Poland Travel Tips: Everything You Need To Know
These essential Poland travel tips will guide you on the best places to visit, budget tips, where to stay, the best time to visit, and so much more!
Poland Travel Tips
How long did you live in Poland?
I was born and raised there, and moved to the US after graduating college.
Budget tips for Poland?
You can save money on food by trying sandwich shops, easily found in many big and small cities (my favorite is zapiekanka — toasted French bread with mushrooms, cheese and ketchup). Another option would be casual restaurants serving traditional Polish fare on the cheap. The hearty dishes will fill you up quickly and won’t break the bank.
As far as transportation, many places are operated by mini-buses that serve as an alternative to PKS, the country’s major coach transportation company.
Favorite places or experiences in Poland?
Southern Poland is mountainous and there are excellent hiking opportunities, including the Sudetes in the south-west, Bieszczady in the south-east, and Alpine-like Tatra Mountains bordering Slovakia.
If you choose the latter, I would recommend making Zakopane your base. It’s a beautiful town at the foot of the range, with mountain-style accommodations and a busy main shopping street, Krupówki. Zakopane is often referred to as “the winder capital of Poland,” and you might catch international ski jumping competitions while there.
What is the food like in Poland?
Polish food is largely meat-and-potatoes style, often served with an assortment of salads. There are also all kinds of dumplings and pancakes, which works for vegetarians like me. I wouldn’t leave Poland without trying ruskie pierogi — ravioli-like dumplings with a potato and cheese filling. They can be boiled or fried, and sometimes served with sautéed onions.
Any dos and don’ts regarding customs in Poland?
When you greet someone, it is customary to do so with two or three air-kisses on alternate cheeks. Refer to people you don’t know well as “pan” (Mr.) or “pani” (M’am).
If you are invited for a meal to someone’s home, prepare to eat a lot! You may be asked several times if you are still hungry. And in some homes, it is expected to take off your shoes when you enter, but it’s not a rule. The best thing is to ask.
In terms of topics of conversation, World War II, communism, religion, and relations with Germany and Russia might be touchy subjects to some. Approach with caution.
Also, knowing basic phrases in Polish might come in handy. Lots of people speak English, but don’t expect that to be the case everywhere.
Best place to stay in Poland?
I like staying at either small historic hotels in city centers or family-owned pensjonaty (bed & breakfasts) that can be found in many regions of Poland.
Whenever I go back to my hometown Krakow, I book a few nights at Antique Apartments in the Old Town. The location couldn’t be better, and they combine modern amenities and décor with stylish wood furniture. Very charming.
Must-do activities or must-see sites in Poland?
There are many beautiful cities in Poland that are worth a visit, including Kraków, Wrocław, Poznań, and Gdańsk. All of them have lovely historic centers, and the large main squares in Kraków and Wrocław are quite spectacular and great places to hang out.
Warsaw, the capital and the biggest city in Poland, is also a popular destination. It was largely destroyed during World War II, but the reconstructed old town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition, I’d recommend a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Kraków. Dating back to the the 13th century, the former industrial site is now a subterranean museum with miles of passage ways, featuring salt sculptures, altars, and chandeliers.
Safety tips for Poland?
Beware of pickpockets, especially when using public transportation. Also, crowds might be wild during major soccer matches…
Best and cheapest times to visit Poland?
In my experience, airfare to Poland is priciest in the summer and around Christmas. I would try spring or fall when the weather is nice, but crowds are smaller.
Packing tips for Poland?
Poland has a four-season climate: summers are hot and winters can be harsh. Dressing in layers is a good idea.
Plan Your Trip to Poland
After traveling consistently for over 10 years, we’ve come to trust and rely on a few websites to help us find the best deals on flights and accommodation.
Flights:
- Going is the first place we check when searching for cheap flights. If you sign up for their email alerts, you’ll receive flight deals at up to 90% off. I have traveled all over the world using their flight deals.
Accommodation:
- Booking.com offers savings on hotels, apartments, and villas in 80,000 destinations worldwide. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.
Bio: Pola Henderson grew up in Krakow, Poland, lived in North Africa, and has called Chicago home since 2002. Her writing and photography on Jetting Around: City Travel Blog showcases urban destinations and their culture. She loves city lights, views from above, coffee shops, and good reads. Pola can be found on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
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Photo Credits: FotoCavallo via Creative Commons
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I fell in love in Poland during my last business trip. I visited Warsaw and experienced not only the modern and vibrant atmosphere of the city but also great nightlife. My polish friend showed me New Orleans club-great place to organize a business meeting.
I am planning a trip in Poland and this is my first visit. You have covered all special things about Poland from food to worth visiting places. Thanks for sharing information!
What an amazing and a fascinating place to visit. I really didn’t know much about this but after reading this post I will surely visit one day. Thanks for sharing such an amazing post.
I love to travel on bike
Great tips:) I have been to Poland few times, but I usually stay in Warsaw and explore this city. It is fascinating place, with so many incredible places – from historic monuments to pubs and clubs. Everybody will be able to find something for themselves, regardless of age or hobby. I love discovering a gastronomic side of the city, that’s why I usually go to different restaurants and pubs. One of my favourite discoveries is a bar called Bubbles. They specialize in champagnes and it is obvious that this is their passion. Their food is just delicious – freshly made and really creative! Definitely the best culinary spot in Warsaw for me.
Soon I’ll be leaving for trip to Poland. I start with Szczecin and would end somewhere in southern mountains. My first reservation is at Dana hotel, nice historic spot. I definitely keep looking for more cool places and make use of this post in terms of next cities to stay.
Awesome! Let us know what you think of the Dana hotel. We would love to recommend it if you like it!
Thank you for interesting article, but I would recommend another great place – Niemodlin Castle. It is not only a stunning piece of medieval architecture and ancient design, but its a star of polish TV. On the main website you find more information about people who spent time there and read mystical legends.
Really nice post, but what about Poland? and its great culture, mysterious and enchanting places and ancient castles?
One of the places, wich definitely worth to visit in Poland is a Niemodlin Castle.The place is absolutely amazing, it can’t be missed by anyone who wants to see the real beauty of the past.
At first glance, the ancient building simply very pleasant to look at, but the longer one gaze, the more attractive and comely it become.
I am totally sure that this is one of the most memorable and fascinating historic landmarks in Poland.
More information you can find on the main website.
Poland is a very interesting country. I’ve been to Poland only once but in future i will return. For me the most beautiful is Cracow with history, monuments and nice places to see, nice pubs and
special climate. I stayed in Flamingo Hostel and I was content about
it. Wroclaw and Gdansk are beautiful too. Recommend visit in Poland
I really want to visit Poland. I’m extremely interested in the history. I met a lot of wonderful Polish people when I worked in London so I imagine it’s a friendly place.
I’ve been to Poland twice and loved it! One thing I would like to add is nicer people you have never met until you visit Poland. Unlike some other countries I have visited the Poles love us Americans and embrace our products. I never had a problem finding products that I was familiar with while I was there.
I haven’t made it to Poland yet but I dream of a trip on my bike through eastern Europe. Great set of photos to go with the post.