Poland
Must-see attractions and places to visit in Poland combine medieval old towns, poignant history, and natural beauty. Krakow is famous for its market square and Wawel Castle, Warsaw offers a rebuilt Old Town, and the country is home to the Auschwitz Memorial, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Tatra Mountains.
General information
Poland is a large country in the heart of Central Europe with a rich, resilient history and a landscape ranging from Baltic beaches and lake districts to the Tatra Mountains in the south. Its cities tell that story vividly: the beautifully preserved medieval core of Krakow, the meticulously rebuilt Old Town of Warsaw, and the Hanseatic waterfront of Gdansk. Deeply affected by the Second World War yet full of energy today, Poland offers grand castles, hearty cuisine, a lively cafe culture and some of the best value in Europe. Polish is the language, and English is widely spoken among younger people and in tourist areas.
Transport and how to get there
The main gateway is Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), with major international airports also at Krakow (KRK), Gdansk and Wroclaw. Poland has a good and improving rail network, with fast intercity trains linking Warsaw, Krakow and Gdansk in a few hours, plus cheap long-distance buses. Cities are compact and walkable, and public transport — trams and buses — is inexpensive and easy to use.
Prices
Poland is excellent value by Western European standards. Expect roughly 200-450 PLN per night for a mid-range hotel (about 45-100 EUR), with hostels from around 60 PLN. A meal at a casual restaurant runs about 40-70 PLN, and a local beer is only 12-18 PLN. A single transport ticket is around 4-6 PLN and a day pass about 15 PLN, while museums typically cost 30-50 PLN. The currency is the Polish zloty (PLN); prices are approximate and vary by city and season.
Main attractions
Krakow is the highlight, with Europe's largest medieval market square, the royal Wawel Castle and the atmospheric Jewish quarter of Kazimierz; nearby lie the sobering memorial of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the vast underground chambers of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Warsaw pairs its rebuilt Old Town with the towering Palace of Culture and moving WWII museums. Add the Baltic charm of Gdansk, the colourful market square of Wroclaw, the mighty Malbork Castle and the mountain resort of Zakopane, and Poland rewards history lovers and value seekers alike.