Things to do in Poland: experiences for a tailor-made trip

From city streets to mountain trails, traveling in Poland is always rewarding. There’s a rich history to explore alongside fascinating Eastern European traditions and cuisine. Poland’s cities combine historical gravitas with dynamic urban culture and old-world architecture. Meanwhile, the country’s outdoor spaces are wild and expansive, with vast tracts of ancient forest, high mountains, sparkling lakes, and wildlife-rich wetlands. In this article, we take a whistle-stop tour of the best things to do in Poland, both urban and rural.

Top things to do in Poland: enjoy a cultural city break

Warsaw: the Phoenix capital

After its near-total destruction during World War II, Warsaw was painstakingly rebuilt. The grand squares and handsome townhouses of the Old Town were meticulously pieced back together, resurrecting diverse architectural treasures spanning the 13th to 20th centuries.

As well as layers of history, Warsaw’s cultural mix includes world-class galleries and museums, vibrant green spaces, river beaches, fabulous nightlife and theater, and a cutting-edge dining scene.

Kraków: medieval charm and cultural heritage

Kraków was the former Royal capital of Poland, and today it retains all of the pomp and the palaces that such a title suggests. As one of the few urban centers left relatively intact after the war, its UNESCO-protected Old Town is a top Poland tourist attraction.

Kraków is also a thriving university city, with an effervescent café and bar culture fizzing alongside cultural offerings ranging from opera to club nights. If culture and history are your thing, this is one of the top cities to visit in Poland.

Gdansk: maritime history and the Amber Coast

Stemming from its unique maritime history, Gdansk has a different feel from most other Polish cities. This Baltic Sea port has been influenced by centuries of international comings and goings, and its architecture has echoes of French and Flemish style with distinctly Italian flourishes. It is a pleasantly walkable city with some fine museums and one of the largest brick-built churches in the world.

Wroclaw: the City of 100 Bridges

Wroclaw is a real beauty, with leafy parks, waterways and islands all strung together by over a hundred bridges. The architecturally inclined will revel in the expansive cobbled market square lined with tall, pastel-painted merchant houses, and a stand-out Gothic cathedral on its own island. The university quarter is buzzing with cafes, bars and bookshops, but overall Wroclaw is pleasantly quiet in comparison to the more touristed major cities.

Zakopane: gateway to the Tatra Mountains

Outdoorsy types flock to Zakopane, the gateway resort town to the wild and wonderful Tatra Mountains. From here, adventurers can head into the hills to enjoy hiking through Alpine meadows in summer or snow sports in winter.

The town itself offers an atmospheric base in which to refuel and unwind after excursions. There are pretty wooden chalets and firelit country inns to cozy up in, and hot spring pools in which to ease weary muscles.

Read more: A first-timer’s guide to Warsaw, Poland’s capital

Get your fill of history: top attractions to explore

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is one of the most famous places in Poland, and also its most confronting. Visiting this chilling testament to a terrible time in history isn’t for everyone, but those who visit find it a sobering, important and moving experience.

Underground Chambers of the Wieliczka Salt Mine

Perfect for a day trip from Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is well worth a visit. Take a guided tour to explore glittering caverns lined with impressive statues, and even chandeliers, all carved from rock salt.

Castles and monasteries: Poland’s tourist hotspots

Malbork Castle, the world’s largest brick fortress, is a sight to behold, with its Gothic turrets and vaulted halls. Explore its labyrinthine chambers lined with exhibits from the Middle Ages, including armor, weaponry and carved amber artefacts.

The Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa is another of Poland’s most impressive largescale edifices, and a popular destination for an absorbing day out.

Dive into natural wonders and outdoor adventures

Białowieża National Park and spotting European bison

The precious primaeval forest of the Białowieża National Park lies in Poland’s northeast, close to the border with Belarus. Nature reigns in this sparsely populated region, and the UNESCO-protected park is home to a surprising wealth of wildlife. Amongst its moss-covered trees and forest streams there are lynx, pine martin, wild boar, and herds of European bison to spot and admire.

