Poland
Poland, with its incredible history and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a wonderful and too often overlooked destination. Most travellers come visit Krakow, or maybe spend a day or two in Warsaw.
Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country located in Central Europe. It is divided into 16 administrative provinces, covering an area of 312,696 square kilometres, and has a largely temperate seasonal climate.
In Poland’s capital city of Warsaw, trawl the markets of Old Town Square and visit the Baroque-style Krasinski Palace in the New Town.
Krakow, the medieval city looks like it was taken straight out of a fairy tale, with its bustling market square, spiralling Gothic towers, castles and legends of dragons. Explore the city’s narrow backstreets, hidden courtyards and the network of underground cellars and tunnels.
Best Time To Visit
Poland’s main tourist season is in the Summer (June – August), when the resorts on the Baltic coast get the warmest temperatures.
For exploring the mountainous regions, the best time to visit is in the Spring (April/ May) when the flowers are at their most vivid. You will find this is the best time of year if you want it a little quieter and you won’t be queuing for anything.
Autumn is the Polish cultural season, and hotels tend to be emptier after the holiday period.
In Winter, the icy temperatures mean the South of the country is perfect for skiing. It can be bitterly cold in winter. Be sure to check out Krakow’s Christmas Markets if you go around this time of year.
In all honesty, anytime of year is great to visit Poland! What a place!
For a month by month look click here
What To Expect
Capital: Warsaw
Language: The official language of Poland is Polish. ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Polish: “cześć” and “Dziękuję”
Currency: The official currency of Poland is the Złoty (PLN). £1 GBP is equivalent to 5.28 PLN and $1 USD is 3.77 PLN. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: You can use an ATM for getting some Polish money. ATMs are called ‘bankomat’ and you will find them all over the place – there are more than 22 000 ATMs located across Poland! Most places will accept card but its always best to have cash for market stalls or smaller bars and restaurants. You will find your money goes along way in Poland!
Plugs: For Poland there are two associated plug types, types C and E. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type E is the plug which has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin. Poland operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: Most visitors to Poland experience no difficulties. Serious crime against foreigners is rare, but crimes do occur and in some cases attacks have been racially motivated. You should be alert to the possibility of street crime and petty theft, and that foreigners may appear to be easy targets. We have never had any issues.
Random useful tip: Mix with the locals! Wherever you decide to travel to in Poland, one of the best things to do is to make friends with the locals. Not only will they show you the best spots for culture and Polish cuisine but they will also share with you about their history in a way that you just can’t experience anywhere else.
Never ever: Don’t refer to Poland as an Eastern European country, but acknowledge their pivotal role in Europe
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in Poland, reasons to visit Poland, and how to travel on a budget.
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Our Favourites
Below are some of our favourite things to do in Poland’s major cities.
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Poland
Located near the town of Oświęcim, the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex serves as a chilling reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. As the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, this site witnessed the death of over a million innocent lives. A visit here is profound and moving, offering a sobering look into one of history’s darkest chapters. The preserved barracks, watchtowers, and personal belongings of the victims make the narratives of human suffering and resilience palpably real. It’s a place of remembrance and education, ensuring that such atrocities are never forgotten.
Kraków’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a captivating blend of medieval charm, architectural beauty, and vibrant culture. At its heart lies the Rynek Główny, Europe’s largest medieval town square, surrounded by historic townhouses and dominated by the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica. With its hourly trumpet call, art museums, and bustling cafes, the Old Town is perfect for both leisurely strolls and cultural exploration. Close by, the Wawel Castle and Cathedral offer further insights into Poland’s royal and spiritual heritage.
Straddling the border between Poland and Belarus, the Białowieża Forest is one of Europe’s last and largest remaining primeval forests. Home to the continent’s heaviest land animal, the European bison, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. With its ancient oak trees, diverse fauna, and serene walking trails, Białowieża provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature in its most pristine form.
Nestled on the Baltic coast, Gdańsk is a port city with a rich maritime history and a distinctive Hanseatic heritage. Its beautifully restored Main Town boasts colourful facades, ornate churches, and cobbled streets. The iconic Crane over the Motława River, once a symbol of the city’s trading power, stands as a testament to Gdańsk’s historical significance. Furthermore, the city played a pivotal role in modern European history as the birthplace of the Solidarity movement, which can be explored in-depth at the European Solidarity Centre.
Just a short distance from Kraków, the Wieliczka Salt Mine invites visitors to a subterranean world of wonder. Operating since the 13th century, this UNESCO-listed site comprises a labyrinthine network of tunnels, chambers, and chapels carved entirely out of rock salt. The showstopper is the Chapel of St. Kinga, a vast underground church adorned with salt chandeliers, sculptures, and intricate carvings. Besides its artistic marvels, the mine also offers insights into the centuries-old techniques of salt extraction. The cool, microclimate of the mine is even considered beneficial for health, attracting those seeking therapeutic benefits.
