western European countries, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers. 

Do I need to know Polish to visit Poland?

Knowing Polish isn't a strict requirement, but learning a few basic Polish phrases can be helpful. Many Poles, especially in tourist areas, understand and speak some English.

Do they speak English in Poland?

Yes, English is widely spoken in Poland, particularly among the younger generation and in major cities, making it easier for English-speaking tourists to communicate.

Travel Adapters For Poland

When traveling to Poland, you'll need a Type E or Type C electrical adapter, depending on your home country's plug type. Type E has two round pins and is the most common in Poland, while Type C has two round pins but is ungrounded. It's a good idea to carry a universal adapter or verify the specific type needed for your devices to ensure they can be used in Polish outlets. Many hotels in Poland also offer adapters for guests' convenience

What is the best time to visit Poland?

The best time to visit Poland depends on your preferences. Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are generally pleasant with milder weather. Summer (June to August) is popular for outdoor activities.

What is the best month to visit Poland? 

The best month to visit Poland can vary, but May and September often offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.

Is Poland cold?

Poland experiences cold winters, especially in the northern and eastern regions, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Summers are milder and more comfortable.

How many people visit Poland every year?

Poland attracts several million tourists annually, with varying numbers from year to year. As of last statistic from 2022, it was estimated around 30 million visitors per year.

Is food cheap in Poland?

Food in Poland is relatively affordable for tourists compared to Western Europe.

What is Poland famous for in food?

Poland is famous for offering a wide variety of delicious soups, like żurek (sour rye soup), dishes like pierogi (dumplings), kielbasa (sausage), bigos (hunter's stew), and golabki (cabbage rolls). It's also known for flavorful pork and wild game based dishes served with all kinds of sauces often made with fresh and/or dried wild mushrooms. Poles also consume lots of freshly grated vegetable salads called surówki.

Is vegetarian food available in Poland?

Vegetarian food is available in Poland, especially in larger cities. Restaurants and cafes often offer vegetarian and vegan options, but choices can be more limited in rural areas.

What are the top cities to visit in Poland?

Poland offers a wide range of fascinating cities to explore. Warsaw , the capital, is known for its history and vibrant nightlife. Krakow is famous for its stunning architecture and the charming Old Town. Gdansk is a coastal city with a rich maritime heritage, while Wroclaw is often called the "Venice of Poland". Other notable cities include Poznan , known for its beautiful market square, and Lodz , famed for its thriving arts scene.

How many days to visit Krakow Poland?

To explore Krakow, a stay of 3 to 4 days is recommended to see the main attractions and soak in the city's atmosphere.

How many days to visit Warsaw Poland? 

To visit Warsaw, Poland's capital, you'll want to spend at least 2-3 days for a basic city tour. For a more in-depth experience, including museums and cultural exploration, consider 4-5 days.

How many days to visit Gdansk Poland?

For Gdansk, a historic port city, 2-3 days should be sufficient for a general visit. To explore more thoroughly, including nearby Sopot and Gdynia, or at a relaxed pace, plan for 4-5 days.

How many days to visit Zakopane?

The number of days to visit Zakopane varies from 2-3 days for a quick visit to 5-7 days for a more extensive exploration, especially if you plan to hike in the Tatra Mountains.

Best time to visit Zakopane Poland?

The best time to visit Zakopane, Poland, depends on your preferences.

• Winter: December to February for skiing and winter sports.
• Spring: Late March to May for milder weather and hiking.
• Summer: June to August for outdoor activities and pleasant weather.
• Autumn: September to October for fall foliage

Does Poland have good public transportation?

Public transportation in Poland is well-developed, especially in major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk. It includes trams, buses, and an extensive network of local trains. Tickets are affordable and easy to purchase, making it convenient for tourists to get around. In Warsaw and other urban areas, metro systems are available, further enhancing mobility.

Rail Transport in Poland

Poland has a robust rail network connecting cities and towns, making it a convenient way to travel between regions. The Polish State Railways (PKP Intercity) offers modern and comfortable trains for longer journeys. High-speed rail links Warsaw to other major cities. It's an efficient and scenic way to explore the country, with good connections to neighboring countries like Germany and the Czech Republic.

What Countries Border Poland?

First, it's important to know that Poland is located in Central Europe. It shares its borders with seven countries. To the west, it borders Germany, and to the south, it shares borders with the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In the east, Poland is adjacent to Ukraine and Belarus. To the north, it has a coastline along the Baltic Sea, where it shares maritime borders with Sweden and Denmark. These diverse bordering nations contribute to Poland's rich cultural and historical interactions, making it a fascinating and strategically located European country.

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Poland Travel Guide

Your ultimate poland travel guide, with tips, and things to see and things to do in poland. great for first-time and returning travelers..

What’s the first thing you think about when you think about Poland? Did you say vodka?! Poland’s roots go back to the turn of the first millennium, leaving a thousand years to explore from energetic cities like Warsaw, chic medieval spots like Krakow or amber shopping meccas like Gdansk.

Once you finished sight seeing and have put down that glass of flavoured vodka (try z ubrówka  with some apple juice), Poland is renowned for its good home cooking, just like your grandmother used to make, with local and fresh products topped off with a delicious and palate teasing dessert. What else could you want?

This Poland travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular Guides

Top 10 Things to Do in Poland

• Polish Cuisine – Must-Try Traditional Polish Foods

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Poland

• Polish power voltage is 230 V 50Hz;  Plug C & E
• The Polish currency is the Polish Zloty  and is around 3.70 PLN to 1 USD
• Outside of the very touristy areas of the major cities, you’ll find that there are few, if any, foreigners. So if you plan on heading off the beaten path, make sure to bring along a Polish language dictionary as many people in rural areas will speak little to no English.
• Refer to people you don’t know well as “pan” (Mr.) or “pani” (M’am).
• When conversing with Poles, World War II, communism, religion, and relations with Germany and Russia might be touchy subjects to some. Approach with caution.
• Eat, eat and eat!  Polish food is largely meat-and-potato style, however travellers should definitely not leave Poland without trying ruskie pierogi — ravioli-like dumplings with an assortment of fillings from cheese and potatoes to mushroom and meat – they even have dessert pierogies filled with fruit! They can be boiled or fried, and sometimes served with sautéed onions.

Things to See and Do in Poland

• Bike Green Velo  – This is the longest cycling trail in all of Poland and you can decide how far you want to go.
• Explore a National Park  – There are over 20 different national parks in Poland where you can hike, bike, or kayak.
• Learn about the Holocaust  – You can visit a variety of museums to learn about the Holocaust such as the Warsaw Rising Museum or Schindler’s Factory.
• Pope John Paul II’s family home  – Learn how “Lolek” became Pop John Paul II.
• Visit Warsaw’s Old Town  – While most of Warsaw was destroyed in the war, the majority of the buildings have been restored and are full of shops and restaurants.
• Wieliczka Salt Mine  – This salt mine has been around since the 13th century and has 9 different levels you can visit.

Accommodation

Budget  – You can stay in Polish budget hotels for around 25 Euros. They often include free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and a small continental breakfast.

Mid Range  – Mid-range hotels start at 50 Euros and can include a restaurant, fitness center, and are close to city centers.

High End  – You can get a luxury hotel in Poland starting at 100 Euros and have access to a pool, fitness center, and lounge.

Check out our favorite booking platforms  Booking.com ,  Tripadvisor  and  VRBO for the best deals on accommodation in Poland.

• Pierogi   – One of the most popular dishes in Poland is this snack that’s similar to a dumpling stuffed with potatoes or meat.
• Burning rose  – Dessert lovers will enjoy this raspberry parfait with cotton candy on top.
• Steak tartare  – Poland chefs make some amazing steak tartare, so go into dinner hungry.
• Bison grass vodka  – If you love vodka, make sure to try this unique vodka when in Poland that has a vanilla flavor to it.
• See our full Polish Cuisine – Must-Try Traditional Polish Foods guide.

