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Poland

Overview of Poland

Krakow
Photo credit: Sebastian Warneke
From romantic tales of medieval knights and castles to the horror and destruction of World War II, Poland tells a complex story. Travellers are captivated and moved by its remarkable history of heroic resilience and tragedy, detailing a determined stand against communism and its now modern outlook and economy.

Poland was the country most devastated by World War II in Eastern Europe, losing about a quarter of its population and almost its entire Jewish community. The aftermath of the war greatly influenced its character. Former Jewish centres in the cities and the concentration camps where the Nazis carried out their atrocities remain as the most stirring reminders of the nation's tragedies. Cities destroyed by the war had to be rebuilt from scratch and the many meticulously restored buildings and historic old towns are testimony to a proud and determined people.

Warsaw, the capital, was almost totally destroyed by the war and now presents an unusual mix of beautifully restored historic buildings, communist-era concrete structures and modern fashion. The maritime city of Gdansk, home to the historic garrison at Westerplatte and the legendary Lenin Shipyard, was the stage for both the beginning of World War II and the disintegration of Eastern European communism.

But it's Krakow, the ancient royal capital, that draws the crowds, rivalling the elegance of cities like Prague and Vienna. Having largely escaped the destruction of the war, it retains its medieval character: the Royal Castle, the grand Market Square, the old Jewish quarter and the nearby Nazi death camps of Auschwitz are all steeped in historical importance.

The unspoilt Baltic coastline and the splendour of the rugged mountain ranges of the Tatras will impress outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of activities and scenery to provide a peaceful and relaxing break from the intensity of the country's history.

Along with the legendary hospitality of Polish people, a sense of nationhood to which the Catholic Church is fundamental and a strong musical and cultural sense of identity, its tourism infrastructure is flourishing and the country is experiencing a remarkable increase in the number of visitors to its shores.

map of Poland


Key Facts

Language:
The national language is Polish; however, English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Passport/Visa:

A passport valid for at least three months after period of intended stay is needed for those who require a visa. Generally, visa exempt nationals must have a passport valid for period of intended stay (other than EEA nationals). The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all.

Currency:

The official currency is the Polish zloty (PLN), divided into 100 groszy. Poland still uses cash more frequently than visitors might expect, while ATMs (bankomats) and credit card facilities are available in major towns and cities. Money can be exchanged in the cities and larger towns at banks, hotels or bureaux de change called kantors, which offer the best rates. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, and some are open on Saturday until 1pm.

Electricity:
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. The standard two-pin European style plugs are used.

Travel to Poland

Overview

When sightseeing around Poland you'll find all the hallmarks of European charm in abundance: alpine mountains, historic buildings, resplendent lakes, lush meadows, untainted beaches, and some fascinating albiet harrowing sites from the Second World War.

The capital of Warsaw was the first city to fall to Hitler and had to be almost completely rebuilt after the 1944 invasion. Parts of the Old Town were built to replicate the city as it had stood in the 17th and 18th centuries and the Historical Museum of Warsaw, a salute to the city's violent past, is a must. A visit to Poland would not be complete without a trip to the country's most significant wartime landmark: Auschwitz, Hitler's biggest and most notorious concentration camp.

About two hours north of Warsaw is the Bialowieza Primaeval Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is one of the last remnants of the European primeval forest which once covered most the continent. Further north visitors will find other rare vestiges of old Europe, like the Gothic Castle in Malbork, the largest and most impressive brick fortress in Europe. There are several other wooden and stone churches, temples and other impressive buildings throughout Poland's vast and glorious countryside, which can be traversed by bus or train.

The city of Krakow is the most popular tourist destination in Poland, and the city which suffered least during the war. The main attraction is the remarkably well-preserved medieval centre, but Krakow is a cosmopolitan, modern city boasting the wonderful mix between old and new which characterises the whole country.

Climate in Poland

Poland's climate is moderate and temperate, characterised by cold winters and warm summers, with continental influences from the east and maritime influences from the west. The weather in Poland is highly changeable. There are, however, four distinct seasons, and spring and summer are usually lovely in Poland. Winters become increasingly severe inland from the Baltic coast, with January temperatures in Warsaw averaging 23°F (-5°C). In summer it is hotter inland, with July temperatures in Warsaw averaging 66°F (19°C).

Rain can be expected throughout the year, particularly in the southern mountains, and Poland is frequently cloudy and foggy. The best time to visit Poland is during the warmer months of spring and summer, between May and August. Early autumn, in September and October, is also a pleasant and mild time of year to visit. The peak tourist season is in July and August but travellers should note that many Poles take their annual leave at this time, making the tourist hotspots in Krakow and Sopot overcrowded in the height of summer. Budget travellers should consider travelling outside of the peak season.

Health Notes when travelling to Poland

There are few health risks associated with travel to Poland. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Medical facilities and standards of healthcare are good, but not many nurses or doctors speak English. If travellers take prescription medication along, they should be sure to bring a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what it is and why it is needed.

Safety Notes when travelling to Poland

Having said that, visits to Poland are usually trouble free, and the precautions travellers should take are merely the safety measures advised for cities all over the world.

Customs in Poland

Family is incredibly important in Polish society, with many citizens relying heavily on their close-knit inner circles which also may include close friends. Parties can be formal, so don't be surprised if you're introduced by your host and try to use the prefix 'Pan' for males and 'Pani' for females when addressing others. It serves as the Polish equivalent for 'Mr' and 'Ms'.

Duty Free in Poland

Travellers to Poland over 17 years, arriving from non-EU countries, do not have to pay duty on 250 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre wine and 1 litre spirits; cosmetics and medicines for personal use; gifts up to the value of €430. Travellers to Poland arriving from within the EU do not have to pay duty on 800 cigarettes or 200 cigars or 1kg smoking tobacco; 10 litres spirits, 90 litres wine and 110 litres beer. Prohibited items include birds and poultry arriving from countries infected with avian influenza. The export of all articles of artistic, historic or cultural value are subject to special regulations.

