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14 Best Places to Visit in Poland

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Oct 14, 2022

Poland has a history that dates back almost a thousand years, with stunning medieval architecture, remnants of WWII and its devastation, and castles and palaces in every corner of the country.

But this ancient country is also home to expansive national parks, mountains, and lakes, with seemingly endless trails cutting through virgin nature waiting to be explored.

No matter why you're heading to Poland, discover the most stunning destinations with our list of the best places to visit in Poland.

3. Tatra Mountains

5. bialowieza forest reserve, 6. bieszczady mountains, 9. zalipie village, 11. isle of usedom, 12. bialystok, 13. karpacz, map of places to visit in poland.

Wawel Castle, Krakow

One of the oldest cities in Poland, Krakow was already inhabited back in the 7 th century. Because the city escaped most of the WWII destruction that fell on other Polish cities, Krakow's Old Town center still retains its stunning medieval architecture. The Wavel Castle and the historic district of Kazimierz – also known as the Old Jewish Quarter – in the area are both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Krakow is home to around 40 urban parks, including 19 th -century Planty Park , which covers an area of 21 hectares and forms a green ring around the city center, and the Lasek Wolski forest , which offers hiking and biking trails in a large woodland area just minutes from the city center.

On rainy days, Krakow's 28 museums are a must-see , especially the National Art Collection at the Wawel , where visitors can also see period furniture, a massive collection of Flemish tapestries, the royal jewels, and a collection of weapons and armor dating back to the 15 th century.

For an unusual, in-depth look into ancient Krakow and its streets, there's the Rynek Underground Museum .

A number of major attractions and things to do are located outside the city and are popular as day trips. Notable points of interest include the world's oldest functioning salt mine Wieliczka , the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps , and the Tatra Mountains and national park.

Old Town Warsaw at dusk

Poland's capital was left in ruins after WWII – almost 85 percent of its buildings had been turned to ash or systematically razed by Nazi forces. As soon as the war ended, the city embarked on a massive effort to reconstruct its historic center using original plans. As a result, the Baroque and Renaissance merchant houses you see today are perfect replicas of the originals.

Although WWII also caused the loss of collections held by museums and palaces, the city is still home to over 60 museums today. In addition to art and history museums, Warsaw also offers some unusual choices, including the world's only Museum of Posters , a museum dedicated to the WWII Warsaw Uprising, a Neon Museum, and a Museum of Caricature.

The National Museum , which chronicles the history of the city, also houses the largest collection of paintings in Poland – including a number of works of art that came from Adolf Hitler's private collection.

Warsaw might not have as many parks as Krakow, but Lazienki Palace and its formal gardens more than make up for it. This 18th-century palace is surrounded by 76 hectares of urban forest and is home to a planetarium, an outdoor theater, pavilions, and much more.

For a very different outdoor adventure, walk down Krakowskie Przedmiescie, Warsaw's best architectural street . Old homes, monuments, the Presidential Palace, and the Polish Academy of Sciences are all steps from each other here.

Path through the Gasienicowa Valley in Tatra Mountains

The Tatra Mountains and National Park form a natural border between Slovakia and Poland, though most of the mountain range falls into Slovakia. Because there are no borders between EU countries anymore, it's now possible to hike between countries easily. The Polish side of the park has over 270 kilometers of hiking trails.

Poland's highest mountain, Rysy, is located in the Polish Tatras . At 2,500 meters, it's the highest Tatras peak in either country that can be climbed without a park guide. In addition, the park is home to over 600 caves, with the limestone cave system, Wielka Sniezna, being the longest (23 kilometers) and deepest (824 meters).

The Tatras have waterfalls, streams, and mountain lakes. Morskie Oko lake is the largest lake in the park. Located deep within the park, it can only be reached after a two-hour hike through hills and a thick forest of Swiss pines.

Aerial view of the Main Market Square in Wroclaw

The city of Wroclaw hasn't always been Polish – over the centuries, it has belonged to everything from the Kingdom of Bohemia to Prussia to Germany. Wroclaw has only officially been part of Poland since 1945, after the end of WWII changed some of the border lines in Europe.

The Lubomirski Museum is a good place to visit to learn more about the history of the city – the museum covers the invasion of the city by Nazi forces and later the Soviet Union, as well as a number of WWII events. The Wroclaw City Museum completes that history with an overview of Wroclaw over the past 1.000 years.

Wroclaw's oldest area is the 13 th -century Main Market Square , which includes St. Elizabeth's Church and the Old Town Hall. Just a few steps away is the Pan Tadeusz Museum , with multimedia exhibits dedicated to Polish customs.

In summer, visitors can hop on open-top historic buses to travel around the city. Those exploring on foot can search for Wroclaw's dwarfs – over 350 tiny bronze figurines of elves can be found throughout the city, hiding around corners, on sidewalks, and on lampposts.

Bison in the Bialowieza Forest Reserve

Europe's largest remaining section of the primeval forest that once covered much of the continent, the Bialowieza Forest Reserve has definitely earned its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The forest sits on the border between Poland and Belarus – a border crossing for hikers is actually located within the forest itself – and covers an area of over 1,400 square kilometers.

Bialowieza is a bird-watcher's paradise , and aficionados can join bird-watching tours headed by local ornithologists, but the forest is also home to bison and other large species.

The small village of Bialowieza is within the forest, and so is the open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture – windmills, wooden huts, a tiny wood chapel, a barn, and even a banya (sauna).

Fall in the Bieszczady Mountains

The Bieszczady Mountains are a massive range that extends all the way to Ukraine and Slovakia. They are unique because of their polonyna (a type of mountain meadow) that only occurs in the Carpathian region. Because the valleys and meadows softly slope up and down – rather than being too steep – they are a perfect destination for hiking .

Polonyna Wetlinska, topping at 1,255 meters, is one of the most famous meadow trails – a picturesque, soft climb that shouldn't take more than two hours. At the top, a small guest house – the only one in the entire mountain range – offers snacks and drinks plus a warm bed for those who want to extend their adventure.

A large section of the Bieszczady Mountains is part of the UNESCO East Carpathian Biosphere Reserve , home to brown bears, wolves, and bison and mostly covered by beech forest.

Ojcow National Park

The tiny village of Ojcow, just 16 kilometers outside Krakow, is the gateway to Ojcow National Park . Poland's smallest national park at just 21.46 square kilometers, Ojcow is heavily forested and home to towering limestone cliffs, over 400 caves, and two river valleys. More than 500 species of butterflies inhabit the park – in spring and summer, they take over the trails and the flowering valleys and are a sight to behold.

The Trail of the Eagles' Nests , Poland's most famous tourist and hiking trail, connects 25 castles and watchtowers, including the Renaissance castle at Pieskowa Skala and the ruins of a Gothic castle, both of which fall within the park boundaries. There are also two museums in the park, including a branch of the National Art Collection .

Official site: https://www.ojcow.pl/en/

Old Town Gdansk reflected in the Motlawa River

Sitting right on a bay on the Baltic Sea, the ancient city of Gdansk is home to Poland's main seaport. Most of the old part of the city – known as the Royal Route – dates back to the 17 th century and is beautifully preserved. Some of the main structures here include the City Gates, the Prison Tower, and a number of merchant houses.

Gdansk is also home to the world's largest brick church , St. Mary's , as well as the star-shaped Wisloujscie Fortress and the Gdansk Nowy Port Lighthouse.

Although Gdansk wasn't directly affected by the war, its Museum of the Second World War is one of the best historical museums in the country. It features a number of vehicles – including a Polish Sherman tank and a German DKW motorcycle – as well as artifacts, documents, and photos connected to the war and the Holocaust.

Painted building in Zalipie Village

The tiny village of Zalipie is best known for the folksy flower paintings that adorn almost every building in the area. This tradition started over one hundred years ago, when local women used a mix of powdered dye and milk to cover dirty surfaces with colorful designs.

Today, almost every cottage, barn, fence, and even Saint Joseph's church is painted this way – and so are many indoor spaces, including walls and furniture.

Of the many decorated buildings, The House of the Women Painters is perhaps the most stunning. The building is the former home of Felicja Curylowa, an early 20 th -century painter born in Zalipie – her entire home, inside and out, is covered with flower paintings and has been converted into a folk museum. The museum showcases the history of the tradition and how the flowers are painted – and visitors even have a chance to try their hand at it.

Aerial view of Torun

One of the oldest cities in Poland, Torun's history dates back to the 8 th century. Because Torun wasn't bombed or destroyed during WWII, the city's medieval Central Marketplace and its many Gothic houses and wood-beam 16 th -century buildings are still standing.

One of these houses is the birthplace of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus , which has been converted into a museum about the scientist's life and work. The other must-see museum in town is Muzeum Piernika , dedicated to a type of gingerbread unique to Poland, where visitors can try hands-on baking.

The entire Old Quarter area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site – it's a great area to explore on foot, getting lost in little streets to discover the architecture and soul of the area.

Torun's 13 th -century Teutonic castle is located here – it is partly in ruins, except for the sewage tower and cellars, as well as a nearby watermill.

Pier on the Isle of Usedom at sunset

Since 1945, this island on the Baltic Sea has been legally divided between Poland and Germany. Nicknamed "the sun island" because of how many hours of sunshine it receives every year, Usedom is a popular holiday destination for both countries.

Soft white beaches, seaside resorts, and plenty of summer sports and activities are the main attractions, but the island is also home to a private botanical garden (open only during the warm months), the remnants of the Karnin Lift railway bridge (now designated as a Historic Symbol of Engineering in Germany), and the Dannenfeldt Mausoleum and cemetery.

Lakes, nature reserves, and manicured gardens are also dotted around the island.

Branicki Palace

With hundreds of stunning old buildings, Białystok will please lovers of both history and architecture. Branicki Palace , built by a wealthy Polish—Lithuanian politician who once dreamed of becoming the king of Poland, is one of the most stunning sights in town – but smaller Hasbach's Palace is also worth a visit.

Make sure to walk around Kościuszko Market Square , surrounded by beautifully ornate townhouses, plenty of cozy cafés, and the Podlachian Museum, mostly dedicated to Polish paintings and art.

On a sunny day, take a walk down Lipowa street , too, which was almost completely destroyed during WWII and has been restored to become a great place to spot boutique shops and restored historical buildings.

A branch of the Podlachian Museum, the Historical Museum is an interesting stop to see what a wealthy 19th-century bourgeois home would've looked like — complete with original furniture and objects of the time.

The outdoor Podlachian Museum of Folk Culture offers over 40 traditional wooden buildings to explore (including windmills and a lumberjack's hut) and artifacts like rural transport carriages, forestry tools, and children's toys.

Winter view of Mount Sniezka

This mountain spa town gets its share of visitors in winter, who come here to enjoy skiing on popular Mount Śnieżka. Often referred to as the "winter capital of Poland," Karpacz also offers great ski jumping, snowboarding, and winter hiking.

In warmer months, nearby Karkonosze National Park offers lots of trails.

The main building in town is the 13th-century Lutheran Wang Chapel , made entirely of wood without using any nails. There are also a number of museums, including the Museum of Sports and Tourism about the area's history, a Museum of Toys , and the unique World of Trains, featuring a large collection of railway models.

Sand dunes, Leba, Baltic Sea, Poland

The tiny village of Leba is one of Poland's best destinations for beach life. Though busy and filled with visitors in summer, Leba retains its lazy vibe, with the rolling sand dunes and the soft waves at the center of the attractions here.

For those wanting more things to do than just sit back and enjoy the sun, there's horseback riding and over 140 kilometers of hiking trails in the area.

