Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or outdoor activities, there’s no shortage of amazing places to visit in Poland. Rapidly growing in popularity with travelers, Poland is a European destination that has something for everyone.
As one of the top ten largest countries in Europe, Poland offers an array of diverse destinations. You can ski in the Tatra Mountains resort town of Zakopane, explore historically significant cities like Warsaw and Krakow, and discover beautiful Baltic Sea destinations like Gdansk.
For anyone interested in history, Poland is a must-visit destination. From medieval times through World War II and beyond, Poland has been historically significant, and there are lots of museums and historic sites scattered across the best places to visit in Poland.
Poland is also a great destination for travelers interested in food and culture. You can’t miss trying traditional Polish foods like pierogi, which are delicious savory dumplings, or a zapiekanka, a type of open-faced sandwich that’s a popular late-night snack.
With so many reasons to visit this underrated country, let’s take a look at the top 10 places to visit in Poland.
10 Best Places To Visit in Poland
1. Warsaw
Warsaw is Poland’s capital and largest city, making it a destination you can’t miss. Although more than 85% of Warsaw’s historic center was destroyed during World War II, it has been meticulously reconstructed in beautiful detail.
This restoration is a testament to Warsaw’s resilience. Today, the city is a mixture of old and new. Outside the reconstructed Old Town, Warsaw is a modern, bustling city.
Top Attractions in Warsaw
Visiting the Old Town is one of the best things to do in Warsaw. The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with colorful reconstructed buildings, market squares, and cobblestone streets.
In the Old Town, you can visit the Royal Castle, which used to be the residence of Polish monarchs but now houses a museum with an impressive art collection.
Another of the top attractions in Warsaw is the Warsaw Uprising Museum. This museum is dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, which saw brave Warsaw residents fight back against the Nazis. It’s a moving museum and a must-visit for anyone interested in World War II history.
POLIN Museum of The History of Polish Jews is another museum in the capital of Poland that’s worth a visit if you want to learn more about Polish Jews and what happened to them during World War II.
Although it’s a little outside the city center, Wilanow Palace is another great place to visit in Warsaw. This historic palace was built in the Baroque style and has a beautiful interior and gardens. During the winter, the gardens of Wilanow Palace are transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland.
Last but not least, Warsaw’s cityscape is magnificent and this is why checking out some of the best views in Warsaw is yet another thing not to miss during your trip to the Polish capital.
2. Krakow
As Poland’s second city, Krakow is another destination you should not miss. Unlike many other cities in Poland, Krakow escaped heavy bombing during World War II and was left almost entirely intact.
This means that the medieval buildings and squares of the city are almost all original and have not been reconstructed as they were in Warsaw.
Krakow is a beautiful city that is full of history and art. The center of the city is Rynek Glowny, a large historic square where you’ll find the impressive St. Mary’s Basilica.
Krakow is also home to Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter, which is one of the best-preserved Jewish areas in Europe after World War II.
Top Attractions in Krakow
Wawel Castle is one of Krakow’s top attractions. This historic fortified royal castle is a symbol of the city, and it’s where the rulers of Poland governed for more than 500 years until the end of the 16th century.
According to legend, a dragon lived under the hill where the castle was built. You can actually see a statue of this dragon – that breathes real fire – behind the castle.
While in Krakow, make sure you spend some time in Kazimierz. Today, the Jewish Quarter is filled with trendy restaurants, vintage shops, art galleries, and quirky boutiques. However, before World War II, it was home to nearly 65,000 Krakow Jews.
Only 10% of Jews in Krakow survived the war, but the Jewish Quarter was left largely intact, including several synagogues and Jewish cemeteries.
During the Nazi occupation, Krakow Jews were forced into a ghetto across the river before ultimately being deported to concentration camps. You can visit Ghetto Heroes Square, as well as Oskar Schindler’s factory, where a German industrialist managed to save more than 1,200 Jews during the war.
When it comes to day trips from Krakow, there are a number of destinations you can visit easily. One of the most popular day trips is the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which is located about half an hour outside the city. Incredibly, this underground salt mine operated for over 1,000 years.
Although it’s a very somber experience, it’s also possible to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, which is just over an hour outside of Krakow.
Your JayWay trip planner can add tours of Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz-Birkenau, and other sites near Krakow to your customized Poland itinerary.
3. Wroclaw
Wroclaw is a picturesque city that is among the most beautiful places in Poland. Part of what makes Wroclaw so unique is its many bridges. There are more than 100 bridges spanning the river and canals that run through the city.
Another thing that sets Wroclaw apart? Gnomes. There are more than 600 small gnome statues hidden throughout the city. This fun tradition started in 2005, and the number of gnomes in Wroclaw has grown ever since.
A popular pastime for tourists is hunting gnomes throughout the city – maps are available to show you their locations.
Top Attractions in Wroclaw
One of the top attractions in Wroclaw is Cathedral Island. Although this part of the city is no longer an island, it once was long ago. Cathedral Island is the oldest part of the city, dating back to the 10th century. It’s a picturesque part of the city, located along the Oder River and filled with historic churches.