Doing Business in Poland

Poland has an interesting mix of the old and the new, and this is apparent in the business world too. Women can expect a kiss on the hand rather than a handshake from the older generation and one can expect to be warmly offered drinks during meetings; it is impolite to refuse. Although the Polish are hospitable and friendly, business is still conducted formally. Punctuality is important, dress should be formal and conservative (a suit and tie are the norm) and business cards are exchanged. Use titles and last names unless otherwise indicated. English is widely spoken, though attempting some basic Polish phrases will be appreciated. Business hours in Poland are traditionally 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and lunch breaks are not a given as they are often unpaid.

Communication in Poland

The international access code for Poland is +48 and wifi is available in towns and cities.

Tipping in Poland

Tipping is expected in restaurants in Poland and 15 percent is the standard for good service. In restaurants, when your bill is collected, saying 'thank you' signals to the waiter/waitress that they can keep the change. Tipping is not the norm in hotels across Poland, but taxis, tours and spas generally expect no less than 10 percent tip for good service.

Passport/Visa Note

A passport valid for at least three months after period of intended stay is needed for those who require a visa. Generally, visa exempt nationals must have a passport valid for period of intended stay (other than EEA nationals). The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Passports must be valid for three months beyond period of intended stay.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadian nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Passports must be valid for three months beyond period of intended stay.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

UK nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Passports must be valid for three months beyond period of intended stay.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australians require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish nationals require a passport valid on arrival, but no visa is necessary.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is not needed for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African passport holders require a visa for travel to Poland. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay.

Tourist Offices

Polish National Tourist Office, Warsaw: +48 (0)22 536 7070 or http://www.pot.gov.pl.

Poland Embassies

In the United States:

Polish Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 499 1700.

In Canada:

Polish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 0468.

In the United Kingdom:

Polish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7291 3520.

In Australia:

Polish Embassy, Sydney, Australia: +61 2 6272 1000.

In Ireland:

Polish Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 283 0855.

In New Zealand:

Polish Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 499 7844.

In South Africa:

Polish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 430 2632.

Foreign Embassies in Poland

American Embassy

United States Embassy, Warsaw: +48 22 504 2000.

Canadian Embassy

Canadian Embassy, Warsaw: +48 22 584 3100.

British Embassy

British Embassy, Warsaw: +48 22 311 0000.

Australian Embassy

Australian Embassy, Warsaw: +48 22 521 3444.

Irish Embassy

Irish Embassy, Warsaw: +48 22 564 2200.

New Zealand Embassy

New Zealand Embassy, Warsaw: +48 22 521 0500.

South African Embassy

South African Embassy, Warsaw: +48 22 622 1031.

Travel Advisories

Health Information for Travelers to Poland

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Vaccines and Medicines

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

 

  Find Out Why Protect Yourself

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

get_vaccinated hygiene

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Poland, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

get_vaccinated eat_drink

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Rabies

Although rabies can be found in bats and other mammals in Poland, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites or other animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
get_vaccinated animals

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Poland, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated animals
Rabies

Although rabies can be found in bats and other mammals in Poland, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites or other animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
Key
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce your exposure to germs
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

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Stay Healthy and Safe

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Poland, so your behaviors are important.

 

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards in Poland are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home.

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Prevent bug bites

Although Poland is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?
  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
    • DEET
    • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
    • IR3535
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.

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Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Poland include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity in the heat of the day.
    • If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
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Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
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Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
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Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
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Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
  • Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Poland’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).

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Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Walking

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Make sure there are seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Poland, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

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Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave
  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
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Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Poland for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

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Travel Health Notices

Be aware of current health issues in Poland. Learn how to protect yourself.

 

Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions

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After Your Trip

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.

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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Currency

The official currency is the Polish zloty (PLN), divided into 100 groszy. Poland still uses cash more frequently than visitors might expect, while ATMs (bankomats) and credit card facilities are available in major towns and cities. Money can be exchanged in the cities and larger towns at banks, hotels or bureaux de change called kantors, which offer the best rates. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, and some are open on Saturday until 1pm.

Exchange rate for 1 PLN - Polish Zloty
0.00 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
0.21 EUR
Euro
0.21 USD
U.S. Dollar
0.18 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
30.32 JPY
Japanese Yen
0.28 CAD
Canadian Dollar
0.20 CHF
Swiss Franc
0.31 AUD
Australian Dollar
7.75 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
100.51 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
318.67 LBP
Lebanese Pound
1.04 LYD
Libyan Dinar
1.46 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
26.85 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
0.08 OMR
Omani Rial
0.78 QAR
Qatari Rial
0.30 SGD
Singapore Dollar
2.26 SEK
Swedish Krona
1.43 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
11.19 DOP
Dominican Peso
1.59 HRK
Croatian Kuna
4.23 MXN
Mexican Peso
138.64 XOF
West African CFA Franc
0.74 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
0.21 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
0.47 FJD
Fiji Dollar
5.21 HNL
Honduran Lempira
29.69 DZD
Algerian Dinar
443.28 MMK
Myanma Kyat
2.75 BWP
Botswana Pula
0.82 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
194.80 CLP
Chilean Peso
85.52 AMD
Armenia Dram
5.19 CZK
Czech Koruna
4.08 MDL
Moldova Lei
29.34 ISK
Icelandic Krona
2,309.47 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
0.73 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel
0.15 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
0.07 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
8.60 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
9.54 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
7.58 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba
2.14 NOK
Norwegian Krone
0.79 SAR
Saudi Riyal
76.95 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee
7.76 THB
Thai Baht
0.78 AED
U.A.E Dirham
1.10 BRL
Brazilian Real
1.04 RON
Romanian New Leu
1.66 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
138.89 XAF
Central African CFA Franc
4,973.25 VND
Vietnamese Dong
30.19 ARS
Argentine Peso
0.57 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar
1.65 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal
2.25 MAD
Moroccan Dirham
0.08 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
0.21 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
0.36 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat
933.22 COP
Colombian Peso
17.07 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som
86.10 HUF
Hungarian Forint
2.16 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble
3,139.70 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
4.10 EGP
Egyptian Pound
295.33 KRW
South Korean Won
1,472.93 PYG
Paraguayan Guaraní
0.96 MYR
Malaysian Ringgit
133.66 CRC
Costa Rican Colón
0.35 NZD
New Zealand Dollar
47.23 PKR
Pakistani Rupee
12.72 RUB
Russian Rouble
3.71 ZAR
South African Rand
0.68 TND
Tunisian Dinar
0.43 BBD
Barbadian Dollar
0.41 BGN
Bulgarian Lev
3.86 TRY
Turkish Lira
12.10 PHP
Philippine Peso
6.58 TWD
New Taiwan Dollar
90.49 NGN
Nigerian Naira
25.22 XPF
CFP Franc
2.12 GHS
Ghanaian Cedi
32.17 JMD
Jamaican Dollar
0.38 ANG
Neth. Antillean Guilder
0.30 BND
Brunei Dollar
24.79 RSD
Serbian Dinar
1.48 CNY
Chinese Yuan
1.57 DKK
Danish Krone
0.74 TMT
New Turkmenistan Manat
16.86 INR
Indian Rupee
       