With 32 kilometers of coastline, Slowinski National Park is home to "moving dunes," which are carried by the winds and move up to 10 meters a year. It's a stunning vision and a favorite stop for visitors. There's also pine forests and peat bogs to explore here, plus great opportunities for bird-watching.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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Discovering Poland: This Eastern European country often makes it into the lists of top-rated cheap places to visit in Europe – it offers all the history, culture, and natural beauty you might want without breaking the bank.

For an introduction to some of the most stunning destinations in the country, take a look at our list of the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Poland .

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Exploring Around: Poland shares its Western borders with Germany and the Czech Republic – both of which are close enough for a great weekend trip (or sometimes even a long day trip).

For a stunning mix of natural beauty, history, and culture, take a look at our list of the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Germany . For castles and more hiking than you could ever want, hop over to our article on the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Czech Republic .

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  • 15 Best Places To Visit In Poland For A Thrilling European Vacay In 2024

23 Mar 2023

Poland is known for its success story in the post communist era with its emergence as a proud, independent country. It is a famous European destination for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture and historical places to visit in Poland . You can enjoy the sea, the mountains and various other outdoor landscapes in Poland. The delicious cuisine and Jewish heritage are a few of other popular Poland tourist attractions.

Top 15 Places To Visit In Poland

While you’re out and about in the fun packed paradise of Poland, this list of places will surely woo your senses. Check out this list to know what all awaits you here!

  • Wonderful Main Market Square
  • The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial And Museum
  • Krakow Old Town
  • Royal Castle
  • The Museum Of The History Of Polish Jews
  • Palace Of Culture And Science
  • The Vistula River Beach
  • Ostrów Tumski
  • The Royal Palace
  • Białowieża Forest
  • Wieliczka Salt Mine

1. Wonderful Main Market Square

Wonderful Main Market Square poland

Image Source

This is the first amongst Poland destinations you should start your visit in Krakow with. Main Market Square is the largest medieval market in Europe and a famous hub of social life for youth and young tourists traveling from around the world. a busy urban space today, it dates back to the 13th century. Location: 0-062 Kraków, Poland

Suggested Read: 14 Essential Europe Travel Tips For The First-Timers Taking A Euro-cation

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2. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial And Museum

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum poland

Image Source It is built in the honour of approximately 1.5 million people exterminated here during the Second World War. Today, this museum serves as an important historical area left exactly as it was when the Nazis abandoned it, complete with gas chamber ruins that makes it one of the foremost places to visit in Poland.

Location: Więźniów Oświęcimia 20, 32-603 Oświęcim, Poland Timings: : 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

3. Krakow Old Town

Krakow Old Town

The Main Square of Krakow is the largest in Central Europe and serves as the center of the city’s political and social life since the Middle ages. It is the best place for Poland tourism for its amazing Renaissance feels reflected in the Sufkiennence, St Mary Basilica and artsy cafes and bars. Infact Krakow has one of the world’s most beautiful street owing to its wonderful architecture. Location: Old Town, Krakow, Poland

Suggested Read: 20 Things To Do In Prague: Key To An Apt European Vacay

4. Royal Castle

Royal Castle poland krakow

Image Source Located in the Old Town on the beautiful Castle Square, it housed Polish royalty between the 16th and the 18th century. It was rebuilt in the 1980’s after being destroyed in the Second World War. Don’t miss out on the the series of portraits of Polish kings and 23 18th-century paintings of Warsaw.

5. The Museum Of The History Of Polish Jews

The Museum of the History of Polish Jews

Compared to other places to visit in Poland, it has opened in recent times and is an interactive museum which serves as a centre of culture. Various events, workshops, debates and lectures are held here. This is one of the places in Poland that is notable for the depiction of the thousand-year old history of Polish Jews.

Location: Anielewicza 6, 00-157 Warszawa, Poland Timings: : 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Suggested Read: The Disney Magic Cruise Will Let You See Italy and Southern Europe In An Exciting Way

6. Palace Of Culture And Science

Palace of Culture and Science poland

Image Source If you are wondering what to see in Poland, this should be one of the first few items on your checklist. It was gifted by Stalin and is a long high-rise building that is inspired The Empire State Building. It is today a centre for various events such as concerts, theatrical performances, sports clubs, and cultural activities. This is surely one of the most famous places to visit in Poland for your next trip!

Location: Plac Defilad 1, Warsaw 00-110, Poland Timings: : 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM

7. The Vistula River Beach

Plaża nad Wisłą. // Beach on the Vistula river.

The Vistula acts as a district of entertainment and recreational activities in the middle of Warsaw. The beach, stretch of natural grasslands and various indigenous species of birds make this area a spectacular point to chill in the city with its vibrant colours and magical atmosphere. This place surely tops the list of most beautiful places to visit in Poland !

Location: Wybrzeże Helskie, Warsaw, Poland

Suggested Read: Planning A European Holiday? Here’s How You Can Get Paid To Travel Across Europe!

8. Ostrów Tumski

Ostrów Tumski poland

Image Source This stunning island is one of the oldest areas in Wroclaw. Bound by the River Oder, there are many prominent monuments on this island such as the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist (restored after World War II), the Holy Cross and Saint Bartholomew’s Collegiate. The place has some fantastic architecture. Be charmed by the aesthetic and historic buildings here.

Location: Ostrow Tumski, Wroclaw, Poland Timings: : 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Suggested Read: Wildlife In Poland: 9 Popular Animals In The Country You Must Witness

Rynek poland

This market square is located in the heart of Wroclaw and features the Cloth Hall and the Town Hall, with elements of Gothic and renaissance architecture. Visiting the Rynek is an important part of your itinerary on Poland travel and amongst the best places to visit in Poland.

Location: Stare Miasto, Wrocław; Lower Silesian Voivodeship

Suggested Read: Head To The Switzerland Mountains For A Dreamy Alpine Vacation In Europe

10. The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace poland

Image Source The Royal palace is home to the historical Museum of Wroclaw which shows the historical traditions of the city through interactive exhibitions such as Wroclaw’s millennium. The Baroque style garden and royal apartments in this palace makes it one of places to visit in Poland.

Location: Kazimierza Wielkiego 35, 50-077 Wrocław Timings: : 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Entry fee: : Rs. 292

Suggested Read: 10 Best Festivals In Poland That Showcase Its History And Traditions

11. Białowieża Forest

famous heritage site in Poland

Covering a region of more than 3,000 kilometres, Białowieża Forest is amongst the most raw and untouched form of scenic beauty that you can visit in Poland and is also listed amongst the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Having a wide variety of trees such as oaks as old as 500 years are the speciality of this region. If you’re lucky you can spot one of the many wild creatures present here including golden eagles, European bison and deer.

Location: Grodno and Brest regions, Belarus; Podlaskie Voivodeship

12. Wieliczka Salt Mine

inside view of the salt mine

Another one of the UNESCO sites, Wieliczka Salt Mine has been open since the time of middle ages and takes about 2 hours to tour the entire place. This mine goes as deep as 140 feet under the ground level and has plenty of stairs which will help burn some calories. The experience of traveling through this stunning site also feels like moving towards the centre of the Earth as per some travelers.

Location: Jana Mikołaja Daniłowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka

13. Bydgoszcz

famous city in Poland

Known to have some of the finest universities and colleges abode, Bydgoszcz in Poland is a must visit cosmopolitan city. It’s one of those places where you can pamper the artist in you by exploring the various theatres and music centres in the city. Don’t miss out on Nicolaus Copernicus Square and Bydgoszcz Pantheon while you’re here.

Location: Bydgoszcz, Poland

road view of city in Poland

Famous as the place where the Solidarity movement in Poland started, Gdansk is a must visit spot for its shipyards. A boat trip around the port will let you witness some of the finest views and you can surely head straight to try some Polish beer while you’re here. What’s more is that the Royal Route and the Old Town have some surprising hidden secrets for travelers to explore!

Location: Gdansk, Poland

15. Malbork

Malbork Castle in Poland

Europe’s most splendid castles with all their glory and charm can be found in the quaint town of Malbork. With a serene view from each of the historical and architectural sites to visit in this place, this place has something in store for every kind of traveler. Don’t forget to stop by at some of the local shops to indulge in the authentic flavours of this place.

Location: Malbork, Poland

Further Read: These Pictures Of Freezing Amsterdam Canals Will Make You Fall For European Winters!

Know any more places to visit in Poland? Put them in the comments below. Plan your trip to Europe for the most amazing and unparalleled experiences in Poland with your loved ones like never before. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get going for that much awaited trip you’ve been longing for and tag your favourite travel buddies along!

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Poland

What are three tourist attractions in Poland?

Poland is home to some of the most fascinating attractions and landmarks in the world, and three tourist attractions that we recommend you must visit are: 1. Wieliczka Salt Mine, Wieliczka 2. Warsaw Old Market Place 3. Auschwitz-Birkenau Camps, Oswiecim

How expensive is Poland?

If you are planning to visit this central European country, you can expect to spend around zł2,944 ($726) for two people. While Poland is not one of the most expensive countries to visit, it is above average when it comes to the cost of accommodation, food and sightseeing.

What is the most visited site in Poland?

While there are more than one popular sites in Poland, two of the most recommended is the Salt Mine in Wieliczka and the historic site of Auschwitz which you must visit.

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15 Of The Best Places To Visit In Poland

By: Author Hannah Lukaszewicz

Posted on Last updated: 9 January, 2024

15 Of The Best Places To Visit In Poland

Poland is often associated closely with the Second World War. In most cases, their impressions are vaguely formed after watching films such as Schindler’s List or The Pianist and not from actual history. For many years, travelers didn’t want to visit Poland because of the way it had always been portrayed, but that perception is now rapidly changing.

Forget about the country’s bleak and gruesome past, savvy travelers have come to realize that Poland offers not just a rich history, but also stunning scenery and cool cities coupled with awesome activities.

Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw maybe some of the best places to visit in Poland, but they are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the best places to visit in Poland. Take a look and you will discover why this Baltic nation is now one of the top travel destinations and it is visited by millions of tourists from all over the world.

*When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Europe check prices on Booking.com , we’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.*

Street view of Old Town Warsaw one of the best places in Poland

When visiting Poland, it is certainly best to start with its biggest and the capital city of Warsaw. This 400-year-old city and its people have seen it all! During WWII, Warsaw has suffered greatly and it was almost completely destroyed. Now, less than a century later, it has become arguably one of Europe’s best cities to visit!

Warsaw’s residents lovingly preserved anything that survived the brutal Nazi invasion. They rebuilt their city, making it a perfect blend of historic opulence and contemporary designs.

Whether you are into medieval churches and palaces or you are after cozy cafés and
lively clubs, Warsaw has it all. In one majestic street, popularly known as the Royal Route, you will find a majestic Royal Castle that once was home to almost all of the Polish kings and queens. This is the area where you will also find the famous Presidential Palace and some of the best hotels that the country has to offer.

Warsaw is a medieval and neoclassical city and it is proud to showcase both its memorable and dark history to whoever is keen to take a look. If you are a military buff than you must put Warsaw Rising Museum on your list of things to see in Warsaw.

Alternatively, you can check out Lazienki Park, which is arguably the best park in Europe. Here you can find majestic regal peacocks strolling around the pristine lake and you can spot some of the semi-tame red squirrels as well. Click here to see a list of 15 of the best things to do in Warsaw

Krakow is Poland’s second-biggest city, and it is undoubtedly the country’s most popular tourist destination. Krakow is renowned for being a cultural center of Southern Poland, and it is also acknowledged as an architectural jewel of Central Europe. Some even call it a fairy-tale straight out of a Disney movie. Are you enticed yet?

The Old Town of Krakow is home to the famous Wawel Castle. This is the place that you simply cannot miss out on visiting! As you stroll around the Old Town, you will see plenty of legendary monuments positioned and dozens of stunning Polish restaurants serving all the yummy polish delicacies.

