Poland is a beautiful country in Central Europe that is often overlooked due to the presence of more popular destinations nearby. But consisting of many UNESCO World Heritage sites and captivating cities, it is a country that has a wide range of must-visit places to see. If you are looking to explore more hidden gems in Europe, then Poland should definitely be on your bucket list.

I visited Poland a few years ago in the summer and was pleasantly surprised by all the sights it had to offer. From historical locations related to the Second World War, to natural gems like the Tatra Mountains and the Bieszczady National Park; there really is something to interest every type of traveller there. With an array of colourful old towns and mesmerising castles, Poland is also perfect for photographers and Instagrammers.

So in order to bring you the best of Poland, I asked some of my fellow travel bloggers to recommend a Polish destination that they love. In this article, you will find the 15 top places to visit in Poland this year. Of course, this is not to say that there aren’t any more beautiful corners in Poland. The country has a lot more to offer and I would love to go back and explore more of it someday!

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1. WARSAW

Recommended by Charu from Travel with CG

When thinking about the most beautiful places to see in Poland, Warsaw is that one name that usually pops first in my mind. Located at a distance of nearly 260 km from the Baltic Sea in east-central Poland, it is both the Polish capital and the largest city in the country. 

Boosting a plethora of Instagrammable spots that were largely rebuilt after the war, the city of Warsaw is also known as the Phoenix city. In fact, its picturesque Old Town was reconstructed brick by brick with the help of the local citizens who worked tirelessly (free-of-cost) to put the worst behind them. Today, that same Old Town is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage site.

When visiting Warsaw, make sure to spend a morning exploring the quaint alleys of its Old Town. If you are an early riser, then you might even find it all to yourself before the numerous restaurants in its market square open doors. Then, once the crowd starts rolling in, make your way to the top of Taras Widokowy Tower and to enjoy an unobstructed view that is hard to come by in global cities like Warsaw.

Along with admiring the colourful buildings of the Old Town, The Royal Castle of Warsaw, and the Palace of Culture and Science from a distance; the observation deck at Taras Widokowy Tower also gives a bird’s eye perspective of Nowy Swiat Street. Being a part of the Royal route of Warsaw, the Nowy Swiat Street is one of the main historic thoroughfares of the city. It is also home to several restaurants, shops and bars – offering plenty of choice to travellers visiting the city.

If you like basing yourself in centrally located accommodations, then properties situated in the Sródmiescie district of Warsaw can be a great choice for you. The Novotel Warszawa Centrum is a walking distance to many restaurants, shops and touristy places. Public transports like trams and buses are also available just outside it.

Warsaw is well-connected to most international destinations via the city’s two airports. If travelling from other major European cities, then it is also easily accessible by trains and buses.

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2. KRAKOW

Recommended by Nina from Lemons and Luggage

One of the best places to visit in Poland has to be Krakow. This city in the south of Poland is the second-largest in the country. It consistently shows up in lists of the most beautiful European cities, and its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Wawel is a citadel in the Old Town and houses the Wawel Cathedral and the Wawel Royal Castle which is home to several museums. On the main market square, you will find St. Mary’s Basilica as well as the Cloth Hall, one of Krakow’s main landmarks. Another highlight of Krakow is the Kazimierz district, the former Jewish district. It is one of the liveliest neighbourhoods of Krakow and a great area for eating and drinking. Vegans don’t have to worry either, much of the vegan food in Krakow can be found right here in Kazimierz.

During the day Kazimierz is worth a visit for its museums, synagogues, churches, and Jewish cemeteries. In the neighbouring Podgórze district you can also visit the Schindler Factory to find out more about what life in Krakow was like under Nazi occupation.

Because Krakow is Poland’s most popular tourist destination, accommodation can fill up quite quickly. It’s not necessary to stay in the Old Town or Kazimierz. Since these are the city’s most interesting neighbourhoods, accommodation can be quite expensive there. A better option is the Podgórze district which is not only cheaper but also has excellent connections to the popular tourist attractions.

Krakow has its own international airport making it very easy to get to from various destinations. If you’re based in Central or Eastern Europe, then train or bus is a convenient alternative as well. Find best deals here.

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3. GDANSK

Recommended by Maja from Away with Maja

Located on Poland’s Baltic coast, Gdansk is a thriving city with a picturesque and beautiful Old Town. Wandering down Dlugi Targ (or the Long Market) is the first thing to do on arrival, as it’s the main street in the Old Town and will help you get your bearings. 