Exchange Rate for
U.S. Dollar to Polish Zloty

1 USD = 4.73 PLN

Exchange Rate for
Euro to Polish Zloty

1 EUR = 4.73 PLN

Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to Polish Zloty

1 CAD = 3.59 PLN

Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to Polish Zloty

1 GBP = 5.44 PLN

Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to Polish Zloty

1 AUD = 3.18 PLN

Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to Polish Zloty

1 NZD = 2.83 PLN

Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to Polish Zloty

1 ZAR = 0.27 PLN

Krakow International Airport (KRK)
John Paul II International Airport Krakow–Balice
http://www.lotnisko-balice.pl

Location: Krakow The airport is situated 11 miles (17.6km) west of Krakow.

map of Krakow International Airport

Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +48 (0) 12 639 33 01; or +48 (0) 12 639 33 22.

Getting to the city: City bus services 208 and 192 leave from the roundabout in front of the passenger terminal and leave regularly to the city centre. Taxis are also available outside the arrivals hall and take 20 minutes to get to the city centre. A shuttle train operates between the airport and the city centre. The Kraków-Balice train station is located 200m from the passenger terminal and operated a daytime service every 30 minutes.

Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz.

Airport Taxis:

Facilities: There are banks, bureaux de change and ATMs at the airport. Other facilities include restaurants, bars, and shops, duty-free, child facilities, tourist information and hotel reservations desks, WiFi and a post office. A business lounge and VIP lounge is also available. Disabled facilities are good, but those with special needs should contact their airline in advance.

Parking: Parking at John Paul II International Airport starts at PLN 5 every 15 minutes for short-term parking, and PLN 7 per hour for long-term parking. Economy parking is also available at PLN 10 per day.

Departure Tax: None.

Warsaw Airport (WAW)
Warsaw Chopin Airport
http://www.lotnisko-chopina.pl

Location: Warsaw The airport is situated six miles (10km) southwest of Warsaw.

map of Warsaw Airport

Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +48 (22) 650 4220.

Transfer between terminals: Terminals are within walking distance of each other.

Getting to the city: Municipal buses 175, 148, 188 and 331 operate daily from 4.35am to around 11pm ferrying commuters to Warsaw city centre and the right riverbank. Some hotels provide a shuttle bus service to and from the hotel on request.

Car rental: Avis, Hertz, Budget and Europcar operate from the airport. They are located at the Terminal A arrivals hall.

Airport Taxis: A taxi stand is located in front of the arrivals hall.

Facilities: There are shops, bars and restaurants at the airport. Other facilities include banks, bureaux de change, ATMs, a post office, and tourist information and hotel reservations kiosks.

Parking: Short-stay parking at the Kiss&Fly Zone is free for the first 7 minutes, and then PLN 30 for the next fifteen minutes with a charge of PLN 1 per minute extra. The multi-level car park P1 and P2 has long-stay parking options at a fee of PLN 250 for six to ten days or PLN 300 for eleven to fifteen days.

Zakopane
Krakow

Zakopane
Photo credit: Mathiasrex
The Tatras is Poland's beautiful alpine range of towering peaks, rocky cliffs and glacial lakes, dotted with numerous little villages preserving a traditional highland lifestyle. The region's largest town is Zakopane, Poland's premier mountain resort. The winter sports capital of Poland, Zakopane is superbly situated at the foot of the Tatras with immediate access to the ski slopes in winter. The charming town has a laid-back fairytale atmosphere, the steep streets lined with traditional wooden cottages made from roughly cut logs and the 'Zakopane-style' architecture featuring delicately carved patterns and intricate woodwork decoration. The region is popular for outdoor activities and one of the more popular holiday attractions is the trip to the exquisite glacial lake, Morskie Oko.

Nightlife in Zakopane

Zakopane has a vibey nightlife with numerous bars and a few great dance clubs. Some of the night spots are uninspiring tourist traps but the big clubs attract party people from as far away as Warsaw. Krupowki street is the main drag, but it is worth exploring a bit to find less touristy options.

Shopping in Zakopane

Shopping in Zakopane is centred on the main street, Krupowki, which is lined with restaurants, shops, stalls and street performers, creating a fun, traditional atmosphere. Popular souvenirs include items such as oscypek (smoked goat's cheese) and ciupagas (long, thin traditional axes). There are plenty of ski stores where visitors can buy or hire equipment before hitting the slopes.

Things to do in Zakopane

Outside of the ski season Zakopane is a popular destination for mountaineers and hikers, with a number of great climbs beginning at the Morskie Oko and Czarny Staw lakes, and ascending Rysy, the highest peak in Poland. Other popular climbing routes ascend the peaks of Mieguszowiecki Szczyt, Glewont, Mnich and Cubryna. Most of the area's attractions are natural, but the town is known for its charming traditional atmosphere and there are many folk dancing performances and cultural events held to entertain tourists. There are a handful of museums and galleries in town and there is a water park and a Teddy Bear Museum to amuse young children.

Things to be aware of in Zakopane

The popular ski slopes can get crowded and the ski lift infrastructure is rather old-fashioned.