Krakow is also home to Europe’s largest market square. Make sure to bring your camera and clear your schedule because you will be here for a while. If you are interested in some pointers, make sure to check out the list of things to do in Krakow .

In short, Krakow is a fortress for both Renaissance and secessionist cultures. Its cobbled stone streets are popular with horses, candlelit bars, and pavement cafés, giving Krakow a look that any city in the world would only envy. You can find a choice of brilliant cafes to visit in Krakow. Check out our pick for the best restaurant in Krakow .

Add that to the fact that Krakow is the city of legends such as King Casimir the Great, Copernicus, and Pope John Paul II, and you’ll know that it is worth giving Krakow a closer look and perhaps a personal tour.

*Editor Note: We think this is the most beautiful city in Poland, it is considered one of Poland’s tourist cities, but the amount of tourists here is nothing compared to other European cities.

Historic buildings in Wroclaw Poland

The capital of the Lower Silsea, Wroclaw, is a very popular entertainment and cultural destination. The strong presence of Bohemian, Prussian, and Austrian culture makes it a unique and very diverse architectural city. Wroclaw is basically a cathedral island where you will find over 12 islands, and numerous riverside parks, which are connected by over 100 bridges. Sounds special, because it is!

Wroclaw is the nation’s 4th biggest city and is characterized by Gothic architecture, large festivals, and lively nightlife. Some of the city’s historic neighborhoods that you can visit include; Ostrow, Rynek, and Tumski neighborhoods. Amongst many other famous monuments, it is recommended to check out the Hydropolis, which is an ultra-modern knowledge center dedicated to water.

Don’t forget your insurance! You never know when you’ll need it. We suggest getting  travel insurance with Safety Wing. Which coverage includes medical, trip interruption, lost luggage, and more. Often rates are as low as $12 a week. 

4. Bialowieża Forest

Bialowieża Forest is a highly preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautiful forest covers an area of more than 3,000 square kilometers. It stretches as far as the eastern border of Poland and western Belarus, as well as to the borders of Lithuania and Ukraine. Bialowieza is one of the most untouched Polish forests, and it is also one of the few remaining virgin woodlands in Europe.

Bialowieza is home to a large variety of exotic trees, including 500-year-old oaks. This forest is known to house more than 800 European bison, wolves, deer, lynx, and even golden eagles.

As this is a protected area, you can only visit the forest in the company of a guide, who will obviously encourage you to enjoy the endless hiking trails that will likely take you deep into the dense and untouched forest.

5. Wieliczka Salt Mine

When touring Poland, you should definitely not miss out on a chance to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The mine has been open since the Middle Ages, and it is yet another of the Polish UNESCO Heritage Sites.

Wieliczka will keep you busy for over two hours and burn a few calories on the hundreds of stairs. Your adventure will take you on a tour to a 140 feet underground oasis. You will go through a number of complex passages and crystal chambers.

Some say that the journey will make you feel as if you are heading for the center of the Earth. While inside, you will come across majestic churches, unique salt monuments, as well as some breathtaking underground lakes.

*Editor Note: We visited Poland with our family, and we both still talk about the Cathedral in the salt mine it definitely is one of the best places to visit in Poland and should be on everyone’s Poland itinerary.

River bank in Bydgoszcz Poland

6. Bydgoszcz

Located in Northern Poland, Bydgoszcz is widely known for its numerous universities and bustling colleges. This buzzing and vibrant city is also the country’s biggest inland navigation center. Bydgoszcz is a cosmopolitan city with a strong international and business presence. It is also renowned as a major cultural center.

Whilst visiting Bydgoszcz, you must not miss out on seeing some of the famous artistic, theatrical, and musical centers. Your list of must-see places in this city should include; Bydgoszcz Pantheon, Nicolaus Copernicus Square as well as the Old Mill by the Brda River.

Busy street in Gdansk Poland

Gdansk is one of the most popular of northern-Polish cities. This beautiful port city of Gdansk on the Baltic coast is well-known as the birthplace of Poland’s Solidarity movement and for its famous shipyards.

While in the city, you should take a boat trip around the port to get a glimpse of the skyline from the water and sample some of the tastiest and unique Polish beer. You can also take a walking tour of the city’s Royal Route, the Old Town and check out various other popular places such as Neptune Fountain and Long Market.

Malbork Castle on the water, one of the best castles in Poland

Located between the fields of Polish Mazury and Elbląg Lakes, the city of Malbork is home to arguably Europe’s most enthralling medieval castle ruins. If you are after history and architecture, then this is the best place for you. The sprawling castle complexes and the red brick fortresses will take you back to the medieval times and give you a glimpse into the past.

Related Article: The Best  of Germany’s Fairytale Castles

Torun is the birthplace of the legendary 15th-century astronomer and mathematician, Nicolaus Copernicus. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and thanks to its rich medieval culture and history, it is called by many locals as the “Krakow of the North”. Some of the most attractive places in the city include Teutonic Knight’s Castle, Old Town, numerous Gothic cathedrals as well as the New Town.

10. The Masurian Lake District

Popular with local tourists, the Masurian Lake District is very popular during warmer months thanks to its soothing Baltic sun. It is home to over 2,000 individual lakes, as well as dozens of beautiful rivers.

The best part of this district is that it is full of charming towns such as Elk, Giżycko and Mikolajki Masurian Lake District is one of Poland’s most popular summer holiday destinations, where you can hire sailing boats or simply relax in many of the local resorts.

Lodz is known as the cultural mecca for Poles, Germans, Jews, and Russians. The city is known for producing famous industrialists, scientists, and artists who have left permanent marks on the lifestyle of the city. Take a walk along the Piotrkowska Street and immerse yourself in some of Europe’s best architecture and marvel upon many of extraordinary monuments.

While in Lodz, you can also visit the famous Ghetto Litzmannstadt, where you will be hit by the city’s saddening Holocaust history. Other places to check out include Oscar Kon Palace, Edward Herbst Mansion as well as the Radegast Station.

hiking path in Ojcow National Park in Poland

12. Ojcow National Park

Located not far from Krakow, Ojcow National Park dramatically sits between Pradnik and Saspowska River valleys. It is one of the smallest national parks in the country and is characterized by deep canyons, numerous limestone cliffs, thick woodlands, rock formations, and dark caves.

While in the park, you can also visit Krakow Gate, Deotyma’s Needle, Hercules’ Club and the park’s top interesting castles – Renaissance Castle in Pieskowa Skala and Kazimierz Castle (home to King Casimir the Great) in Ojcow Village. Make sure to take a ride in one of the horse cabs and also visit any of the park’s 400 official caves.

13. Swinoujscie

Located on the Baltic Sea, Swinoujscie is a port city that is revered by many locals as a health retreat and a holiday resort destination. It has 44 unique islands where visitors can enjoy some quality time on the gently sloping beaches. It is also home to the 170-year-old Spa Park where tourists can walk around perusing through its endless vegetation.

For those of us interested in the maritime, a visit to the Museum of Sea Fishing should be a top priority. The Karsibor Island can be a hit with bird watchers while Wolin Island’s extraordinary lighthouse, which is the tallest structure on the Baltic Sea, will offer a panoramic place for those in need of a memorable photoshoot.

Gorgeous view of Tatra National Park

14. Tatra National Park

Located on the southern part of Poland, Tatra National Park is home to Poland’s only mountains; the Tatra Mountains. While visiting Tatry, there are two major sites to see! These are the famous country’s natural wonders: Morskie Oko Lake and Rysy Peak.

Tatra National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is plenty to do in the park. You can hike through the dense forests, or venture out through the snow-packed fields or explore the region’s many caves. You can also go mountain biking, rock climbing or even paragliding.

gorgeous sunset in Isle of Usedom Poland

15. Isle of Usedom

Located on the north-eastern region of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, the Isle of Usedom is a popular holiday destination on the Baltic Sea. Usedom has plenty of hotels and guest houses for those who want to experience the unspoiled nature of the pristine Baltic Sea.

Apart from its many beautiful beaches, the Isle of Usedom attracts a number of international fashion events, theatre performances, outdoor concerts, and museum exhibitions on a yearly basis. Some of the region’s top attractions include; Heringdorf aerodome, Zinnowitz pier’s driving bell, Europe’s biggest butterfly farm as well as the Trasseheide.

Poland is fast becoming one of Europe’s favorite holiday destinations. Whether you are after medieval or modern history, architectural marvels or diverse culture, you will find it here. Whether you are after relaxation on white sandy beaches, sailing for days on pristine lakes or hiking through the majestic mountains, Poland also has you covered. The only question remains, which of the above destinations will make it to your list of things to do in Poland?

Have you traveled to Poland? What did you think were the best places in Poland to visit?

Krakow Poland church pin

Author Bio:  This guest post is brought to you by Andrzej & Jolene from  Wanderlust Storytellers , a widely successful family travel blog. They love sharing their passion for travel with people all around the globe.

Gerry Thomson

Tuesday 4th of August 2020

Not only have I visited Warsaw and Krakow and enjoyed them emensely I have actually settled in Poland living in Kulik east of Lublin. Lublin is also well worth a visit as it has its medieval castle and Majdanek Concentration camp the old town has its street market restaurants and cathedral all worth a visit. Shopping is in a variety of Galleria around the city with the Plaza in the centre. The concert hall is also lively and beautiful we saw Swan lake there and it was amazing. University Town too so brimming with students. Parks and cycle ways. Lots to see and do. Give it a try too.

Linda Lineback

Friday 13th of March 2020

I have been to Poland twice and loved all of it, but especially Krakow. plan to go one more time.

Hannah Lukaszewicz

Monday 16th of March 2020

We fell in love with Poland on our first visit too. We can't wait to visit again.

Friday 28th of February 2020

Its a pity you don't have a picture of Lodz, it's my favourite town in Poland. I didn't say its the pretties lol its just my favourite

Sunday 12th of January 2020

I love Warsaw and its party vibe! they have best clubs in poland (New Orleans is my fav:D)

Wednesday 15th of January 2020

There are so many reasons to love Poland!

Sunday 24th of November 2019

Warsaw is my number one! definitely! best restaurants, places to take a walk and the best clubs (night in New Orleans club will stay in my heart forever haha) :D

Best things to do in Poland

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written by Andy Turner

updated 13.03.2023

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Of all Europe’s countries, Poland is the one that has changed the most in recent decades. All of its major cities have been through a process of major reinvention, opening flashy new museums, laying out new parks and brushing up their heritage with a spate of renovation. There’s an awful lot of wild nature, too. Discover Polish mountain ranges and what cities to see with our pick of the best things to do in Poland.

1. Get amazed by the unique beauty of Wrocław

2. explore kazimierz jewish district in cracow, 3. discover cracow main square & cloth hall, 4. discover tricity on the baltic sea coast, 5. enjoy nightlife in warsaw.

  • 6. Walk along Warsaw's Royal Route & Old Town

7. Go back in time at the Royal Baths Park

8. step into polin - museum of the history of polish jews, 9. hike in the tatra mountains - one of the best things to do in poland, 10. pay respect at auschwitz-birkenau memorial, 11. sail at the mazurian lakes, 12. spend a few days in poznań.

  • 13. Visit Nicolaus Copernicus's birthplace in Toruń

14. Discover UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine

15. see moving dunes at słowiński national park, 16. visit the castle of the teutonic order in malbork.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Poland , your essential guide for visiting Poland .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Poland, created by local experts

Explore the Liberation Route in Poland

11 days  / from 1598 USD

Explore the Liberation Route in Poland

Poland was the first country that Hitler invaded and with it starting World War II. Discover the Polish sites of World War II with this itinerary, from the Northern city of Gdansk where the first battle took place to the concentration camps of Auschwitz close to Krakow.

