Planning a Trip to Poland? Use This Detailed Guide

How to Plan a Trip to Poland

To plan a trip to Poland, you’ll likely start in Warsaw or Kraków. There are regional flights you can catch from here if neither is on your desired Poland itinerary. (If it’s your first time, though, I hope they are!)

Here’s a quick checklist with a few travel tips to get you started:

• Determine the best time to visit Poland. If you want to plan a trip to Poland for its charming Christmas markets, you obviously won’t be looking at summer.
• Set a budget. Poland is much less expensive than much of Western Europe, but the cost of your trip depends on when you go, where you go, and where you overnight.
• Book your flights. You know the two major airports. From here, determine whether you need any connections or if train travel will do.
• Plan accommodations: Poland has a nice mix of hotels and guesthouses across all budgets. I generally go for hotels if we’re visiting for just a few days.
• Know the currency. Poland’s national currency is the Polish złoty, despite the country’s membership in the European Union.
• Bring some cash. Credit cards are widely accepted in major city centers, but you’ll want to carry some cash if you’re going off the beaten path.
• Understand local customs. A “Dzień dobry,” which means “Good day,” and “Dziękuję,” or “Thank you,” will take you far.

How Many Days You Need to See Poland

You need seven to 10 days in Poland to cover more than one city. In that amount of time you could see both Kraków and Warsaw with a day trip or two possible from each stop. If you’re here on a city break, you may only need a few days.

To be honest, you’ll want to return no matter how much time you give Poland, so visit for as long as you’re able.

If you’re really short on time, Kraków is perfect for first-time visitors. With more time than I’ve recommended, the country rewards slow travel with trips to the Tatra Mountains, the Masurian Lake District, and port cities like Gdańsk.

The Best Time to Visit Poland

The best month to visit Poland is October. The weather is still nice and warm and the summer tourists and summer prices have fallen away.

The spring months of April and May before the summer peak are lovely, too, with blooms all over the country. Just be prepared for some potentially wet weather.

Poland has a typical temperate climate where you can expect all four seasons. That means hot summers and chilly winters, so plan accordingly depending on what it is that you’d like to do while you’re there.

Here’s some more information by season:

• Fall: This is a shoulder season in Poland, so you’ll likely be able to score some good deals in the country. The weather in September and October is ideal. Expect more wet, chilly weather as winter approaches come November.
• Winter: By December, the country will be wrapping itself in Christmas decorations. Ski conditions in the mountains are best starting in January. The ski season runs through at least April.
• Spring: Outside of the Easter holidays, you can find some good off-season deals for spring travel in Poland. Temperatures are mild in the spring months. That makes this a great time for outdoor exploration, as long as you’re ready for potential rain.
• Summer: This is the peak season for travel in Poland, as the days are long and warm. Book ahead if you’re looking for any chance at decent deals on flights and accommodation. I’d suggest a visit to the Baltic coast at this time.

How to Get to Poland

There are deals from the United States and throughout Europe to Warsaw and Kraków, Poland’s main transportation hubs, if you’re patient. High season is during the summer and holidays, so if you’re traveling during those times, book your flights well in advance.

If you’re an American citizen or citizen of the European Union countries, Canada, or Australia, you do not need a visa to enter Poland for up to 90 days.

For additional information for those traveling to Poland from outside of those countries, consult Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

READ MORE: My first trip to Poland started with a pretty big fail. Check out my story about the trip to Poland that nearly wasn’t!

How to Get Around Poland

Poland is compact enough that you can explore other cities using available land transportation without connecting flights once you’re there. If you’re short on time and jumping around quite a bit, regional flights are available on LOT Polish Airlines.

If you’re traveling between cities while on your trip to Poland, the country’s system of trains will be the most efficient and budget-friendly way for you to get around.

The state railroad, or PKP, is your best bet for long-distance travel and connecting from city to city. See their timetable information on their website for more information.