Dining in Zakopane

Zakopane boasts a variety of restaurants and there should be something to cater to all budgets and tastes. Tuberoza, which serves up traditional eastern European fare on Pilsudskiego street, is one of the most popular restaurants in the town, and the Trattoria Adamo offers a tasty range of Italian food. There are plenty of fun bars for après ski drinks.

Overview of the Attractions in Poland

When sightseeing around Poland you'll find all the hallmarks of European charm in abundance: alpine mountains, historic buildings, resplendent lakes, lush meadows, untainted beaches, and some fascinating albiet harrowing sites from the Second World War.

The capital of Warsaw was the first city to fall to Hitler and had to be almost completely rebuilt after the 1944 invasion. Parts of the Old Town were built to replicate the city as it had stood in the 17th and 18th centuries and the Historical Museum of Warsaw, a salute to the city's violent past, is a must. A visit to Poland would not be complete without a trip to the country's most significant wartime landmark: Auschwitz, Hitler's biggest and most notorious concentration camp.

About two hours north of Warsaw is the Bialowieza Primaeval Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is one of the last remnants of the European primeval forest which once covered most the continent. Further north visitors will find other rare vestiges of old Europe, like the Gothic Castle in Malbork, the largest and most impressive brick fortress in Europe. There are several other wooden and stone churches, temples and other impressive buildings throughout Poland's vast and glorious countryside, which can be traversed by bus or train.

The city of Krakow is the most popular tourist destination in Poland, and the city which suffered least during the war. The main attraction is the remarkably well-preserved medieval centre, but Krakow is a cosmopolitan, modern city boasting the wonderful mix between old and new which characterises the whole country.

Old Town (Starego Miasta)
Warsaw

The Old Town is an historic focal point, rebuilt in original 17th and 18th-century style following the war. The picturesque Old Market Square (Rynek) is at the centre, surrounded by restored buildings and colourful three-storey merchant houses with Baroque and Renaissance facades, lively open-air restaurants, art stalls, and the Historical Museum of Warsaw. Buskers, painters, and musicians provide entertainment, while cobbled streets and alleyways contain beautiful Gothic churches and palaces. The impressive Royal Castle was once the home of the Polish Kings while ramparts and watchtowers dot the medieval walls surrounding the old city.

map of Old Town (Starego Miasta)

Museum of Warsaw
Warsaw

Opening time: 10am to 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

The Museum of Warsaw is one of the best of the city's impressive array of museums. Its three storeys are crammed with fascinating exhibitions, covering every aspect of Warsaw's history and life from the city's establishment to the present day. It occupies almost an entire side of a square in Old Town, housed in quaint historical buildings and boasting 52 rooms with permanent exhibitions, four with temporary exhibitions, a cinema, a library, and a reading room. A special feature is a documentary film showing the destruction and reconstruction of the city, with footage shot by the Nazis during their calculated and systematic annihilation of Warsaw, and footage of the careful rebuilding after the war. The film is shown in English at 10am and 12pm from Tuesday to Friday, and at 12pm and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.

map of Museum of Warsaw

Address: Rynek Starego Miasta 28-42, 00-272 Warszawa, Poland.

Telephone: +48 22 277 43 00

Website: http://www.muzeumwarszawy.pl

The Royal Way
Warsaw

Known as the Royal Way, this two-and-a-half mile (4km) route stretches from the Royal Castle in the Old Town to the stately King's Palace at Wilanów on the outskirts of the city. It bisects the central city from north to south, and is lined with galleries, museums, and historical buildings St Anne's Church. Along the way are the royal gardens of Park Lazienki with its lakes, peacocks, and charming 18th-century Lazienki Palace, which was the royal summer residence. A monument of the famous Polish composter Frederic Chopin stands in the park, with summer concerts held on the lawns. The Royal Way ends at the splendid Wilanów Palace which was modelled on Versailles, containing a museum and an art gallery called the Orangery.

map of The Royal Way

Website: http://www.wilanow-palac.art.pl

Westerplatte
Gdansk

The peninsula of Westerplatte saw the beginning of Second World War. A small Polish garrison heroically held out against the attack of seven days before surrendering to German forces, with the site now a towering memorial to the defenders. With only 180 Polish soldiers, they fought on knowing they had no chance of reinforcement or resupply. A small museum is accompanied by ruins of the barracks and guardhouses left from the shelling, standing harrowing and dilapidated in an otherwise picturesque setting reachable by bus. Surrounding scenery is best appreciated on a boat or bike trip.

map of Westerplatte

Malbork Castle
Gdansk

Opening time: 9am to 7pm, Monday to Sunday.

Malbork Castle is the world's largest brick fortress and one of the most impressive in Europe. The Teutonic Knights built it in 1276 and slowly began to establish themselves as fearsome rulers, taking control of most of Poland until they were defeated at the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. The immense brick stronghold incorporates a system of multiple defence walls with gates and towers, guarding an interior of arcaded courtyards, chapels, a treasury, the Knights' Hall, and an armoury. The castle houses several exhibitions of tapestries, coins and medals, medieval sculptures, and weapons. During summer, the courtyard is used as a venue for sound and light shows. Guided tours are available and there are audio guides for those who prefer to explore independently, although the number of audio guides is limited.

map of Malbork Castle

Getting there: 31 miles (50km) from Gdansk by train or bus

Address: Staroscinska 1, 82-200 Malbork, Poland

Telephone: +48 55 647 08 00

Website: http://www.zamek.malbork.pl

Main Market Square (Rynek Glówny)
Krakow

Dating from 1257, the Central Market Square was one of the largest squares in medieval Europe and remains the social heart of Krakow. Surrounded by historic buildings, museums, and magnificent churches, the impressive expanse of flagstones is a hub of commercial and social activity. Flower sellers, ice-cream vendors, musicians, pigeons, students, and groups of tourists fill the square. The striking church of St Mary's is an impressive twin-spire Gothic structure while at the centre of the square is the splendid medieval Cloth Hall, its upstairs art gallery housing a collection of 19th-century Polish paintings and sculptures.

map of Main Market Square (Rynek Glówny)

Wawel
Krakow

Wawel is a hill overlooking Krakow, upon which stands an architectural complex that includes Wawel Castle and the Gothic Wawel Cathedral. It was here that all the Polish kings ruling between the 14th and the 17th centuries were crowned and buried, and it lies at the heart of Poland's royal history. The Renaissance-style castle is now a museum, with visitors able to see the Royal Private Apartments, Crown Treasury, Armoury, and the State Rooms. Of the many chapels in the cathedral, the golden-domed Chapel of King Sigismund is the finest. The bell tower can be climbed for views over the city and to see the enormous 11 tonne bell. A number of different guided tours are available so check the official website listed below for details.

map of Wawel

Getting there: Tram 10 or a short walk from the Main Square, Rynek Glówny.

