Poland is a beautiful country in Central Europe, rich in history, culture, and architecture. Needless to say, there are hundreds of things to do in Poland that you would want to do. What drives a lot of people to Poland is its accessibility.
Bordered by seven countries, Poland is a few hours’ train journey away from pretty much any European country, and who doesn’t love a scenic train ride?
If you find yourself looking at Poland as a possible vacation spot, you’ve come to the right place to know the best things about Poland. From visiting Krakow or celebrating Krakow’s nightlife to eating delicious Polish food, you’re in for a treat. Here are a few adventure things you can do in Poland.
Things To Do in Poland – Summary
Let’s start this guide with some essentials you should know when visiting Poland.
Is Poland Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, Poland is a must-visit destination! It’s a country that seamlessly blends rich history with stunning landscapes and vibrant modern culture.
From the beautiful Old Towns of Krakow and Warsaw, full of historical treasures, to the breathtaking natural scenery in the Tatra Mountains and the Baltic Sea coast, there’s something for everyone.
Poland also boasts a fantastic culinary scene, from hearty traditional dishes to modern, innovative cuisine, which is a nice bonus.
Where to Stay as a Base in Poland?
For a well-rounded trip, Krakow or Warsaw make excellent bases. Krakow, with its medieval charm, is perfect for history buffs and those looking to explore southern Poland, including the Auschwitz camps, Wieliczka Salt Mine and the Tatra Mountains.
The city of Warsaw, on the other hand, offers a mix of historic and contemporary attractions and is great for accessing different parts of the country, like the Mazurian Lakes to the northeast or the Baltic Sea coast to the north.
Both cities have well-developed tourist infrastructures, with a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets.
Best Time to Visit Poland
The best time to visit Poland is generally during the spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October) months. During this time, you’ll enjoy mild weather, fewer crowds, and the natural beauty of the country in full bloom.
Summers (July to August) are also popular, especially for exploring the coastal areas, but can be busier. On the other hand, winters are cold but magical, especially if you enjoy snowy landscapes and want to experience the festive Christmas markets.
Things To Do in Poland – Summary
Now that you have a little more context and information about the country, let’s talk about the unique things to do in Poland that will make your trip one to remember for a long time.
Visit Warsaw’s Old Town
Explore the old town part of Warsaw to get a feeling of life in the capital city. Stroll around the Old Town Square, dating back as far as the 13th century, and visit the iconic Royal Castle. After that, have lunch at one of the cozy cafes or, if you travel during the festive season, check out the Christmas market.
Not to mention, there are countless free things to do in Warsaw, which makes everything more enjoyable, no matter the time of the year.
Overall visiting Warsaw is definitely one of the nice things to do in Poland.
That is to say, no matter where you choose to go to the Old Town, you won’t be disappointed.
Take a day trip to Auschwitz
One of the most gruesome and important chapters in Polish history is hidden in Oswiecim. Home of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Everything that you’ll see, from the unloading railway ramp to prison blocks and gas chambers, was used by the Nazis.
While the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp is a very sad place, it is definitely one of the best things to do in Poland to learn about history.
The reality of Auschwitz-Birkenau is not a pretty sight, but one that still needs to be seen. While it certainly is among the famous things in Poland, get prepared to feel overwhelmed.
I’d recommend joining a tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp to get a real understanding and feeling of the site with an expert guide. Many tours include a stop at the Wieliczka Salt Mine too, which is a plus.
Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is some of the popular tourist attractions in Poland. Located just outside the city of Krakow, the mine has been running for over 700 years. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
The mine consists of a network of tunnels and chambers, some of which are 327 meters underground. You can explore the tunnels on a guided tour, which includes a stop at the salt chapel, an underground lake, and a museum.
The tours are conducted in several languages, and you can also rent audio guides in English, German, or Polish. That being said, many tours to Auschwitz include a stop at the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and I recommend booking those for the ultimate experience.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is open all year round, and tours typically last between two and three hours. Check out the tour below, which is cheap and includes both the salt mine and the concentration camps.
Experience the Nightlife in Krakow
Whatever your preferred night out is, you’re guaranteed to find it in Krakow at night. Singing enthusiasts will find their way to karaoke bars and fans of the saxophone will feel right at home.
Also, those who want to party like the Polish will spend their night at bars serving exclusively beer and vodka.