Trains marked IC for InterCity are recommended over the other options. You’re able to reserve a seat on those and the service is great.

If you’re not in any hurry and need to get somewhere that isn’t well-serviced by trains, Poland also has a network of buses as a public transport alternative. Public bus timetables are available on the state website.

Polski Express is a well-known private bus operator. There are several options for purchasing tickets online for that private line, but it’s best to purchase those at the station where you’re able to get additional support as needed.

Individual cities will also have their own networks of buses, trams, and trolleys available to travelers.

You can also rent a car. I’ve been driven around in Poland as I still have relatives there, but it doesn’t seem as stressful as busy Italian cities or Paris.

Top Places to Visit in Poland

You have lots of options for places to visit in Poland, whether you’re here for the first time or making multiple return visits. Poland offers all kinds of adventures for history buffs, nature-seekers, and foodies. Let’s take a look at a few of my favorites.

Białowieża Forest

Białowieża is a Polish village named after the primeval forest that surrounds it: Białowieża Forest. On the Polish side, the forest is a protected area known as Białowieża National Park.

A visit to one of the country’s best national parks allows nature lovers to meet the country’s beloved European bison. There are more than 800 of them in the forest in Poland and neighboring Belarus.

Note: Any European bison you meet out in the wild — ideally from a distance — can be traced back to this special place.

Hikes through the forest are quite the zen experience, but you’ll need a guide and permission to hike within the areas covered by the reserve. Trails around the outskirts of the park are open to public trekkers.

Gdańsk

The port city of Gdańsk has arrived as a top destination for travelers to Poland. Walk the Royal Way, a promenade once used by Polish kings, and gawk at the Neptune Fountain.

While I don’t usually plan on too much time shopping in my travels, I did make it a point to check out the local specialty while in town: amber.

Mariacka Street is known as the local amber street for its wealth of options when it comes to the gemstones. I’ve inherited quite a few sets myself over the years from various family members.

Interested in a guided tour while you’re in Gdansk? See these well-reviewed options:

Kraków

Kraków tops the list of places to visit in Poland for a reason. This is a beautiful city that makes most fall in love with this country. It’s so picturesque, especially if you get nice weather to walk along the Wisła, or Vistula river, flowing through town.

I have a detailed guide to a full weekend in Kraków, but highlights include Rynek Główny, or the main square in the Old Town of Kraków and Wawel Castle. While you’re at the castle, visit the resident dragon, the Smok Wawelski. He breathes fire and everything.

Fun fact: Poland boasts one of Europe’s oldest universities. The Jagiellonian University in Kraków was founded in 1364.

It’s also an excellent base for day trips, including a more somber visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

If you’re interested in a guided tour of Kraków proper, check out the highly-rated tours below, including a Polish food tour:

Malbork Castle

Malbork Castle, or more impressively known as the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, is enormous. That makes sense when you learn that it’s the largest castle in the world when measured by land area.

Not: It’s an easy day trip from Gdańsk, too, which should already be on your Poland trip itinerary.

Expect to spend at least three hours at this bucket list site, even if you just use the audio guides. Again, this place is massive and SO impressive.

READ MORE: I love a good castle. Check out my guide to Fontainebleau for a solid Versailles alternative.

Warsaw

Warsaw isn’t the prettiest Polish city, but when you consider it was essentially razed during World War II, its resilience is impressive.

Spend your time eating your way through, of course, but don’t miss out on The Warsaw Rising Museum. The museum is dedicated to those who fought for the capital city’s freedom in 1944.

Relax in Łazienki Park. Nearby Wilanów Palace makes an enjoyable day trip, too. The palace was built for King John III Sobieski in the 17th century but went through quite a few expansions in the years that followed.

Thankfully, it survived demolition by German forces during the Second World War.

Fun Fact: Most of the items stolen during World War II were returned by Germany by the time the palace reopened as a museum in the 1960s. That makes the museum one of the most important monuments in Poland from a historical perspective.