Poland Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – 50–80 PLN / £10–15 / $12–20 / €11–18
- Hostel Private Rooms – 120–200 PLN / £24–40 / $30–50 / €27–45
- Budget Hotels – 150–300 PLN / £30–60 / $37–75 / €34–68
- Airbnb Private Rooms – 100–200 PLN / £20–40 / $25–50 / €23–45
- Airbnb Apartments – 250+ PLN / £50+ / $62+ / €57+
- Campsites – 40–100 PLN / £8–20 / $10–25 / €9–23
Transportation
- Local Bus/Tram/Metro (One-Way Ticket) – 4–6 PLN / £0.80–1.20 / $1–1.50 / €0.90–1.40
- Day Pass for Public Transport – 15 PLN / £3 / $3.75 / €3.50
- Intercity Train (One-Way) – 50–150 PLN / £10–30 / $12–37 / €11–34
- Taxi (per km) – 2–4 PLN / £0.40–0.80 / $0.50–1 / €0.45–0.90
- Car Rental (per day) – 80–200 PLN / £16–40 / $20–50 / €18–45
Food
- Budget Meal – 20–40 PLN / £4–8 / $5–10 / €4.50–9
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – 50–100 PLN / £10–20 / $12–25 / €11–23
- Coffee – 8–15 PLN / £1.50–3 / $2–4 / €2–3.50
- Beer (0.5L in a bar) – 10–15 PLN / £2–3 / $2.50–4 / €2.30–3.50
Activities
- Museum Entry – 10–30 PLN / £2–6 / $2.50–7.50 / €2.30–6.80
- Guided Tours – 100–300 PLN / £20–60 / $25–75 / €23–68
- Auschwitz Tour (from Kraków) – 150–250 PLN / £30–50 / $37–62 / €34–57
- Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour – 100–150 PLN / £20–30 / $25–37 / €23–34
- Hiking in the Tatra Mountains – Free, but guided hikes start at 150–400 PLN / £30–80 / $37–100 / €34–91
Poland Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – 120–200 PLN / £24–40 / $30–50 / €27–45 Per Day
A backpacking budget allows you to stay in hostel dorms, eat at milk bars (bar mleczny, traditional Polish cafeterias), and use affordable public transport. Free activities like hiking in the Tatra Mountains, visiting free-entry museums on designated days, or exploring historic districts such as Kraków’s Old Town or Warsaw’s Royal Route help keep costs low.
If you plan to drink, add an extra 10–30 PLN / £2–6 / $2.50–7.50 / €2.30–6.80 per day, as beer in Poland is cheap, but cocktails are pricier.
Midrange – 300–600 PLN / £60–120 / $75–150 / €68–136 Per Day
A mid-range budget allows for stays in private hostel rooms, budget hotels, or Airbnb apartments. You can enjoy a mix of local eateries and mid-range restaurants while trying classic Polish dishes like pierogi (dumplings) and żurek (sour rye soup).
This budget also covers some paid attractions such as Auschwitz tours, Wieliczka Salt Mine visits, or guided city tours. You can also take intercity trains to explore different regions like Gdańsk, Wrocław, or Zakopane.
Upscale – 800+ PLN / £160+ / $200+ / €180+ Per Day
A luxury budget in Poland provides access to boutique hotels, fine dining restaurants, and exclusive experiences such as private tours or high-end spa treatments.
You can explore Poland in style with first-class train tickets, premium car rentals, or private transfers. High-end cultural experiences, such as classical music concerts at Chopin’s birthplace or dining in Michelin-starred restaurants in Warsaw, are all within reach.
Poland offers incredible value for every budget, from budget backpackers to luxury travelers.
Poland Money-Saving Tips
Use Milk Bars (Bar Mleczny) – Traditional Polish milk bars serve cheap and delicious homemade meals like pierogi and soup. A full meal costs as little as 15–25 PLN / £3–5 / $4–6 / €3.50–5.50.
Take Free Walking Tours – Many cities, including Kraków, Warsaw, and Gdańsk, offer free walking tours. They provide great insights into local history, and you only need to tip the guide based on your budget.
Use Public Transport Instead of Taxis – Public transport in Poland is efficient and affordable. A single tram or bus ticket costs 4–6 PLN / £0.80–1.20 / $1–1.50 / €0.90–1.40, while day passes offer unlimited travel for 15 PLN / £3 / $3.75 / €3.50. Use BusBud for discounted fares.
Book Intercity Trains in Advance – If you plan to travel between cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław, book train tickets in advance for up to 50% off. Prices start at 50 PLN / £10 / $12 / €11, but last-minute fares can be much higher.
