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Krakow Rynek
Krakow Rynek - Photo by Lucas Albuquerque

Experience the Rich History & Culture of Poland - A Traveler's

About Poland

Poland is a charming country with a rich cultural heritage that includes Gothic castles, medieval towns, and a vibrant culinary scene. Visitors can explore the cosmopolitan capital city of Warsaw, admire the salt mines of Wieliczka, or take a stroll through the stunning old town of Krakow. Poland is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and adventure.

Poland is a land of rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture. From the bustling cities of Krakow and Warsaw to the serene countryside of the Tatra Mountains, Poland has something to offer every type of traveler.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Poland is Krakow, known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural history. Visitors can explore the Wawel Royal Castle, which dates back to the 14th century and served as the residence of Polish monarchs for centuries. Other must-see attractions in Krakow include the Main Market Square, St. Mary's Basilica, and the Kazimierz district, which is home to a thriving arts and culture scene.

For those looking to experience Poland's natural beauty, the Tatra Mountains are a must-visit destination. Located in southern Poland, this mountain range offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities. Visitors can also explore the Zakopane region, known for its unique architecture and traditional culture.

In addition to its stunning landscapes and rich history, Poland is also known for its delicious cuisine. Traditional Polish dishes include pierogi (dumplings filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables), kielbasa (sausage), bigos (a stew made with sauerkraut and meat), and golabki (stuffed cabbage rolls).

Overall, Poland is a travel destination that should not be missed. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, Poland has something to offer. With its welcoming people, delicious food, and stunning landscapes, it's no wonder that Poland is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination for tourists from around the world.

If you're planning a trip to Poland, be sure to check out our travel guides for tips on where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your visit.

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Popular Stays in Poland

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Poland

The hotel is located near the Vistula Boulevards in the heart of Krakow. It offers easy access to the train station and Krakow-Balice Airport and a convenient route toward Wawel, the old town and the Kazimierz district. Spacious rooms (most with views of the meandering River Vistula), modern conference rooms, a renovated restaurant, bar and recreation center make for an enjoyable stay.
Central Krakow hotel in the heart of the Old Town, with free Wi-Fi and a conference centre. The Holiday Inn® Krakow City Centre hotel is a five-minute walk from the vast Main Square in the city’s historic Old Town. Local tram and bus stops are nearby, and Kraków Główny train station is within easy reach. John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice is a 25-minute drive. The hotel’s 12 fully equipped function spaces include a stylish conference room for up to 440 people, and a short drive takes you to the ICE Krakow Congress Centre. Krakow's 13th-century Rynek Główny square is lined with palaces and churches, including the iconic St. Mary’s Basilica. The Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, a 12-minute