I have more reasons for you in my guide to why you need to plan a trip to Warsaw. Check it out to get a dose of the local history while you’re at it.

Interested in a guided experience in Warsaw? Here are some options:

More Places to Visit in Poland

Poland is rich in history, outdoor adventure, and charming city escapes. Here are a few more destinations to consider as you plot out your itinerary:

• Masurian Lake District: Explore somewhere in the neighborhood of 2,000 interconnected lakes in this region known as the Mazury. This is also where you’ll find the Wolf’s Lair, Hitler’s primary headquarters during World War II.
• Poznań: Wielkopolska’s capital is known for its Old Market Square and the Poznań Goats, mechanical goats that butt heads every day at noon at Poznań City Hall. The popular treat here is St. Martin’s croissants.
• Toruń: This medieval town was the birthplace of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. On top of that fun fact, it’s known for its Gothic architecture and gingerbread, or pierniki.
• Wrocław: The city is known as the “Venice of Poland” with over 100 bridges connecting different parts along the Odra River. Visit the vibrant Market Square and Gothic-style Wrocław Cathedral.
• Zakopane: This is Poland’s winter capital and a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts interested in hiking through the Tatra Mountains. Don’t miss the smoked sheep’s milk cheese known as oscypek after you’re done with all of that activity.

Poland Travel Itineraries

Since a week is what many travelers have to work with, I wanted to share a few itinerary possibilities with you to help with your planning in Poland:

Option 1: Poland Highlights

• Day 1: Arrive in Kraków.
• Day 2: Explore Kraków.
• Day 3: Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum.
• Day 4: Visit Zakopane.
• Day 5: Travel to Warsaw.
• Day 6: Explore the Masurian Lake District.
• Day 7: Depart from Warsaw.

Option 2: Start in Warsaw

• Day 1: Arrive in Warsaw.
• Day 2: Explore Warsaw.
• Day 3: Travel to Toruń.
• Day 4: Explore Toruń.
• Day 5: Travel to the Masurian Lake District.
• Day 6: Explore the Masurian Lake District.
• Day 7: Return to Warsaw.

Option 3: Start in Kraków

• Day 1: Arrive in Kraków.
• Day 2: Explore Kraków.
• Day 3: Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum.
• Day 4: Visit Zakopane.
• Day 5: Travel to Wrocław.
• Day 6: Explore Wrocław.
• Day 7: Return to Kraków.

Amazing Facts About Poland

I may be a little biased, but Poland is a very unique place. It has a dramatic history, of course, but the country also has lots of fun facts to discover. Here are a few of my favorite:

1. I don’t want you to get in a fight with any Russians here, but most historians now agree that there are varieties of vodka that originated in both Poland and Russia.
2. Second only to Russians in vodka consumption, the Poles also drink quite a bit of beer. They’re in fifth place in beer consumption per capita, above Ireland.
3. You can thank Poles for the following inventions: kerosene lamps, the bulletproof vest, and all of the things Marie Curie is known for that I don’t quite understand.
4. Poland is in the top three countries with the most World’s Strongest Man medals. Mariusz Pudzianowski has won more titles in the competition than anyone else.
5. Maksymilian Faktorowicz, also known as Max Factor Sr., was a Polish beautician and inventor considered the daddy of the modern cosmetics industry.