One of the best things to do in Poland is to discover this elegant gem of a city, with gorgeous architecture unspoilt by tourist hordes. Poland has changed more than almost any other European country in the last ten years. The Lower Silesian capital Wrocław (pronounced “Vrots-waff”) is one of its most transformed cities, a go-ahead place with a huge student population and a burgeoning arts scene.

Wrocław brings together pretty much everything that’s good about contemporary Poland: a thoroughly modernized cross-section of attractions, a sack full of historical influences and an increasingly varied dining and nightlife scene.

For more ideas for your visit to Wrocław, read our guide to 6 reasons why Wrocław is Poland’s best weekend break .

Where to stay in Wrocław:

  • For a truly comfortable stay: The Bridge Wroclaw
  • For a modern stay: DB Hotel Wrocław

Find more accommodation options to stay in Wrocław

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Wrocław, Poland © fotolupa/Shutterstock

South of Wawel Hill in Cracow lies the suburb of Kazimierz, originally a distinct town named in honour of King Kazimierz, who founded the settlement in 1335. In tandem with Warsaw, where a ghetto was created around the same time, Kazimierz grew to become one of the main cultural centres of Polish Jewry.

The prewar soul of the area was to perish in the gas chambers of Bełżec, but many of the buildings, synagogues included, have survived. The past two decades have seen a revival of activity in Kazimierz. Long-neglected buildings have been renovated, and the area has seen a marked increase in visitors – in part due to Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film Schindler’s List, much of which was filmed in and around Kazimierz.

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Kazimierz, Cracow, Poland © Lukasz Siekierski/Shutterstock

The compact grid of medieval streets that makes up Cracow’s Old Town (Stare Miasto) is centred on the set-piece square of Rynek Główny, ringed by magnificent houses and towering spires. Long the social hub of the city, it’s an immediate introduction to Cracow’s grandeur, and the stately network of passageways and Italianate courtyards leading off the square is riddled with shops, cafés and bars.

Dominating Rynek Główny from its central position, the medieval Sukiennice is one of the most distinctive sights in the country – a vast cloth hall built in the fourteenth century and remodelled in the 1550s. Then a roof-level parade of gargoyles was added by Florentine stonemason Santi Gucci.

Poland was the first country that Hitler invaded and with it starting World War II. Connect to history by visiting the Polish sites of World War II. This tailor-made tour to the Liberation Route in Poland , from the Northern city of Gdansk where the first battle took place to the concentration camps of Auschwitz close to Cracow.

Where to stay in Cracow:

  • For Old Town charm: Hotel Pod Różą
  • For location: Sky Hotel Krakow

Find more accommodation options to stay in Cracow

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Cracow Mariacki Church & Cloth Hall on the Main Market © Shutterstock

Even by Polish standards, the northern Tri-City (Trójmiasto) – visitning Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia – is one of the best things to do in Poland. Rather than lingering on the past, the region is thundering forward. Two decades of economic boom have ensured rising living standards, improved transport links and a rocketing tourist industry.

Historical heritage remains well to the fore. Gdańsk, carefully reconstructed after World War II devastation, is filled with red-brick monuments to its medieval mercantile heyday. Nearby Sopot, with its golden beach, has been a tourist magnet for generations. The industrial port city of Gdynia only appeared on the map in the 1920s, and remains something of an architectural monument to the robustly modernist interwar years.

Discover some off the radar beach destinations with our guide to the 10 best Baltic beach resorts .

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Sopot, Poland © James Jiao/Shutterstock

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If you are a party lover, enjoying the nightlife in Warsaw should be on your list of things to do in Poland. Live it up among the glass skyscrapers and abandoned factories of the country’s dynamic capital. With a history writ large with destruction and regeneration, Poland’s two million-strong capital Warsaw (Warszawa) is one of the great shape-shifters of the European continent.

Razed by the Germans in 1944 and given a Stalinist architectural makeover in the 1950s, it became a byword for concrete brutalism in the decades that followed. Currently reaffirming itself as a muscular regional centre of business and finance, Warsaw is going through a metamorphosis as far-reaching as those of the past.

Bold contemporary buildings, state-of-the-art museums, destination restaurants and bar-filled bohemian quarters are the new landmarks of a restless metropolis. The idea of Warsaw as a grim East European city is nowadays the most dated travel cliché of them all.

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Enjoing the nightlife in Warsaw is one of the most exciting things to do in Poland © Robert Wolkaniec/Shutterstock

6. Walk along Warsaw's Royal Route & Old Town

The term Old Town (Stare Miasto) is in some respects a misnomer for the historic nucleus of Warsaw. Sixty years ago, this compact network of streets and alleyways lay in rubble – even the cobblestones are replacements. Yet surveying the tiered houses of the main square, for example, it’s hard to believe they’ve been here only decades.

Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy), on the south side of the Old Town, is the obvious place to start a tour. Here the first thing to catch your eye is the bronze statue of Sigismund III, the king who made Warsaw his capital. Installed on his column in 1640, Sigismund suffered a direct hit from a tank in September 1944, but has now been replaced on his lookout; the base is a popular and convenient rendezvous point.

The compact Old Town Square (Rynek Starego Miasta) is one of the most remarkable examples of postwar reconstruction in Europe. Flattened during the Warsaw Uprising, the three-storey merchants’ houses surrounding the square have been scrupulously rebuilt to their seventeenth- and eighteenth-century designs.

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Warsaw Royal Castle © Shutterstock

Strolling through the former royal parks south of the centre ia one of Warsaw’s is one of the best things to do in Poland. Half a kilometre south of the National Museum, the park surrounding Ujazdowski Castle adjoins the luxuriant public gardens that makeup Łazienki Park.

Arguably Warsaw’s most luxuriant public space, Łazienki Park (Park Łazienkowski) stretches for 2km alongside the southbound aleja Ujazdowskie. Designed for the king by the Italian architect Domenico Merlini, it’s a fitting memorial to the country’s last and most cultured monarch.

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The oak-lined promenades and pathways leading from the park entrance to the palace are a favourite with tourists and Varsovians. Many of the latter come prepared to feed the park’s resident fauna, which includes peacocks, squirrels and mandarin ducks. On summer Sundays, concerts take place under the watchful eye of the ponderous Chopin Monument, as well as in the Cadet School by the Island Palace.

Lazienki Royal Baths Park, Warsaw, Poland © Shutterstock

Lazienki Royal Baths Park, Warsaw, Poland © Shutterstock

Opened on April 20, 2013, the POLIN Museum of the History of the Polish Jews is the kind of museum that gets you excited as soon as you see it looming up in front of you. Designed by Finnish architect Rainer Mahlamäki, the building takes the fittingly dramatic form of a four-storey cube rent down the middle by a huge, cave-like fissure.

Inside, slogan-like captions fill entire walls, models and reproductions bring past epochs to life. Full use is made of reproduction posters, photographs and newsreel clips as the story of Poland’s Jews enters the twentieth century. By focusing on the Jewish presence in Poland the museum functions as an all-embracing panorama of Polish history.

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Warsaw Polin Polish Jewish Museum © Shutterstock

Where to stay in Warsaw:

  • For boutique stays: SleepWell Boutique Apartments
  • For business trips: a&o Warsaw Wola

For more accommodation options, explore our guide to the best places to stay in Warsaw .

Hike among jagged alpine peaks, swim in crystal-clear lakes and enjoy the unique mountain culture. The Tatra National Park (Tatrzański park narodowy) begins right outside Zakopane’s southern outskirts, where the wooded flanks of the Tatra Mountains rise dramatically above rustic suburban houses.

They are as beautiful as any mountain landscape in northern Europe, the ascents taking you on boulder-strewn paths alongside woods and streams up to the ridges where grand, windswept peaks rise in the brilliant alpine sunshine.

Though many of the peak and ridge climbs are for experienced climbers only, much is accessible to regular walkers and all paths are well-marked. It is as well to remember that the Tatras are an alpine range and as such demand some respect and preparation.

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Lake in Tatra Mountains, Poland © Curioso/Shutterstock

The most notorious extermination camp of them all – few leave unchanged by the experience. Seventy kilometres west of Craców, Oświęcim is notorious throughout the world for being the site of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi prison, labour camp and extermination site.

As many as 200,000 people passed through some part of the Auschwitz camp system and survived, however, providing a hugely important body of testimony on how the Nazi incarceration and extermination systems actually worked. Indeed the museum at the site was largely founded by former inmates – which helps to explain why Auschwitz is such a symbolic witness to history today.

Of all the museums you are ever likely to visit in your life, this is arguably the most profound.

Where to stay in Oświęcim:

  • For price and quality: Hotel Dąbrowski
  • For families: Lu Apartments

Find more accommodation options to stay in Oświęcim

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Liberation Route, Poland, Crakow, Auschwitz © Shutterstock

This is one of the hugely popular things to do in Poland in summer, head to the east of the region for true beauty and solitude. East of Olsztyn, the central Mazurian Lakeland opens out amid thickening forests.

The biggest lakes – Mamry and Śniardwy – are real crowd-pullers, which brings advantages and disadvantages. Tourist facilities are fairly well developed, but accommodation can be hard to find on summer weekends.

Mikołajki is the most pleasant and most attractively located of the major-league lakeside resorts. Giżycko, perched on the rim of Lake Mamry to the north, is the best base for public transport and lake cruises. However, it is outdone by neighbouring Wilkasy when it comes to sheer lakeside charm. Ruciane-Nida provides access to the lakes and waterways of southern Mazuria, and has a pleasantly laid-back feel.

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Mazury, Masurian lake, Poland © ysuel/Shutterstock

Thanks to its position on the Berlin–Warsaw rail line, Poznań is many visitors’ first taste of Poland. In many ways, it’s the ideal introduction, as no other city is more closely identified with Polish nationhood. Posnania elegans Poloniae civitas (“Poznań, a beautiful city in Poland”), has been adopted as a local catchphrase to highlight the city’s unswerving loyalty to the national cause over the centuries.

Nowadays, it’s a place of great diversity, encompassing an animated centre focused on one of Europe’s finest squares; a tranquil cathedral quarter; and a dynamic business district whose trade fairs are the most important in the country. Poznań may be a big city, but most of its primary attractions are grouped in a central core.

A number of fine museums and a wealth of nightlife opportunities ensure that a few days are well spent here.

Where to stay in Poznań:

  • For B&B: B&B Hotel Poznań Old Town
  • For couples: PURO Poznań Stare Miasto

Find more accommodation options to stay in Poznań

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Poznan, Poland © Shutterstock

13. Visit Nicolaus Copernicus's birthplace in Toruń

Birthplace of Copernicus and famous for gingerbread, Toruń is a medieval university town with easy-going charm. Poles are apt to wax lyrical on the glories of their historical cities, and with Toruń the praise is more than justified.

This lively, prosperous university city was the birthplace of the Renaissance man Nicolaus Copernicus. His house still stands today, and its historic centre remains one of the country’s most evocative, bringing together a rich assembly of architectural styles.

Halfway down ulica Kopernika you’ll find the Copernicus House (Dom Kopernika), the high brick house where the great man was most probably born. Restored to something resembling its original layout, this Gothic mansion contains a studiously assembled collection of Copernicus artefacts.

Where to stay in Toruń:

  • For stylish stays: ArtAparts
  • For Old Town location: Hotel ETER

Find more accommodation options to stay in Toruń

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Torun, Poland © Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock

Fifteen kilometres southeast of Cracow is the UNESCO-listed salt mine at Wieliczka, a unique phenomenon described by one eighteenth-century visitor as being “as remarkable as the Pyramids and more useful”. Salt deposits were discovered here as far back as the eleventh century. During World War II, the Germans manufactured aircraft parts in Wieliczka’s subterranean chambers, using Poles and Jews as slave labour.