The Best Ways to Get Around Poland

Getting to poland:.

Flights:  You can fly direct to Poland from several cities in North America, such as New York , as well as many different European airports. Some of the most common airports to fly into include Warsaw Chopin Airport and John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport.

You can check for the best flights to Poland on  Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Buses : There are buses available all over the country. You can take intercity buses as well as buses from city to city for as low as 20z?.

Taxis / Uber : Taxis start around a base rate of 8.00 z?. Uber is also available in the larger cities.

Car Rental:  Compact cars start at 20 z? and go up depending on the amenities you get.

When to go To Poland

• The best time to visit Poland is from June to August. You’ll get warm, sunny weather, which is great for exploring the national parks.
• The pleasant weather makes it perfect for sitting at the outside patios and enjoying a Polish meal.

Where to Stay in Poland

Q Hotel Plus Kraków   – You can stay at a luxurious hotel at an affordable price in Krakow. Upgraded rooms include balconies with a view, and everyone has access to a fitness center and an upscale lobby bar.

Hotel Polonia Palace  – This Warsaw hotel has two-bedroom apartments available as well as a spa that has massages available. The hotel is also close to a train station and Old Town.

Monopol  – This historic Katowice hotel in Roclawa has bathrooms with heated floors, a pool, and is near numerous restaurants. You’ll also have access to a fitness center, restaurant on-site, and parking spots.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and Air B&B for the best deals on accommodation in Poland.

Poland Accommodation Poland

What to pack for poland.

The climate of Poland is temperate with warm (sometimes very hot) summers, crisp and sunny autumns and cold winters. Snow covers the mountainous area in the south of  Poland  (mid-December to April).

• Layer up  – Layering is key during spring and fall months. Poland is a country that gets four distinct seasons, so there’s a chance it could be both warm and cold during your time there. During the winter months make sure to pack warm layers – a coat, gloves, a warm hat and scarf. For extra warmth pack a pair of long thermal underwear. Don’t forget the boots!
• Shoes  – In the winter months it is likely to be either snowing, frosty or wet on the ground in Poland so take a quality pair of warm boots that have a sturdy grip on the soles. The grip also helps for the cobblestone streets which are frequent in Poland. Cobblestone means that if you want to pack a pair of fancy shoes, opt for wedges instead of flimsy stilettos.
• Pashmina  – not only is it a versatile piece that can dress up any outfit, if you plan on visiting any religious site, it also can be used to cover up your shoulders. Remember that both genders must cover shoulders and legs out of respect when visiting Catholic Churches.
• Check out more at Packing for Europe – Tips That Will Make Your Travel Life Easier

See our packing tips:  packing tips

Poland Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Poland Travel Guide: Related Articles

14 Interesting Facts About Poland

Traditional Polish Foods to Try in Poland and at Home

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Poland travel tips — +15 what & things to know before going to poland.

One of my luckiest decisions was to go to Poland in a student exchange program. From a naive choice, I have had the opportunity to spend time, neither long nor short, in one of the countries that I believe has been, is and will be an essential part of who I am, in my soul. In this article, I will share some personal observations about the Polish culture here for everyone to refer to. So, what to know before going to Poland? Let’s check out some useful Poland travel tips (travel in Poland tips, Poland tips) with the +15 things to know before going to Poland as well as Poland etiquette which we have complied to help you plan a perfect trip to one of the most underrated destinations in Europe!

• Where to visit in Poland? 30+ best places to visit in Poland bring new Perspectives on Europe
• What to buy in Poland? — Top 13+ souvenirs & best things to buy in Poland
• What to do in Wroclaw? — 13+ cool, must see & best things to do in Wroclaw
• Wroclaw travel blog — The fullest Wroclaw travel guide for first-timers
• Warsaw 1 day itinerary — How to spend a day in Warsaw & what to do in one day trip in Warsaw?

Things to know before going to Poland: Don’t just know and visit only Warsaw or Krakow

Poland is a great country with an extremely long and rich history. That means it has many cities worthy of attention, not just the capital Warsaw and the cultural center of Krakow. Of course, both Warsaw and Krakow are great. But personally, I especially love Gdansk as beautiful as Copenhagen, where the first movement for economic autonomy in Poland before the Communist government took place or little Wroclaw but once the historic capital of Silesia. And Polish nature is equally amazing! The majestic of Tatra mountains range is enchantingly white in winter with relaxing hot springs, verdant in summer with splendid, magnificent lakes.

So, if you have a lot of time to visit Poland, you should definitely visit other interesting destinations too!

Things to know before going to Poland: The country of strange experiences

Poland, of course, is not limited to just sightseeing. There are very cute and unique experiences in Poland. For example, go hunting for dwarves in Wroclaw. Or go hunting for buffalo tracks in Bialowieza National Park. Ride a horse-drawn carriage in the snow in Tatra. Explore the ancient Wieliczka Salt Mine. Oh my god, so many!

The paradise of museums

Poland is, in another way, a nation still heavily influenced by history. Incredibly bad things have happened in Poland at a highest terrible level. They are not only alive in the minds of Poles, but also inscribed in well-maintained and invested museums. For those who love history and understand the importance of knowing history so as not to repeat the mistakes of the past, Poland is the ideal place to visit for this, due to the system of museums that I must say is one of the best systems across Europe.

For example, the World War II museum and the solidarity museum in Gdansk. Holocaust Museum in Auschwitz. Schindler’s List Museum in Krakow. But it is not only the modern museums that preserve modern history. Also medieval castles from the Teutonic period like Malbork. If you love history, come here!

Poland travel tips: Don’t call Poland as Eastern Europe!

In fact, there is no specific definition of Eastern Europe, but mainly since the Soviet era during the Cold War, the bloc of countries under Moscow’s influence are collectively referred to as Eastern Europe. However, this geocultural/political and religious conception often ignores the geographical reality of Poland. Unless you are referring to a specific historical concept, Poland is located in Central Europe.

This may seem small, but it’s not small, especially if you talk to locals. They will understand the confusion of foreign visitors, but they will definitely “correct” your words.

What to know before going to Poland: Learn a few Polish words!

My experience shows that it is very effective to go to any country and learn a few basic local words. Same goes for Poland. The Poles also especially appreciate it if someone takes the effort to learn a few words of their language, because the Polish language is very difficult. Don’t be upset when you mispronounce, they may laugh and tease, but it’s a sign of goodwill.

Like me when lived in a dormitory while studying in Poland, I only know a few words like good morning, good evening, my room number and how is the weather today. However, the doorkeepers are extremely welcoming, always remembering which my room is. The uncles also say a word or two in English every time they see me such as today good, today beautiful. So cute.

What to know before going to Poland: The Poles are very interested in news

This is something that I learned a little bit after having a chance to talk with some native people who can speak English. Or when I sit at the tea shop and read the Polish news (I’ve seen this a few times, read the English newspapers available at the tea shop) the uncles sitting around point at the picture and say something I don’t understand, so they kept saying “ok, ok” and then turned to each other at the table, talking while pointing at the newspaper I read. Usually, I find Poles don’t talk a lot of sporadic gossip. But when it comes to news, especially Polish politics, they immediately change their attitudes and talk very enthusiastically. Even my two friends who are my exchange student instructors. Mention once, they talk continuously.

There’s one thing I don’t know if it’s true or not, it’s just that I heard it from a Polish doctor when we joined a language exchange night organized by the exchange student council. It is the Polish government that persists with the abortion law. Whenever the country needs to come up with a controversial and scandalous policy, they pull out a draft law… banning abortion to distract the public. So when Poland emerges with protests and discussions against the law banning abortion, it is probably “plotting” something. (haha, I don’t know is it right? Who knows, just show me?!).

