Poland is a Central European gem that blends rich history, charming architecture, hearty food, and an incredibly good-value travel experience.
From the cobbled streets of Kraków’s Old Town to the colourful facades of Gdańsk and the urban buzz of Warsaw, it’s a country that offers something for every type of traveller – whether you’re into medieval castles, WWII history, hearty pierogi, or lively nightlife.
Despite its often chilly winters, Poland’s hospitality is warm. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe, making it perfect for solo adventures, weekend escapes, or extended cultural deep-dives.
English is widely spoken in the main cities, public transport is reliable and cheap, and there’s no shortage of things to eat, drink, and do, especially if you’re a fan of dumplings, vodka, or Christmas markets.
Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links which help support my blog – I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you book through them. I only recommend places and experiences I genuinely enjoyed!
📍 Top Places to Visit:
- Kraków – Historic charm, vibrant market square, and cultural treasures.
- Warsaw – Capital city mixing modern energy with rich history.
- Zakopane – Mountain town perfect for hiking or skiing.
- Gdańsk – Seaside city known for its medieval architecture and maritime history.
- Wrocław – Colourful town square and picturesque canals.
- Sopot – Coastal getaway known for its beach and long wooden pier.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
Summer (June–August): Warm weather, great for outdoor sightseeing and festivals
Winter (December): Cold, but magical – especially during Christmas market season
Spring/Autumn: Mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices
💰 Currency & Budget Tips:
- Currency: Polish Złoty (PLN)
- Poland is very affordable compared to Western Europe. Street food, bakeries, and sit-down meals are cheap – pastries for under £2, meals from £5–10.
- Public transport is efficient and inexpensive – trams, buses, and metros under £1 per ride.
- Card payments widely accepted; cash still useful for small purchases.
🧳Good For:
- Solo travellers
- Couples
- Foodies
- History lovers
- Budget travellers
- Group trips
🍽️ Local Dishes to Try:
Pierogi – Dumplings filled with anything from cheese and potato to meat or fruit
Zapiekanka – Polish-style baguette pizza, perfect street food
Żurek – Tangy rye soup, often served in a bread bowl
Kielbasa – Polish sausage, found grilled at market stalls or served with cabbage
Makowiec – Sweet poppy seed cake, common in bakeries
✈️ How to Get There:
Main Airports: Kraków (KRK), Warsaw (WAW), Gdańsk (GDN)
Direct flights from most major cities in the UK; around 2.5 hours to Kraków or Warsaw.
Airport Transfers: Affordable and easy – use the airport express bus or trains.
🚍 Getting Around:
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City centres like Kraków are very walkable.
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Public transport is well-connected and cheap.
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Trams and buses are frequent and punctual – buy and validate your ticket!
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Day trips are easy using regional trains or pre-booked tours.
🌍 Language & Local Etiquette
Language: Polish – English is spoken in tourist areas.
Greet with a handshake or simple “Dzień dobry” (Good day).
Be respectful when visiting memorials or religious sites – modest dress is appreciated.
Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants if service is good.
My Poland Highlights
I visited Kraków in December, and while it was seriously cold, the festive atmosphere made it completely worth it. The Christmas market in the main square had everything from handmade ornaments to street food stalls serving up hot drinks and local bites. The city was super walkable, which I loved – no need for endless transport, just wrap up warm and explore. I wandered through the charming Old Town, with its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and cosy cafes. One of the highlights was visiting Wawel Castle and Cathedral a beautiful site perched above the Vistula River. The grounds are lovely to explore and offer some great views across the city.
I also took a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which ended up being more interesting than I expected. It’s a unique place with tunnels, chapels, and sculptures carved entirely out of salt. I was especially impressed by the salt chandelier in the underground cathedral – something I didn’t expect to be so beautiful! That said, the lift ride back to ground level is not for the faint-hearted… it’s small, rickety, and very quick.
I made plenty of stops at local bakeries, and the pastries were genuinely so good – sweet, flaky, and ideal for warming up in the winter. I also ventured into a few vodka bars (because, when in Poland, right?). I don’t usually drink much, but I couldn’t resist sampling a few flavours – hazelnut came out on top for me!
The nightlife in Kraków is fun and easy-going, with a great mix of bars, cosy spots, and live music. Getting from the airport into the city was quick and simple using public transport, and once you’re in the city centre, you can do pretty much everything on foot.
Poland totally won me over – it’s affordable, friendly, packed with culture and history, and makes for a brilliant weekend adventure.
You’ll find a curated selection of the best activities and tours in Poland below – from salt mine excursions to vodka tastings and historic walking tours.
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