Spend some time exploring the beautiful streets of the Old Town, and make sure to see Neptune’s Fountain, which was first built in 1633. For the best view of the Old Town, head to St. Mary’s Basilica and climb the 400+ steps up to the tower. Stroll along the Motlawa River, where you can see the Crane, an icon of the city that has been reconstructed several times. 

You can’t visit Gdansk without learning about the Solidarity (Solidarność) movement and Lech Walesa. The best place for this is the excellent Solidarity Museum, located in the European Centre for Solidarity. You can discover the origins of the Solidarity movement, which is an independent labour union that was formed in 1980 in Gdansk. 

Another museum worth visiting is the Museum of the Second World War, which focuses on Poland’s struggle during the devastating war. Don’t miss the view from Gradowa Hill – it’s a great place to watch a sunset over Gdansk. 

There’s plenty to see outside of Gdansk as well – as part of the Tri-City region, the cities of Gdynia and Sopot are easy to get to, particularly if you want to visit the sea. Malbork Castle is a popular day trip from Gdansk, with easy access by train. 

There is a wealth of accommodations to stay in Gdansk to suit every budget, and the city is served by various budget airlines, as well as train and bus connections across Poland.

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4. GDYNIA

Recommended by Zoe from Together in Transit

One city that should not be missed from the best places to visit in Poland list is the city of Gdynia. This city makes up the official Tri-City, three cities in total combining Gdynia with Sopot and Gdansk. Gdynia is mostly known for its port and it’s easily reachable by driving or a short train journey from Gdansk. 

Focusing on the port, you can visit a wartime destroyer ship called ORP Błyskawica or a fully-rigged sailing ship called Dar Pomorza. These are great for those interested in history, but also sailing. Visiting these with the Polish National Maritime Museum is perfect for an afternoon in the port.

Head next to the sandy beach area, where you can walk all the way along the calming water coast to the Gdynia cliffs. You should head to Orłowo, a beautiful spot that has a lovely pier. Alternatively, you can stay in the beach area of Gdynia for relaxation and visit one of the many restaurants selling freshly prepared local food. For other things to do, you can enjoy a boat trip to Hel or Gdansk, hike above the cliff area, shop at the huge shopping mall or explore the Emigration Museum. 

For a place to stay and dream the night away, book a stay at Apartamenty Na Fali, which is a perfect walking distance from both the city and the beach, and has free parking. The area is also very safe and there is a pretty viewpoint near the port.

Gdynia can be reached via direct trains and buses from Warsaw. Alternatively, you can also fly into Gdansk and take a taxi or public transport from there. The Gdansk Lech Walesa airport is around 22 km from Gdynia.

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5. POZNAN

Recommended by Or from My Path in the World 

If you’re looking for an alternative city break in Poland, you’ll surely love Poznan. It’s not that Poland is a very crowded and overly touristy destination, but the undiscovered Poznan is definitely a refreshing choice if you’ve already visited popular cities like Warsaw and Gdansk. It has everything you need for a weekend getaway, from beautiful landmarks; to gardens, cute cafes, markets, and much more.

Start with wandering through the Old Town, where you’ll find landmarks like the Old Town Hall, the Royal Castle, and the gorgeous, pink St. Stanislaus Parish Church. This is also where you can visit some museums like the Croissant Museum (dedicated to a local delicacy), an Archaeological Museum, and a Museum of Musical Instruments. While roaming the Old Town’s colourful streets, don’t miss out on some of the city’s most adorable cafes – including Weranda, In a Cup, Lavenda, and E. Wedel (a chocoholic’s heaven).

Next, a quick tram ride will take you east to Cathedral Island, where you’ll find the oldest cathedral in Poland (dating back to the 10th century) and a cute little neighbourhood called Srodka, where you can feast on some amazing pierogi at Na Winklu and check out the colorful 3D Mural Śródka.

On the other side of the Old Town, head to the photogenic Imperial Castle, enjoy a local market called Rynek Jeżycki, or take the tram to get the serene botanical gardens, which are completely free to visit and are perfect for a morning stroll.

Poznan is easily reachable by international and national flights. Though you can also get there by train from Warsaw, Wroclaw, Lodz, Bydgoszcz, and even Berlin.

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6. WROCLAW

Recommended by Mal from Raw Mal Roams

Wroclaw is one of the most underrated yet beautiful cities in Europe. If you’re looking for an interesting city with plenty to do, great shopping and stunning architecture, you’ll love Wroclaw. It is the capital city of Lower Silesia, situated in the southwest of Poland. It is a vibrant student city with great nightlife and an excellent food scene. 