Website: http://www.wawel.krakow.pl

Kazimierz District and the Old Synagogue
Krakow

The Kazimierz quarter was the centre of Jewish religion, culture, and learning before the Second World War. Badly damaged during the Nazi occupation, it has been rebuilt so visitors can admire the historical architecture and get an experience of what daily Jewish life was once like. The area is enlivened by art galleries, kosher restaurants, and numerous cultural events. The Oskar Schindler Factory Museum is itself a popular tourist attraction in Krakow, dedicated to the memory of Schindler and the Jewish workers he managed to save from the death camps. The Old Synagogue is part of the Historical Museum of Krakow, where the collection of physical memories from the Kazimierz Jewish community is kept.

map of Kazimierz District and the Old Synagogue

Getting there: Tram 3, 9, 11 or 13.

Address: Szeroka 24, 31-053 Kraków, Poland

Telephone: +48 12 431 05 45

Website: http://www.mhk.pl/oddzialy/stara-synagoga

Wieliczka Salt Mine
Krakow

A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monument, the Salt Mine at Wieliczka is a unique underground complex built in the Middle Ages. The series of labyrinthine tunnels, chambers, galleries, and underground lakes are spread over nine levels and reach a depth of more than 1,000ft (304m), but visitors are restricted to a tour of three levels. Centuries-old passageways contain huge crystalline caverns and carved chapels. The highlight is the Blessed Kinga Chapel where everything is carved from salt, dedicated to the patron saint of Polish mine workers. The world's first subterranean therapeutic sanatorium is situated 656ft (200m) below the surface, and makes use of the saline air for the treatment of asthma.

map of Wieliczka Salt Mine

Getting there: Buses and minibuses leave from outside the train station; or else there is the local Krakow-Wieliczka train

Address: Ul. Danilowicza 10, Wieliczka

Website: http://www.kopalnia.pl

Auschwitz Memorial Museum
Krakow

Opening time: 8am to 3pm, Monday to Sunday.

The Auschwitz concentration camp forms the largest cemetery in the world, preserved as a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust during the Second World War. Visitors can obvserve the structures, ruins, and gas chambers, while visiting exhibits at the museum. The buildings contain displays of photographs and piles of personal articles of the victims, including battered suitcases, and thousands of spectacles, hair, and shoes collected from the bodies. The sheer scale of the tragedy can be experienced at the Birkenau Camp, with a viewing platform to give some perspective over the vast fenced-in area. It was the principal camp where the extermination of millions took place, a chillingly efficient set-up with rows of barracks and four colossal gas chambers and ovens. Purpose-built railway tracks lead through the huge gateway along which victims were transported from the ghettos to the camp in crowded box-like carts. Taking a guided tour of the camps is the best way to fully comprehend what you are seeing and a tour takes at least three and a half hours. Visitors should try and book a place on one of the various guided tours at least two weeks before visiting - see the official website below for details.

map of Auschwitz Memorial Museum

Getting there: There are regular coach and rail services from Krakow (a one hour journey), and a shuttle bus runs between Auschwitz I and Birkenau from mid-April to October.

Address: Wiezniow Oswiecimia 20, 32-603 Oswiecim, Poland

Telephone: +48 33 844 8000

Website: auschwitz.org/en/

Galicia Jewish Museum
Krakow

Opening time: 10am to 7pm, Monday to Sunday.

Situated in the heart of the Jewish Quarter of Krakow, the Galicia Jewish Museum houses a permanent photographic exhibition which is extremely powerful. It documents the history and heritage of the Jews in the villages and towns of Poland, focusing particularly on the Holocaust. Poland lost almost a quarter of its population in World War II, and the Jewish community was decimated. The museum has a bookshop, while also hosting plenty of temporary exhibitions, special events, lectures, and Jewish music concerts. The Galicia Jewish Museum is often overlooked as a tourist attraction in Krakow, but is a worthwhile experience for people from all walks of life. Budget at least three hours to fully absorb the experience. Guided tours are available and there is a charming little cafe for refreshments.

map of Galicia Jewish Museum

Address: Dajwór 18, 31-052 Kraków, Poland.

Telephone: +48 12 421 68 42

Website: http://www.galiciajewishmuseum.org

Polish Poster Gallery
Warsaw

Opening time: 11am to 6pm (Monday to Friday); 10am to 3pm on Saturdays.

The Galeria Grafiki i Plakatu (Polish Poster Gallery) is located in the old town district of Warsaw, housing the finest collection of graphic art and posters in Eastern Europe. Established in 1975, it now exhibits over 5,000 pieces of art, many displaying facets of Polish culture. Visitors will see theatre, music, and cinema posters, as well as Polish Solidarity political posters. The gallery also displays some iconic American, British, French, and German posters, and tourists may be excited to see classics like West Side Story, Moby Dick, and Dirty Dancing. Thankfully, the museum has a great selection of prints for sale.

map of Polish Poster Gallery

Address: Hoża 40, 00-001 Warszawa, Poland

Website: http://www.poster.com.pl

Piwnica pod Baranami
Krakow

The Piwnica pod Baranami is a Parisian-style cabaret house located in Krakow's old town, allowing tourists to experience and appreciate the culture, values, and ideals of the city. Created by Piotr Skryznecki in 1956, this bohemian underground cellar soon became a haven for local artists and intellectuals where they would indulge in one of Poland's favourite cultural pastimes: political cabaret. The Piwnica pod Baranami still functions as a cabaret house to this day with performances on Saturdays at 9pm remaining extremely popular, so book your ticket early. A highly recommended tourist activity in Poland, it's a great spot to begin an unforgettable Saturday night.

map of Piwnica pod Baranami

Address: Main Market Square, Krakow.