Tatra National Park hiking and skiing pursuits

Southern Poland’s Tatra National Park is a breathtaking place of high mountains, plunging valleys, Alpine meadows and sparkling lakes. This glorious landscape can be explored on summer hikes or winter skiing trips, and it’s without doubt one of the most beautiful places in Poland.

Watersports in the Masurian Lake District

The unique landscape of the Masurian Lake District is a patchwork of waterways, forest, small farms and villages. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Poland with older kids and teens, canoe and sailing trips in this region are ideal.

River rafting in Pieniny National Park

This mountainous national park in southern Poland is a playground of snaking rivers, deep gorges, and rugged hiking trails. Rafting excursions are popular here, but these aren’t whitewater thrills. Instead, traditional wooden rafts glide across calm waters, taking visitors on a serene escape through river valleys and gorges.

Słowiński National Park and sand dunes

On Poland’s Baltic Coast, a shifting landscape of sand drifts and dunes hugs the shoreline. Bordered by wetlands, Słowiński is also home to a fascinating mix of flora and fauna, including frogs, newts, rare birds and dazzling plant life. Its striking, otherworldly views make it one of the more unique places to visit in Poland.

Unique local experiences to enjoy on your trip to Poland

Traditional Polish cuisine

Poland’s traditional table favors substantial dishes featuring plenty of meat and winter vegetables. Stews, goulash and soups are hearty and wholesome, perfect for fueling days of sightseeing, hiking and outdoor pursuits.

Pierogi, a plump dumpling stuffed with cheese, meat or vegetables, is probably the most famous local dish to savor on your trip to Poland. Sweet treats are also plentiful in Poland, with gingerbread, poppyseed cake, donuts and baked cheese cake, all tempting you from the sweet counter.

Folk culture and traditional crafts

From brightly painted Easter eggs to intricately snipped paper garlands, Poland’s traditional crafts are fun and festive. Wood carving, metal work, felt work, and embroidery have all been honed to a fine art, and folk culture is evident around the country in regional festivals, markets, craft fairs and souvenir stores.

Festivals and seasonal events for your diary

Traditional festivals in Poland revolve around the Christian calendar, with Easter and Christmas celebrated across the country. The summer months are a prime time for music festivals, while fall weekends fill up with harvest festivals celebrating food and folklore.

Read more: A beginner’s guide to Poland

Take time for hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations

Toruń: Gingerbread City and birthplace of Copernicus

The striking Gothic center of Toruń is so well-preserved, it’s a wonder why it’s not one of Poland’s main attractions. However, this small, central city remains under the radar and is blissfully uncrowded.

Thought to be the birthplace of Copernicus and dishing up some of the tastiest gingerbread in Poland, there’s a lot to recommend this tranquil and charming city, stretched along the banks of the Vistula River.

Kazimierz Dolny: an artists’ haven on the Vistula

This historic riverside enclave is ever-popular with artists and writers who are drawn to its quiet rhythm, scenic setting and creative atmosphere. Surrounded by gentle hills and with a wealth of historic buildings and museums, it’s a wonderful place to spend a few days. A folk festival in June and an August arts and music festival are good dates to plan a visit around.

Łódź: street art and industrial heritage

During the 19th century, Łódź was the wealthy epicenter of Poland’s thriving textile industry. Today, its factories and warehouses have been repurposed into a center for the arts, shopping and entertainment. Across the city, brick-built facades have become canvases for over a hundred large-scale murals, making it an exciting city to explore on foot.

Lublin: gateway to Eastern Europe

Eastern Poland is one of the lesser-visited regions of the country, which means far fewer tourist crowds and a more authentic feel. The city of Lublin, with its beautiful Old Town and cultural clout, is a shining example of an off-the-beaten-path destination worth taking the time to visit.

Make it happen

If a trip to Poland is on your list of European travel experiences, reach out to our local agents today. Ready and waiting to help you craft a personalized itinerary suited to your budget and needs, they’ll help recommend more great things to do in Poland and take the stress out of planning an unforgettable journey.