Active mining ceased in 1997, although salt is still extracted from water seepages and much of the salt sold in Poland still comes from here. Profitability as a tourist attraction ensures that the mine remains a major employer: indeed, its popularity is such that you should be prepared for big crowds in summer.

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Salt mine, Wieliczka, Poland © Adwo/Shutterstock

West of Łeba stretches Lake Łebsko, the largest of several lagoons that form the centre of Słowiński National Park – one of the country’s most memorable natural attractions, included in UNESCO’s list of world Biosphere Reserves. The park gets its name from the Slovincians, a small ethnic group of Slav origin who, like the Kashubians, retained a distinctive identity despite centuries of German influence.

The eastern entrance to the park is at Rąbka, a small cluster of houses and snack bars on the shores of Lake Łebsko, 1.5km west of Łeba. To get there on foot from Łeba, head down ulica Turystyczna and take the signed left turn about 400m beyond the canal. From here, it’s a 1.5km walk through the birch trees. The pathway to the dunes begins on Rąbka’s western edge.

Stones in the sand Baltic Sea, Slowinski National Park in Poland © Pecold/Shutterstock

Stones in the sand Baltic Sea, Slowinski National Park in Poland © Pecold/Shutterstock

Few towns make as dramatic an immediate impression as Malbork, with the luminous redbrick turrets of its massive castle reflected in the River Nogat as you arrive from the north. It long served as the headquarters of the Teutonic Knights, who established themselves here in the late thirteenth century and proceeded to turn a modest fortress into the labyrinthine monster you see today.

The approach to the main body of Malbork Castle (Zamek w Malborku) is through the old outer castle, which wasn’t rebuilt after World War II. When you’ve finished looking around inside, head over the footbridge to the other side of the River Nogat. Here the view allows you to appreciate what a Babylonian project the fortress must have seemed to medieval visitors.

Castle Malbork, Poland © Shutterstock

Castle Malbork, Poland © Shutterstock

Where to stay in Malbork:

  • For castle views: EdMar
  • For B&B: B&B vis a vis Zamku

Find more accommodation options to stay in Malbork

Ready for a trip to Poland ? Check out the snapshot The Rough Guide to Poland .

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Poland without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

We may earn commission from some of the external websites linked in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Top image: Wroclaw, Poland © Velishchuk Yevhen/Shutterstock

Andy Turner

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25 of The Best Places to Visit in Poland: by a Local

25 of The Best Places to Visit in Poland: by a Local

Poland is a beautiful place that you can visit at any time of the year because there’s always something going on. Every season has different activities to offer.

While Poland is often associated closely with the Second World War, there’s much more to the country than just historical sites related to the war. The country literally has everything: sea, lakes, forests, castles, mountains, even a desert, and good food.

As a native Polish person I am very well placed to advise you on the best places to visit in Poland, that’s way beyond just Warsaw and Krakow. Some of these places are quite unique and most tourists never go there.

Top Places to See in Poland

(for more unique places to see in poland scroll down).

Being the capital of the country, everyone’s first port of call when visiting Poland is Warsaw. In many ways, it is a city much like many other European cities but is very much steeped in a rich history, having played a big roll in, and having been heavily damaged during the Second World War.

The city’s architecture is a living canvas of the various eras the city has seen, from dramatic Gothic churches, Soviet-style buildings, and modern-day skyscrapers, all intermingling. 

Although there’s much to see in terms of culture and history, like The Royal Castle and The Palace of Culture and Science, the city is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage site in the form of Warsaw Old Town. There, you’ll find the beating heart of the city, with its narrow streets, colorful houses and the 16th century Castle Square in which stands the famous Warsaw Mermaid statue, built as the symbol of Warsaw. 

See the heart of the renown composer Frédéric Chopin at the Church of the Holy Cross or visit one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in the world at the Cmentarz Zydowski. Dine at traditional Polish restaurants such as Zapiecek (for tasty Pierogi) or Bar Mleczny (to experience a real Polish milk bar) or sample real Polish street foods like the grilled open sandwiches known as Zapiekanki.

Check Out my Ultimate Guide to Warsaw

10 places to visit in poland

To the south of Poland, bordering the Czech Republic, the city of Krakow, whose history dates as far back as the 7th century, has retained much of its regal medieval essence as well as its Rennaissance era elegance.

It’s less touristy than Warsaw, but just as rich in terms of historic sites, a grand market square, typically Polish colorful architecture and delicious traditional food spots.

The most popular attractions in Krakow include the Cloth Hall, which used to be a bustling market during medieval times and remains so today and the St. Mary’s Basilica with one of the most jaw-dropping Gothic alters in Europe. You can actually walk through the ancient streets of Krakow at the Rynek Underground Museum or visit St Andrew’s Church built in 1079.

Not to forget that Poland is best known for its elegant castles and the Wawel Castle is no exception, you could easily spend half a day there exploring the grounds and taking in the history.

There are lots of World War Two sites to visit in and around Krakow as well, including Schindler’s Factory who’s part in the war made such an impact of the world that they had the feature movie Schindler’s List made in 1993 featuring Liam Neeson.

Read More on Things to Do in Krakow

Krakow Poland

Best known for its 13th century Wieliczka Salt Mine, this southern town is around a four-hour drive away from the capital Warsaw.

The mine is an underground network of tunnels and over 2000 grand excavated chambers, astonishingly shaped chapels, sculptures, and enchanting subterrestrial lakes. Tours of the mines take about 3 hours. 

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Tatra Mountains

The misty jagged Tatra Mountains form part of the Carpathian Mountain range, about 2 hours away from Krakow, that creates a natural parkland border between Poland and Slovakia.

During summer, the mountains attract hikers from all over the world with its rumbling meadows of alpine blooms. During winter, the snow-topped peaks have made skiing a popular pastime of Polish locals and visitors alike. 

tatry polskie

Known as the winter capital of Poland, the resort town of Zakopane at the base of the Tantras is most popular for being the prime spot for winter sports in the cold seasons and climbing and hiking in the summer months.

One of the most popular scenic areas for both is the Western peak at Kasprowy Wierch that is easily reached by a cable car from the center of the resort. It’s also a good starting point for other sought after Polish landmarks and activities like the Tantra National Park, Lake Morskie Oko, and kayak rafting through the Dunajec Gorge.

None the less, it’s sometimes easy to forget that before the boom of the tourist industries, places like Zakopane were once real traditional Polish towns, which means that there’s so much more to experience than skiing and hiking. The town itself is rich in Polish traditions which you can see in its town center, like the local markets selling crafts made from wool and wood, or traditional sheep cheeses.

Krupówki street is lively with museums like Karol Szymanowski’s Museum and churches like the Old Church and Cemetary. Not to mention all the shops and restaurants where you can sample the best of Polish food. 

10 places to visit in poland

Morskie Oko

You’ll find Lake Morskie Oko deep within the Tatra Mountains. It’s the largest lake in the mountain range and on days of calm weather, the lake creates an entrancing mirror image of the green, often snow peaked mountains all around including Rysy, the tallest of the Tatras.

There’s a cleary paved trail that you can hike to get to take you to the lake as well as one that takes you further up for a full view of the lake from above. Local horse-drawn carts are also available to take you up the easy trail. 

Morskie Oko

Chocholowska Valley

Not only the largest valley in the Tatra Mountains, but the Chocholowska Valley is also the perfect vacation spot for families of all ages. You can get to the valley by bus from Zakopane or it’s quite easy to take a car or bike and once there.

The hiking trails are easy and ideal for everyone from small children to the elderly. The length of the trail runs from the entrance to the national park, to the Siwa Polana-Chochołowska Valley mountain shelter on Chocholowska Glade. 

The views in the valley are spectacular, from the small lakes surrounded by towering pine trees of shades from dark emerald to light beiges, to fields of mountain flowers of lilac and sunshine yellow. 

Chocholowska Valley Poland

A beautiful, quiet town in the north of the country, Malbork boasts one of Poland’s gorgeous castle forts, the 13th century Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the main reason why most people make this a pit stop on their visit to Poland. The Castle is worth a visit for its museum that houses both natural and historical collections as well as contemporary pieces. 

There is not much more to see in this rural town apart from a Dinosaur Park and Theme Park so a lot of people on their stay recommend not spending more than a night in the town. 

zamek w malborku

The port city of Gdansk on the Baltic Coast boasts a 1000-year-old history, having been the capital of the historic region of Pomerania when the area was split between modern day Poland and Germany. There are so many historical landmarks in the city, not to mention the unique local markets, perfectly preserved fortifications, and gorgeous bourgeois and harbor architecture, that make the city so rich in culture.

The Gothic temple at St Mary’s Basilica is more than 500 years old, stands impressively on the city’s skyscape and is often known as the Crown of Gdansk. Another icon, simply known as The Crane, was, during the Middle Ages, one of the largest Port Cranes in Europe.

The Museum of Amber and Museum of Torture offer insights into two very different but equally interesting aspects of the city’s history. Fort Carré is one of Europe’s best preserved 16th-century defensive structures that allows visitors to step into the past and imagine the battles of the past.

Not to forget the 17th century Neptune Fountain not far from the center of town and visit ground zero for the Second World War at Westerplatte. 

The city is also more than its historical aspect. Today it remains the center of the world’s amber trade, there’s a popular zoo to visit as well as several viewpoints from which to marvel at the sea facing view of the city.

trojmiasto gdansk

Not far from the main city of Gdansk, Leba (pronounced ‘way-bah’) is so named for being at the mouth of the river Leba on the Baltic Coast. It’s home to rugged, natural coastal features like stunning beaches, picturesque shifting sand dunes, calm lakes, and the Słowiński National Park. 

Popular activities include sailing, cycling the National Park and during peak season the beaches do get quite full of visitors making the most of the lazy beach life.

Visit the 1904 Stilo Lighthouse, attempt to escape the Labyrinth Park, visit the little Amber museum or eat traditional food like Zurek at Pałac Poraj or Pierogi at Koga Restaurant.

The town’s quieter attractions make it perfect for a vacation simply to take in the Polish culture without the hustle and bustle of the busier city areas. 

Leba sand dunes

Bialowieza Forest

On the border between Poland and Belarus, the Bialowieza Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has successfully been preserved as the last primeval forest in lowland Europe, importantly because of its singular opportunities for biodiversity conservation and as the home of Europe’s heaviest land animal, the bison. The forests are also home to a unique variety of gigantic trees and endemic wildlife like bears, wolves and elks. 

Trips into the forest start from Białowieża village, where there’s plenty of accommodation and facilities to explore the area, like bike rentals and local restaurants, although you could choose to stay in one of the small nearby villages.

You can get to the village by bus, car, or train, the longest journey being 9 hours by bus. Once you’re there, you might want to have planned a trip in advance because a lot of rural residents may not speak English very well and you want to be prepared. 

You can book a tour with a recommended company, where they’ll plan your whole trip beginning with your departure from Warsaw, but you also have the option of discovering the forest on your own. The main starting point is main town is Hajnówka, called ‘the Gateway to the Forest’.

zubr Bialowieza Forest

Founded in 1580 and located about 450km away from Warsaw, the city of Zamosc has been dubbed a unique example of a Renaissance town in Central Europe because it embodies everything that the era stood was about; the liberalism and elegant architecture. 

The Old Town is the city’s ‘piece de resistance’, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its preserved sixteenth-century state made up of the old merchant houses, the grand town hall and the Zamoyski palace.

The historical brightly colored buildings are worth the visit but the Great Market Square also has plenty of shops and cafes and The Zamojskie Museum will give you a detailed insight on the rich history of the area.

The town also has a small 1500s Cathedral that still holds regular masses today but they also have a substantial Jewish history, which you can learn all about from the Zamość Synagogue built between 1610 and 1618.