If you are a woman, an older Polish man may will greet you by a gesture of hand-kissing.

Kissing on the hand is a very classic greeting, but older men are more likely to do this to show respect and courtesy. (I found this way of greeting is more common in the East of Poland than in the West, where there are many tourist cities. In Europe now this greeting probably only exists much in Southern Italy, Southeast Poland and perhaps Southern France).

In contrast, young people prefer to greet by shaking hands. And in general, they’ll probably kiss you on the cheek in greeting. With close acquaintances can be three kisses.

Poland is very cold, but not that cold

Poland can get very cold in the winter (coming from someone who lives in one of Poland’s both cold and dry place, Bialystok). The average winter temperature in Poland can be dropped very low, about -20 degrees Celsius (where I lived, it was really down to -20. Or like when I went to Tatra in winter, -20 was a normal thing). But in a way, Poland’s cold is not bitterly cold due to dryness (winter trips to Tatra, Wroclaw and Warsaw, but I found Bialystok where I live is still the coldest, can’t breathe because of the freezing cold). If you plan to visiting Poland in the cold season, you’ll only need to wear layers, a good coat, waterproof fur-lined shoes, and a warm scarf to survive.

(Speaking of scarf and Poland, I think I love Poland because of a special memory. I have few friends, only a few close friends in Italy. But my Italian best friend flew from Italy on my birthday just to give me a scarf. Maybe that’s why I love Poland so much?)

Also, there is a personal observation but it reminds me of a story my father used to tell me back in the day. When I come to Poland, I see that most of the doorkeepers of residential buildings or administrative offices are usually elderly people. They look very kind but their attitude is… very serious. Only when you greet them do they nod their heads in return, not rushing to greet you much. My father said that in the cold season, those who suffer from frostbite due to snow, usually these gatekeepers will not let them in right away, but force them to rub the snow on their body for… familiarity, and then slowly let them in to warm up. Because it is too cold, it is more dangerous to go to a warm place right away.

However, in the summer Poland can be very hot, hot enough to go to the beach! Let’s visit Sopot, for example. Fine sand beach with shallow water is no less than sea of other countries.

Experiences of visiting cold countries in the cold season:

• Regularly take vitamin D. In the cold season, the days in cold countries are very short, the sun is not available, so it leads to vitamin D deficiency, causing sadness or upset. In many cases, chronic vitamin D deficiency can cause depression. This is my personal experience. I lived half a cold season in Poland without taking vitamin D, sometimes just staying in my room like autistic. But when the spring comes, the flowers bloom and the snow melts, and the spirit immediately returns!
• Be careful with electronic devices such as phones. It’s so cold that they “collapse” on their own. Get in a warm place and then turn on the phone. And should keep the phone as close to the body as possible. (My Polish friend jokes that we heat our phones better than our bodies).
• Usually when it’s snowing it’s not as cold as it is… no snow (or when everything freezes).
• If you can’t stand the cold, it’s best to crawl from one shop to another while walking!

Things to know before going to Poland: Don’t ask “how are you?” unless you really want to know

Poles are very outspoken, honest, and often misunderstood as rude. They will say what they think and are completely unafraid to point out the faults of others. Coupled with this national character are communication habits based more on sincerity than on etiquette. I realized this because when I stayed in the dorm, some of my English friends had a habit of greeting with “how are you?”, or “how was your day?” and then surprisingly discussed that the Poles actually told their real story. In Polish language and habits, they only ask each other when they really want to know. So if you ask them that, they will answer honestly, and they will also expect you to respond the same when they are actively interested.

Poland etiquette: Polish women pay close attention to their appearance

This is something that I only discovered after staying in several places. Similar to communication habits, thinking, approach to matters, etc., the difference in self-care is also huge. For example, in the Netherlands, people in general prefer comfort and simplicity. They are rarely fussy about their appearance, and even in formal events, their dress-up is much lower than in some countries like Italy or Poland. In this country, men also pay attention to their appearance but do not pay too much attention. Meanwhile, women when take down the street often follow the motto, which as my friend describes it, “It’s safer to be too elegant rather than not elegant enough”. Heavy makeup is very common, and clothes are also neatly cared for. In particular, Polish people are very fond of leather goods…

Poles are very, very proud of their Vodka

The Poles love vodka, and take great pride in their vodka, which they say it is even tastier and purer than Russia’s. Many Polish people even told me that it is the Poles who drink the most vodka, and make the best vodkas in the world. Both men and women can drink quite well. And contrary to the popular stereotype that Poles get drunk all the time, it’s rare these days. (But still yes, especially in the evening, when Poles almost 180 degrees change – from “cold, serious” to enthusiastic, crazy. At this time, young people go to disco, bars, older people love going to pubs to drink beer and meet up.

I have met many times when drunk people took on the street. Even in some more “local” cities, with less tourists, like where I live, many restaurants even let people who are too drunk to sleep in restaurant chairs for a while, until they wake up).

However, not everyone drinks vodka. In fact, Poles love beer just as much. Craft beer has become a trend in recent years. Usually in midweek meetings, Poles drink more beer. And this is probably the only place I see that… cherry or berry syrup is put in beer. Not everyone orders. Usually only women like to add it.

In addition, young people also have a hobby of pub crawling. In some places where I once lived like Italy or the Netherlands, people seem to like to drink in one place for a night, or just at a familiar bar. But in Poland, young people like to crawl across many bars a night, each they only having one or two drinks. This activity is so popular that many tours are born just to take guests to discover the interesting bars of a city.

Ah, and note: in Poland, it is prohibited to drink alcoholic beverages on the street. But this is one of the countries where alcohol drinks is the easiest to find.

Travel in Poland tips: The Food

I love Polish cuisine second only after Italy, even more than France. Why? Because Polish cuisine is typical of “comfort food”, the type of food that creates a warm, family feeling. Polish dishes are all very full portions (pay attention when going to a restaurant and order, Asians can sometimes be full for two people with only one serving!), often rich in taste, with a lot of meat (vegetarians will meet a bit difficult, even in big cities like Warsaw or Krakow there are vegetarian restaurants, well, they’re not really Polish cuisine anymore). And they are also diverse and rich!

Read more: Cheap Polish dining experiences (and must-try dishes!) .

Also, if you receive an invitation to eat from a Pole, expect to be served until you can not breath because of too full! There is a Polish proverb: “Guest in the house brings God to the house”. So, with the hospitable nature that is shown most strongly through the banquet table, do not be too surprised when they will treat you to a slightly “excessive” amount of food. And, no matter how full, but if you accept the second serving, you will see that they are radiant and enthusiastic!

Poles don’t drink tea with milk

Polish people often do not drink tea with milk, but drink tea with spices (such as anise, cinnamon, …) and a slice of lemon. They seem to consider it a British habit and are not very interested. Furthermore, Poles drink more tea from the pods and dried leaves than black or green tea itself, which are more common in many parts of the world. My teacher said that because before the war, poor Poles could not buy tea or import tea, but they liked tea very much, so they dried many varieties to make teas. Today, these types of dried tea are a specialty of Poland and you can buy as a gift.

Poland etiquette: Don’t give flowers with even numbers

In Poland, giving even-numbered flowers is usually only at funerals. So if you want to give flowers to someone, buy an odd number of flowers!

Poland travel tips: When visiting a Polish home, what should be paid attention to?

When invited to visit a Polish family, never come with empty-handed. Bring gifts that can be shared with others. Chocolate cake, homemade cake or bottle of wine are good options. And usually the gift will be given to the woman who is the head of the family. Although today this is no longer a mandatory standard to be followed.

In addition, when entering the house, there is a high chance that you have to take off your shoes. The host will give you a pair of house slippers. Unless the home owner tells you not to take it off. So don’t wear socks with holes (hihi).

