Top 5 places to visit in Poland
Explore Poland between programmes
Take the time to experience local life and travel with peace of mind
Poland is a highly underrated destination for travellers that offers a little something for everyone; whether you’re looking for picturesque countrysides, modern cities full of history or idyllic seasides. Home to 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites and a rich cultural history, Poland offers its visitors a truly unique and safe experience. In this series, we’ll look at 5 of Poland’s top destinations and give you tips on how to make the most of your visit to this beautiful country.
Our most recommended places to visit in Poland
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WARSAW
Warsaw is a truly special place. The Polish capital has a rich history and energy that’s hard to come by anywhere else in the world
What to visit?
When visiting Warsaw’s Old Town, you’ll want to make sure to have plenty of space for photos. A maze of cobbled streets and quaint pastel buildings, if it weren’t for the people you’d feel like you’d traveled in time. With so many great spots to stop for a bite to eat and drink, it’s easy to lose a day here. The Old Town is a must for any visitor to Warsaw as it captures the history of the city, as well as its vibrant culture.
Warsaw has an incredible night life. Illuminated by beautiful lights, simply wandering the city in the evening is amaIng. There are so many excellent restaurants and bars it can be hard to choose. A great spot to start is the Alchemist. Come for the famous beer wall, stay for the incredible food and cocktails. Their signature concoctions are served in beakers and there is even a bubbling beverage served in a miniature bathtub – complete with Rubber Duck! You can sample local beers from the beer wall and also enjoy the incredible food too.
Pack your walking shoes. The best way to see this city is on foot. Wonder through the streets of The Old Town and New Town for a tapestry of coloured buildings, churches, modern architectural marvels and historical sites including the Royal castle. Whilst out and about, explore the city’s parks, like Lazienki Park. Surrounding the summer residence of King Stanislaw August, this luscious space is home to rolling hills and picturesque lakes. There are also free weekly Chopin concerts in the summer.
The title of this remarkable structure is rather fitting. More than just a museum, it’s also home to more than 10 bars, a sports arena, and 3,288 rooms. It’s no wonder it’s the sixth tallest building in the EU, how else would they fit so much in one place? True to its name, there are few places in Warsaw where you can discover more about Poland, its culture, and its people, then the Palace of Science and Culture.
KRAKÓW
As the former capital city of Poland, Krakow is making a strong case as the country’s cultural capital.
What to visit?
One of the reasons Krakow is so easy to get around as a city is that all its major attractions are near the market square. Filled with stunning architecture, bars and restaurants, it truly is the heart of the city. A place where people come to meet and to party – a must in Krakow!
As the former Jewish quarter of the city, Kazimierz is filled with a sombre history. By day, travel back in time through the maze of buildings – you can even visit the Galicia Jewish Museum for photos of the area in its prime. By night, the area transforms into a bustle of revellers, as a hotspot for bars and clubs.
Poland’s history has many unfortunate chapters, the most recent of which occurred during WWII. 2 Pomorska street was used as a prison by the Nazis and whilst its unknown how many people were kept here, over 600 inscriptions have been found on the cell walls. Located outside the main city centre, it has less visitors than other historical sites so you immerse yourself in history off the beaten path. Pro Tip – admission is free on tuesdays!
Why not make time to enjoy the beautiful Vistula River? There are plenty of ways to do so, whether it’s by boat (take a seat or paddle), walking along its banks or taking a beat in a bar or cafe. There’s nothing quite like a body of water to help take you unwind and forget you’re in a stunning European city.
WROCŁAW
Known as the “Venice of the North’, there are few places in the world like Wroclaw.
What to visit?
Wroclaw’s Old Town, or Rynek, is the beating heart of the city. Once the economic centre, the market square, it has now evolved into the cultural and social bud of Wroclaw. Here you’ll find some of the city’s famous Gnomes, plenty of incredible places to eat and drink and some insta worthy buildings. Despite being nearly destroyed during WWII, today the craftsmanship that restored it in the 15th century is on full display. The city’s key landmark is the stunning Town Hall, an excellent starting point to explore the nearby shops, eateries and colourful flower market, or Plac Solny.