Zamosc

Poznan is a proud city, home to a buzzing bar scene, iconic colorful streets, a prominent history, and cheap and delicious traditional food, it’s so much more than meets the eye. It’s got a very young and modern vibe due to the several universities in the area but it still retains the charm and tradition of the old days. 

There’s a big bike culture in the city which makes it fun to travel around along all the streets and experience the energetic atmosphere that’s so easily missed, as well as all the restaurants and boutiques promoting local entrepreneurs.

See the famous The Watcher street painting by one of the world’s greatest artists who goes by the name of Noriaki or visit Zemsta book store best known for its support of unusual texts. 

Poznan rynek

Masurian Lake District

Also known as the Masurian Lakeland, the northeastern area of Poland has its own dialect, is so called because it has over 2000 lakes and is mostly untouched country. Although it is the poorest region in the country, it is the richest in terms of free wildlife and virgin landscapes.

It’s the perfect place for outdoor camping with lots of open fields, forests, hikes and pleasant walks; it’s often called the ‘green lungs of Poland’. Not to mention all of the water activities available on all the lakes and water bodies; sailing, kayaking, fishing and more. There are a few villages and resort towns in the area from which to make base, one of the more popular camping ones being the village of Ublik. A lot of the organic farms also offer farm stays or you could decide on a more luxurious spa resort in the great outdoors. 

mazury jeziora

Surprisingly, Torun was one of the few towns that were saved from any damage during the Second World War. This town has a unique beauty both in its visual architectural value and its cultural atmosphere that has attracted artists and academics from all over the world for years. 

The three-hour tour of the city’s Old Town is worth every minute and takes you to places such as Caesar’s Arch, St. Mary’s Church, the Copernicus Monument (for the famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus), and the Holy Spirit Gate. Visit the leaning tower of Torun and explore the Teutonic Knights Castle which is one of the oldest of its kind in the world.

Indulge in Poland’s popular Milk Bar at Bar Mlecznys, don’t miss out on Torun’s local gingerbread and be sure to sample other classics like zurek and pierogi to get the full traditional experience. 

Read More on Torun

10 places to visit in poland

Found on the Oder River, Wroclaw (pronounced vrots -wahf) is a strange and beautiful old city, made up of 12 islands and over 100 bridges connecting them. It’s most prominent feature is a large astronomical clock at the 18th century Town Hall.

It’s got some unique architectural landmarks such as the Panorama of Racławice, a painting depicting the 1794 battle for independence and the Centennial Hall auditorium, with its giant dome and tall spire which lies across the river.

The area is a very important commercial and educational center in Poland but is also a very vibrant cultural hub that hosts several festivals and boasts a vibrant nightlife. 

Auschwitz needs little to no introduction, known worldwide for the atrocities it endured during the Holocaust and the Nazi occupation of Poland. Over 40 concentration and death camps were run here and today they, and the museums, are humbling to visit and a reminder of the cruelty and destruction of war. 

It’s free of charge to visit the Memorial and walk around by yourself but if you want to take a guided tour you’ll have to make a reservation online and pay a fee depending on the type of tour and size of the group. 

Auschwitz Birkenau

Unique Places to Visit in Poland

Crooked forest.

The mysterious Crooked Forest looks like something out of a Grimm Brothers story and is a unique site that’s worth a visit, with around 400 pine trees that grow with a near perfect 90-degree curve at their base.

The forest, also known as Krzywy Las, has been around since the 1930s and while some believe they’re due to a unique gravitational pull in the area, it’s more likely that they were purposely mutated by local farmers in the area when they were planted. 

The forest is about a 1-hour bus ride from the town of Gryfino in the west of the country. The town was evacuated during the war so the those who would have had the answers to the truth behind the peculiar trees have sadly long since gone.

Crooked Forest Poland

Ksiaz Castle

This 13th-century castle is the largest in the Silesia region and looks like a fairy tale, with brightly colored walls, turrets, and elegant ramparts. It underwent a transformation from Gothic to the Baroque style in the 18th century and in the 1940s, the castle became Hitler’s headquarters after the Nazi invasion and his decision to move from Wolf’s Lair.

There are stories that Hitler had plans to make underground network beneath the Sowie Mountains on which the castle lies but that remains a mystery even today. 

zamek Ksiaz

Czestochowa

The southern city of Czestochowa is often undersold as a visitors destination but ‘the Holy City’ is well worth the visit. It has a famous religious history, having been the home of St Paul’s Monastery of Jasna Góra which houses a shrine to the Virgin Mary known as the Black Madonna painting.

Pilgrims come from all over the world to pay homage in the millions every year. The Monastery and other religious areas in the city are some of the most revered in the Roman Catholic religion and the adjoining museums house unique artifacts and books.

Not to forget the unexpected landmark that a lot of people don’t know exists in Czestochowa, the World’s Tallest Pope Statue. The fiberglass statue measures 13.8 meter’s tall and depicts Pope John Paul II.

The great thing about this city is that it still has all of the beautiful thirteenth-century architecture that the other main cities are known for, like the iconic Town Hall, cathedral and Old Market Square but Czestochowa is both less crowded and much cheaper than the main areas.

10 places to visit in poland

Ojcow National Park

If you’re visiting the busy city of Krakow and you’ve done all of the popular sights and experienced the vibrant city life, the perfect way to unwind and get some fresh outdoor air is to visit the Ojcow National Park.

It’s the smallest National Park in Poland but it makes up for its size with over 1000 species of multicolored trees and flowers, 135 species of birds and around 500 species of butterflies.  its ideal nature for leisurely walks. 

Ojcowski Park Narodowy

Jaskinia Niedzwiedzia

Discovered in 1966, this incredible excavation site near the village of Kletno, also known as the Bear Cave, is the longest cave in the Śnieżnik Mountains and the deepest in Poland. It’s made up of three known levels, has a depth of around 100m and is most popular for its middle cave featuring impressive preserved stalactites and a large range of ice age animal bones and remains. 

A tour of the cave takes around 45 minutes and because the site is a Nature Reserve, they do have a limit on the number of daily visitors that they allow so it may be best to book in advance. 

stalagmites

The famous archaeological site at Biskupin, is an open-air museum which portrays a life-size reconstructed Iron Age fortified settlement in Poland, whose origins are believed to date back to 700BC. The origins of the people who once inhabited the structure is not well known but it is thought that they were a highly developed culture made up of the intricate design of the fortification and the settlement. 

The site is located on Lake Biskupin, about 5 hours away from Warsaw by train.

Every year in September, the Archeological Festival in Biskupin sees history fans from all over Europe get together to experience archeology at work. There are various workshops on life back in the Iron Age, which includes how to forge your own arrowhead and there are presentations on battles and early craftsmanship, all while listening to the sounds of music from times long gone by. 

Biskupin

Zalipie Village

The houses in Zalipie village are adorned with hand-painted artistic flower patterns and a very special atmosphere, making this the most colorful and unique village in Poland. It’s not just the houses, trees, furniture, dog houses and household items are all painted in this special way. Some of the houses are extra special and worth seeing, such as The House of the Woman Painters. All of the paintings in the village are unique and everyone has their own take of the traditional designs. 

The village itself is very peaceful and a perfect city break, with lush greenery and fresh air all around. If you want to see how the paintings are done, pay a visit to the folk museum in the center of town and also be sure to check out the Saint Joseph’s Church, with it’s similarly beautifully painted interior. 

Zalipie Village Poland

Wolf’s Liar

One of the most iconic historical World War II sights, Wolf’s Lair, hidden deep in the Polish wilderness, was Hitler’s first Eastern Front military headquarters which was built right in time for Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. After one attempted assassination in 1944 and the explosion of a suitcase bomb, the hideaway was compromised so Hilter and his men abandoned the highly fortified base.

You can visit Wolf’s Lair and its network of bunkers, tunnels and rooms by yourself, which should take about 2 hours, or with an organized tour from the major cities like Warsaw. They also have a small hotel and restaurant on the compound in the renovated former headquarters of Hitler’s personal security, if you want to spend the night and explore the area better. 

wilczy szaniec

Chapel of Skulls

The Skull Chapel at St Bartholomew’s Church in the Czermna district of Kudowa was designed by Czech priest Vaclav Tomasek in the latest 1700s who created what he envisioned as a sanctuary of silence.

The chapel walls and ceilings are decorated, most in a Jolly Roger style, with the skulls and bones of 3000 people but another 21,000 are found in the crypt below.

It took Tomasek 18 years to collect, clean and arrange all the bones in the church and the Chapel today is worth a visit for its unique and quite eery nature. 

Chapel of Skulls Poland

Any questions or suggestion? Do you know any more interesting places to see in Poland?

25 Places to See in Poland

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Thursday 8th of December 2022

Hello, My family (two kids 14/15 ) are coming to Poland in may 2023 We are flying in and out of Warsaw. your guides have been so helpful but I was wondering if you could suggest some where to go on the way and way back from Warsaw on the war to Krakow. for a night each way? (we will have a car) thank you

Roger Mancewicz

Saturday 22nd of February 2020

Had fun reading your website. I am 25% Polish & would love to visit there someday. I better hurry I am 78 but feel great!!!

Tuesday 18th of February 2020

Hi! Great to see Poznan and some other unexpected locations in this article :) Greetings from Poznan!

Saturday 7th of September 2019

We've been to Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk and Wrocław. Our teenage children loved Wrocław most and my favourite is probably Gdansk. We have so many wonderful places still to visit, I think Poznan might be next but Poland just has so many stunning places. I am finding the language very hard to learn though! Thanks for such a wonderful post Anna xx

Marian Zarzycki

Friday 19th of July 2019

I was hoping during my visit to Poland, to meet family members of Stanislaus Zarzycki, Josephus Zarzycki, Antonio Zarzycki, as well as John Borkowski Family

Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled

Top 15 Picturesque Places to Discover in Poland

An increasingly popular country to visit, Poland has risen from hard times to become a beautiful and fascinating destination to discover.

The country is filled with awe-inspiring architecture, historical treasure troves, the pristine coastline of the Baltic Sea, and a huge range of diverse flora and fauna. I personally loved this proud and unique country and I’ve made this guide from my time spent there…

Poznan - best places to visit in Poland

Settled at the mid-point between Warsaw and Berlin is the vibrant and quaint Poznan where Europe’s youngest castle is located. Poznan has an ever-present warmth (despite the characteristically chilly winters). Steeped in culture and hundreds of years of history, in my opinion, there’s a wonderful atmosphere here. 

There is a creative vibe brings everything to life here from street art (Poznan is the home of graffiti artist Noriak, whose ‘Watcher’ observes from every corner of the city) to Stary Rynek, which is home to the city’s major attraction since the thirteenth century – the very beautiful Renaissance town hall.

There are also hundreds of excellent independent eateries, and globally recognised festivals, from the oldest violin competition in the world to an international ice sculpture celebration. 

Krakow City in Poland

Poland’s former royal capital, Krakow , has medieval splendour and youthful vitality. It is a decadent patchwork of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau – each of which has left traces of their reign.

My highlights include exploring Wawel Castle , exploring Kazimierz (Krakow’s former Jewish quarter,) and enjoying a tasty “lody” in the largest medieval square in Europe! 

3. Tatras Mountains

Tatras Mountains Poland

Forming a natural wall between Poland and Slovakia, the Tatras Mountains dominate a landscape that could have fallen from the pages of a fairy tale!

Exploring is restricted to designated paths due to the dangers of the terrain, and the ridge can be crossed only by foot (or skis during the winter). 

It’s home to over 10,000 botanical and animal species, including the brown bear, lynx, and golden eagle as well as dwarf mountain pine, sprawling spruce forests, fir, edelweiss, and crocus.

The highest peak of the Polish fragment (constituting just 1/5 of the range) is the Rysy apex, ascending 8200ft above sea level! 