Poland is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations. Or as my friend in Austria said: insultingly cheap (haha). Really, traveling to visit Poland is extremely worth it! All costs are surprisingly cheap and reasonable. On average, a two-course meal with drink costs around 10 euros. Visit museum, theater, the prices are almost half compared to other countries. And if you have a student card, it’s even cheaper! I went to 4, 5 cities in Poland just by going… 2 cities in other countries.

The Polish currency is Zloty. 1 euros is equal to 4 Zloty.

In Poland, the train system and bus operators are very developed and convenient. And very cheap too. Going from one end of the country to the other is only 30, 40 euros only (not yet discounted for students. If you are a student like me, the price down to…10 euros). But the minus point is that most stations (as of 2021) do not have ticket vending machines, but have to queue in front of the counter to buy. So either come early to buy tickets, or buy online. The homepage of the Polish railway system is here.

Of course there are many interesting things about this wonderful country. But in my opinion, here are Poland travel tips (Poland tips) and things to know before going to Poland, what to know before going to Poland, Poland etiquette as well. Hope these will be useful to everyone on future trips. Don’t forget to share with me your experiences! Please share the article to save for later use.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Warsaw you can refer to

• Fryderyk Chopin’s Concert Ticket in Warsaw Old Town
• Warsaw Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Private Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport (WAW) Transfers for Warsaw
• Best of Warsaw Half Day Tour
• Frederic Chopin Evening Walking Tour in Warsaw
• Warsaw Off the Beaten Path Half Day Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Poland: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here .

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Discover our regions

Discover poland’s 16 amazing regions.

This is a region with many valued historical sites, castles and palaces as well as attractions for fans of industrial tourism (it is home to Poland’s first capital city, Gniezno). The province also has plenty of valuable natural areas including two national parks (Wielkopolska National Park and part of Drawa National Park), which hold great potential for active tourism such as the Great Wielkopolska Loop. The region’s capital is Poznań, Poland’s most important trade-fair centre.

A picturesque region with remarkable rivers and lakes, the least urbanised part of Poland; idyllic landscapes, charming localities, health resorts, and four national parks (Białowieża, Biebrza, Narew and Wigry) welcome tourists; the region includes the UNESCO-listed Białowieża Forest; Podlaskie province, with hospitable Białystok as its capital, has many multicultural attractions…

A region very popular among tourists for the Great Masurian Lakes, summer resorts and health spas, visitors will discover many charming towns lying amidst beautiful forests and bodies of water.

As a destination, this province is great for health resorts and spas on the Baltic Sea as well as many interesting historical sites. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, two national parks (Słowiński and Tuchola Forest) also cultural and historical ones, starting with the region’s capital of Gdańsk.

A coastal region offering lots of great adventures and home to many seaside resorts and famous health spas, the province has attractive natural areas including two national parks (Wolin and Drawa).  Zachodniopomorskie province is a region with lots of attractions for every tourist.

Filled with attractions for the active and history-loving tourist, with traces of Chopin’s life and work, this is the largest province and home to Poland’s capital city – Warsaw, whose Old Town is a UNESCO-listed heritage site. To the south of the capital lies a health resort, and to the north-west Kampinos National Park, not to mention the surrounding localities explored via the winding roads of Mazovia…

Filled with ancient Slavic sites, famous health resorts and natural attractions, the province also includes a gem of Gothic architecture – Toruń – whose historical centre, with the 14th-century Town Hall, tenements and fragments of castle walls, is a UNESCO-listed heritage site.

A region with an ever-growing number of tourist attractions, both natural and manmade, not to mention Poland’s only thermal spa in Uniejów and a skiing facility in the heart of Poland: Kamieńsk Hill on the slope of the Bełchatów mine. The geometric centre of Poland lies in Łódzkie province, in the village of Piątek, and the province capital is the multicultural and modern city of Łódź.

Poland’s most densely forested province, rich in natural attractions including a national park (Warta Mouth), historic buildings (e.g. Łagów Castle) and former military sites (the Międzyrzecz Fortification Region), as well as a UNESCO-listed site: Park Mużakowski. The province has two capitals: Zielona Góra and Gorzów Wielkopolski.

Home to a variety of architectural marvels (including Książ, Poland third largest castle) Lower Silesia also boasts mountains, two national parks (Karkonosze and Sowie Mountains), many mountain resorts and the greatest number of health spas in Poland. Dig a little deeper and you’ll also find two UNESCO-listed sites (the Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica, and the Centennial Hall in Wrocław), as well as the bustling regional capital, Wrocław.

Poland’s smallest province, but one that is rich in culture and full of treasures for tourists. There’s something for everyone here – whether you’re looking to sightsee or are craving some relaxation. The region boasts beautiful lakes and rivers, famous castles and palaces, fascinating natural, historical and even prehistoric sites; the capital of Opolskie province is the “singing” city of Opole…

Śląśkie (Silesia) is a province rich in mineral and natural resources and is one of the most important industrial regions of Poland. Silesia’s largest city and historical capital is Wrocław, and the major metropolitan area is the Upper Silesian metro area with Katowice at its center. The multiethnic heritage of the region delivers deep and enriching cultural exploration of local history, tradition, and customs.

The Małopolska Province is where one finds some of Poland’s most visited sites. This most varied region stretches from the snowy peaks of the Tatra Mountains to the rugged limestone cliffs of Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, and the scenic, low lying Vistula River Valley.

This is a charming province, home to the Świętokrzyskie Mountains and Świętokrzyski National Park. The region is all about hermit and monastic traditions, age-old legends and dinosaurs combined with picturesque towns, multiple historical sites and famous health resorts. The regional capital is Kielce.

Podkarpackie is one of the greenest regions of Poland. There are pristine meadows and beautiful forests. Over one third of the region’s area, including remnants of the ancient Carpathian primeval Forest, is protected. Mighty wisents, lynxes, wildcats, and a number of rare bird species such as the golden eagle, are just a few of many species you can meet while hiking in the area.

Beautifully situated between the rivers Vistula and Bug, at the junction of Eastern and Western culture, Lubelskie has an alluring exoticism. Offering a rich natural environment with two national parks (Roztocze and Polesie) as well as historical sites including the UNESCO-listed Old Town in Zamość, the region tempts visitors with boats trips along the Vistula in Kazimierz, hiking in the Vistula glacial valley, treatments at health resorts and historic architecture in the province capital – Lublin.

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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Poland

• How to get to Poland
• Culture and Etiquette in Poland
• Eating and drinking in Poland
• Getting around Poland: Transportation Tips
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Poland
• Best time to visit Poland

Daily budget Basic €25/occasional treat €35. Drink Vodka (50ml shot) €1. Food Żurek soup €2–3. Hostel/budget hotel €10/€30. Travel Train: Warsaw–Kraków €13; bus: €10.

Crime and personal safety

Emergencies, information, money and banks, opening hours and holidays, travel ideas for poland, created by local experts.

Explore the Liberation Route in Poland

Poland was the first country that Hitler invaded and with it starting World War II. Discover the Polish sites of World War II with this itinerary, from the Northern city of Gdansk where the first battle took place to the concentration camps of Auschwitz close to Krakow.

Poland is a very safe country to travel in, though inevitably thefts from dorms and pickpocketing do occur. Safely store your valuables whenever possible and, on night trains, lock your compartment when you sleep. Polish police ( policja ) are courteous but unlikely to speak English. Your best protection against crime is to take out travel insurance before you go. If you do have anything stolen, report the loss to the police as soon as possible, and be patient – the Polish police rarely speak English, and filling out a report can take ages. The chances of getting your gear back are virtually zero.

