Poland has increasingly become a popular travel destination over the last few years. However, most people only know about Warsaw and Kraków, and Poland is much more than that. Polska offers beautiful cities, stunning landscapes, rich history, delicious food, and a vibrant nightlife. All of that while being a very affordable country.
I loved my short week in Poland and can’t wait to return to explore the rest of the country.
It’s also quite inexpensive, even if it’s not one of the 34 best affordable countries to travel to for $40 total per day. To continue our accommodation prices feature, we’ll share a separate post with many lodging price examples for these Polish destinations soon.
Here are the 9 best destinations in Poland.
Map of the 9 best destinations in Poland
Poland is a small country, about half the size of Manitoba. It has 37 million inhabitants, which is about the same as all of Canada.
Here’s a map to locate all the destinations in this post.
1. Warsaw
Welcome to Poland’s capital! Warsaw was almost destroyed during World War II, but it’s been beautifully rebuilt. The Old Town is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, over 3.2 million people call Warsaw home!
You should head to the Royal Castle for breathtaking views of the Vistula River and the city skyline. For a dose of history, check out the Warsaw Uprising Museum, then unwind in the lush Royal Łazienki Park, home to the charming Palace on the Water. And if you’re up for some nightlife, Nowy Świat Street and Pawilony are buzzing with energy and fun!
2. Kraków
Kraków is one of Poland’s oldest and most historically significant cities. It was the country’s capital for more than 500 years until Warsaw took over the role in 1596. It’s the 3rd-largest metropolitan area in Poland by population, with almost 1.5 million inhabitants.
The city’s historic center, including the Old Town, Wawel Castle, and the Kazimierz district, is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Rynek Główny, the 2nd-largest medieval town square in Europe, is located within the Old Town. Like Warsaw, Kraków has a great nightlife and food scene.
I spent 12 days there in December 2021, and it was a great experience. The Christmas market in Kraków was awesome, way better than the one I’d already been to in Québec City. Walking around the old town with a cup of hot mulled wine and trying the local pastries was such a fun thing to do.
Besides the Christmas market, my favorite thing was walking by the river and visiting the castle. The Wawel Dragon, a dragon statue that actually breathes fire, was also pretty cool.
I didn’t chat much with locals since I was mostly catching up on work before heading home for the holidays. But I loved exploring on my own.
3. Katowice
Located in Poland’s Silesian region, Katowice has a rich industrial history but it’s now evolving into a creative city, with more and more cultural events and institutions. It’s not well known, but it’s the country’s most-populous metropolitan area!
You must see the unique architecture of the Silesian Museum and enjoy the local art scene at the Katowice Street Art Festival. You can also hop on a bus to Nikiszowiec, a historic mining area that now has an artsy vibe.
4. Auschwitz
Auschwitz-Birkenau is located in Oświęcim, a town in southern Poland, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) west of Kraków. A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is not for the faint of heart. It’s the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp ever built.
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers a profound educational and saddening experience about the Holocaust. Today, it serves as a memorial for those who suffered and lost their lives during this tragic period.
5. Gdynia
Gdynia is a port city on the Baltic coast, famous for its modernist buildings and maritime history. The port of Gdynia is one of the largest and busiest in Poland. You can start your exploration at Kościuszki Square to see its cool fountain, then enjoy a walk on the waterfront.
Swing by the Gdynia City Museum to dive into local history or the Polish Naval Museum for an awesome collection of ships and gear. Chill out on the sandy Baltic beaches and have a look at the ORP Blyskawica, a WWII destroyer parked in the harbor.
6. Gdańsk
Gdańsk is another port city on the Baltic coast, known for being the birthplace of the Solidarity trade union movement that helped end communist rule in Poland. It all started at the Gdańsk Shipyard so it’s a key historical spot you can’t miss.
You should also wander through the Old Town to see the beautifully restored buildings, including St. Mary’s Church and the Gdańsk Crane. Explore the Long Market (Długi Targ) and the European Solidarity Centre, then relax by the Motława River to enjoy the scenic views.
7. Poznań
Poznań is located along the Warta River in western Poland. It’s renowned for its universities and historic Old Town, especially the Old Market Square, which features Renaissance-style architecture.
In this square, you can admire stunning buildings, visit the Poznań Cathedral, climb the Town Hall clock tower, and explore historic merchant houses. Foodies should go to the Croissant Museum to see how the local specialty, the Saint Martin croissant, is made. For outdoor fun, head to Lake Malta.
8. Szczecin
Located in northwestern Poland near the Baltic Sea, Szczecin has a rich maritime history. The city’s highlight is the Chrobry Embankment by the Oder River. It’s a complex of 3 buildings: the Marine University, the National Museum together with the Modern Theatre, and the Provincial Office. It offers scenic views of the river and the port.
Dive into the city’s past at the National Museum and explore the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle. You can also visit the Museum of Regional Traditions and the Historical Museum of Szczecin. For a relaxing break in nature, check out the Rose Garden (Ogród Różany).
You can read 11 things to do in Szczecin, a great European destination where to get many free hotel nights if you have the only travel rewards card that no Canadian traveler shouldn’t have.
9. Wrocław
Sometimes called “Venice of the North,” Wrocław is a city full of charm, known for having many islands and picturesque bridges. Start your visit at Ostrów Tumski, the oldest part of the city, and then make your way to Rynek, one of Europe’s largest market squares.
Make sure to check out the Wrocław Cathedral and its towers for stunning panoramic views and keep an eye out for the quirky dwarf statues scattered throughout the city. Don’t miss the Centennial Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its impressive dome and beautiful gardens.
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Summary
Poland has a lot to offer, from its rich history to its vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re wandering through its cities, exploring historic sites, or enjoying nature, there’s always something new to discover.
What would you like to know about Poland’s best destinations? Tell us in the comments below.
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Featured image: Gdańsk, Poland (photo credit: Andrea Anastasakis)
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