The 5 Best Cities in Poland to Visit – Plus 10 Hidden Gems

Having been to Poland multiple times starting in the 1980’s, I’ve seen the country evolve from an oppressed communist state to a modern and democratic NATO and EU powerhouse. What remained the same was the spirit of the people and the many great places the country has to offer. If you’re considering a visit to Poland – and you should – these are the best cities to start with. However, if you have some extra time in Poland and want to get a deeper understanding of the country and its culture, check out our ten hidden gems.

History and Natural Beauty

I fell in love with Poland back in 1985 after reading James Michener’s book Poland (which I highly recommend).  The name “Poland” comes from the word “polanie” which means “plain,” a reference to its large, flat geography which has invited invasions from every direction throughout its history. It even disappeared from the map altogether for 123 years (1794-1918). In addition to history and culture, Poland has vast natural beauty. The Baltic coast, the Tatra Mountains in the south, the Masurian Lake District with its 2,000 lakes, and Europe’s largest remaining primeval forest are some of its natural attractions.

The 5 Best Cities in Poland for Your First Visit

Here are some of the best places to go in Poland if you are new to the country. You can see these cities in 7-10 days and they will give you a great introduction to the country’s different regions.

1. Kraków

Home to the historic Wawel Castle and the charming Old Town, Kraków’s historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It escaped the massive destruction seen in Warsaw and other cities during World War II as the Germans used it as their eastern headquarters following their invasion.

The Main Market Square (one of the largest medieval squares in Europe), Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), and St. Mary’s Basilica are must-visit landmarks. Don’t miss the metal sculpture of the Wawel Dragon at the foot of Wawel Hill; thanks to a hidden natural gas line, it belches fire every few minutes.

Auschwitz-Birkenau, a poignant reminder of WWII, is located about 45 miles west of Kraków near Oświęcim and is one of the most visited sights in Poland. This former Nazi concentration and extermination camp is a sobering, powerful and important historical site. Visitors can tour the preserved barracks, memorials and museum, and learn about the atrocities committed here during WWII.

If you wish to explore the southern region of Poland further, there are lots of great day trips from Kraków, such as the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

2. Warsaw (Warszawa)

Poland’s capital boasts an interesting mix of modern and historical attractions. The Royal Castle, Wilanów Palace, and the Warsaw Uprising Museum showcase the city’s rich history. The Palace of Science and Culture, a gift from the Soviet Union, is Poland’s second tallest building and a towering example of “Stalin-Gothic” architecture.

What I find fascinating about Warsaw is that its historic Old Town was systematically bombed by the Nazis during WWII, and over 85% of it was destroyed. However, using old photos and paintings, architects and artists meticulously reconstructed it after the war. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

3. Wrocław

Known for its picturesque Market Square and colorful buildings, vibrant Wrocław is Poland’s third largest city. The Gothic-style Wrocław Cathedral and the iconic Wrocław Fountain are popular attractions. Centennial Hall is a UNESCO-listed site. Explore the charming Ostrów Tumski island for a fun historical experience. In addition to Wrocław University, there is also a zoo (Poland’s oldest) and aquarium. Fun fact: there are over six hundred gnome statues scattered around the city. Can you find them all?

4. Gdańsk

Located on the Baltic Sea, Gdańsk is known for its maritime history and graceful Gothic architecture. The Main Town with its historic buildings, Neptune’s Fountain, and St. Mary’s Church are highlights. The shipyards at Gdańsk were the birthplace of the Solidarity anti-communism movement, led by electrician Lech Wałęsa in the 1980’s. He later become the President of Poland.

During the summer you can go to the beaches on the Baltic Sea, and also easily access the nearby beach resorts of Gdynia and Sopot.

Don’t miss Malbork Castle – a massive 13th century medieval fortress less than an hour from Gdańsk. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Malbork is the world’s largest castle in land area and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Teutonic Knights.

21 Incredible Castles in Poland (+ Some You Can STAY IN!)

5. Zakopane

Nestled in the Tatra Mountains near the Czech border, Zakopane is magical. Characterized by traditional wooden houses, the town offers a vibrant and charming atmosphere with shops, restaurants, and local crafts. It’s a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts drawn to the mountains and alpine lakes. In the winter, in addition to skiing, you can take a husky sleigh ride, snowshoe excursion or a snowmobile tour. Summers are warm and lovely, and popular activities include hiking, cycling, climbing, horseback riding and quad bike tours. You can enjoy the many thermal baths in the area year-round.