Gdansk - prettiest cities in Poland

Nesting at the Vistula River’s mouth, which melts seamlessly into the Baltic Sea is Gdansk – a land carved from centuries’ worth of maritime hustle and bustle with a chequered history.  Most of the major attractions can be found in the Main City: a colourful, cultural centre dripping with historical relevance.

I would recommend following coiled, cobbled lanes to Gothic churches, a Romanesque and Rococo cathedral, and hidden squares, and the bold may even dabble in a spot of chilly sea swimming! 

Beyond the energy of the centre dwells the tranquillity of Sobieszewo Island, from which springs a magnificent array of protected flora and fauna, from sea holly to racoon dogs and many assorted birds. 

5. Sopot Beach 

Sopot Beach Poland

A stone’s throw from Gdansk is the opportunity to sink your toes into the several miles of fine, silver sand that comprises the glitteringly pretty Sopot Beach .

Its wooden pier (the longest in Europe) provides a simple artery directly into the vast, yawning sea. A few lungfuls of Sopot’s bright, clean air will leave you revitalised – a throwback to its roots as a spa town, now transformed into an elegant, coastal community.

6. Pieniny National Park

Peniny National Park Poland

The seemingly vertical walls of the Peniny Mountains plunge to the Dunajec River, within whose basin Pieniny National Park  resides.

Small but potent, the park supports masses of life, including 640 varieties of mushrooms; its human-carved meadows are some of the most fruitful in all of Poland, hatching 30-40 species of flower for each square meter. About 6500 animal species are known to roam the land, with the strong possibility of more still unseen.

The range’s apex predator is the lynx, and along the banks of the river, otters frolic. Aside from mammals, there is a great diversity of birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians – a concoction certain to swipe the breath from many chests.

For an alternative to walking trails, you may wish to seize the opportunity to ebb down the Dunajec by raft: an exciting, yet soothing means of transport.

Wroclaw - best cities in Poland

Surrounded by the Oder River is the elegant and ethereally beautiful Wroclaw ; adorned in architecture that could easily inhabit folklore, it is brimming with art, history and a diverse medley of cafes, restaurants, and bars to fuel your exploration of the largest city in Western Poland.

Wroclaw’s origins are in Ostrow Tumski (Cathedral Island.) Originally a garden, it has been transfigured into a place of profound beauty and architectural significance, full of powerfully symbolic monuments, sculptures, gardens, and bridges.

8. Slowinski National Park

Slowinski National Park

Transfigured by the Baltic Sea, in the Pomeranian region of Northern Poland, is the remarkable Slowinski National Park . Perhaps the most notable features of this exceptional destination are the shifting dunes; moving at an average pace of 32ft per year, they keep the landscape in a state of constant animation.

Their journey conceals and unearths: fossilised trees reach up through the sand, long-lacking the green that once clung to their boughs.

These colossal, sandy mountains can be viewed from many vantage points within the Park, but one of the most stunning is Lake Lebsko, upon whose shores is an observation point from which the dunes can be seen.  

Warsaw City Poland

At the heart of Europe is Poland’s extraordinary capital city, Warsaw , whose Old Town exudes an old-fashioned feeling; its buildings, however, are not as old as they seem.

Following terrible damage during WWII, the city was rebuilt from the ashes using the accomplished (and awesomely accurate) paintings of Italian artist Canaletto for reference.

These symbols are dotted around the city, but the ‘official’ syrenka can be found at the centre of the Old Town square. Aside from its many architectural and cultural delights.

Warsaw is the culinary capital of Poland, offering everything from Milk Bars to Michelin-starred restaurants, and traditional, independent bakeries. 

10. Zamek Ksiaz

Zamek Ksiaz Poland

Obscured by the thick, lush woodland of the Owl Mountains is a castle seemingly spun from the threads of legend. Perched upon the highest rock around, the blushing, dusk-drenched facade of Zamek Ksiaz belies the sinister plots once hatched within.

Though the tunnels and chambers are magnetic in their appeal, what dwells above the ground is worth exploring too; combining Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements, the exterior and interior are equally awe-inspiring, and the Palm House contained within the castle’s complex is home to over 250 species of plant!

The surrounding forests are not only beacons of natural beauty but also draw in treasure hunters near and far to try their hand at unearthing the hidden Nazi gold. 

11. Swinoujscie Beach

Swinoujscie Beach Poland

On the Island of Uznam, one of Poland’s most scenic seaside destinations is Swinoujscie Beach, whose fine, golden sands stretch for miles, bordering the blue blaze of the Baltic Sea. Protective dunes obscure all visions of the town giving the space a feeling of intimate wilderness. 

The size of the beach ensures a relaxed atmosphere, even on busier days, and an array of water sports are on offer for those seeking a taste of adventure. I would also highly recommend visiting the lighthouse museum located here!

12. Karkonosze National Park

Karkonosze National Park

Rubbing shoulders with the Czech Republic and inhabited by mountains tenderly titled the “Miniature Alps”, Karkonosze National Park is 22 square miles of stunning, natural beauty. Recognised as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, it supports an ever-evolving level of biodiversity.

Distinguished by glacial, mountainous cavities, sprawling spruce forests, roaming mouflons and glittering waterfalls, the charms of the park are countless. At Sniezka’s (the tallest mountain of the range) zenith you’ll find the Polish Meteor Observatory, which promises an engaging escape from the chill as well as spectacular, panoramic views.

The park encapsulates at least 33 hiking trails covering 100km of varying difficulty and elevation levels, making it one of the most popular walkabout destinations in Poland. 

13. Lublin Old Town

Lublin Old Town Poland

Perched amid four hills, Lublin Old Town’s narrow, cobbled streets offer up the sensation of stepping into a time warp; rich in both vitality and heritage it’s home to bundles of enticing attractions – one of which stands as the mouth to the city – the iconic Krakow Gate. 

Built as part of a fortification system in the fourteenth century, the Gothic edifice has undergone many phases of restoration to maintain its resonance over thousands of years.

The Gate provides passage into the Old Town, often referred to as ‘Little Krakow’ due to its condensed, cultural treasures. From Renaissance burgher houses to an underground tourist trail consisting of old wine cellars and shop basements, to the stunning, Baroque-style cathedral, there is so much to explore.

14. Zalipie

Zalipie Poland

Affectionately dubbed “the Painted Village,” the picturesque Zalipie is the birthplace of an enchanting tradition; its beauty may not be carved by nature, but it is by no means any less wondrous. 

In an attempt to keep their homes looking immaculate, woman crafted paint brushes from cow hair and paint from pigments thickened by fat from their dumplings and gilded their walls with pretty, floral designs. 

Now, it seems everything that stays static for long enough receives the Zalipie flower treatment: chicken coops, the village well and bridges, sundials, dog kennels, bins – anything bare is eventually emblazoned.

One woman’s especially ornate living space has been turned into a museum to celebrate and encapsulate the artistic spirit of the village.

15. The Bieszczady National Park 

Bieszczady National Park

In the very southernmost region of Poland dwells an expansive treasure trove of wild beauty. The Bieszczady National Park provides a natural sanctuary for an abundance of wildlife, including large, elusive predators such as bears, lynx and wolves as well as deer and Poland’s second-largest bison population.

Characterised by stunning pastures soaring high above the tree line of the Carpathian Mountains, the Park consists of an extensive network of trails. The designated hiking trails are mostly rated moderate to dangerous, so not advisable to the faint of heart! We also have posts on…

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Beth Pinches

Beth Pinches – writer and photographer

Beth was born under a wandering star, with drama in her veins and ink in her pen. After stints studying theatre in Dublin and Utrecht she used her creative streak to see as much of the world as she could on as little money. She toured Italian Schools with a children’s theatre troop, lived as an au pair in both Rome and Washington DC, explored the British countryside, worked her way through much of Europe, Salsa danced in Cuba and road-tripped down America’s west coast where she discovered her spiritual home; Portland, Oregon. Other places she loves include Croatia, Finland, Japan and India. In between adventures, travel writing and performing she resides peacefully with her family, cats and ukulele. Find Beth on Linkedin or   Facebook .

Hotel Reviewing Experience – Asked by many tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Visit Jersey , Visit Sweden , and Israel Tourist Board. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos . Listed as a top UK travel journalist .

Portland Reviewing Experience – Lived in Portland for 6 months and spent many months scouting out all the coolest spots.

2 thoughts on “Top 15 Picturesque Places to Discover in Poland”

O.M.G. It is incredible to know that a country has so many, literally so many shades of its own! Beautiful peaces, historical buildings, national parks, some amusing villages, castles, lakes and so much more! If I ever visit this beautiful country, I would definitely refer to this post. Just imagine how aesthetic one’s pictures would come in a country full of beautiful spots! One can also do like a photo-shoot wearing old fashioned gowns near the historical castles or the small villages here.

Hey Alisha, thank you for sharing your experience. No doubt, Poland is a beautiful country in Central Europe.

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First-timer's guide to Poland

Simon Richmond

Sep 29, 2023 • 7 min read

10 places to visit in poland

Everything you need to know about visiting Poland for the first time © Imgorthand / Getty Images

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Poland  has a long, fascinating, sometimes tragic history, played out against a backdrop of royal castles and palaces, picturesque old towns and incredible landscapes.

From the Carpathian Mountains in the south to the Great Masurian Lakes in the north, Poland is a dream destination if you’re up for an activity-driven vacation – hiking, cycling and kayaking opportunities are abundant, plus there’s skiing in the winter.

If urban pleasures are more your thing, vibrant cities such as the capital Warsaw , the atmospheric old capital Kraków , and revamped 19th-century industrial powerhouse Łódź do not disappoint. Each offers masses of cultural attractions alongside delicious dining and lively nightlife scenes – all at very affordable prices.

As Poland is a big country packed with travel possibilities, you’re sure to have questions. Here are some tips and practical advice on how to get the most out of your first trip to Poland.

When should I go to Poland?

There’s no time of the year to specifically avoid when scheduling a trip. For fine weather and the chance to join summer festivals and events such as Kraków’s Jewish Culture Festival and Warsaw’s Summer Jazz Days , come between May and early September.

Towns and cities come alive as the warmer temperatures tempt everyone outside for alfresco dining and drinking. This is peak season, too, for visiting Poland’s 23 national parks.

The countryside in spring and autumn can also be very beautiful. Winter is the quietest season, except in ski resorts such as Zakopane . Come prepared for frigid temperatures and sloshing through snow and rain.

Compensations include low season rates at hotels and plenty of excellent museums in the major cities in which to shelter from the elements. Autumn through early spring is also when performing arts institutions such as Warsaw’s Teatr Wielki and Filharmonia Narodowa run their season of top-grade shows.

Woman on a hiking trip in the mountains sitting on a rock looking through binoculars in Poland

How much time do I need to visit Poland?

Two, or better, three days is the minimum needed for a short city break to either Warsaw or Kraków. You won’t have enough time to cover everything, but you will be able to get a feel for these places and tick off the main attractions.

If you’re prepared to move around quickly, you could cram in more of Poland over 10 days to two weeks, adding to your itinerary metropolises such as Gdańsk (also close to the Baltic seaside resort of Sopot ) and Łódź, as well as smaller historic towns like the artists’ retreat Kazimierz Dolny and Zamość , a perfectly preserved 16th-century Renaissance town.

Have a month to spare? Now you’re talking! This will give you the opportunity to explore rural backwaters and national parks such as World Heritage-listed Białowieża National Park , home to some 800 free-roaming European bison, Poland’s national symbol and Europe’s largest land mammal; and Karkonosze National Park with its spectacular Ice Age glacier-carved landscapes.

Is it easy to get in and around Poland?

Poland is tethered to the world by international flights. The capital’s main airport is the central Warsaw Chopin Airport , with Modlin Airport , 39km (24 miles) north of the city, handling budget carriers.