Visit Rynek, Wroclaw’s historic market square surrounded by elegant townhouses painted in the different colours of the rainbow. In the centre of Rynek stands the Gothic style old city hall featuring a large astronomical clock. But the best way to enjoy Rynek is to sit in one of the beer gardens sipping a Polish craft beer while people-watching. If you’re in need of some retail therapy, you’ll love Wroclaw – the city has over 18 extensive shopping galleries!

Head to the Royal Palace that today houses a Historical Museum of Wroclaw to find out the city’s turbulent history. And if you’re a history enthusiast, check out Panorama Raclawicka, a rotund building with a unique display of paintings entirely devoted to one of the greatest battles in Polish history. 

You can stay at Hotel Monopol, which is situated right in the city’s heart, just a few minutes away from Rynek and a range of good restaurants. Hotel Monopol has a modern décor, and guests can enjoy a complimentary spa including a range of indulging treatments and an indoor pool. 

Wroclaw is situated at a 4-hour drive from Warsaw. You can rent a car in Warsaw or use public transportation to get there. There are plenty of trains and buses leaving multiple times a day. 

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7. LODZ 

Recommended by Ania from The Travelling Twins

Lodz is a post-industrial city in Poland, and it’s also the 3rd largest city in the country. Lodz will be interesting to any traveller because of its mix of old, red brick post-industrial buildings, modern architecture and many open green spaces. Lodz has something for everyone: museums, parks, theatres, churches.

Lodz is definitely one of the most underrated cities in Poland. During the Communist times, Lodz was dull – grey buildings were everywhere, and the air was polluted from smoke coming from the textile factories. Now all the factories are closed, and 19th-century buildings are beautifully clean, boasting last century’s red brickworks and adopted for shopping centres, museums and housing estates.

One of the most successful adaptations is Manufactura. What used to be the biggest textile factory – it was so big it had internal streets with names – right now is a shopping and entertainment centre with an art museum, theatres, cinemas and more. On the big piazza in summer you can play beach volleyball, and in winter you can skate.

Lodz is built on a rigid street grid (almost like New York) where the main axis is the pedestrian Piotrkowska street, making it easy to navigate and commute. There are many things to do in Lodz, making it the perfect destination to visit when you are in Poland.

Lodz is connected to Warsaw via road and public transport. You can fly into Warsaw’s Chopin International Airport and then take a direct train or bus from Warsaw to Lodz-Fabryczna.

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8. ZAKOPANE

Recommended by Sean from Living Out Lau

Another must-see place to visit in Poland is unquestionably Zakopane. A resort town in the southern end of Poland, Zakopane sits at the foot of the famous Tatra Mountains. 

As a result, some of the most popular things to do in Zakopane are winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. Travellers visiting Zakopane in the warmer months won’t be disappointed though, as there are many gorgeous hiking trails and mountain-climbing opportunities in the region too. 

Besides being a base for a plethora of outdoor adventurous activities, the town of Zakopane itself is also an attraction. Beautiful turn-of-the-20th century wooden chalets dot the quaint streets of Zakopane, offering visitors a completely immersive experience. Visiting Zakopane is unlike visiting any other main city in Poland (such as Warsaw or Krakow).

When visiting Zakopane, do not forget to try Oscypek, a smoked cheese made using salted sheep milk that is available only in the Tatra Mountains region of Poland. If you fall in love with it, you can also visit Muzeum Oscypka Zakopane, a museum dedicated to this Polish cheese where you can also make your own Oscypek.

There are many places to stay in Zakopane, but none is as luxurious as Aries Hotel & Spa. This 5-star hotel in Zakopane will show you some of the finer things in life.

Getting to Zakopane is fairly easy, but visitors must be aware that it does not have its own airport. Typically, travellers will fly into Krakow’s airport and either take the train or bus to Zakopane. Both ways are efficient and affordable.

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9. WISLA

Recommended by Bec from Poland Travel Expert

Poland is fast becoming one of the top places to visit in Europe and for good reason. A wonderful mix of history, culture, epic landscapes and delicious food – there is something for everyone in Poland. 

For people looking for some beautiful, relaxing time in both the summer and winter, Wisla may be the place for you to visit. Located in Southern Poland, Wisla has always been a popular skiing destination for the Polish people. With Poland now becoming a hot tourist destination, Wisla is the place to spend time hitting the slopes. With many ski chalets, ski runs and ski resorts you can find the perfect place to stay for your winter escape to Wisla. 

Many people find the cost of spending time skiing in Poland a fraction of the cost of some of the bigger, more well-known resort-type towns in other areas of Europe.

