INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCES IN POLAND

EXPLORE HISTORIC CITIES

Kraków

Many Polish cities are centred on an attractive Old Town, but none compare to Kraków for effortless beauty. As it was the royal capital of Poland until 1596 and miraculously escaped destruction in WWII, Kraków is packed with appealing historic buildings and streetscapes. One of the most important sights is Wawel Castle, from where the ancient Polish kingdom was once ruled.

• Wawel Castle: Explore the former royal residence and its stunning cathedral.

• Main Market Square: Visit Europe’s largest medieval square, home to St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall.

• Kazimierz District: Wander through the historic Jewish Quarter, known for its synagogues, museums, and lively atmosphere.

Warsaw

Poland's vibrant capital, Warsaw, is the country's largest city and the epicentre of Polish commerce and culture. It offers an abundance of museums, clubs and concert halls, as well as the widest array of eating options. It's a major transport hub, and even if you're not planning a long stay, chances are you'll change trains here or arrive at/depart from one of the city's airports.

Warsaw was levelled during World War II by occupying German soldiers and rebuilt in the 1950s and '60s in bleak Soviet-style. Modern touches added since communism fell in 1989 have softened the edges, however, and the passing decades have lent that old Soviet architecture a more hip, retro gloss.

• Old Town: Reconstructed after WWII, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the Royal Castle and the colorful Market Square.

• Łazienki Park: A tranquil oasis in the city, with beautiful gardens and the Palace on the Isle.

• Warsaw Uprising Museum: Learn about the heroic 1944 uprising against Nazi occupation.

Wrocław

When citizens of beautiful Kraków enthusiastically encourage you to visit Wrocław, you know you're onto something good. The city's gracious Old Town is a mix of Gothic and baroque styles, and its large student population ensures a healthy number of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The main draw is the city's magnificent market square, the Rynek, dotted at the centre by the old Town Hall (Stary Ratusz).

• Market Square: Admire the Gothic Town Hall and the colourful facades of the surrounding buildings.

• Ostrów Tumski: Discover the oldest part of Wrocław, with its stunning cathedral and peaceful atmosphere.

• Wrocław’s Dwarfs: Hunt for the city’s quirky bronze dwarf statues scattered throughout the streets.

Gdańsk

The historic port city of Gdańsk is situated at the region's eastern extreme, while the attractive Gothic city of Toruń lies inland.

The port of Gdańsk grew wealthy during the Middle Ages, linking inland cities with seaports around the world. That wealth is on display in the form of a bustling riverbank, mammoth red-brick churches and a gleaming central square. Gdańsk's major sights are situated in the Main Town (Główne Miasto). Much of what you see, including the dazzling palaces that line the central promenade, Long St (ul Długa), was rebuilt from rubble after the bombardment of WWII.

Poznań

Poznań is the cultural, economic and transport hub of Wielkopolska. It's strongly associated with the early formation of the Polish kingdom at the turn of the first millennium, and Poland's first ruler, Mieszko I, is buried at Poznań Cathedral. These days, Poznań is a vibrant university city. There's a beautiful Old Town, with a number of interesting museums and a range of lively bars, clubs and restaurants.

Poznań City Card (1 day/35 zł), available from the city information centres, provides free entry to major museums, sizable discounts at restaurants and recreational activities, and free public transport.

VISIT ICONIC CASTLES AND PALACES

• Malbork Castle: Explore the world’s largest brick castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of medieval architecture.

• Wilanów Palace: Visit this baroque royal residence in Warsaw, often called the “Polish Versailles.”

• Wawel Castle: In Kraków, this iconic castle offers rich history and beautiful views over the Vistula River.

EXPERIENCE POLAND'S NATURAL BEAUTY

• Tatra Mountains: Hike, ski, or simply enjoy the stunning landscapes in this mountain range on the border with Slovakia. Zakopane is the main gateway.

• Białowieża Forest: Explore one of Europe’s last primeval forests, home to the European bison. The forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Masurian Lakes: Sail, kayak, or relax by the lakes in this picturesque region, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes.”

EXPLORE WORLD WAR II HISTORY

Many visitors pair a trip to Kraków with a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum & Memorial – or as it's known officially the 'Auschwitz-Birkenau: German Nazi Concentration & Extermination Camp' – in the town of Oświęcim. More than a million Jews, as well as large numbers of ethnic Poles and Roma, were systematically murdered here by occupying Germans during WWII.

Both the main camp at Auschwitz (Auschwitz I) and a larger outlying camp at Birkenau (Auschwitz II), about 2km away, are open to the public and admission is free (though if arriving between 10 am and 3 pm from May to October, a guided tour is compulsory). A visit is essential to understanding the Holocaust, though the scope and nature of the crimes are horrifying and may not be suitable for children.

• Auschwitz-Birkenau: Take a guided tour of the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp, now a powerful memorial and museum.

• Warsaw Uprising Museum: Learn about the 1944 uprising against Nazi occupation in this interactive and moving museum.

• Oskar Schindler’s Factory: In Kraków, this museum tells the story of the city during WWII, including Schindler’s efforts to save Jewish workers.

DISCOVER POLAND'S CULTURAL HERITAGE

• Wieliczka Salt Mine: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site near Kraków, with its underground chapels, chambers, and tunnels carved from salt.

• Żelazowa Wola: Visit the birthplace of Frédéric Chopin, located in a picturesque park near Warsaw.

• Podlasie: Experience the unique cultural mix of Orthodox, Catholic, and Tatar influences, with beautiful wooden churches and mosques.

  
  

ENJOY POLAND'S VIBRANT NIGHTLIFE & CUISINE

• Pierogi: Sample these delicious Polish dumplings, filled with ingredients like meat, cheese, or fruit.

• Bigos: Try this traditional hunter’s stew made with cabbage, meat, and spices.

• Kraków’s Nightlife: Enjoy the city’s lively bar scene, especially in the Kazimierz district and the Old Town.

• Warsaw’s Praga District: Discover trendy bars, clubs, and cultural venues in this up-and-coming area across the Vistula River.

ATTEND FESTIVALS & EVENTS

• Kraków Christmas Market: Visit during the holiday season to experience one of Europe’s best Christmas markets.

• Hejnał Mariacki: Hear the famous trumpet call from St. Mary’s Basilica in Kraków, played every hour.

• Wianki Festival: Celebrate Midsummer’s Eve with bonfires, concerts, and traditional customs, especially in cities like Kraków and Gdańsk.

RELAX IN SPA TOWNS & THERMAL BATHS

• Zakopane: After a day of hiking or skiing, relax in one of the region’s thermal baths, like Termy Bukovina.

• Cieplice Śląskie-Zdrój: Visit this historic spa town in Lower Silesia, known for its healing thermal waters.

EXPLORE POLAND'S BALTIC COAST

• Gdańsk: Wander through the historic port city with its beautiful Old Town, visit the European Solidarity Centre, and take a trip to Westerplatte.

• Sopot: Enjoy the sandy beaches and lively atmosphere of this popular seaside resort, known for its long wooden pier.

• Hel Peninsula: Take a day trip to this narrow strip of land, ideal for windsurfing, sunbathing, and visiting the seal sanctuary.

VISIT RELIGIOUS & SPIRITUAL SITES

• Jasna Góra Monastery: In Częstochowa, visit this important pilgrimage site, home to the revered Black Madonna icon.

• Gniezno Cathedral: Discover the first capital of Poland and the coronation site of its early kings, with its impressive cathedral.