Poles are obliged to carry some form of ID with them at all times. You should always keep your passport with you, even though you’re unlikely to get stopped unless you’re in a car; Western numberplates provide the excuse for occasional unprovoked spot checks. It’s also a good idea to make a photocopy of the final, information-bearing page of your passport. This will help your consulate to issue a replacement document if you’re unlucky enough to have it stolen.

Police 997 (112 from mobile phones); fire service998; ambulance 999

Medical care can be basic and most foreigners rely on the expensive private medical centres run by Medicover (500 900 500, www.medicover.pl ). For non-prescription medication, local pharmacists are helpful and often speak English. Citizens of the EU are entitled to free emergency healthcare in Poland providing they have an EHIC card, obtainable in the UK from most post offices or online at wwww.ehic.org; and in Ireland at local health offices or online at wwww.ehic.ie. Lengthy courses of treatment (as well as any prescribed drugs) must be paid for, however, so it’s sensible to take out adequate health insurance. North Americans, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders must arrange full insurance before leaving home.

Inoculations are not required for a trip to Poland. Drinking tap water is perfectly safe.

Most cities have a tourist office ( informacja turystyczna , or IT), usually run by the local municipality, though some are merely private agencies selling tours.

Travellers with GSM mobile phones will find that almost all of Poland enjoys coverage – apart from the odd remote mountain valley. Public payphones are operated by a card (karta telefoniczna), bought at post offices and Ruch kiosks, the latter usually marginally more expensive. To make a collect call, go to a post office, write down the number you want and “Rozmówa R” and show it to the clerk. Remember, too, that calls from hotels are usually far more expensive than calls from a payphone.

Internet cafés are fairly ubiquitous in Poland, and are listed in the Guide where relevant. Usage rarely costs more than 4zł/hr.

www.poland.travel/en The official tourist website with general details on Poland’s major sights and visa information.

www.thenews.pl Polish radio’s English-language service, focusing on national news and current events.

www.culture.pl News and essays on Polish cultural events and history.

Currency is the złoty (zł/PLN), divided into 100 groszy. Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 groszy, and 1, 2 and 5 złoty denominations; notes as 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 złoty. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are common in cities. Euros are not widely accepted, even in Warsaw.

Most shops open on weekdays from 10am to 6pm, and all but the largest close on Saturday at 2 or 3pm and all day Sunday. RUCH kiosks, selling public transport tickets ( bilety ), open at 6 or 7am. Most museums and historic monuments are closed once a week. Entrance tends to be inexpensive, and is often free one day of the week. Public holidays are: January 1, Easter Monday, May 1, May 3, Corpus Christi (May/June), August 15, November 1, November 11, December 25 and 26.

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15 Tips & Tricks for Visiting Krakow, Poland (First-timer’s Guide)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: June 26, 2024

Traveling to Krakow, Poland, for the first time  and looking for useful travel tips and practical information ?

When to visit? Where to stay? What are the tipping rules in Poland? How to save time and money and experience Krakow and surroundings to the fullest?.. .

This article with Krakow tips and tricks should answer all your questions. Read on!

To help you plan your first trip, we selected some of  the best tips for visiting Krakow for the first time . This no-nonsense practical guide will not only help you plan your city break, but will also show you how to make the best of your trip, time, and budget. Find out!

This guide with tips for visiting Krakow is written by our writer Christine who recently spent some time in Krakow. In her previous article, she shared her best tips for a long weekend in Krakow . In this post, you can find her experience-based Krakow tips that will help you make the most of your trip to this vibrant city, including the best areas to stay, some local habits, how to get around, how to save money, and much more! Find out!

1. Stay in the Center of Krakow

Without a doubt, the best place to stay in Krakow is the Old Town, in the heart of the city.

While in many parts of the world this might be a very expensive option, the cost of accommodation in Krakow is still reasonable enough to make a city-center stay very affordable. This is particularly true if you opt for a privately owned apartment.

But also hotel prices are very reasonable compared to Western Europe. So if you ever wanted to stay at a really nice hotel but couldn’t justify it, this might just be your chance. Check out Hotel Unicus Palace – a wonderful place to stay in the heart of the city.

Staying in the Old Town means that you’ll have all of Krakow’s main attractions right on your doorstep. But thanks to the unique construction of its large, old buildings, you won’t get any of the noise typically associated with staying in the city center.

If you’re lucky, you might find an apartment or a hotel close enough to St Mary’s Basilica to be able to hear the bugler perform the hourly hejnał mariacki (bugle call) – a sound that will forever remind you of your stay in beautiful Krakow!

TIP: If you’re looking for somewhere a little less crowded, but still very central and perfect for sightseeing, consider staying in Kazimierz . It’s a quaint and beautiful Jewish Quarter located just a 10 to 15-minute walk from Krakow’s Old Town. Accommodation here is cheaper and you can find some amazing value for your money. Take a look at PURO Kraków Kazimierz or Metropolitan Boutique Hotel , to mention just a few.

2. Avoid Peak Season If You Can

The most popular time to visit Krakow is from June to August when the temperatures are high, the parks are green and the banks of the Vistula come alive with barbecues and picnics.

Of course, the popularity of the peak season comes at a price – the city is busy, queues are long, and the prices for accommodation and some attractions are higher. It can also get too warm to enjoy the city… So consider if visiting at a different time of year would suit you better.

April to May and September to October are lovely times to visit Krakow. The temperatures are mild (although it can be quite chilly in the evenings) and the city is a lot less crowded. Accommodation prices are lower and you don’t have to queue everywhere. Krakow is a great destination for a spring break in Europe !

Winter is the least popular season, but having visited at this time of the year, I can say that it surely has its charm. The Christmas-card perfection of the frosty city, the festive Christmas markets, and the cozy restaurants mean that this is a season that shouldn’t be overlooked! Most attractions are still open, but both queues and prices tend to be far lower.

TIP: Take a walk in the city early in the morning or late at night. It’s magical without the crowds.

READ ALSO: Best Time to Visit Europe

3. Book in Advance

Krakow may be a small city, but it is very busy in peak season and its popularity is growing all the time. Hotels in the city center are often fully booked in peak season and the best price-quality deals are always gone first. So if you have a specific hotel in mind you need to book well ahead of your visit.

If you waited too long to book the hotel of your choice, try looking for an apartment instead. These tend to have more availability than hotels at busy times.

Tickets to popular tours and attractions are also worth booking in advance, mainly to avoid long queues. This is particularly true for the Wieliczka Salt Mine , where the ticket hall becomes incredibly crowded during peak season, and for Auschwitz , where booking in advance is essential (or you won’t be able to visit at all).

Both these places are located outside the city, so if you are planning to go on an organized tour from Krakow, you best book the tours in advance too! Here’s the best-rated tour to the salt mine and here – to the concentration camps .

Wawel Royal Castel , home to Polish kings and queens and considered Poland’s most important collection of buildings, is not to be missed in Krakow. You can view the magnificent exterior and walk around for free (or join this great-value guided tour and learn more about the place).

However, if you want to view the Castle’s impressive art collection or visit the splendid Royal Apartments, then you should buy the tickets in advance . Entry to the interior of the Castle is strictly timed, so you may find yourself waiting for several hours during busy times if you haven’t booked ahead (or not be able to visit at all).

Also Oskar Schindler Factory is a popular place and – if you absolutely want to visit – it’s best to reserve your visit in advance .

Some other landmarks and museums in Krakow require advance booking as well. Please check our 3 days in Krakow article for more details.

4. Take Advantage of Free Activities and Free Days

There are many ways to experience Krakow on a low budget, while still being able to see everything that you want to see!

The Church of SS Peter & Paul, the grounds of Wawel Castle, the impressive Market Square and the historic architecture of St. Florian’s Gate can all be enjoyed at no charge. So too can Kazimierz, which boasts the oldest synagogue in Krakow (also free to visit). Plus, of course, there’s the beautiful Planty Park – lush and green in the summer and the perfect place for a stroll.