Website: http://www.piwnicapodbaranami.pl/

Bieszczady Mountains
Krakow

While most tourists to Poland usually content themselves with the wonderful cultural experiences in the old towns of Warsaw and Krakow, a trip into the Polish countryside can be an equally rewarding enterprise. The Bieszczady Mountains run through the extreme southeast of Poland, near the Ukraine and Slovakia borders. A land of snow-capped peaks, tall pine trees, and vast green meadows, the Bieszczady region boasts hiking and mountain bike trails which wind through a rich array of native flora. Found in the UNESCO East Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, animal lovers should look out for lynxes, bears, and wolves.

map of Bieszczady Mountains

Bialowieza National Park
Warsaw

Bialowieza National Park is a heavily protected UNESCO World Heritage site. It guards the last remnants of the primeval forest that used to cover most of Europe at the time of the last ice age. The park is the last place on earth that tourists can see European bison, huge beasts that once roamed across the continent, living undisturbed in their natural habitats. An ecotourism destination of international repute, the nearby town of Bialowieza has launched numerous luxury spas and elite lodgings. Bialowieza National Park is a short train ride from Warsaw (two and a half hours) making it possible to visit the park on a daytrip, but it is best to spend at least one night in the area if possible.

map of Bialowieza National Park

Sopot
Gdansk

Although still very much a well-kept secret on the mainstream tourist scene, Northern European travellers have been flocking to Sopot for many years for its gorgeous sandy beaches on the shore of the Baltic Sea. Primarily a beach resort and health spa town, Sopot buzzes every summer. Throngs of visitors walk along its famous wooden pier while enjoying the long sunny days and numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. There are a few other tourist attractions in the town, like a museum and a water park, but the beachfront is the highlight. With its vibrant nightlife and relative obscurity, Sopot is the perfect cheaper option for budget travellers and backpackers.

map of Sopot

Zakopane
Krakow

The Tatras is Poland's beautiful alpine range of towering peaks, rocky cliffs and glacial lakes, dotted with numerous little villages preserving a traditional highland lifestyle. The region's largest town is Zakopane, Poland's premier mountain resort. The winter sports capital of Poland, Zakopane is superbly situated at the foot of the Tatras with immediate access to the ski slopes in winter. The charming town has a laid-back fairytale atmosphere, the steep streets lined with traditional wooden cottages made from roughly cut logs and the 'Zakopane-style' architecture featuring delicately carved patterns and intricate woodwork decoration. The region is popular for outdoor activities and one of the more popular holiday attractions is the trip to the exquisite glacial lake, Morskie Oko.

Public Holidays in Poland

  2023 2024
New Year's Day Mon. January 1 Mon. January 1
Epiphany Sat. January 6 Sat. January 6
Easter Monday Wed. April 10 Mon. April 1
Labour Day Wed. May 1 Wed. May 1
Constitution Day Fri. May 3 Fri. May 3
Corpus Christi Sat. June 8 Thu. May 30
Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Armed Forces Day) Thu. August 15 Thu. August 15
Easter Sunday Tue. April 9 Sun. March 31
All Saints' Day Fri. November 1 Fri. November 1
Independence Day Mon. November 11 Mon. November 11
Christmas Day Wed. December 25 Wed. December 25
Boxing Day Thu. December 26 Thu. December 26
Pentecost Sunday Tue. May 28 Sun. May 19

