Visiting Poland: 10 places not to be missed
With its well-preserved medieval heritage, unspoilt nature and towns with fascinating pasts, Poland is a must-see destination in Central Europe. The country is full of unsuspected treasures, from the cobbled streets of Krakow to the snow-capped peaks of the Tatras, from underground salt mines to Gothic fortresses. A visit to Poland is an authentic journey, where each city tells its own unique story and where nature expresses itself in all its splendour. Get ready to discover 10 must-see places that will make your stay a memorable experience.
Also read the Krakow guide:
- Discover Krakow during the Parade of the Dragons!
- How to get to and visit the Auschwitz concentration camp?
- Visiting Poland
1. Krakow, the former royal capital
Former capital of Poland until 1596, Krakow stands out as the country’s historic and cultural heart. Its historic centre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, is home to one of the largest medieval squares in Europe: the famous Market Square (Rynek Główny). The centrepiece is the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), a Renaissance building where merchants once sold their fabrics. St Mary’s Basilica, with its two asymmetrical towers, dominates the square and offers a unique spectacle every hour with the hejnał, the melody played by a trumpeter from the top of the tower.
Wawel Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the Vistula, is another must-see gem. This royal residence bears witness to Poland’s past grandeur, with its inner courtyards, Gothic cathedral where kings were crowned, and remarkable art collections. Don’t miss a visit to the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, once the centre of Krakow’s Jewish community. Today, this bohemian district is a magnet for visitors with its historic synagogues, alternative cafés and art galleries. To make the most of your visit and make sure you don’t miss out on any of the city’s hidden treasures, let the Navaway itinerary be your guide to Krakow.
Download the audio tour to discover Krakow on foot and on your own
If you want to explore Krakow in complete freedom, with full explanations of each monument, opt for theNavaway audio tour. This route takes you through the cobbled streets of the historic centre, from Wawel Castle to Market Square, via the Kazimierz district. Each point of interest is accompanied by a fun audio guide to enhance your experience and immerse you in the fascinating history of this thousand-year-old city.
2. Warsaw, the capital rising from the ashes
Capital of Poland since the end of the 16th century, Warsaw today has a population of nearly 1.8 million and embodies the dynamism of the modern country. Over 80% of the city was destroyed during the Second World War, but it has been meticulously rebuilt, in particular the Old Town (Stare Miasto), which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This reconstruction is a symbol of resilience that is unique in the world: Warsaw’s inhabitants used old Canaletto paintings to bring the colourful facades of Market Square back to life.
The Royal Way takes you from the Royal Castle to Wilanów Palace, passing through some of the capital’s most beautiful districts. The Warsaw Uprising Museum is well worth a visit to understand the courage of the Polish people during the occupation. And don’t miss the Palace of Culture and Science, a Stalinist skyscraper with a panoramic view of the whole city from its 30th floor. To get the most out of your visit to Warsaw, follow the Navaway itinerary, which guides you through the city’s emblematic districts and places steeped in history.
3. The Tatras National Park, the majestic mountains
Situated on the border between Poland and Slovakia, the Tatras National Park (Tatrzański Park Narodowy) is home to the highest peaks in the country. Rysy rises to 2,499 metres and offers courageous hikers breathtaking panoramic views of both sides of the range. Classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, this park protects exceptional flora and fauna, including chamois, marmots and golden eagles.
The hiking trails are remarkably well signposted and provide access to mythical sites such as Lake Morskie Oko (Eye of the Sea), set in a glacial cirque at an altitude of 1,395 metres. The mountain resort of Zakopane is the ideal starting point for exploring the park. This “winter capital of Poland” offers a wide choice of accommodation, restaurants serving mountain specialities such as oscypek (smoked sheep’s cheese), and winter sports facilities. In summer, it’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the best weather conditions at altitude. Entrance to the park costs 5 zł (around €1.10) and gives access to all the signposted trails.
4. The Wieliczka salt mines, an underground marvel
Located around ten kilometres south-east of Krakow, the Wieliczka salt mines are one of the oldest active salt mines in the world. Exploited from the 13th century until 1996, they extend over more than 300 kilometres of galleries on nine levels, reaching a depth of 327 metres. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these mines fascinate visitors with their sculptures, chapels and chambers carved entirely out of rock salt.