There are a variety of free walking tours available, usually starting from Market Square, although it is customary (and polite) to leave a tip at the end.

Auschwitz is free to visit as an independent traveler, although it’s important to note that you still need to book your free ticket. Please see our article about visiting Auschwitz for more information.

Many attractions that charge for tickets also offer FREE entrance on certain days of the week. So always check before you buy, but please note that you may still need to book a free ticket! Attractions offering free days include Schindler’s Factory, the National Museum, Wawel Castle, St Francis Basilica, the Cloth Hall, and Rynek Underground.

5. Save Money with the Krakow Card

The Krakow City Pass Krakow Card can be a worthwhile investment if you plan to fit a lot of sightseeing into your stay, but your visit doesn’t coincide with any of the ‘free days’ suggested above.

This includes entry to more than 40 attractions and museums and free public transport. Here are just a few examples of what’s included: Oskar Schindler’s Factory, Main Market Underground Museum, Pharmacy “Under Eagle”, Town Hall Tower, St. Mary’s Church, The Barbican The Old Synagogue, City Defense Walls, Former Gestapo Headquarters at Pomorska Street, The Old Synagogue, The National Museum, and many more.

This card is only worth it though if you are actually staying in the city itself for 2 or 3 days (so not counting the day trips that most people do from Krakow).

6. Learn a Few Words in Polish

Locals really appreciate it if you try to speak a few words in Polish. Just a ‘hello’ or a ‘thank you’ can get you a long way. Here are a few Polish words you may want to know:

• Dzień dobry = hello – good morning / good afternoon
• Dobry wieczór = good evening
• Do widzenia  = good bye
• Proszę  = please
• Dziękuję  = thank you
• Przepraszam  = Excuse me/ sorry
• Nie rozumiem = I don’t understand
• Tak  = yes
• Nie  = no
• Na zdrowie!  = Cheers!

7. Be Smart When Exchanging Money

Even though Poland is part of the EU, it is not a member of the Eurozone, so the Euro is not accepted there. Poland uses the zloty, which you will often see abbreviated to PLN. 1 zloty is made up of 100 groszy (the equivalent of pennies or cents).

There are many currency exchange offices ( Kantor ) throughout Krakow, but the rates they offer can vary widely, with the worst rates usually offered in the city center. It is worth comparing the rates between offices before exchanging your cash, or – better – just withdraw cash from an ATM.

During our visit, we calculated that it was much cheaper for us to withdraw cash from the ATM using our foreign bank card than to exchange cash. It is usually cheaper to make one large withdrawal than several smaller ones.

All major debit and credit cards are widely accepted in Krakow, but – as everywhere in Europe – it’s best to use VISA or MasterCard with a chip and a 4-digit pin. American Express or Diners Club cards aren’t ideal for traveling in Europe. Many banks charge a foreign currency fee per transaction, so if you don’t yet have a card with no foreign transaction fees , it might be smart to get one.

PRO TIP: When withdrawing money from an ATM or when paying for purchases, you’ll always be asked to choose the currency for the transaction. Always choose the LOCAL CURRENCY (so in Krakow, Polish zloty) and let your bank do the exchange. This is a known trick that can cost you 3-15% extra if you accept the suggested conversion rate and choose to pay in your own currency. This is something to remember for all your international trips!

8. Enjoy Krakow on Foot

One of the most wonderful things about Krakow is that it’s compact, so it’s possible to get around very comfortably on foot and see most of the attractions. Not only does it save money, but it gives you a true feel of the sights and sounds of day-to-day life in the city.

Negotiating Krakow is very simple. The center of the city is made up of the Old Town and Wawel Hill, home to the historic Wawel Castle. The Vistula River borders the city on one side and Planty Park borders the other.

TIP: If you want to see the highlights of the Old Town and familiarize yourself with the city, you can also opt for this highly-rated walking tour with a local . Try to do this at the beginning of your visit, so that you can take advantage of the local tips and recommendations during the rest of your stay!

TIP: If you’re visiting Krakow in winter, bring waterproof shoes! The snow is not always removed from the pavements, so they can become quite ‘slushy’ and muddy!

9. Live Like a Local and Use Public Transport

Krakow’s bus and tram system is cheap and efficient and a great way to get around the city. Although you might want to avoid rush hours (7 am-9 am and 3 pm-5 pm) when traffic often comes to a standstill!

Buy your tickets before you board, either from a ticket machine at a bus or tram stop, or from a kiosk. On some trams and buses, you can buy tickets from a machine onboard – those selling them have an ‘A’ sign over the door. It is possible to buy your ticket from the driver, but you need to have exactly the right change. You can’t try to pay with a higher amount than the ticket price – the driver is not allowed to accept it.

There are many ticket inspectors on the routes and – sadly – tourists often end up receiving hefty fines because they are not sure what they need to do. To avoid a fine, make sure you buy a ticket in advance or as soon as you get on the bus (if you haven’t been able to buy one beforehand) and that you validate it. To do this, you need to punch it in the validation machine. You only need to do this once – not every time you change a bus or tram. If your ticket is within its time period, it can be used for multiple rides.

TIP: If you get the Krakow Card , you can travel on buses and trams without having to worry about the tickets.

TIP: Download the popular Jakdojade app , designed to help you plan your journeys on public transport throughout Poland.

10. Save Money on Airport Transfers & More

If you plan to travel by taxi to and from the airport, book your airport transfer online – it’s cheaper than hailing a taxi from the rank. Always check the price before you travel. While it’s rare, tourists do occasionally fall prey to unscrupulous drivers who charge more than the going rate. Prices should be on display inside the taxi, on the passenger door or window.

Or consider other taxi alternatives such as iCar (local taxi service) or Uber, which operates around Krakow but is not available in the Old Town.

A fun and cost-effective way to get around is to use an electric scooter or bike. You can rent scooters and there are various locations around the city at which you can rent bikes. Sadly, however, Krakow’s popular bike-sharing service Wavelo was discontinued at the end of 2019.

11. Think Twice Before Hiring a Car

While renting a car gives you freedom, I wouldn’t recommend doing it for a visit to Krakow. Parking is hard to find and costly and the traffic can be very heavy. Some of the rules of the road can be very confusing, particularly with regard to ‘driving zones’ that even the locals find hard to understand.

If you decide to drive, be very careful to keep to posted speed limits. Speed restrictions are strictly enforced.

I’d only recommend renting a car in Krakow if you are staying in the area for longer than 3 days and are planning to explore the wide surroundings beyond the city. The most popular day trips to Auschwitz , Wieliczka Salt Mine , and Zakopane can easily be done with tours or private drivers .

TIP: If you are planning to rent a car, check this website for the best deals. We personally use it for all our car rental bookings all over the world.

12. Experience Polish Cuisine & Street Food

The Poles are rightly proud of their cuisine and you’ll find traditional food available at every turn. Be sure to try pierogis – plump little dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients, then baked or fried. You should also sample zurek – sour rye soup – and the classic borscht , a soup made from beetroot.

The food in Krakow extends far beyond traditional fare. Foodies will love the variety of high quality, gourmet meals on offer at restaurants throughout the city. Prices are very low and it’s possible to dine out very well in Poland for less than $40 a day!

If you’re traveling on a budget, then you can save money by taking advantage of Krakow’s delicious street food. You’ll find Polish bagels known as obwarzanki for sale on just about every corner. And as popular as these bagels are, I don’t think you can beat a loaf of regular Polish bread , fresh from the bakery! Be sure to also sample zapiekanka – Poland’s delicious and filling version of pizza!