Not sure where to go? Join a tram party and make some new friends along the way or come on the Krakow club tour and discover all the best places in one night. Krakow knows how to take care of its party animals.
Wander around Gdansk
If you’re looking for the best things about Poland, Gdansk is certainly one of them. Even standing on the brink of the Baltic Sea, Gdansk is still often unfairly overlooked as a holiday destination in favor of Krakow, or Warsaw. However, in reality, it has just as much to offer.
Visit the Dlugi Targ, the long market street with colorful houses on both sides, and take a walk through Mariacka street, a picturesque stretch of paving stones and historical buildings looking like it just stepped off a postcard.
Moreover, climb the 408 steps to the top of St. Mary’s Basilica and also stop at the European Solidarity Centre to learn about the history of Polish opposition to communism. Lastly, don’t forget to visit the Baltic Sea, no one ever gets tired of looking at the waves!
Explore Wroclaw
If you’re crafting your Polish itinerary, make sure to earmark a couple of days for Wroclaw, an awesome, less popular city that’s often hailed as the Venice of Poland.
This vibrant city, nestled on the banks of the Oder River, is famed for its picturesque islands and over 100 bridges, each with its own story.
Start your exploration at the Market Square (Rynek), the bustling heart of the city. This historic square is one of the largest in Europe, lined with colorful buildings and lively cafes – perfect for soaking in the local atmosphere. Don’t miss the Gothic Old Town Hall, a masterpiece in the center of the square.
Next, head over to Cathedral Island (Ostrow Tumski), the oldest part of the city. It’s like stepping back in time, with cobbled streets and medieval architecture. As the sun sets, watch as gas lamps are lit by hand, a unique tradition that adds to the area’s charm.
For a dose of culture, visit Panorama Raclawicka, a monumental cycloramic painting depicting the Battle of Racławice. This immersive experience gives you a 360-degree view of this pivotal moment in Polish history.
And of course, keep an eye out for the small bronze statues of dwarves scattered around the city. These whimsical figures have become symbols of Wroclaw, each telling a part of the city’s history and culture.
Visit Krakow Old Town
The old part of Krakow is, undoubtedly, on the list of the most beautiful places to visit in Poland. Walk the Royal Route, following the steps of kings and queen, and get lost in the main square. In addition, visit St. Mary’s Basilica and take a short trip to the white horse carriage to experience Krakow in a different way.
Visiting Krakow Old Town is among the best things to do in Poland for shopping, see the architecture, and enjoy a drink at a café.
As you make your way through the narrow streets, watching the old mix with the new, the center of Krakow will certainly impress you.
Krakow is a beautiful city with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to explore the city, consider taking an electric car tour.
The tour will take you past the Wawel Castle, the Main Square, and the Kazimierz district. Of course, you’ll also have the opportunity to stop and take photos along the way.
For a fun and environmentally-friendly way to see Krakow, an electric car tour is the perfect option – And it’s cheap!
Hike the Tatra Mountains
If you long for some one-on-one time with nature, visiting the Tatra Mountains is one of the best things to do in Poland. Forming a natural border between Poland and Slovakia, they are a sight to behold at any time of year.
The Tatra Mountains are certainly one of the best things to do in Poland to enjoy nature and adventure.
In summer, you can follow seemingly endless forest trails and swim in crystal clear lakes. On the other hand, in winter, the Tatra Mountains turn into the premier spot for skiing and snowboarding.
Tighten your bootstraps and get your hiking gear on; the Tatra Mountains are ready to give you an adventure of a lifetime.
See the Wawel Royal Castle
With Krakow serving as Poland’s capital a few centuries ago, it’s no surprise that it carries a certain royal presence even to this day.
Built in the mid-11th century as the residence of the Polish monarchs, the Wawel Royal Castle stood the test of time and still looks like something from the pages of a fairy tale, even if it’s no longer home for kings and queens.
As you walk around the Castle, you’ll have a chance to see the old treasury and armory, take a peek at the royal apartments, and end your stroll through the gardens in the Dragon’s Den – a beloved mythical symbol of Krakow. To sum up, it is definitely one of the best things about Poland.
Opening times: 6:00 – 21:00
Entrance fee: from 5 zł, depending on the exhibition
Relax at the Chocholow Thermal Baths
If you’re interesting in the Chocholow Thermal Baths but don’t feel like getting into the mountains that I suggested here above, hear me out – This is what you’re after.