The highlight of the visit is the Sainte-Kinga chapel, located at a depth of 101 metres. This 54-metre-long underground cathedral is impressive for its size and detail: salt crystal chandeliers, bas-reliefs depicting biblical scenes, and even a reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, all sculpted by miners over the centuries. The guided tour lasts around 2? hours and involves descending 380 steps (the ascent is by lift). It is strongly recommended that you book your tickets online on the official website to avoid a long wait. Tickets cost around PLN 122 (€28) for adults and PLN 108 (€25) for concessions. Wear good shoes and warm clothing, as the underground temperature is around 15°C all year round.
5. Gdansk, the pearl of the Baltic Sea
Situated on the shores of the Baltic Sea, Gdansk (formerly Danzig) boasts a rich Hanseatic past and unique architecture blending Gothic, Renaissance and Flemish influences. The city played a major role in European history, notably as the birthplace of the Solidarność movement in the 1980s, which contributed to the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. The Old Town, beautifully restored after the destruction of the Second World War, enchants with its colourful Flemish-style facades lining the Long Street (Ulica Długa) and Neptune’s Fountain.
The Basilica of Santa Maria, considered to be the largest brick church in the world, can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers. Climb the 409 steps to enjoy panoramic views over the city and harbour. The Second World War Museum offers an in-depth perspective on the conflict that began in Gdansk with the attack on Westerplatte on 1 September 1939. Take a stroll along the Motława River to admire the old medieval harbour crane, a symbol of the city, and traditional fishing boats. Gdansk is also famous for its amber, the fossil resin nicknamed the “gold of the Baltic”, which you can find in many craft shops.
6. Wrocław, the city of a thousand bridges
Capital of Lower Silesia in south-west Poland, Wrocław (formerly Breslau) captivates with its unique charm and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city bears the traces of its German, Austrian and Polish past, creating a fascinating architectural mix. Market Square (Rynek), one of the largest in Europe, dazzles with its colourful Gothic and Baroque facades and its magnificent 14th-century Gothic town hall.
The island of Ostrów Tumski, Wrocław’s oldest district, is home to the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, whose twin spires dominate the cityscape. In the evening, a gas lamplighter carries on the tradition of lighting the lamps by hand, creating a uniquely romantic atmosphere. Wrocław is also famous for its krasnale (dwarves), more than 300 small bronze sculptures scattered throughout the city. The dwarf hunt is a popular family activity and a reference to the Orange Alternative peaceful resistance movement of the 1980s. For an in-depth cultural experience, visit the Panorama of Racławice, a monumental 114-metre-long circular painting depicting a historic battle from 1794.
7. Malbork Castle, an impregnable Gothic fortress
Built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Order on the banks of the River Nogat, Malbork Castle is the largest Gothic brick fortress in the world. Covering an area of 21 hectares, this impressive architectural complex served as the residence of the Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order from 1309 to 1457. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, the castle bears witness to the military and religious power of the Teutonic Knights, who dominated the region for almost three centuries.
A full visit can easily take half a day. The castle is divided into three sections: the upper castle (residence of the soldier-monks), the middle castle (administrative and defensive quarters) and the lower castle (warehouses and workshops). The castle museum displays an exceptional collection of medieval weapons, armour, carved amber and religious artefacts. An audio guide in French is available and highly recommended to understand the fascinating history of this site. Opening times vary according to the season: 9am to 8pm in spring and summer, and 9am to 3pm in winter. Admission costs around PLN 100 (€23) for adults. Book your tickets online on the official website to avoid queues, especially in high season.
8. Białowieża National Park, Europe’s last primary forest
Located on the border between Poland and Belarus, the Białowieża National Park protects the last remnants of the immense primary forest that once covered the whole of Europe. Created in 1932, it is Poland’s oldest national park and one of the few places in the world where the forest has never been exploited by man for millennia. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ecological sanctuary covers more than 100 km² and preserves an exceptionally rich forest ecosystem.
The park is most famous for its population of European bison (żubr), the continent’s largest land mammals. These majestic animals, which almost became extinct at the beginning of the 20th century, were successfully reintroduced to the forest and there are now more than 800 of them. The forest is also home to wolves, lynx, elk and over 250 species of bird. To observe the bison and discover the park’s biodiversity, you must take part in a guided tour with an accredited guide. These tours usually last 3-4 hours and cost around PLN 150 (€35) per person. The village of Białowieża is the ideal starting point, with several accommodation options and a national park museum worth a visit to understand the importance of this unique ecosystem.