One of the best churches to visit is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which has an amazing view of the city from one of its bell towers. While on Cathedral Island, it’s also worth visiting the Botanical Garden of the University of Wroclaw.
Another area you can’t miss in Wroclaw is the Old Town. Wroclaw’s Market Square is one of the largest in Europe. You can easily spend several hours wandering around the Old Town, which is filled with shops and restaurants.
During December, Wroclaw’s Old Town is transformed into one of the most festive Christmas markets in Europe.
4. Zakopane
If you’re interested in outdoor activities, Zakopane is a destination you’ll definitely want to visit. Located in Southern Poland in the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is the country’s top mountain resort town, perfect for outdoor and nature enthusiasts.
Zakopane is one of the best places to visit in Poland at any time of year. During the summer months, it’s a popular place for hiking and mountain climbing, as well as other outdoor activities, like swimming and cycling.
In the winter months, Zakopane is the top skiing destination in Poland. You can also try other winter activities like snowboarding, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides.
Although it’s possible to visit Zakopane on a day trip from Krakow, which is about an hour and a half away, we recommend spending at least one or two nights there to immerse yourselves in Zakopane’s natural beauty.
Top Attractions in Zakopane
When it comes to natural beauty, there’s no shortage of it in Zakopane. Morskie Oko Lake is one of the most popular natural attractions in Zakopane. This clear blue-green lake surrounded by mountains is a popular hiking destination, and it’s reachable via a 5-mile paved trail.
Another attraction is the Kasprowy Wierch cable car. This cable car takes you to the peak of Kasprowy Wierch in Tatra National Park. As you climb more than 6,500 feet, you’ll be able to take in views of the surrounding mountains.
If you’re not into outdoor activities as much, you might prefer visiting one of Zakopane’s relaxing thermal baths instead. With several options to choose from, you can relax in the warm waters of the thermal baths and pools and enjoy spa treatments, such as massages and body wraps.
5. Gdansk
Located in Northern Poland on the Baltic Coast, Gdansk is a key seaport with a rich maritime history and beautiful architecture. This city was once a part of the prosperous Hanseatic League, and its merchant wealth is apparent in its stunning historic architecture.
Gdansk has played a significant role in recent history, too. It’s where World War II started, as it was the first city Nazi Germany invaded in 1939, leading to a six-year conflict unlike any other. Later, in the 1980s, it was the heart of the Polish Solidarity movement, designed to advance the cause of workers’ rights.
Top Attractions in Gdansk
Gdansk is an attractive city and you should definitely spend some time exploring the Old Town, with highlights including St. Mary’s Church and the Long Market Square, or Dlugi Targ.
Much like Warsaw, the Old Town of Gdansk was almost destroyed during World War II, so what you’re seeing is actually a painstaking historical reconstruction.
If you’re interested in World War II history, the expansive Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk is also worth visiting. The museum contains many exhibits about the war and its impacts.
One of the best day trips from Gdansk is Malbork Castle. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, this historic Teutonic Order castle dates back to the 13th century.
It holds the distinction of being the largest castle in the world, and it’s easy to imagine how this imposing fortified castle kept the Teutonic Knights’ enemies at bay for centuries.
If you’re traveling to Gdansk with JayWay, you can choose whether you’d like to visit Malbork Castle on a group visit or a private tour.
6. Poznan
Poznan is a university city in Western Poland known for its historical significance and vibrant student culture.
Poznan’s rich history stretches all the way back to the 9th century, and the city was home to the first Polish kings. There are several universities in Poznan, and the large student population lends a lively atmosphere to the city.
Interestingly, another thing that the city of Poznan is best known for is its croissants. The St. Martin’s croissant originated in Poznan and you can’t visit the city without trying one. These delicious pastries consist of icing and nuts on the outside and a white poppy seed filling on the inside.
Top Attractions in Poznan
In Poznan, you can’t miss wandering around the colorful Old Town, especially the Old Market Square, the historic heart of the city.
Every day at noon, two fighting mechanical goats emerge from the clock outside the Town Hall in Old Market Square. This amusing spectacle always draws tourists. If you’re wondering about the significance of the two goats, they are the symbol of the city.
Poznan is also home to many beautiful churches, including the striking Poznan Cathedral and the pink Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
A unique attraction a little outside the historic center is the Poznan Palm House. One of the largest greenhouses in Europe, this indoor botanical garden features ten pavilions with more than 1,100 plant species.
Of course, you have to try a croissant while you’re in Poznan, and you can even visit the Poznan Croissant Museum to learn more about the history of the famous St. Martin’s croissant.
7. Lublin
Another of the best places to visit in Poland is Lublin. This city has a charming Old Town and a history of multiculturalism. Located in the eastern part of the country, Lublin has historically been the most important city in Eastern Poland and a gateway to Eastern Europe.