TIP: Although it’s tempting to dine at restaurants in Market Square, I recommend doing a little exploring. Restaurants away from the main square are often cheaper and the standard of the food is often higher. Many lovely restaurants and cafes are almost hidden in the inner courtyards of the buildings, so don’t be afraid to stray from the beaten track.

Or you can also join a food tour and discover some of the best places and delicacies with a local guide. Also here, if you take a tour at the beginning of your trip, you can then take advantage of what you learned during the rest of your stay.

13. Tipping Etiquette

At restaurants in Poland, it’s customary to tip 10% if you find the service to be satisfactory. If the service is excellent, you can tip a bit more.

If you pay by credit card, it’s best to leave tips in cash. If you pay in cash and expect to get some change, don’t say ‘thank you’ when handing the money or it might be misunderstood that you’re ok with your waiter keeping the change. So wait to say ‘thanks’ till you have settled the money matters.

It’s not customary to tip at cafés or bars , but you can round up the bill. You can round up your taxi bill as well.

It’s customary to tip your tour guide at 10-15%, but only if you thoroughly enjoyed the service.

Tips are not expected by the hotel personnel or other similar services.

14. Don’t Drink in Public

You should know that it’s illegal to drink alcohol in public places in Poland. So make sure to not drink alcohol in public areas, including parks.

This also counts for celebrations like New Year or similar. There are no exceptions.

Outdoor cafés and restaurant terraces are, of course, ok.

15. Don’t Forget Little Important Details

• Some restrooms display symbols on the doors instead of words, which can be confusing! A restroom with a triangle is for men – a restroom with a circle is for women.
• Krakow is filled with cobbled streets and many hotels, restaurants and other buildings have no lifts. This is something to keep in mind if you are a disabled traveler or if traveling with young kids in a stroller. Make sure to also wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot!
• The Polish electricity supply is 230V, 50Hz AC and the plug sockets type C/E just as in the rest of continental Europe. Visitors from the US and the UK will need to use an adapter. While these are available at shops and hotels in Krakow, the cheaper option is to buy one at home before you leave. Here you can get the UK to Europe travel adapter and here – the USA to Europe travel adapter .
• Krakow’s tap water is safe to drink, so there is no need to buy bottled water. If you are traveling in summer, you may want to bring a reusable water bottle.
• Try to buy your souvenirs away from the main Market Square. You will often find the same goods on sale elsewhere but at a cheaper price.
• Krakow often makes the list of the world’s top 20 safe destinations. Nevertheless, use the same safety precautions that you would use anywhere when traveling.
• Local pharmacies may not sell medications that you are used to using, so stock up before you travel.
• Krakow can be very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer, so be prepared with the right clothes . Bear in mind that it can also be very chilly in spring.

So these are our top tips and tricks for visiting Krakow that should help you experience the very best this city has to offer. If you found this guide useful, make sure to also check our other articles – see below.

More tips for your trip to Krakow:

• Best Things to Do in Krakow
• How to Visit Auschwitz
• How to Visit Wieliczka Salt Mines
• Itinerary for 3 Days in Krakow
• Zakopane Day Tour from Krakow

READ ALSO: Europe’s Fairytale Destinations

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More travel inspiration for the nicest cities all over Europe:

If you are visiting other European cities and are looking for in-depth information for your trip, take a look at some of our city guides:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Barcelona, Spain
• Bern, Switzerland
• Bologna, Italy
• Brasov, Romania
• Brussels, Belgium
• Bruges, Belgium
• Bucharest, Romania
• Colmar, France
• Edinburgh, UK
• Florence, Italy
• Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Liverpool, UK
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Madrid, Spain
• Manchester, UK
• Milan, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Paris, France
• Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
• Ravenna, Italy
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Rome, Italy
• Salzburg, Austria
• Sintra, Portugal
• Toledo, Spain
• Venice, Italy
• Verona, Italy
• For more… check our  destinations page.

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Wednesday 11th of August 2021

Hello. Thank you so much for the posting. It will definitely help me when I visit in September!

Thursday 12th of August 2021

Have a great trip, Jess!

Saturday 7th of November 2020

Hi Jurga, If you want to explore Poland a bit more, here are some of my suggestions where to go: south Poland -Zakopane and Tatra mountains, Krynica Gorska, Pieniny mountains near Krakow - Ojcow Park, nice for strolling north Poland - Gdansk north-central Poland - Biskupin (Bronze Age settlement) Warszawa is not my favorite , but the old town, Lazienki Park, and Wilanow Palace are beautiful.

Wednesday 11th of November 2020

Wow, thank you so much for all these tips, Kinga! Will definitely keep this in mind when we plan to go in that direction.

Useful Krakow Tips For First Time Visitors

Krakow is the most popular tourist destination in Poland. No wonder why! The city itself is beautiful, plus there are many places worth visiting nearby, like Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Zakopane , or Wieliczka Salt Mine. In this post, you will find the best Krakow tips for first time visitors .

Be sure to read our other posts about Krakow including:

• best tours in Krakow
• things to do in Krakow
• best day trips from Krakow
• where to eat in Krakow
• best beaches in Kraków and around
• how to get the most of your winter trip to Kraków
• romantic places in Krakow
• best breakfast in Kraków
• 3 days in Kraków itinerary
• what to do in Kraków for free ?
• are there any thermal baths in Kraków ?
• best free museums in Kraków

Table of Contents

Basic Facts About Krakow That You Need To Know

1. krakow is safe..

The crime rate in the city is really low. As long as you are staying in the city center, you will be perfectly ok, both during day and night.

The only place that I wouldn’t recommend visiting after dark is Nowa Huta district. It’s far enough from Rynek anyway, so most tourists don’t even know the place like this exists. I am not saying that Nowa Huta is dangerous, it’s just it may be weird there sometimes, especially during football games.

There are 2 main football teams in Krakow- Wisla and Cracovia. The extreme fans of both teams sometimes fight with each other, and trust me- you don’t want to find yourself in the middle of this battle.

2. Krakow is polluted.

Actually, it’s one of the most polluted cities in the world . That’s one of the reasons we moved from Krakow (the second is traffic jams).

Don’t worry though- you will be perfectly fine while visiting the city. My advice is to bring a pollution mask if you are traveling to Krakow in the winter.

3. Krakow is a student city.

One of the oldest surviving colleges in the world- Jagiellonian University has been founded in Krakow in the 14th century. There are 23 colleges in the city, and more than 200,000 students from all over the world live there.

If you happen to visit Krakow in May, Google ‘Juwenalia Krakowskie’. It’s an annual event for students. The dates are different every year, that’s why I am directing you to Google to check it all by yourself. 

One of the best Krakow tips is definitely to PARTY! There is no better place to have fun in Poland than in this city.

Prices in Krakow

If you are looking for Krakow tips regarding planning your travel budget, you should be aware that the city is not expensive. The prices in Krakow are low. Here are the examples:

• double room with private bathroom – 180 PLN (~$45) / a night
• lunch/dinner with drinks in a restaurant – 35 PLN ($10) per person
• lunch/dinner with drinks in a milk bar – 18 PLN ($5) per person
• one bedroom apartment monthly rental – 1800 PLN ($470)

Most of the Krakow activities will be cheaper than in other EU cities.

Where To Party Krakow?

The nightlife in Krakow is the best to experience at Rynek and Kazimierz area.

In my opinion, the best clubs are:

• Klub Studio  on AGH at  Budryka 4
• Stalowe Magnolie on sw. Jana 15
• Coco  on  Szpitalna 38

Women usually have a free entrance, men need to pay. Start partying after 11 p.m. before this time, clubs are pretty empty.

The Most Instagrammable Places in Krakow

Krakow is Instagrammable in general. Most of the places mentioned above are great for photos but here are a few more worth mentioning.

Rynek Główny 3

This is a place where you can take arguably the best photo of Kosciol Mariacki and Rynek.