walk, is home to the 15th-century Old Synagogue and its Jewish culture museum. You can walk to the hilltop Wawel Royal Castle and the art museum within 15 minutes. At this hotel, you can enjoy IHG One Rewards free WI-FI throughout the building, a business centre, on-site parking for a daily fee, and a mini-gym. Rooms come with a pillow menu to help you get a good night’s sleep. Wake up to a continental buffet breakfast in The City restaurant, and dine on Polish and Mediterranean cuisine in the stylish Impresja. After a busy day, enjoy an energising mini-gym workout or relax with friends in the lively Reflections Bar and Restaurant.
The elegant interiors at the Sofitel Warsaw Victoria hotel were designed by French architect Didier Gomez. Located in the heart of Warsaw, close to the Old Town, Royal Castle and Polish National Opera, the hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Enjoy a wonderful trip in this unique luxury hotel. Make your business meetings inspirational thanks to our renovated meeting rooms and the experience of our MagnifiqueMeetings Concierge.
Book a room at the 4-star Novotel Warszawa Centrum with stunning views of the vibrant city of Warsaw. The hotel is located 5 minutes' walk from the Central Train Station, with historic sites, monuments, shops and cultural institutions close by for great sightseeing. Find relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city as well as exquisite cuisine in the hotel's modern bar and restaurant. At Novotel, we offer a fully equipped conference center and make sure every business meeting is a success.
The Mercure Warszawa Centrum Hotel is located in the city center, next to the Zlote Tarasy, the largest shopping center in Warsaw, and not far from the commercial buildings: Warsaw Financial Center, Warsaw Towers, and Rondo ONZ 1. Its location in the rapidly developing business heart of the city, and its proximity to the exhibition center (Palace of Culture and Science) and a number of cultural attractions makes the hotel the perfect location both for business travelers and tourists.
Stay steps away from the city's attractive Old Town, cultural venues and major offices from our elegant hotel, nestled in Warsaw's business district. Each of the 311 rooms and suites feature contemporary furnishings with designer touches and conveniences like a minibar, free Wi-Fi and access to the onsite gym and spa. Take in romantic vistas of the city from upper-floor rooms, or opt for one of our elegantly-appointed Suites to indulge in the best that the city has to offer. Full of character and warmth, our hotel offers an exciting base from which to discover Warsaw. With modern event spaces to suit a range of capacities and functions, a delightful restaurant that celebrates local tradition, and a vibrant lobby bar, the Radisson Collection Hotel, Warsaw is the perfect entry point to Warsaw.
The 4-star Novotel Krakow City West will surprise you with its modern interiors, a renovated fitness centre, a swimming pool and a colorful children's zone. Spacious 30-metre rooms, warm colors, super-fast Wi-Fi guarantee a comfortable stay and ideal environment for work. At Novotel we care about your well-being, so the time spent in Novo2 Louge bar and live music will be the perfect ending of the day.
The 4-star Mercure Warszawa Grand hotel is located in the heart of the city, near the main streets of Warsaw and close to the Old Town. This prestigious location is surrounded by ministries, embassies and the best fashion houses and restaurants. The hotel's comfortable rooms, professional service and delicious cuisine make it the ideal place ideal for business and leisure guests.