After a long day of exploring the whole city, there is nothing better than soaking your tired muscles in the warm waters of the Chocholow Thermal Baths.
These stunning baths are open until 10 pm and 11 pm during the weekend, so you can enjoy a leisurely evening dip under the stars. The water temperature is a perfect 37 degrees Celsius, and the views of the surrounding mountains are simply breathtaking.
Whether you want to relax in the sauna or take a dip in the Jacuzzi, the Chocholow Thermal Baths are the perfect way to unwind after a long day of adventuring.
Discover the Malbork Castle
The Malbork Castle of the Teutonic Order brings us back to the 12th century and the Third Crusade to Jerusalem. It’s easy to forget that you’re still in the 21st century once you step behind the grand red brick walls.
Standing on the river bank and hiding most of its structures deep inside the garden, this historical-artistic museum will take you on a Polish history trip.
With collections of everything under the sun: furniture, sculpture, paintings, and even glass art. Cross the stone bridge and start discovering!
Opening times: 9:00 am to 3.00 pm
Entrance fee: 100 zł
Eat some Delicious (and rich) Polish food
Living in a country where temperatures in winter can get below 0ºC, Polish people made sure that their food is something that can warm them up on the harshest winter days.
For the taste of something hearty, get rosół, a chicken noodle soup. After that, follow it up with kotlet schabowy, a breaded pork cutlet served with potatoes and veggies.
If you’re craving something sweet, try Szarlotka, the Polish take on the apple pie. Also, don’t forget about pierogi. Dumplings that can be filled with everything from meat to jam, they are the nation’s pride and joy.
Connect with Nature at Białowieża National Park
Your search for Polish natural wonders is bound to bring you to Białowieża National Park. Stretching across Poland’s border with Belarus, it is an ancient forest almost untouched by civilization due to the love of hunting shared by the Polish royalty.
Białowieża is one of the best things to do in Poland to reconnect with nature and go off the beaten path.
Białowieża National Park is a stunning 152 square kilometers of greenery.
It’s the place to breathe in the clean air, relax in the shadows of the trees as old as time, and listen to the songs of the birds, maybe spotting a herd of deer in the distance. Don’t forget to visit the European bisons enclosure.
Wander Around the Jewish Quarter in Krakow
Krakow’s Jewish District is one of the most atmospheric and historic parts of the city. Visitors can wander through the narrow streets and take in the centuries-old architecture, or visit some of the many museums and synagogues that are located here.
The Jewish Quarter is also home to a number of traditional restaurants, making it the perfect place to sample some of Krakow’s famous Jewish cuisine. Of course, you’ll have a unique feel of the city of the Jewish community living here – what an experience!
Whether you’re interested in history or just looking for a unique place to explore, the Jewish Quarter Krakow is definitely worth a visit.
Visit Krakow’s Museums
Krakow is home to many world-renowned museums, making it a must-visit destination for art and history lovers alike. The most popular museum in the city is the Wawel Royal Castle, which houses an impressive collection of art from the Renaissance period.
Other notable museums include the Museum of Contemporary Art, the National Museum, and the Czartoryski Museum. For those interested in exploring Krakow’s rich history, the city’s Old Town district is home to numerous museums chronicling its past, including the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the Wieliczka Salt Mine Museum.
No matter what your interests are, Krakow’s museums offer something for everyone.
And to make the most of it, make sure to get your hands on the Krakow Card that allows you to visit 38 Museums in 1, 2, or 3 for a very affordable price.
Best Museums in Krakow
- Wawel Castle Museum
- Galicia Jewish Museum
- Krakil Museum of Illusions
- National Museum of Krakow
- Rynek Underground Museum
- Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum
Conclusion: Unique Things to Do in Poland
It’s clear that this country offers a treasure trove of experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
From the charm of Wroclaw’s whimsical dwarf statues to the awe-inspiring beauty of the Tatra Mountains, Poland is a land of diversity and surprise. Whether you’re tracing the historic streets of Krakow, catching a Chopin concert in Warsaw, or sailing in the Mazurian Lakes, each experience is a chapter in your own Polish adventure story.
Poland isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience, a blend of history, culture, nature, and modern vibrancy that leaves a lasting impression. So pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and get ready to create memories in Poland that will last a lifetime.