Cafe Szal is located on the roof of Sukiennice. It’s open all year round but when it’s warm enough you can sit outside in their beer garden. It’s worth going there to see Market Square from above.

Hotel Poleski

Sandomierska 6 Even though the food in the hotel’s restaurant is average and the hotel itself is outdated, it’s still worth to go there. Hotel Poleski has the best Krakow rooftop bar. You will get there an amazing view of Wawel Castle and the Vistula river.

If you are traveling by car, you can park your vehicle right next to the hotel which is a huge advantage, especially on a rainy day.

Przegorzały Castle 

Przegorzaly castl e is located quite a long ride from the center of the city but it’s still worth to go there. It’s one of the best viewpoints in Krakow.

There is a pretty good restaurant ( U Ziyada ) in the castle, so you may combine this trip with a romantic dinner or simply make it a date.

Where To Go Shopping In Krakow?

The most popular shopping mall in Krakow is Galeria Krakowska, which is connected to the bus and trains stations.

It’s quite nice but it’s always crowded. Better go to Bonarka City Center at Kamienskiego 11 . It’s bigger and simply better.

Another shopping malls that we highly recommend are Galeria Kazimierz on Podgorska 34 and Galeria Bronowice on Stawowa 61 .

Best Accommodation In Krakow

If you still don’t know where to stay in Krakow, don’t worry! There are thousands of hostels, hotels, and apartments in the city, so everyone can find something for themselves there.

For Luxury Travelers

An iconic place, Hotel Stary is one of the best hotels in Krakow. It’s located in the heart of Rynek, has a spa area , delicious food, and all the other facilities that you can find in the 5-star accommodation.

For Those Who Want to Feel Like Home

If you want to feel like home but still use hotel facilities like daily breakfast, choose Well Well Aparthotel .

It’s located in the quiet area of the city within the walking distance to Rynek. You will have a kitchenette in the room, which is great especially if you are traveling to Krakow with kids. The breakfasts are basic but REALLY good.

For Budget Travelers

If you are looking for a good Krakow hostel, check out Bubble Hostel . It’s very close to Rynek and the main bus and train stations. They have dormitories and private rooms available, that’s why it’s one of the best places to stay in Krakow for budget travelers.

For Longer Stay

Even though there are many apartments and hotels in Krakow centre, it may be hard to choose the best one.

If you want to stay in the city for more than just a few nights, check out Airbnb Krakow. To be honest, we usually find the best places to stay in the city on this website. Our recent discovery is Studio Pomorska , one of the few places in the center of Krakow with free parking.

Krakow Tips And General Info

How to get to krakow.

Check out the cheapest flights to Krakow !

If you are coming from other European countries, choose cheap flights to Krakow Balice Airport.

If you are coming from another city in Poland, take a bus (FlixBus) or train.

How to Get Around Krakow?

One of the best Krakow tips is to walk as much as you can! You can easily get from Rynek to Kazimierz, without using a public transport or a taxi.

In order to get to the Old Town, take a public bus or tram (remember, the only way to get to the market square is walking!).

It’s pretty easy to use Krakow public transport, especially if you are using jakdojade.pl to plan your trip. You can install the app on your phone. It will help you to get anywhere in Krakow. The app can locate where you currently are, so don’t be afraid of getting lost.

Buy Krakow City Pass if you want to use public transport for free and have access to 40+ museums.

Both Uber and Bolt operate in Krakow, so if you want to travel by taxi that’s the cheapest and the most convenient option.

The Most Famous Events in Krakow

My tip for visiting Krakow is to check the event calendar before you travel. There is always a lot going on in the city!

It’s not the full list of festivals in Krakow. I am writing only about the most famous ones. More about the events in the city here . As you can see from the list below, the best time to visit Krakow is the summer and spring .

Juwenalia- students’ event in May (I am writing about it earlier in this post). 

Krakow Film Festival – one of the most important events like this in Europe. It happens annually in May or June.

Great Dragon Parade – a show of the beautiful and colorful dragons. A must-see if you are in Krakow. The parade usually takes place at the beginning of June.

Wianki – it happens annually, at night from 23th to 24th June. The tradition of throwing the wreaths to the water is hundreds of years long. Early Slavic maidens believed that if their wreath will be found by the man, they will get married soon. Wianki in Krakow is a colorful event, with firework and music shows.

Jewish Culture Festival – shows, exhibits, and workshops dedicated to the Jewish culture. The event takes place annually, in June or July.

Independence Day – November, 11th is a bank holiday in Poland. There are different parades and events organized in Krakow during that day.

Christmas Market and Szopka Krakowska Competition – Christmas is widely celebrated in Krakow. Apart from an amazing Christmas Market that opens up at the end of November, you can see the beautiful nativity scenes ( szopka ) that Krakow is famous for.

Read my post about Polish Christmas traditions .

That’s it! If you have any questions about Krakow, comment below, or join our Poland Travel Planning Facebook group . We will be happy to help you.

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3 Responses

Fantastic information – thank you for sharing.

Very useful. I’m travelling with 2 small dogs in a small camper and trailer. Is Poland dog friendly and what advice is there regarding parking near the centre of Kracov?

Yes, Poland is dog-friendly 🙂

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My name is Karolina, I was born and raised in Poland. I love my homeland. Even though I’ve been to 50+ countries in the world I’ve never hesitated to make Poland my base!

My mission is to show you the beauty of Poland and help you plan your trip!

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Your Question

Consul's guide: Navigating Croatia's sea dangers swimming safely

A popular European summer destination - Croatia - attracts many tourists from around the world. The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Zagreb shares useful tips on traveling to and staying in Croatia via social media. The series "Your Consul's Tips and Advice" has been top-rated on Facebook for years. In June, the topic of dangerous land animals was discussed, and now it’s time to focus on sea creatures to watch out for while swimming.

In the first part of the guide on dangerous animals in Croatia, the Embassy warned about creatures that can be encountered on land, particularly during trips to places like Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park.

Danger in the Adriatic

As the Embassy reminds us, you need to be exceptionally careful not only during nature excursions. "Hot, sunny days and vacation relaxation are incomplete without beloved sea bathing, especially enjoyed by children. Remember, this is also the natural habitat for many organisms, including dangerous ones."

While swimming in the Adriatic, be particularly wary of sea urchins, which often reside in shallow waters and are easy to step on.

" The sting itself is not harmful, but it is very unpleasant, causing pain and redness. If stung, carefully remove the spines with tweezers and disinfect the wound to prevent bacterial growth. If you cannot remove all the spines, seek medical assistance to prevent inflammation," the post advises.

In the water, also watch out for jellyfish, which often stay close to shore, freely floating in the water. "Encountering them can be very unpleasant due to their tentacles – stingers, which inject venom upon contact," the Embassy warns.

The symptoms of a jellyfish sting are immediate and painful. The sting initially causes severe pain and burning in the affected area, significant swelling, and linear skin redness. It is best to rinse the sting with seawater, then vinegar, disinfect it, and remove the tentacles with tweezers. In cases of severe burns, seek medical attention.

Besides sea urchins and jellyfish, be alert for characteristic sea anemones. "They look like spaghetti, leading a sedentary lifestyle, typically attached to rocks on the sea floor. Their tentacles contain a toxic substance released upon contact," the guide explains. In case of contact, immediately rinse the affected area with clean water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and soothe the pain. Later, take an antihistamine or drink calcium if needed.

Those who enjoy diving must be cautious of the moray eel – the most well-known poisonous predatory fish living in caves and rocky crevices. "Bites result in various symptoms - redness, swelling, pain, cramps, difficulty breathing. Treatment often requires medical attention," the Embassy warns.

Finally, the consul reminds us that animals attack out of fear and to defend their territory. If we do not disturb them and simply move away, we will not be in danger.

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