What to Pack to Poland

What you pack to Poland will depend when you visit. Generally, you’ll want to be ready for some inclement weather no matter when you’re there. Here are some ideas to cover the most popular Poland trip itineraries:

• Comfortable shoes: You’ll need a pair of comfortable shoes on your trip to Poland, as the country’s cities are very walkable. I often live in various forms of Keds or sneakers, but choose something that will help you cover some ground.
• Rain boots: No matter the season, you may come across some rain while you’re in Poland. Pack a cute pair of comfortable booties to face down any weather challenges. Leave the tall pairs at home.
• Rain jacket: No matter when you’re visiting Poland,  you may encounter some rain on your trip. Pack something lightweight that you can throw on if you encounter inclement weather.
• Scarf: A comfy blanket scarf will make your life so cozy when you’re sipping on some warm-up drinks in a Polish bar. Something more lightweight will dress up anything you’ve packed in the warmer months.
• Sweaters: With average temperatures never getting too warm in Poland, you’re going to need to pack some sweaters for your trip to Poland unless you’re hitting peak summertime. Why not make those sweaters adorable?

Polish Foods to Try

Polish cuisine is known for being heavy on meat and potatoes, but it’s not just that. Make sure you take advantage of Polish hospitality — it’s essential to the culture! — and try a variety of local foods. Your waistline may not love it, but your taste buds will.

Here are my favorites:

• Bigos: This stew, known as hunter’s stew, consists of sauerkraut and a variety of chopped meats.
• Gołąbki: These are stuffed cabbage rolls, typically served with tomato sauce. You’ll find these on the menu of any Polish restaurant.
• Kiełbasa: You can’t leave Poland without trying at least three to 12 varieties of Polish sausage.
• Makowiec: This is a poppy seed roll often served with powdered or lacquered sugar over the top. It’s a typical addition to the dessert table around the winter holidays.
• Pączki: These are filled doughnuts that you may already be consuming mass quantities of on Pączki Day, which falls on Fat Tuesday.
• Pierogi: These are Polish dumplings, typically boiled and then pan-fried with crumbled bacon, butter, and sour cream served on top or alongside.
• Śledzie: This is the Polish word for herring. Poles eat them in a variety of ways, e.g. pickled, marinated in oil, and in a sour cream sauce.
• Smalec: Smalec is lard, typically served as a spread alongside a basket of bread. It’s a popular addition to charcuterie boards in Poland.
• Zapiekanki: There are open-faced sandwiches, but my favorite preparation is akin to a French bread pizza situation.
• Żurek: This sour rye soup is perfect for cold days. It’s typically served with egg and white sausage.

Special Events and Festivals in Poland

If you’re planning a trip to Poland during a specific time of year, consider whether there are any festivals or holidays occurring. You may want to attend special events or avoid them, as holidays often mean business closures.

Here are a few notable events across Poland:

• Wrocław Good Beer Festival: This is exactly what it sounds like: a celebration of good beer from across Poland and Europe. Live music and regional cuisine are also on hand for when you’ve overindulged on the hops.
• Kraków Film Festival: The Kraków Film Festival has bestowed an international life achievement award on one filmmaker each year since 1998 called the Dragon of Dragons. That’s pretty sweet.
• Wianki Festival: This midsummer celebration includes live music across multiple stages, and, more notably, the floating of handmade wreaths, or wianki, down the river. Polish girls typically attend the event with garlands in their hair.
• Pol’and’Rock Festival: The Pol’and’Rock Festival, inspired by the Woodstock Festival, has been held in the western Poland town of Kustrin since 1995. It’s billed as the largest open-air festival in Europe.
• Orange Warsaw Festival: This is one of the most popular music festivals in Poland. Annually held in June, it’s well-attended by music enthusiasts from around the world. Expect a mix of the biggest names in music and Polish favorites.

Where to Stay in Poland

Where you stay in Poland depends on your itinerary. I generally use Booking.com or Hotels.com for the best rates. Vrbo is my Airbnb alternative.

If you’re visiting Warsaw, we like the Mercure Warszawa Centrum for its central location. Hotel Europejski in Kraków offers Old World vibes within an easy walk of the Wawel Royal Castle.

Poland is always worth the trip.

You already know I feel a deep connection to the place, but Poland is often at the top of countries I recommend for travelers to Europe.

Poland is worth visiting for its cultural offerings and wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, its friendly people, and a more budget-friendly experience. You may even see me there!