9. Auschwitz-Birkenau, a duty to remember
Located in Oświęcim, around 70 kilometres west of Krakow, theAuschwitz-Birkenau camp was the largest Nazi killing centre of the Second World War. Between 1940 and 1945, more than a million people, mostly Jews, were murdered there. Now a museum and memorial, the site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 as a “symbol of man’s cruelty to man in the twentieth century”.
The tour, though harrowing, is an essential part of anyone’s understanding of the horror of the Holocaust. The tour generally begins at Auschwitz I, the main camp, where you will discover the prison blocks, the national exhibitions and the infamous entrance with the cynical inscription “Arbeit macht frei” (Work makes you free). Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the extermination camp, is 3km away. The vastness of the site, the ruins of the gas chambers and crematoria, and the selection ramp where deportees were sorted on arrival, bear witness to the industrial scale of the genocide. A guided tour with an official guide is highly recommended to fully grasp the historical significance of the site. Admission is free, but the guided tour costs around PLN 70 (€16). Times vary according to the season (from 7.30am to 2pm in winter to 7.30am to 7pm in summer). Be sure to book your time on the official website several weeks in advance.
10. The Ojców National Park, a little-known natural gem
Located just 25 kilometres north of Kraków, the Ojców National Park is Poland’s smallest national park at 21 km², but it concentrates an exceptional density of natural and historical wonders. Created in 1956, the park protects a spectacular karst valley carved out by the Prądnik River, with unique limestone rock formations, mysterious caves and lush vegetation.
The park is home to more than 400 caves, including King Łokietek’s Cave where, according to legend, Polish King Ladislaus I hid in the 14th century. Rock formations with evocative names such as “Hercules’ Club” (Maczuga Herkulesa), a 25-metre-high limestone pillar, dot the hiking trails. The romantic ruins of the medieval castle at Ojców and the beautifully restored Renaissance castle at Pieskowa Skała offer sublime views over the valley. Don’t miss the Chapel on the Water (Kaplica na Wodzie), an unusual neo-Gothic monument built in the early 20th century. The park is open all year round, 24 hours a day, and admission is free. Allow half a day to explore the main paths and historic sites. In spring, the valley is carpeted with wild flowers, while in autumn, the flamboyant colours of the foliage create a magical setting.
In conclusion, visiting Poland offers an incomparable travel experience, combining fascinating history, exceptional heritage and unspoilt nature. From the medieval streets of Krakow to the majestic peaks of the Tatras, from the underground cathedrals of the Wieliczka mines to the imposing Gothic fortresses, each destination reveals a unique facet of this endearing country. Whether you’re a history buff, a keen hiker or simply curious to discover a rich and authentic culture, Poland has something for everyone. Don’t hesitate to use the Navaway audioguide itineraries to enrich your visit and make the most of every stage of your journey. Poland awaits you with its treasures to discover and its stories to tell.
FAQ: everything you need to know about visiting Poland
When is the best time to visit Poland?
May, June and September are the ideal months to visit Poland. Temperatures are pleasant (15-25°C), tourist numbers remain moderate and you can enjoy the cities and nature to the full without suffering the summer heat or winter cold. Autumn also offers magnificent scenery, with the forests ablaze with colour.
Getting around Poland
Poland’s rail network (PKP) is well developed and provides easy links between the main cities. Express trains like the Pendolino are fast and comfortable. For shorter journeys, FlixBus or Polski Bus offer very competitive fares. Car hire remains an excellent option for exploring the national parks and rural areas in complete freedom.
Do I need a visa to visit Poland?
Nationals of the European Union, Switzerland and several other countries do not need a visa to stay in Poland for up to 90 days. A valid identity card or passport is all you need. Poland is part of the Schengen area, which makes it easier to travel within Europe.
What currency is used in Poland?
The official currency is the Polish złoty (PLN). Although a member of the European Union, Poland has not adopted the euro. The exchange rate is generally around €1 = PLN4.30. Bank cards are widely accepted in major cities, but bring cash for small shops and rural areas.
How many days should I allow to visit Poland?
To discover the main must-see sites (Kraków, Warsaw, Gdansk, Auschwitz, the Wieliczka mines), allow at least 7 to 10 days. If you also want to explore national parks such as the Tatras or Białowieża, allow more like 12 to 15 days for a complete, stress-free trip.
Is Poland a safe destination?
Yes, Poland is considered a very safe destination for tourists. The crime rate is low, and Poles are generally welcoming to visitors. As everywhere, however, you should remain vigilant in crowded tourist areas to avoid pickpockets, especially on public transport in the major cities.
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