News about Poland

Avanti and Polish Tourist Organization Launch Independent Travel Campaign for Advisors
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Travel Research Online
Friday August 11, 2023
Slovakia to Introduce Border Controls With Austria, Hungary, Poland & Czechia on May 24 Ahead of Globsec 2023 Bratislava Forum
The Slovak authorities have announced that the country will introduce temporary border controls with Austria, Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic on May 24, 2023, to ensure safety during the time that the Globsec 2023 Bratislava Forum is taking place. According to
SchengenVisaInfo.com
Tuesday May 02, 2023
Spectacular interiors of rediscovered Orient Express carriages revealed
For years, several vintage Orient Express train carriages lay, forgotten, at a small railway station on the border between Poland and Belarus called Malaszwewicze. One day in 2015, French railway fan Arthur Mettetal spotted the distinctive blue carriages in a
CNN
Friday October 14, 2022
CDC adds 6 places to its 'high' risk category for travel, including 2 Central American countries
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added six destinations to its "high" risk category for travel on Monday. Two Central American countries -- El Salvador and Honduras -- received a Level 3, "high" risk designation. Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland and Fiji
CNN
Tuesday July 26, 2022
When to visit Kraków, where festivals take place all year long
Poland’s liveliest city appeals at any time of year. Most attractions in Kraków stay open year-round and events take place every single month. In April, May, September and October, mild temperatures and reduced crowds make for a lovely weekend getaway. Summers are jam-packed
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Monday July 25, 2022
Spain, France, Italy & Poland Are Among the Safest Countries to Travel to, ECDC Says
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has disclosed that Spain, France, Italy, and Poland are some of the safest EU countries to travel to since they have been registering low infection rates for several weeks now
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Monday October 18, 2021
Poland prepares to pounce on its tourism sector
Poland is turning into an ideal destination for those young travelers that haven't been able to experience quarantine-free travel for nearly two years
eTurboNews
Monday October 04, 2021
Polish Tourism Experiences ‘Real Explosion in Interest’ With 32% Increase Compared to 2020
Travel agencies in Poland are reporting a rapid increase in interest in international tourism, Rzeczpospolita, a Polish newspaper, reveals
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Friday June 18, 2021
Learning Journeys’ “Traveling Classrooms” Offer a Major Evolution in Experiential Learning Worldwide
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (June 8, 2021) – Providing a traveling classroom in destinations worldwide, Learning Journeys offers a breadth and depth of programs that spark the imagination – from learning the art of belly dancing in Turkey and beekeeping in Poland to spending a week as a distiller in Scotland or songwriter in Nashville. Each program features hands-on learning with skilled experts, artisans, and teachers, and is designed to contribute to the communities visited in sustainable and meaningful ways. “After a year of travel restrictions, humans are yearning to not just go on a vacation, but also connect with new people, places, and cultures to rediscover what they’re passionate about,” said Dr. Carol Dimopoulos, CEO of Learning Journeys. “Learning Journeys’ programs lead guests to discover more about themselves and, while exploring a
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Wednesday June 09, 2021
These Countries Are Allowing Vaccinated Travelers to Visit
A handful of governments have indicated they will ease entry restrictions for vaccinated travelers—but there are some catches. For instance, European countries such as Poland and Iceland have unveiled plans to relax restrictions for vaccinated travelers, but only for those who were already allowed to enter
AFAR
Wednesday March 10, 2021
5 airlines are temporarily suspending operations as coronavirus and government restrictions shake the travel industry. Here's the full list.
A reduction in the demand for travel combined with government-imposed travel restrictions has forced some airlines to temporarily suspend operations. The US, Poland, Denmark, Latvia, and other countries have restricted access for non-citizens, hurting business for national and regional carriers alike. European airlines Air Baltic, LOT Polish Airlines, La Compagnie, and Scandinavian Airlines were among the first to suspend
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Monday March 16, 2020
This Museum in Poland Is Dedicated Entirely to Cats
Cat lovers officially have a new place to feed their obsession with their precious pets. According to CBS Miami, feline-enthusiasts in Poland now have their own museum (mew-seum?) to enjoy all cat-related things. The Cat Museum in Krakow, Poland is a one-stop place to see cat-related artifacts. It was officially started by a cat-loving Ukrainian couple, Nataliya
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Wednesday March 11, 2020
Death toll rises as storm moves eastward across Europe
A strong winter storm that has battered Europe with hurricane-force winds and heavy rains and killed at least five people moved eastward Monday, causing severe travel disruptions across the continent. After striking Britain and Ireland on Sunday, the storm moved on, leaving a trail of damage including power cuts for tens of thousands of homes across Europe. A mother and her daughter died in Poland after the
ABC News
Monday February 10, 2020
Traveling To A Marathon? Study Finds The Best, The Worst
Millions of travelers each year head to marathons throughout the world — either to participate or watch. Now, a new study concludes which ones are the best and the worst. Germany’s Haspa Marathon in Hamburg is ranked the best, followed by Austria’s Vienna City Marathon and the Cracovia Marathon in Krakow, Poland, according to the study by The Sole Supplier. The company works with footwear retailers and supplies
Forbes
Tuesday December 10, 2019
This Instagrammer Just Showed Everyone What Not to Do When Visiting Auschwitz
An Instagrammer has apologized to officials at the Auschwitz Memorial in Oswiecim, Poland after posting a photo of their rubber duck on social media in front of the former concentration camp’s "Gate of Death.” The unidentified travel blogger, who goes by the name of @Atuk.Apil on social media, has a small but not insignificant following on social media. There, he or she uses a rubber duck toy to
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Tuesday November 12, 2019
Exploring The Medieval Treadwheel Crane In Gdansk, Poland
Transporting goods by boat has been the backbone of the world’s economy for centuries. Massive cargo ships are unloaded by skilled dockworkers using skyscraper-sized cranes. But how did ships disgorge their goods in the days before steel girders and hydropneumatics? The seaside town of Gdansk, Poland, has one answer: a multi-story wooden crane designed in the 1300s. It
Forbes
Monday November 11, 2019
American Airlines Will Start Flying to Morocco, Poland and Tel Aviv Next Summer
On Thursday, American Airlines announced its plans for several new routes in 2020. Those routes, the airline said, will include flights to Poland, Morocco, Tel Aviv, and its first-ever flights to Africa. American Airlines will become the first U.S. airline to offer nonstop service
Travel+Leisure
Friday August 09, 2019
Alternative city breaks: Łódź, Poland – discover its culture, food and nightlife
‘If it doesn’t fit, it fits perfectly,” is something of a buzz-phrase in Poland’s third-largest city, and it doesn’t take long to see why. It is a place where the next surprise – a fantastical, seemingly incongruous unicorn sculpture, a courtyard in which the buildings are clad with irregular shards of broken mirrors, a two-storey piece of gable-end street art intended to be viewed through 3D glasses – is never far
The Guardian
