Poland travel guide
Poland Tourism | Poland Guide
You're Going to Love Poland
With a mix of gorgeous landscapes and picturesque towns, Poland is one of the most popular tourist destinations in central Europe.
What to do in Poland
1. Go on a City Break
Fall in love with the capital Warsaw, but also explore the other top two cities in Poland: Kraków and Gdansk.
2. Enjoy an Active Vacation in Contact with Nature
Explore the Carpathian Mountains in the south with hiking and skiing.
3. Pay Homage to the Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust
Although this is not a place to be taken lightly as a tourist attraction, visiting the former concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau is part of the itinerary for travelers interested in history.
4. Discover More About the Wildlife in the Country
Go Bison spotting in the Bialowieza Forest.
5. Relax at the Beach
For beach-goers, head to Hel Peninsula by the Baltic Sea for golden sands and sunsets.
When to visit Poland
If you're planning to visit Poland for a mix of popular events and great weather, June is the month to go. The Lajkonik Pageant, the Jewish Culture Festival, and the Malta International Theater Festival are some of the top events to attend that month.
If you're heading to the south of Poland for skiing, the season occurs from November to February.
How to Get to Poland
Entry Requirements
Poland is part of the European Union and the Schengen Agreement and travelers from over 60 countries, such as the US and Canada, don't need a visa for stays up to 90 days. They can travel to the country using only a passport that is valid for the entire duration of the trip.
Plane
Most international flights to Poland will land at the Warsaw Chopin Airport. Smaller airports, like the Warsaw Modlin Airport, usually handle low-cost flights from elsewhere in Europe.
Train
Long-distance trains are operated by national company PKP Intercity. There are regular direct connections to Warsaw in Poland from Berlin, Kyiv, Vienna, Moscow, Budapest, and Prague.
Car
If you're coming from a country in the EU, getting to Poland by car is hassle-free. However, expect more traffic and border control if you're driving from countries outside the European Union, such as Ukraine, Russia and Belarus.
Bus
Eurolines, FlixBus, and Ecolines are the three bus companies with regular connections to Poland from neighboring countries.
Boat
There are regular ferries operated by Polferries between Gdansk, Świnoujście, and Gdynia in Poland and from Sweden and Denmark.
Popular airlines serving Poland
Where to stay in Poland
If you're looking for affordable accommodation in Poland, short-term rentals, hostels and smaller pensions are a more budget-friendly option. There are also plenty of hotels to choose from.
Where to stay in popular areas of Poland
Most booked hotels in Poland
How to Get Around Poland
Public Transportation
Polish cities and towns are well-equipped with local public transportation networks that often include buses. Some cities will also be served by trams and trolleys, while the capital Warsaw is the only city in Poland with a subway.
Trains
Getting around by train is a better option between main cities. For smaller towns or rural regions, you'll end up having to use a combination of train and bus travel. Options range from the low-cost express TLK to the more comfortable EIP (Express InterCity Premium).
Bus
The Polish bus network is bigger than the rail network, which means traveling by bus is usually a preferred method for short distances and remote locations, in addition to a more affordable one. Most towns and cities have a central bus station, so it's not difficult to figure out where to depart from.
Car
Travelers from outside the European Union must apply for an International Driving Permit, in addition to using their country's issued driver's license.
As road construction is frequent in Poland, drivers may encounter delays and detours during their journeys.
Plane
Domestic flights are a good time-saving option to get around Poland. There are frequent domestic flights between major cities in the country, operated by local airline LOT and low-cost carrier Ryanair.
The Cost of Living in Poland
Expect to pay approximately zł3.20 ($0.80) for a one-way ticket for public transportation and around zł18 ($4.60) for a meal for one at an international fast-food chain. Large chain hotels and restaurants accept credit card payments. For smaller businesses and day-to-day expenses, it's best to pay in cash. There are plenty of ATMs available.