Stay in Budget Accommodations – Poland has excellent budget-friendly options like hostels from Hostelworld, Airbnb, and budget hotels from Booking.com. Hostel dorms cost 50–80 PLN / £10–15 / $12–20 / €11–18, while budget hotels start at 150 PLN / £30 / $37 / €34.
Visit Free Museums on Certain Days – Many museums in Poland have free entry on specific days. For example, the National Museum in Kraków is free on Sundays, and Warsaw’s Royal Castle offers free entry on Wednesdays.
Take Advantage of Poland’s Nature – Hiking in Zakopane, the Tatra Mountains, and Białowieża Forest is completely free. You can also visit stunning lakes like Morskie Oko without any entrance fee.
Shop at Local Markets – Instead of buying souvenirs at tourist shops, visit local markets for cheaper traditional goods like amber jewelry, ceramics, and handcrafted wooden items.
Drink at Local Pubs Instead of Clubs – A beer in a pub costs 10–15 PLN / £2–3 / $2.50–4 / €2.30–3.50, while fancy cocktail bars and clubs charge significantly more. Look for happy hour deals to save money.
Travel Off-Season – Visiting Poland in the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) means lower accommodation prices, fewer crowds, and better deals on activities. Avoid peak summer months (June-August) for the best savings.
How to Get Around in Poland
Walking
Most Polish cities, including Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, and Wrocław, have pedestrian-friendly old towns, making walking the best way to explore historic areas. Many attractions, cafés, and landmarks are within walking distance, so comfortable shoes are a must!
Public Transportation
Poland has a well-developed and affordable public transport system, including buses, trams, and metro services (only in Warsaw).
- Single ticket (valid for buses, trams, metro) – 4–6 PLN / £0.80–1.20 / $1–1.50 / €0.90–1.40
- Day pass (unlimited travel for 24 hours) – 15 PLN / £3 / $3.75 / €3.50
- Longer passes (3-day, weekly, or monthly) offer further discounts.
Airport Transfers
Poland’s major airports have easy transport connections to city centers:
- Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) – Take bus 175 or SKM train (20–30 min to city center). Taxi fares start at 50 PLN / £10 / $12 / €11.
- Kraków Airport (KRK) – Take the train to Kraków Główny station (20 min). Taxi fares start at 80 PLN / £16 / $20 / €18.
- Gdańsk Airport (GDN) – Use the PKM train to Gdańsk Główny (30 min). Taxi fares start at 70 PLN / £14 / $18 / €16.
- Recommended Airport Transfer: Welcome pickups
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxis are widely available but can be expensive compared to public transport.
- Starting fare – 8–10 PLN / £1.50–2 / $2–2.50 / €1.80–2.30
- Per km rate – 2–4 PLN / £0.40–0.80 / $0.50–1 / €0.45–0.90
For cheaper alternatives, use Uber, Bolt, or Free Now, as they are more affordable and reliable than street taxis.
Buses and Intercity Travel
Poland has an extensive network of intercity buses, which are usually cheaper than trains.
- FlixBus, PolskiBus, and PKS offer budget-friendly connections between major cities.
- Sample fares:
- Warsaw to Kraków – 50–100 PLN / £10–20 / $12–25 / €11–23 (4–5 hours)
- Gdańsk to Wrocław – 80–150 PLN / £16–30 / $20–37 / €18–34 (6–7 hours)
Trains
Poland’s train system is comfortable and efficient, with PKP Intercity operating the main routes.
- Express (EIP) and InterCity (IC) trains are the fastest but more expensive.
- Regional trains (TLK and Regio) are cheaper but slower.
Sample train fares:
- Warsaw to Kraków (Express Train) – 150 PLN / £30 / $37 / €34 (2.5 hours)
- Gdańsk to Wrocław (InterCity Train) – 120 PLN / £24 / $30 / €27 (5 hours)
Book tickets in advance to get discounted fares with Trainline!
Car Rental
Renting a car is ideal for exploring the Polish countryside, the Tatra Mountains, or remote areas like Białowieża National Park.
- Car rental prices start at 80–200 PLN / £16–40 / $20–50 / €18–45 per day.
- You’ll need a valid EU driving license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) if from outside the EU.
- Polish roads are well-maintained, but expect traffic in city centers.
- Recommended Car Rental: DiscoverCars
Cycling
Many Polish cities have bike-sharing programs, such as Veturilo in Warsaw, Wavelo in Kraków, and Mevo in Gdańsk. Cycling is a great way to explore parks, waterfronts, and historic areas.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is relatively safe in Poland, especially in rural areas. However, Blablacar (carpooling app) is a more reliable alternative for cheap rides between cities.
Poland offers great transport options, from budget-friendly buses to high-speed trains, making it easy to explore the country affordably and efficiently!
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