In the summertime, you can spend time in what were snow-covered mountains and hike in the crisp, green forest that surrounds Wisla. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities with plenty that will challenge you and show you the pure beauty that is rural Poland.

Although a small town, you can find all that you will need in Wisla with supermarkets, convenience stores and even a wonderful small-town market. At the market, you can find traditional Tatra cheese, souvenirs, as well as summer and winter clothes.

Wisla is a beautiful place to spend some time if you want to see the smaller and more traditional Poland. It can be conveniently reached via direct trains from other Polish cities like Warsaw and Krakow. The journey time between Warsaw and Wisla is around 5 hours.

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10. BIESZCZADY MOUNTAINS

Recommended by Karolina from Travel Poland Tours

Bieszczady Mountains are one of the best places to visit in Poland. Why? They are less popular than the famous Zakopane and Tatra Mountains. That means the mountains are wild and you can have a more authentic experience when visiting there.

The highest peak of the Bieszczady Mountains is Tarnica, located right between Poland, Ukraine, and Slovakia. While hiking up, your carrier will “catch” the signal from all three countries! Bieszczady is famous for beautiful meadows located on top of the mountains known as poloniny. Some of the well-known ones are Polonina Wetlinska and Polonina Carynska.

One of the best places to visit in Bieszczady is Solina, a lovely artificial lake in the region. In the summer, you can swim in it or even sail surrounded by the breathtakingly beautiful mountains. Ustrzyki Dolne, Ustrzyki Gorne, and Polanczyk are some other worthwhile destinations in Bieszczady.

If you like trekking, these are the best peaks to reach: Smerek, Wielka Rawka, Mała Rawka, Przełęcz Wyżna, Reserve Sine Wiry, and of course Tarnica. Remember that there are no mountain hotels in Bieszczady, so you always need to go down to spend the night at your accommodation. While in Bieszczady, be sure to try authentic Polish food, such as pierogi (dumplings), fuczki (sauerkraut pancakes), and bigos.

If you have a car, it’s easy to get to Bieszczady from any place in Poland. Those traveling by public transport need to take a train, plane or bus to Rzeszow, then travel directly to Bieszczady (Sanok or Ustrzyki Dolne). It’s worth knowing that hitchhiking is still popular in this area of Poland.

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11. TORUN

Recommended by Raluca from Travel with a Spin

Torun is a picturesque city in Poland with brick-built red houses and a medieval flair. In fact, it has the best preserved medieval town centre in the country. UNESCO recognized its historical value and added it to the world heritage list. As if this was not enough, Torun is the place of birth of the great astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus that set the sun at the centre of the galaxy for the first time. The town is proud of this connection and references to the astronomer can be seen everywhere.

The heart of the city, the Old Town Market Square, dates back to the 13th century. The reddish Town Hall with its Clock Tower became the symbol of the city. But this is not the oldest site in Torun. The city is also home to the ruins of a Teutonic Castle older than Malbork. During medieval times, Torun was an important stronghold. A proof of this is that it has not one, but two defensive walls. Parts of them, as well as nine of the old gates and towers still stand today. The most Instagram-worthy of them is the leaning one. Curiously, contrary to the one in Pisa, this is pretty much overlooked.

Torun is also known for a unique kind of gingerbread baked locally since medieval times, pierniki. One of the most memorable experiences while in town is to attend a workshop and learn hands-on how to prepare it. As pierniki is the culinary symbol of Torun, one can also taste all kinds of treats with a gingerbread inspired flavour: beer, vodka or ice-cream.

The closest airport to Torun is Bydgoszcz (BZG). But you can also fly into Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) and take a train or bus from there.

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12. AUSCHWITZ

Recommended by Martha from May Cause Wanderlust

Auschwitz Memorial Museum is a solemn and significant place to visit, more than it is an enjoyable experience. 

The Museum is the preserved site of the biggest concentration camp built by the Nazis during World War II, and it serves as a memorial to all those who were tortured and killed there. It is estimated that 1.1 million people lost their lives at Auschwitz, mostly Jews from across Europe. For many people, visiting Auschwitz is an important act of remembrance of the Holocaust and the horrors of the Nazi regime. 

When visiting Auschwitz, you will learn about the origins of the camp, how prisoners were treated and how the Nazis developed the final solution of exterminating Jews in the gas chambers. You will tour the barracks and other buildings at both the original site (Auschwitz I) and the extension at Birkenau (Auschwitz II). You’ll also see exhibits that demonstrate the scale and the horror of what occurred there.  

