Tourist attractions

Kraków Historic Centre

Region: Kraków, Lesser Poland Voivodeship

Cultural Heritage

World Heritage Site preserving medieval streets, Wawel Castle, and cathedral.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum

Region: Oświęcim

History/Memorial

Former concentration camp site conveying the reality of the Holocaust.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Region: Near Kraków

Industrial Heritage

Salt labyrinth and chapel extending 135m underground.

Białowieża Forest

Region: Podlaskie Voivodeship

Nature

Precious primeval forest inhabited by European bison.

Malbork Castle

Region: Pomeranian Voivodeship

Cultural Heritage

World's largest brick fortress built by the Teutonic Knights.

Warsaw Old Town

Region: Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship

Cultural Heritage

First World Heritage Site recognized for complete post-war reconstruction.

Masuria Lake District

Region: Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship

Nature

Paradise for yachting and canoeing with over 2000 interconnected lakes and canals.

Tatra National Park

Region: Lesser Poland Voivodeship

Nature

Mountain scenic area featuring Rysy Mountain and Morskie Oko lake.

Zamość Old Town

Region: Lublin Voivodeship

Cultural Heritage

Fortress city based on Renaissance ideal urban planning.

Szczecin Port and Oder River Embankment

Region: Szczecin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship

Modern Architecture

Features magnificent 19th-century Wały Chrobrego terraces and Maritime Museum.

Suggested itineraries

Classic Poland 8 Days

Duration (days): 8

Highlights: Warsaw Old Town, Kraków Historic Centre, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz Museum

Standard tour connecting capital and southern World Heritage sites by rail. Balanced experience of history and cuisine.

Lakes and Forests Outdoor Journey

Duration (days): 5

Highlights: Masuria Lake Cruise, Białowieża Forest Walk, Słowiński National Park Baltic Sea Dunes

Nature-focused route enjoying kayaking and cycling in northeastern lakes and primeval forests.

Music and Art Weekend in Warsaw

Duration (days): 3

Highlights: Chopin Museum, National Museum, Warsaw Philharmonic

Urban mini-trip concentrating on cultural facilities over the weekend, concluding with a concert.

Travel tips

  • High-speed rail EIP is convenient for inter-city travel, with discounts for early online booking.
  • Lunch sets (obiad domowy) are a good deal when dining out.
  • Many ATMs on street corners, but "Euronet" has high fees, so be careful.
  • Tap water is potable but hard, so many people use bottled water.
  • Sub-zero temperatures continue in winter, so waterproof boots and slip-resistant soles are essential.
  • Most shops are closed on Sundays, only tourist-oriented shops are open.
  • For taxis, use officially licensed taxis or Bolt ride-hailing app for safety.
  • Public toilets are generally paid, prepare small change.
  • Tips at restaurants are 5-10% of the bill in cash as a guideline.
  • Museums and shops may close early on Catholic holidays.
  • Mountain hiking requires rain gear as weather can change suddenly.
  • Baltic Sea dunes and lakeside areas have many mosquitoes, insect repellent is useful.
  • Subways and trams have no gates but ticket inspection is strict, so don't forget to validate.
  • Old towns are safe at night but avoid alleys with little foot traffic.
  • Pharmaceuticals can only be purchased at pharmacies (APTEKA), most closed on Sundays even for over-the-counter drugs.