Things to do in Poland

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Poland

Experience the Bohemian dream on a full-day private trip from Katowice to picturesque Prague in the Czech Republic. Explore the city with a Local Expert Guide, visit St. Nicholas Church and see Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and St. Vitus Cathedral. Highlights: - Discover the cultural capital of Europe - Czech Prague - Visit St. Nicolas Church with its very impressive interior - Walk around the beautiful Old Town area and Jewish District - Admire medieval buildings like Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral - Enjoy private transport from Katowice with pick-up and drop-off service 14-hour Private Guided Tour Explore Prague, visit St. Nicholas Church and see highlights such as Prague Castle (tickets excluded), Charles Bridge, Old Town, and more. Includes private transport from Katowice. Prague is one of the most visited capitals in Europe, a world heritage city with amazing architecture, art, and culture.
Take a full day tour to discover Berlin – a vibrant and cosmopolitan capital of Germany. Find out about the infamous rise of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich and its dramatic downfall. See the rest of Berliner Wall – the clearest symbol of Europe’s division between the Allies in the post-war period.
Discover the national treasures of the Royal Castle in Warsaw. Explore the royal apartments and learn about the history of the Polish capital. Take advantage of a Private Guide and skip-the-line tickets, and join a walking tour of the Old Town. Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests. Read the description of the options carefully as each option includes a different program. 2-hour: Royal Castle Tour Visit the Royal Castle in Warsaw with skip-the-line tickets. 3-hour: Royal Castle & Old Town Join this tour to learn even more about Warsaw, visit the Royal Castle with skip-the-line tickets, and see Old Town highlights such as St John Archcathedral and the Market Square.
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests. Budget: 2,5-hours Private Food Tasting You will visit 2 places: restaurant and patisserie. In restaurant you will get full set of traditional dishes (except soup and beer) and water. In the patisserie: delicious cake and coffee/tea. Also you will have a basic tour of Warsaw Old Town with a guide. Standard: 3,5-hours Private Food Tasting Standard 3,5-hours version is most commonly chosen option. Includes every position from described menu at 3 carefully chosen local venues with different atmosphere inside. Also you will have a guided tour of Warsaw Old Town highlights! Premium: 5-hour Private Food & Beer/Vodka and Warsaw Sightseeing Premium version is combination of Food Tasting, Beer/Vodka Tasting in 4 places (no patisserie) and sightseeing! Try all the specialties from described menu, enjoy tasting of 8 beers or 8 vodkas and walking tour with guide around highlights of Warsaw.
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests. 2-hour: Old Town Tour Learn basic information about Warsaw and see its top attractions, such as the Market Square, St Anne’s Church (outside), and the Royal Castle (outside), with a visit to St John’s Archcathedral. 3-hour: Old Town & St Anne’s Church Join this tour to learn even more essential information about Warsaw, see the Market Square and the Royal Castle (outside), and visit St John’s Archcathedral and St Anne’s Church. 4-hour: Old Town, St Anne’s Church & Royal Castle Choose this option to gain expert knowledge of Warsaw Old Town and visit St John’s Archcathedral, St Anne’s Church and the Royal Castle. 6-hour: Old Town, St Anne's Church, Royal Castle & PKiN Get a full experience of Warsaw Old Town and visit St John’s Archcathedral, St Anne’s Church, the Royal Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science.
Discover the history of Warsaw on this historical guided tour. Visit some of the most famous landmarks in the city, including the Royal Castle, the Holy Cross Church and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You will get also some tips about the local food, drinks, and souvenirs. Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests. Read the description of the options carefully as each option includes a different program. 4-Hours Private Guided Tour During 4-hours version you will get essential information about Warsaw Old Town, Main Market Square, Barbican, Castle Square, University of Warsaw, Pilsudski Square. 6-Hours Private Guided Tour After 6-hours version you will become an expert of Old Town, Main Market Square, Barbican, Castle Square, University of Warsaw, Pilsudski Square and Royal Castle. There will be time for lunch (optional).
This is not just another Krakow tour; this is a tour of the best of Krakow Hidden Districts with hidden gems that only a local can show you. Get to know Krakow, especially the hidden districts, on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, from culture, history, and local lifestyle - this tour has it all! Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see the hidden districts of Krakow at its best thanks to your local guide’s knowledge and stories. Check out main landmarks like Wawel Castle, Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), Forum Przestrzenie, and uncover city secrets that will show you the city through a different perspective. As they say, the locals know best! Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups.
See the beauty of the Old Town with its original Medieval street layout, marvelous architecture, and unique atmosphere that distinguishes Krakow from the rest of Poland. As the former capital of Poland, it has a rich history which is still visible in its architecture today.

Why People Love Poland

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Poland

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Roving17410002364
4
Feb 2023
Esperava uma cidade ainda muito marcada pelos anos da cortina de ferro, mas com surpresa descobri uma cidade que está a abrir-se e a recuperar o seu parque habitacional, o que não está ainda completo... Tem vários pontos de interesse, o museu, o teatro, monumentos, as igrejas, as praças e ruas de...
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Rudram_B
5
Jul 2022
This was one of the most memorable tours I have ever taken. The driver Adam was very supportive and he was always there to pick us up and drop us off when we needed him. His driving was flawless, not too slow and not too fast just the right speed for a smooth ride. The tour guide in Berlin was o...
4
450alisam
4
May 2023
Geography is not my thing. I did not know that Berlin was about 4 hours from Wroclaw. Our driver picked us up at the hotel and off we went. We were picked up in a very small car my husband is 6'2 so it was a bit uncomfortable for such a long ride. Aside from the small car our driver did a gre...

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Explore all things to do in Poland

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Frequently Asked Questions about Poland

What are the top attractions to visit in Poland?