It is heavy stuff, and it can be quite emotionally hard to deal with all the information you’ll be faced with. There are also some rules that you must adhere to when at the museum, so it is worth doing some research in advance so you know what to expect when visiting Auschwitz.

Many people visit Auschwitz as a day trip from nearby Krakow, so you can combine it with a city break there. If you don’t have your own car, you can get there from Krakow by bus, which takes around 1.5 hours, and you’ll be dropped off very close to the Museum. 

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13. KIELCE

Recommended by Jakub from Tym Razem

Some people like big cities, while others like to rest in the bosom of nature. Kielce is a place where you can visit interesting attractions, museums, and restaurants, and then find yourself in beautiful nature reserves or walk in the woods in just a few minutes. The city also has 1000 years of interesting history that you can learn while walking around it. 

There are fascinating sites for fans of architecture, religious buildings, geology, the Jewish community and music. Among the places that should be seen in Kielce is The Palace of Krakow Bishops, the Kadzielnia reserve, the Geoeducation Center or the Market Square. However, the list is much longer.

Kielce is an excellent starting point for trips to the Świętokrzyskie Mountains and the surrounding region. In the area, you can find a variety of castles, palaces, museums and reserves that will surely appeal to tourists. Additionally, the city is a trade fair centre, so the accommodation infrastructure is very extensive. There are many hotels in the city centre. It is not a big city, so it is worth considering accommodation in the centre and walking to most places.

Kielce is conveniently located – almost halfway between Warsaw and Krakow. It is connected with the capital of Poland by an expressway and the route takes less than 2 hours. 

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14. LUBLIN

Recommended by Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Lublin is one of the most underrated places to visit in Poland. A city that is often overlooked in favour of more famous tourist attractions. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Eastern Poland though with a rich history and a charming old town. 

Lublin has always been an important trade hub with its strategic location near the borders with Belarus and Ukraine. As a result, it was a thriving and multicultural city. There was a large Jewish population as well as merchants coming from Lithuania, Ukraine and other neighbouring countries.

King Casimier the Great loved Lublin so much that he built a castle there and encircled the city with defensive walls. The Lublin castle is still one of the biggest attractions in the city. On top of a hill it offers beautiful views over Lublin. It is now home to the national museum and thus a great place to learn more about the city’s intriguing past.   

The other top thing to do in Lublin is a visit to the city’s historic centre. The narrow-cobbled stone streets are lined with pastel coloured merchant homes. Entrance is through one of the remaining medieval gates and it is like stepping back in time. The oldest monuments go back all the way to the 13th century. Although relatively small, Lublin has one of the most picturesque old towns in Poland.

Lublin is connected to major Polish and Ukranian cities via an extensive rail network. There are several trains operating between Warsaw and Lublin every day. But if you are visiting from further away, then you can also take a connecting flight to Lublin from Warsaw Chopin Airport.

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15. KSIAZ CASTLE

Recommended by Mark from Wyld Family Travel

Ksiaz Castle has to be seen to be believed. This beautiful multi-coloured castle sits mighty, on its banks, overlooking the Pelcznica River. Many castles in Poland have a history just like it. Built to house and protect a family, it standing tall until conquered and left in ruins before being found, rebuilt and made again into something to be marvelled at.

This is no different for Ksiaz Castle. It was once a mighty fortress, but then was left to ruin. During World War II, it was made into a possible home for Adolf Hitler with prisoners of war from local concentration camps doing much of the restorations and building the castle. They also built miles of tunnels under the castle. 

Some of the tunnels are known but others are still not completely discovered after being damaged by the retreating army. For this reason, Ksiaz Castle has become well known for being involved in the search for the ‘Gold Train’. This train was believed to be hidden under the castle somewhere in one of the tunnels.

After World War II, the castle again went into ruin but now is being lovingly restored to its former glory and being exposed to all that want to visit. Many of the treasures that were stolen or ransacked from the castle are also slowly being returned to their former home, to be housed in the place where they belong.

Ksiaz Castle is at a distance of 70 km from Wroclaw. It can be easily reached by direct trains from Wroclaw to Wałbrzych or local ones from Świdnica to Wałbrzych. You can then take a local bus from outside the station to the castle or get a taxi.

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I hope this guide about the best places to visit in Poland has given you some inspiration for your next Europe trip. Poland really is an incredible country to explore and I wish that more people decide to travel there in the near future!

If you have any questions about Poland or want to suggest another place for me to add to this list, then please feel free to leave a comment below. I love hearing from you!

Safe travels,
Charu xx

Want to keep reading? You may like “The Ultimate Warsaw, Poland Guide” and “The Ultimate Prague, Czech Republic Guide” too.

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