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These five cities are just a few of Poland’s highlights; there is so much more to discover here, including beautiful lakes, 23 national parks, and vibrant cultural events. The country’s welcoming atmosphere and diverse attractions make it a compelling destination for travelers.

10 Hidden Gems You Will Love

Poland is dotted with places that offer unique and less-explored experiences. Here are our favorite hidden gems in Poland:

1. Kazimierz Dolny

• This charming town on the Vistula River is known for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture and artistic atmosphere.
• Explore the Market Square, visit art galleries, and take a stroll through the nearby Janowiec Castle.

2. Lublin

• Often overshadowed by bigger cities, Lublin is a cultural gem with a well-preserved Old Town.
• The Lublin Castle and Trinitarian Tower are notable landmarks, and the city hosts various festivals and events.

3. Bieszczady Mountains

• A less crowded alternative to the Tatra Mountains, Bieszczady offers stunning landscapes and is perfect for hiking and nature enthusiasts.
• The wooden Orthodox churches in the region are UNESCO-listed gems.

4. Tarnów

• Tarnów boasts a beautifully restored Old Town with colorful buildings and a rich Jewish heritage.
• The Gothic and Renaissance-style architecture, along with the historic market square, make it a delightful destination.
• Tarnów was described by CNN in 2022 as “one of Europe’s most beautiful towns.”

5. Hel Peninsula

• This thin strip of land between the Baltic Sea and Puck Bay was where World War II began.
• More peaceful today, Hel offers pristine beaches and charming fishing villages. Explore the Coastal Landscape Park, a protected area with nine nature reserves, plus a myriad of hiking and biking trails.

6. Paczków

• Known for having one of the best-preserved medieval defense systems in Poland, Paczków is a small town with cobblestone streets and historic architecture. Located in Silesia in southwestern Poland.

7. Zamość

• A UNESCO World Heritage site, Zamość is a late 16th century Italian Renaissance town with well-preserved fortifications and a central market square.
• The Great Market and Zamoyski Palace are highlights.

8. Kłodzko

• Located in Silesia in southwestern Poland, Kłodzko is a picturesque town with a medieval fortress offering panoramic views. One of Poland’s oldest cities, it is often referred to as “Little Prague” because of its gothic architecture and a bridge similar to the iconic Charles Bridge.
• The 13th century underground tunnels of the Kłodzko Fortress are an intriguing attraction.

9. Poznań and Ostrów Tumski

• The capital of Poland in the 9th century, Poznań is the fifth largest city while still retaining its charm.
• The island of Ostrów Tumski offers a serene escape with its historic cathedral and charming streets.

10. Białowieża Forest and National Park

• The Białowieża Forest is the largest remaining part of the massive primeval forest that once stretched across central Europe.
• Białowieża National Park (one of 23 in Poland) is a haven for nature lovers with diverse flora and fauna. Guided tours provide insights into the forest’s biodiversity.

These special places showcase the diverse and lesser-explored facets of Poland, providing travelers with unique experiences away from the well-trodden tourist paths.

The Best Time to Visit Poland

The best time to visit Poland is between May and October. The Baltic beaches are quite busy during July and August but are nice in May/June and September/October. Winter is the quietest time, except for Zakopane, where skiing and other winter activities make for a busy area.

The Polish Language

At first glance, Polish looks fearsome. All those consonants! I always thought, run across the Baltic to Finland and buy some vowels already. But once you learn how to pronounce the letter combinations, for example, sz = sh and cz = ch, then you can at least learn to pronounce words. Nowadays, many Poles, especially the ones under 40, can speak English. I recommend learning a few basic words:

dzień dobry: (jen dobry) hello
proszę: (pro-shay) please
dziękuje: (jen-KU-yay) thank you

Summary

Poland is a beautiful country full of history, culture and natural attractions. This post details the best cities in Poland to visit based on historical significance and popular attractions, plus ten lesser-known places that will deepen your experience there.

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