Wednesday July 17, 2019
Paddler’s paradise: Poland's lakeland
We lifted our paddles from the water and let ourselves drift downstream. Deep in a wood, far from anywhere that was anywhere, unseen birds above burst into song in the canopy of spring-leafed trees. Up ahead, sunlight illuminated our way through a tunnel of greens and browns, melting as it touched the water. Emerald lettuce-like plants, blurred out of focus by
The Guardian
Tuesday July 02, 2019
Poland an undiscovered, un-crowded travel destination
Michigan’s connection to Poland is palpable. There is even a link to the late U.S. President Gerald Ford, who was raised in Grand Rapids, where he is now laid to rest. Ford’s gaffe, which he uttered in a presidential debate during the 1976 campaign, was in insisting “There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe.” Ford’s statement is now a
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Monday January 07, 2019
How To Travel To Poland Like A King -- And Also Take The Tour of Beauty
Poland. The country is as beautiful as its words are to pronounce. It's also a destination where your disposable dollars will go even further than you can even imagine. You can fly your private jet (or go commercial) to Poland, stay at the best hotels, dine at the
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Monday November 05, 2018
Top Places to Visit in Poland: Take a Photo Tour
Take this photo tour of the top places to visit in Poland, including the lively city of Krakow, the capital of Warsaw and the city of Lublin with its distinct Renaissance architectural style.
CNN
Monday November 05, 2018
A Local’s Guide to Poznań, Poland: 10 Top Tips
Under the tourist radar and just the right size to explore, Poznań is full of surprises, from cafes in hidden courtyards to riverbank summer pop-ups. Its bourgeois facade masks its anarchic, rebellious side, and it has friendly people, an entrepreneurial spirit and artistic vibe. I also appreciate its intimacy whenever I return from tours, and its flat, bike-friendly
The Guardian
Monday July 02, 2018
What to Do In Kaliningrad (Besides Watch the Football)
The world’s biggest country has a geo-political oddity: the region of Kaliningrad. This enclave is a fragment of Russian territory the size of Yorkshire, squeezed between Poland and Lithuania. The capital is also called Kaliningrad, and is the westernmost host city in the 2018 World Cup. It is far from the vast majority of Russia
The Independent
Friday June 22, 2018
Poland's Surprisingly Beautiful Cheese
Oscypek, a golden-hued, spindle-shaped cheese, is as delicious as it is beautiful. But authentic versions are getting increasingly hard to find.
BBC
Wednesday March 28, 2018
The Secrets Hiding in Warsaw, the Paris of the East
Despite its past hardships, Poland's capital city continues to rise from the ashes-and its once-famous elegance can still be found by those who look beyond the surface.
BBC
Monday March 05, 2018
7 Restaurants That Make Kraków, Poland, an Exceptional and Affordable Dining Destination
Feast on chanterelle mushrooms, smoked eel tartar, and everything in between at the best restaurants in the historic Polish city
Vogue
Wednesday February 14, 2018
Jet with Hundreds of Passengers Aboard Plummets 30,000ft in Emergency Descent
Charter flight from Stansted to Poland's Rzeszow Airport carrying 262 passengers diverted to Amsterdam Schiphol in March last year after alarms activated
The Independent
Thursday February 08, 2018
16 Amazing Things You Probably Didn't Know About Poland
In some ways, Poland is a hugely familiar part of our landscape – a large country at the heart of our continent; Europe’s ninth biggest state (bigger than the UK); the far-foraging nation whose language is now the second most spoken in Britain. But how much do we really know about this colossal slab of the European landmass?
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday July 18, 2017
The Three Cheapest Countries to Visit Right Now
Mexico, China and Poland are the cheapest places in the world to visit - at least, if you want to eat out three times a day and buy a suitcase full of branded clothes, that is
The Independent
Friday July 14, 2017
This Polish Village Has Been Covered in Flower Paintings Since the 19th Century
There’s a quaint village in Poland where you’ll find yourself surrounded by intricate flower paintings. In Zalipie, a small town located northeast of Krakow, has a tradition dating back to the 19th century
Travel+Leisure
Monday February 06, 2017
Sun, sea, sand and Sopot, a taste of Poland
Close to Gdańsk, Sopot is where Poland comes to relax. And the period called ‘golden autumn’ is one of the best times to visit – for a stroll along an uncrowded promenade or to eat in beachside restaurants while watching a blood moon
The Guardian
Wednesday September 14, 2016
Where Pokémon Should Not Go
Are there places where Pokémon should not be allowed to tread? The digital creatures, which appear overlaid on the real world as part of the hit smartphone game Pokémon Go, have been reported at the former concentration camp Auschwitz in Poland, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. and the National September 11 Memorial in New York, provoking frustrated responses from the representatives of some of the sites
New York Times
Wednesday July 13, 2016
48 Hours in San Sebastian
This glamorous resort-city is European Capital of Culture 2016 (alongside Wroclaw in Poland). The honour boosts the style and appeal of San Sebastian, which has also become a gastronomic hub. In addition, the city known as Donostia in Basque gets its first air link from the UK next month, in the shape of flights from Luton
The Independent
Monday June 20, 2016
36 Hours in Chicago
The neighborhoods on Chicago’s near northwest side are an invigorating blend of reflection and reinvention. Families from Ukraine, Poland and Puerto Rico settled here, and today expressions of their cultures can be found in museums, churches and cafes serving traditional dishes
New York Times
Friday June 17, 2016
Łódź: the best city you can't pronounce
When it comes to fairy tale destinations, the Polish city of Łódź wouldn’t trouble many - if any - bucket lists. Nicknamed “the Manchester of Poland”, it was a smoking industrial behemoth during the 19th Century, before collapsing into catastrophic decline after the Great Depression
Telegraph (London)
Friday June 03, 2016
36 Hours in Warsaw, Poland
The city is positioning itself as Eastern Europe’s chic cultural capital with thriving art and club scenes and serious restaurants.
New York Times
Monday December 28, 2015
An Unlikely Tourist Attraction in Poland: Storks
About a half-mile from the Russian border, hidden in the rolling hills of northernmost Poland, is the tiny village of Zywkowo, population 25 humans and 43 pairs of nesting white storks.
New York Times
Friday November 20, 2015
Winter city breaks in Europe: readers' tips
Snow and ice feature strongly in our readers' winter break tips, but it's not a complete white-out; your body temperature will be lifted by smoky cheeses in Poland, donuts in Naples, and dessert wine in Budapest
The Guardian
Thursday November 05, 2015
Warsaw: Make a pact to visit Poland's beautiful capital
As disused buildings and scruffy areas are transformed, the city is buzzing with creativity
The Independent
Tuesday October 27, 2015
11 Best Poland Experiences
In this slideshow, we'll send you on unique experiences all around Poland -- from culinary adventures to an underground wonderland made completely of salt. Discover the best things to do in Poland
IndependentTraveler.com
Thursday August 20, 2015
Rick Steves: Epic history, low prices make Warsaw worth a visit
Warsaw, the capital of Poland, doesn't appear at the top of many European travelers' wish lists. But that's just one reason you may want to visit
USA Today
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kazimierz Dolny: Creativity runs deep in this part of Poland
The town has a rich tradition as a centre for folk music, Jewish history, fine art and film
The Independent
Thursday June 11, 2015
Fish and ships in Bornholm, Denmark
The Danish island of Bornholm is a geographical deviation in the Baltic Sea. It’s closer to Germany, Sweden and Poland than to the rest of Denmark