Now this may be a given when exploring a new city, but you want to keep yours peeled in a city like Wroclaw. Aside from the stunning architecture that you’ll no doubt be taking in, be sure to keep a look out for the dwarves, or gnomes, scattered throughout the city. The dwarves originally made an appearance out of protest against communism and disappeared. Today, they’ve made a strong resurgence with over 350 dwarves hidden throughout the city to delight tourists and locals. How many can you discover?
Known as the ‘Venice of the North’, Wroclaw is a network of islands connected by multiple bridges. So, pack your walking shoes and get exploring! Riverside parks and boats are excellent stops for a drink in the sun. We recommend starting in the old town and making your way out from there – the market square is beautiful and be sure to visit Cathedral Island.
Wroclaw is home to a truly unique masterpiece. Standing at 15m’s tall and stretching 114, the Panorama Racławicka is truly something to behold. The 19th century panoramic artwork depicts the battle of Racławicka and is immersive, it has a dedicated room all to itself. Make some time for this one, you won’t regret it!
What to visit?
You need to visit the Old town and market square. Filled with excellent restaurants, cafes, bars and beautiful pastel painted buildings, it’s a lot to take in. Be sure to see the Town hall, built in the 14th century. Whilst you wander, you’ll explore the city’s history and whilst you’re at see how many street artworks by the famous homegrown artist Noriaki (still anonymous to this day).
When in Poznan, you need to try the local croissants. They make a special sweet croissant (or rogale swietomarcinskie) in honour of Saint Martin, a roman soldier who used to give croissants to the poor. Made into the shape of a horseshoe (to honour his horse), the recipe is legally protected by way of recognition by the EU as a Protected Geographical Indicator. This means they can only be made in the area, so it would be a shame not to try one really!
A great location for a few reasons is the Stary Browar. This once brewery turned cultural centre and shopping mall is a simply stunning place to visit. You can grab a bite to eat, do some shopping or visit the art gallery, all whilst taking in the stunning industrial architecture and features.
Walking along the Warta River is an excellent way to get a taste of nature during your visit. Stop for a drink and enjoy the view, relax on one of the many city beaches, or enjoy the waterside activities at Lake Malta. Here you’ll find ice skating, a zoo and a man made ski slope.
KATOWICE
A hidden Polish gem, Katowice is a musical and adventure hotspot waiting to be discovered!
What to visit?
Ulica Mariacka, or St Mary’s Street, is the beating heart of Katowice. Making your way along this pedestrianised area, you’ll find great bars, cafes, restaurants and nightclubs. Katowice was also recently declared a Unesco city of Music, thanks to its vibrant live music scene (one of the best in Poland). Within the area surrounding St Mary’s street, you’ll find great venues and amazing street art that has emerged from the city’s political history.
On the subject of architecture, Katowice is home to some truly unique structures. As a result of numerous changes in power, many spots in Katowice resemble days gone by. However, this has also allowed for other architects to really push to a future design frontier – perhaps even the final frontier! (sorry, we had to). The Spodek, which is Polish for ‘Saucer’, was the largest indoor arena until 2014. Visit this structure in the evening to see it lit up with colorful lights!
The historic mining neighbourhood of Nikiszowiec, constructed between 1908 and 1924, is a truly unique place. This maze of red brick homes is actually a self contained miniature city, complete with cathedral, tavern, bakery, and kindergarten. Get lost in the network of corridors and courtyards where mining families still reside today. It’s also a popular shooting location for movies!
For over 5 years now, Katowice has held the title of a UNESCO city music – and for good reason! As part of the cities transition from industrial hub to cultural centre, a vibrant music scene has brought Katowice. Home to countless venues, and thousands and concerts and festivals every year, you can easily immerse yourself in the sounds of the city. From Metal to Full Orchestras, rap to blue, there are local and international acts to suit every taste.
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