How to Travel to Poland
Travel to Poland can be an amazing journey; its culinary delights, rich history and stunning destinations all await discovery during any visit.
Explore Auschwitz-Birkenau to view one of the largest concentration camps from World War II or head south to Zakopane and discover the Tatra mountains. Just make sure your passport is up to date before departing on your journey!
How to get to Poland
Poland is easily accessible and provides plenty of accommodation options that meet both style and budget considerations. As an increasingly popular travel destination from both the US and other parts of Europe, direct flights offer direct access.
Bus travel in Poland can also be an economical means of exploring its cities, with coach services from operators such as Sindbad, Eurolines and Polonia Transport connecting all the main urban centres across the nation. All-day tickets may also be purchased online or at newsstands and ticket machines.
Poland is best visited during spring or fall when temperatures are more temperate, though winter travel requires bringing along warm coats, hats and gloves, thick wool socks and sturdy shoes for comfort. Since Poland falls within the Schengen Zone, citizens from most EU nations may travel freely within and within Poland without needing visas or authorizations from authorities.
What to pack
No matter if you are hiking up mountains or exploring cobblestone streets of Polish cities, shoes that provide adequate support are key. Blisters are almost inevitable without proper footwear so invest in high quality sneakers to keep you comfortable for all-day enjoyment.
Poland enjoys warm and sunny summers, though rain showers may occur from time to time – for these times of rain it is wise to bring along a lightweight raincoat or umbrella as protection. Winters can become cold, however, and full winter clothing will likely be necessary.
Keep in mind that Poland uses a currency called the zloty rather than Euros, so bring cash with you. In addition, make sure your credit card company knows you will be traveling overseas so they do not flag your account as suspicious and block transactions – or consider getting one with no foreign transaction fees to save even more money in the long run!
Where to stay
No matter your style of hotel accommodation – from traditional Old World elegance to chic boutique properties – Poland has it all for visitors looking for luxurious Old World elegance or chic boutique properties. Additionally, Poland is home to some incredible national parks and forests offering plenty of unspoiled natural spaces to visit during their travels.
History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Poland, with its impressive ruins and castles spread out across its landmass. Warsaw stands out with its reconstructed medieval centre and 13th-century Wawel castle; Krakow offers a wealth of World War II sites worth exploring, such as Schindler’s Factory.
Other highlights in Poland include cosmopolitan Bydgoszcz with its variety of restaurants and theatres and Malbork with its beautiful castle fort. Gdansk in the north offers charming coastal getaways while Gdaniska Salt Mine (established 13th-century) should definitely not be missed!
What to do
Poland, best known for its role in World War II, boasts much more to offer than just history and UNESCO sites. From beautiful parks to delicious cuisine and an exciting nightlife scene. Not to mention its impressive architecture.
Visit Gizycko, located in northeastern Poland, which transforms into an idyllic winter wonderland when its lakes freeze over completely, offering the opportunity to go off-beaten track and discover delicious local delicacies.
Poland’s Tatra Mountains, nestled along its borders with Slovakia and Ukraine, make for an incredible winter adventure. Head to Szczawnica town for skiing and snowboarding activities!
Warsaw is a city of contrasts, featuring Gothic churches, Soviet-style buildings, and modern skyscrapers coexisting in an array of designs and architecture styles. Explore Warsaw’s Old Town with its Jewish Ghetto area or take in Wroclaw’s striking architecture which owes something to different periods in Polish history – medieval streets lined with Gothic and Renaissance structures mix with Communist-era drabness while its market square displays award-winning modern structures from different eras of Polish life.