Poland is a country with a rich history and culture, and there are many attractions worth visiting. Some of the top attractions include: - The Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow - The Old Town Market Square in Wroclaw - The Malbork Castle in Malbork - The Bieszczady Mountains in southeastern Poland - The Slowinski National Park on the Baltic coast

What are some popular activities to do in Poland?

Poland offers a wide variety of activities for travelers, including: - Exploring the country's rich history and culture by visiting museums and historical sites - Hiking in the Tatra Mountains or the Bieszczady Mountains - Relaxing on the beaches of the Baltic Sea - Sampling traditional Polish cuisine, such as pierogi and kielbasa - Attending festivals and events, such as the Krakow Christmas market or the Wianki festival in Warsaw

What are some of the best accommodations in Poland?

Poland offers a range of accommodations for all budgets, including: - Luxury hotels, such as the Hotel Bristol in Warsaw or the Sheraton Grand Krakow - Boutique hotels, such as the Kanonicza 22 in Krakow or the Rialto Boutique Hotel in Warsaw - Budget hotels, such as the Ibis Budget Warszawa Centrum or the B&B Hotel Wroclaw Centrum - Hostels, such as the Greg&Tom Beer House Hostel in Krakow or the Central Station Hostel in Warsaw

What are the best cities to visit in Poland?

Poland is home to many beautiful and historic cities, but some of the best cities to visit include: - Krakow: Known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant nightlife, Krakow is a must-visit city in Poland. - Warsaw: Poland's capital city is a mix of old and new, with historic sites like the Old Town and modern attractions like the Copernicus Science Centre. - Gdansk: A beautiful port city on the Baltic coast, Gdansk is known for its stunning architecture and rich history. - Wroclaw: This charming city is known for its beautiful market square and colorful buildings, as well as its many museums and cultural events.

What is the best time to visit Poland?

The best time to visit Poland depends on your interests and what you want to do. If you're interested in winter sports, then the winter months are a good time to visit. If you prefer warmer weather, then the summer months are ideal. Keep in mind that Poland can be quite crowded during the peak summer months of July and August, so if you're looking to avoid the crowds, then consider visiting in the shoulder season of May, June, September, or October.

What should I pack for a trip to Poland?

What you pack for a trip to Poland depends on the time of year you're visiting and what activities you have planned. In general, you should pack comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing (if visiting in the winter), and a rain jacket (if visiting in the spring or fall). If you plan on visiting churches or other religious sites, then be sure to bring clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Don't forget to also pack any necessary medications, your passport, and travel insurance documents.

What is the currency in Poland?

The currency in Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN). You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, or ATMs (known as bankomat in Poland). Many places in Poland also accept major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard.

What are some traditional Polish dishes I should try?

Poland is known for its hearty and delicious cuisine, and some traditional Polish dishes you should try include: - Pierogi: Dumplings filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings, such as potato and cheese, sauerkraut and mushroom, or blueberry. - Kielbasa: A type of Polish sausage that is often grilled or boiled. - Bigos: A stew made with sauerkraut, meat, and vegetables. - Zurek: A sour rye soup that is often served in a bread bowl. - Makowiec: A poppy seed cake that is popular during the Christmas season.

What are some tips for traveling around Poland?

Poland has a good public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. If you plan on traveling by train, then be sure to book your tickets in advance to save money. Taxis are also widely available in cities, but be sure to only use licensed taxis. If you plan on driving in Poland, then keep in mind that the roads can be narrow and congested in some areas, and that parking can be difficult in cities.

What are some customs and etiquette tips to keep in mind when visiting Poland?

When visiting Poland, it's important to keep in mind some customs and etiquette tips, such as: - Greeting people with a handshake and using formal titles (such as Pan or Pani) until given permission to use first names. - Removing your shoes when entering someone's home. - Not wearing hats indoors (unless it's a religious head covering). - Not crossing your legs or ankles when sitting. - Being punctual for appointments and meetings. - Tipping 10% to 15% at restaurants (unless a service charge is already included).