Poland Travel Guide

Places to visit in Poland

Poland is full of memorable cities, scenic landscapes, and cultural landmarks. Below, you’ll find some of the most rewarding things to do in Poland, from historic centres and peaceful forests to waterfront walks and UNESCO-recognised sites.

When you travel using a Newmarket Holidays guided tour - the planning, preparation and leg work is all taken care of, leaving you with more time to enjoy the experiences provided. You can find more information about what is included in our tours on our Poland tours and holidays page. 

Kraków (Lesser Poland / Małopolska)

Ideal for holidays in April-June, or September-October, Kraków pairs architectural heritage with a relaxed cultural atmosphere.

Its Old Town, Wawel Castle, and the riverside paths form the heart of the city, while the Jewish Quarter adds character and history. Museums, cafés, and compact streets make it an easy place to explore at a comfortable pace.

Top things to do in (and near) Kraków

Wieliczka Salt Mine - make sure to carve out around 2-3 hours of your trip to visit this remarkable underground world carved entirely from salt, with chapels, chambers, and sculptures recognised by UNESCO.
Accessibility: Lift to the surface; some uneven ground
Included in our Spirit of Kraków tour.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial & Museum - leave half a day to a full day free to explore a thoughtful and respectful insight into one of the most significant chapters of 20th-century history at this preserved site.
Accessibility: Step-free access in selected areas; surfaces vary
Included in our Spirit of Kraków tour.

Wawel Castle, Kraków - history enthusiasts should set aside half a day to a full day of their trip to visit Poland’s former royal seat stands above the Vistula with chapels, courtyards, and centuries of art and architecture.
Accessibility: Step-free routes available; towers require stairs
Included in our Spirit of Kraków tour.

St Mary’s Basilica, Kraków (the Mariacki Church) - one of Kraków’s most distinctive landmarks, St Mary’s Basilica, can be fully explored in around an hour. The Mariacki Church stands on the edge of the Market Square and is known for its twin towers and richly decorated interior.
Accessibility: Step-free entrance available; interior chapels may have narrow thresholds
Included in our Spirit of Kraków tour.

Kazimierz, Kraków’s Jewish Quarter - if you have a half day to spare, visit this lively district of synagogues, cafés, and independent galleries that reflect both Jewish heritage and modern culture.
Accessibility: Mostly flat; steps in some historic sites.

Warsaw (Mazovia Region)

Best visited in May-September, Warsaw was rebuilt after the Second World War, blending restored palaces with contemporary towers, broad parks, and modern museums.

With rail links across the country, Warsaw is an excellent base for exploring more of Poland including Kraków, Gdańsk, and Poznań.

Top things to do in (and near) Warsaw

Warsaw Old Town - spend a day exploring the charming cobblestone streets, visit the royal castle, and see the reconstructed historic architecture.
Accessibility: Mixture of paved walkways with tactile paving and uneven cobblestone streets.

Białowieża Forest - for nature lovers, half a day to a full day should be enough time to experience this UNESCO-protected woodland, home to European bison and centuries-old trees.
Accessibility: Mixture of boardwalks and uneven forest routes.

Chełm Chalk Tunnels - leave a day free to take the train from Warsaw to Chelm, explore the city, visit the Basilica and enjoy a guided walk through chalk-cut corridors beneath Chełm, known for their distinctive pale walls.
Accessibility: Level floors; some narrow passages.

Gdańsk (Pomerania & the Baltic Coast)

Visit in June-August to experience the busy streets and a bustling centre, or opt for a quieter trip in May and September. Gdańsk is a historic port with characteristic Hanseatic façades, maritime traditions, riverside walks, and landmarks linked to 20th-century history.

Top things to do in (and near) Gdańsk

Gdańsk Old Town & the Baltic Coast - leave a full day to traverse the old town, amidst the colourful Hanseatic façades, maritime museums, and waterfront paths linking to beaches in Sopot and Gdynia.
Accessibility: Flat streets with cobbles; accessible riverfront.

Malbork Castle - half a day to a full day should be spent viewing this vast red-brick Teutonic stronghold, regarded as the largest castle complex of its kind in Europe.
Accessibility: Flat exterior areas; interior staircases.

Masurian Lakes (Mazury Region) - outdoor enthusiasts will need to carve out one to two days to fully immerse themselves in this landscape of more than 2,000 lakes surrounded by forests, ideal for gentle boating, kayaking, or lakeside walks.
Accessibility: Mostly flat, with ramped access at many docks.

Best time to visit Poland

Poland has four distinct seasons, each offering a different experience for travellers. Spring and autumn tend to be the most comfortable for sightseeing, while summer brings long days and warm temperatures. Winter is cold and often snowy, particularly away from the coast.

Essential info for Poland

Poland’s Currency

The local currency is the Polish złoty (PLN). While major credit and debit cards are accepted widely, cash can still be useful for small purchases, market stalls and rural areas. Card payments are processed in złoty and may be subject to your bank’s conversion fees.

Tipping in Poland

Tipping is optional, but it’s common to round up the bill or leave around 10% for good service, much like in the UK.

Plugs in Poland

Poland uses Type E plugs, and Type C two-pin European plugs also fit most sockets (220-240 volts). A standard European adaptor will work for UK appliances. For days spent sightseeing, a portable power bank is useful, especially if you plan to take photos or use map apps frequently.

Safety in Poland

Poland is generally considered safe and has low crime rates in its major cities. As with any urban area, take usual precautions in busy places, keep valuables secure, and avoid poorly lit backstreets late at night. Roads and pavements can be slippery in winter, so suitable footwear is helpful if you’re travelling during colder months.
Emergency services: Dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services.

Useful phrases in Poland

A few Polish words and phrases can make day-to-day interactions smoother, especially in cafés, markets, and smaller shops. Polish pronunciation may look challenging at first, but many of the most helpful expressions are short and easy to use.

Cześć (cheshch) - Hi / Hello (informal)
Do widzenia (doh veed-ZEN-yah) - Goodbye
Dziękuję (jen-KOO-yeh) - Thank you
Proszę (PROH-sheh) - Please / You’re welcome
Przepraszam (psheh-PRAH-sham) - Excuse me / I’m sorry
Czy mówi Pan/Pani po angielsku? (chih MOO-vee pan/pah-nee poh ang-YEL-skoo) - Do you speak English?
Rachunek, proszę. (rah-KOO-nek PROH-sheh) - The bill, please
Ile to kosztuje? (EE-leh toh kosh-TOO-yeh) - How much does it cost?

If you remember just dziękuję and proszę, you’ll already be using two of the most common and appreciated words in Polish.