Throughout history, Lublin has been a melting pot attracting various nationalities and cultures, including Jews, Russians, Armenians, Turks, and more.
Top Attractions in Lublin
A great place to start is Lublin’s Old Town, which features colorful historic buildings and cobblestone streets. Around 70% of the buildings in Lublin’s Old Town are original, which is not the case with many cities in Poland that were destroyed during World War II.
One of the top attractions in the city is Lublin Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. This historically significant castle houses a fascinating museum today.
Another museum worth a visit is the Lublin Village Open Air Museum, which is just outside the city center and offers a glimpse into what life would have been like in nearby villages throughout the centuries.
The ultra-modern Centre for The Meeting of Cultures in Lublin is also an interesting spot to visit. There’s always something happening at this cultural center, which features exhibition spaces, a theatre, a brewery, and a café.
8. Torun
Torun is a medieval city along the Vistula River that is famous for its Gothic architecture, earning it a spot on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Founded by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, Torun has historically been an important city for trade and commerce.
The city is also known for being the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, the Polish astronomer who first stated that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun – and not the other way around – during the early 16th century.
Another thing that Torun is known for? Gingerbread. Torun has been producing delicious gingerbread cookies, known as pierniczki, for centuries.
You can’t visit Torun without trying one, especially if you’re visiting around Christmas. However, you’ll find shops in Torun selling gingerbread year-round, not just during the holiday season.
Top Attractions in Torun
Like almost all cities in Poland, Torun has a beautiful Old Town. However, unlike many cities, Torun was spared from bombing and destruction during World War II, meaning all of the buildings are intact and original. It’s worth wandering through the Old Town to admire the impressive Gothic architecture.
One of the top attractions in the Old Town is the Copernicus House, which is believed to be the birthplace of the famous astronomer and houses a museum dedicated to his life and discoveries.
If you’re interested in a tastier sort of museum, you might want to visit the Muzeum Piernika or Gingerbread Museum. This fun museum is all about the history of gingerbread in Torun and includes hands-on baking activities.
9. Bialowieza
Located in the far eastern reaches of Poland on the border with Belarus, Bialowieza is a natural paradise. It’s the perfect destination if you want to escape the major cities and return to nature. Bialowieza is home to the last primeval forest in Europe and the iconic European bison.
Because of its unique untouched ecosystem, Bialowieza has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve. It’s the ideal place to go in Poland if you want to immerse yourselves in the tranquility of nature and explore a primeval forest.
Top Attractions in Bialowieza
Bialowieza National Park is the main highlight of this region. You can explore the national park on walks through the forest, where you’ll have a chance to spot European bison and other wildlife including elk, wild boar, foxes, and rare birds.
Since most of the national park is highly protected, you won’t be able to explore freely on your own. However, you can join a small group tour with an official guide at the national park, which we at JayWay Travel can arrange for you.
If you want to guarantee seeing bison and other wildlife up close, be sure to visit the European Bison Show Reserve inside the national park.
10. Kazimierz Dolny
Kazimierz Dolny is among the best places to visit in Poland if you’re seeking small-town charm. Located along the Vistula River, less than an hour from the city of Lublin, Kazimierz Dolny is known for its picturesque beauty and artistic community.
Although it’s a popular weekend getaway for Poles, Kazimierz Dolny remains lesser known among foreign tourists, making it a wonderful hidden gem. Kazimierz Dolny was historically a wealthy merchant town, which is reflected in its beautiful Renaissance architecture.
We recommend visiting Kazimierz Dolny on a day trip from Warsaw. However, if you have additional time, you should ideally extend to an overnight trip to enjoy this gorgeous destination to the fullest.
Top Attractions in Kazimierz Dolny
Today, Kazimierz Dolny is known as a haven for artists, and you’ll find many art galleries, craft shops, and open-air exhibitions in town. It’s the perfect place to stroll around and admire work from local artists, or pick up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Being such a small town, Kazimierz Dolny doesn’t have many things to do or notable tourist attractions. It’s more about slowing down and enjoying the ambiance of this charming small town. In addition to art, there are plenty of shopping and dining options around town.
You can also go for scenic walks and hikes in the countryside surrounding Kazimierz Dolny. Not too far from town is Korzeniowy Dol Gorge, a popular hiking destination where you can walk through a unique gorge lined with twisting tree trunks and shaded by overhead trees.
Explore The Most Fantastic Places To Visit in Poland With JayWay
Whether you’ve been to Poland before or not, our expert trip planners are sure to craft the perfect itinerary, tailored to your needs and desires.
For first-timers, a grand tour of Poland stops at the country’s most sought-after destinations. History buffs will welcome this WW II-themed Poland itinerary, while nature lovers might want to choose a trip through Poland’s natural wonders.
No matter your preferences, rest assured that your Poland vacation will be sprinkled with some of the best activities and top places to visit in Poland.
Born and raised in Athens, Maria’s passionate about travel and storytelling, a combination that makes her ideal for her role as our content manager.