Other international airports include Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport, Katowice Airport, Kraków John Paul II International Airport, Łódż Airport and Wrocław Airport . There are also excellent rail and bus links, especially with Western European neighbors, including overnight train services to Berlin and Vienna .

Getting around Poland itself is a breeze. There’s a comprehensive system of buses and trains offering both frequent services and affordable prices. For more remote parts, including nearly all the national parks, you’ll really need your own set of wheels.

Hiring a car is straightforward and the roads have vastly improved in recent years (although you will encounter some unsealed roads in the most rural regions). Major cities and towns all have decent public transport, and you can easily cover historic old town centers on foot.

Top things to do in Poland

Kraków, the former royal capital, is a stunner with its heady blend of history and harmonious architecture. At its heart are the vast Rynek Główny, Europe’s largest medieval marketplace, and the magnificent Wawel Royal Castle , on a hill above the Old Town.

But that's just the start – every part of the city is fascinating, from the former Jewish district of Kazimierz and its lively nightlife to the atomic fallout shelters of Nowa Huta .

Warsaw had to be almost completely rebuilt after WWII. The powerful Warsaw Rising Museum focuses on the darkest hours of WWII, while the Museum of Warsaw superbly documents the city's rise, fall and resurrection. Also don’t miss the award-winning POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews , and regal Wilanów Palace and surrounding lush parkland.

Toruń , a walled Gothic city on the Vistula River, miraculously escaped WWII intact. Wander through the UNESCO-listed Old Town crammed with museums, churches, grand mansions and squares. When you’re flagging, perk up with a peppery gingerbread cookie, Toruń’s signature snack, which you can make yourself at the Gingerbread Museum .

The UNESCO-listed Białowieża National Park holds one of Europe’s last vestiges of primeval forest, which you can visit in the company of a guide. The bison, which was once extinct outside zoos, has been successfully reintroduced here, although your best bet for seeing these magnificent animals is the region’s European Bison Show Reserve .

A woman walking through a medieval square in Kraków with a suitcase

My favorite thing to do in Poland

I’m a huge fan of street art and Łódź has embraced this public form of creative expression unlike anywhere else in Poland - the city is practically one giant art gallery! There are well over 200 public works of art ranging from massive painted murals to installations involving neon, nails and porcelain tiles.

Among my favorites are Pasaż Róży, a dazzling courtyard completely plastered with mirror fragments arranged in swirling rose patterns, and Wiedźmin, a 70m tall mural designed by Jakub Rebelka on the sides of adjacent apartment blocks – it’s a homage to the Witcher series of fantasy books by Łódź-based author Andrzej Sapkowski.

How much money do I need for Poland?

Like everywhere in Europe in recent times, prices have been rising in Poland. That said, the country offers great value, especially when it comes to accommodation, dining out and entertainment. Getting around by public transport is also a bargain.

  • Hostel room: 60 zł
  • Basic room for two: 200 zł
  • Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): 120 zł
  • Public transport ticket: 3.40 zł
  • Coffee: 15-20 zł
  • Sandwich: 15 zł
  • Dinner for two: 150-200 zł
  • Beer/pint at the bar: 12 zł

Is Poland part of the EU?

Yes, which means if you’re crossing into the country from neighboring EU countries – the Czech Republic (Czechia), Germany , Lithuania and Slovakia – there are no border formalities. However, rather than the euro, Poland’s national currency is the złoty (zł, sometimes also abbreviated as PLN) which dates back to the 14th century.

Most places accept card or electronic payments but sometimes you will need to pay in cash so it’s handy to keep some money in your wallet.

How easy is it to get online?

Very easy. Depending on your home mobile phone/internet plans, you should be able to surf the web and stay in touch using a smartphone or tablet. There are plenty of wifi hotspots and some of them are free.

A person dipping Polish pierogi in sour cream

What’s Polish food like?

Locals like nothing better than scoffing comfort foods such as pączki (rose-jam filled doughnuts) or a plate of pierogi , dough dumplings stuffed with anything from cottage cheese, potato and meat to blueberries or other fruits.

Traditional cooking is rustic and flavorful and can be summed up by Poland’s signature kiełbasa sausages. These are usually made with pork and various seasonings, though other meats, like beef and veal, can be added.

Beyond such staples Polish cuisine also includes hearty soups and dishes such as beef tartare. In the major cities and towns, there’s a wide choice of world cuisines alongside creative renditions of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Editor's note: This article was sponsored by Poland NTO after the city was selected for Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2024. Sponsors do not influence a destination's inclusion in Best In Travel, which is determined solely by Lonely Planet's editorial team.

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15 Best Cities to Visit in Poland

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Despite having undergone so much suffering and destruction during the Second World War, Poland remains a fascinating placesto explore. Magical old towns with their cobbled streets and beautiful architecture sit next to communist-era buildings and delightful Gothic churches.

Fantastic restaurants can be found wherever you go and there is an abundance of lively nightlife spots throughout the country. With beautiful mountains on offer, as well as lovely seaside resorts, the diverse landscapes that surround the best cities in Poland add yet more possibilities to visitor’s itineraries.

Once home to a thriving Jewish population, Poland’s cities are now home to poignant memorials and monuments to the victims of one of the biggest tragedies of the 20th Century, with many visitors heading to sites such as Auschwitz to pay homage to and learn about the atrocities of the past.

15. Olsztyn

Olsztyn

Founded in the 14th Century, Olsztyn has a long and varied history, as is evidenced by its picturesque Old Town. Wandering through the cobbled streets past delightful old buildings is a relaxing way to spend your time, and there are numerous sites alluding to the days when it was ruled by Prussia.

An important city in the area, Olsztyn has all the usual facilities and services on offer for a city of its size. Often overlooked by tourists, most people who head here use it as a base from which to visit other attractions in the region.

14. Zakopane

Zakopane

Lying on the lower slopes of the Tatras, Poland’s most famous mountain resort is a great place to visit if you love the outdoors. However, due to Zakopane’s fantastic hiking and skiing, it can get a bit too crowded in the high months of both summer and winter.

Well worth a visit though, lovely wooden villas can be found around the city, and the picturesque setting only adds to Zakopane’s charm. Due to its lovely features, many artists, poets, writers and painters used to head here for inspiration.

13. Bialystok

Bialystok

The largest city in Podlasie, Bialystok’s proximity to Belarus means that it has a captivating mix of both cultures present within its confines. Born out of the textile boom, the city was once a much more diverse place to visit – its various languages and cultures inspired the creation of Esperanto.

Sadly, the Nazis destroyed much of Bialystok and murdered half of the population, putting an end to this intoxicating mix of peoples. Now, historical sites are understandably scarce, although it is a friendly and welcoming place to stop by. Many people use Bialystok as a base from which to explore the nearby national parks.

Gdynia

Having become a city relatively recently, Gdynia’s development only really took off once the government built a deep-sea port here in the 1920’s, so there is a very Modernist feel to the architecture here.

With a very long seashore, Gdynia has some lovely promenades and waterfronts to enjoy, as well as the fantastic beaches themselves. The second largest Polish port, there is some great nightlife on offer, as well as some sumptuous restaurants to check out.

Sopot

A popular seaside resort, Sopot attracts the rich and famous with its elegant villas, posh restaurants and pounding nightlife. Formerly a fishing village, its packed and overdeveloped seafront now obscures the relics of the past, but you can still find traces of what it used to be like hidden around the city.

Lying on the Baltic, Sopot has some nice beaches. In summer, droves of people head here to enjoy all the pleasures on offer.

10. Szczecin

Szczecin

Lying between Berlin and Gdansk, this busy port city has an eclectic mix of different architectural styles and is seldom visited by non-German tourists. Although renovations are ongoing, Szczecin is falling apart a bit – old art nouveau mansions now lie side by side with modern glass shopping malls, derelict buildings and empty plots.

The city center has lots of shopping and dining options and its large student body and busy port mean that there’s a youthful vibe in town.

Lodz

The third-largest city in the country, Lodz’s industrial past, coupled with German occupation and communist rule, has resulted in grim and decaying streets and buildings. Hope is at hand, however, as a massive renovation program has led to shopping malls and business centers springing up among the ruins of the past. A nice pedestrian street is now running through the heart of the city.

This mix is fascinating to witness, and you can find some hidden gems scattered around the old industrial warehouses. For visitors interested in Jewish history and heritage, the city’s monuments and cemetery are now a sad and poignant reminder of Lodz’s once-thriving Jewish population.

8. Katowice

Katowice

A relatively new city, Katowice owes its current standing to its location at the center of fourteen cities in its region of Poland, and the industrial boom of the 19th Century. Consequently, it is a commercial and cultural center within the region, although it lacks historical sites due to its relatively recent emergence.

With lots of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from, as well as some interesting cultural sites, Katowice is well worth a visit and has great transport links to the surrounding area.

Lublin

While not the prettiest place in the world, Lublin has more than enough to justify a visit to the city. Heavily bombed in the Second World War, the post-war communist era buildings give Lublin a slightly drab look, although there are some nice town houses to be found here and there.

The largest city in the southeast of the country, there are lots of bars, restaurants, cafes and clubs, as well as a number of cultural attractions which are worth a visit. Once nicknamed the ‘Jewish Oxford,’ as it was a thriving Jewish center of learning, Lublin still has a number of interesting sights relating to its Jewish past, despite the horrors of WWII – which tragically put an end to this rich cultural heritage.

Torun

Located on the Vistula, this lovely city is an absolute delight to wander around – its peaceful streets seem a world away from more popular tourist destinations in Poland. A walled city, Torun’s Gothic old town has some fantastic architecture for visitors to view.

Unlike many cities in Poland, it thankfully emerged relatively unscathed from WWII. Tucked away amidst its winding streets you’ll find lovely atmospheric bars and restaurants, as well sights and images related to two of Torun’s claims to fame – Nicolaus Copernicus, who was born here, and the famous gingerbread that originated from the city.

Poznan

Buzzing with energy and a youthful feel, Poznan is a fun city to hang out in. The capital of Wielkopolska, its old town has lots of great historical sites to visit, as well as some fantastic museums.

The city’s large student population means that its restaurants, bars and clubs are full of life, while the trade fairs that are hosted in Poznan attract a different clientele entirely. From here, there are great transport links from which you can explore the surrounding region.

Market Square in Wroclaw

A charming place to visit, Wroclaw’s diverse influences have resulted in a unique look and culture to the city. With Austria, Bohemia and Prussia all having had an impact on the city’s development, the architecture reflects Wroclaw’s past, as evidenced by the spectacular Rynek market square.

Located on the Odra River, Wroclaw has a plethora of bridges and lovely parks lining its banks, which make it a picturesque place to relax – the delightful Cathedral Island is definitely worth stopping by.

The fourth-largest city in the country has a lively arts and culture scene, with lots of festivals and events taking place here throughout the year. With a large student population and bustling nightlife scene, Wroclaw has everything you could want in a city.

Gdansk

Unlike any other city in Poland, Gdansk’s tumultuous history has resulted in a unique identity and look. Due to its large port, wealthy merchants coming here to trade left their mark, while its strategic location meant it was once fought over by Teutonic Prussia and Poland.

Consequently, there are a lot of diverse architectural styles on show, and the post-WWII reconstruction of Gdansk only added to this. A popular destination, its cobbled streets are lined with delightful old churches and elegant buildings, while interesting museums lie side by side with shops, restaurants and cafes.

You can kick back and relax at some of the lovely beer gardens, or take a boat cruise from the port. From here, you can easily explore other places along the Baltic coast.

Warsaw

Almost completely destroyed in the Second World War, the city’s old town has been painstakingly restored to some of its former glory. A mishmash of different architectural styles, Gothic churches, fantastic museums and modern edifices can be found among the drab grey concrete buildings of the communist era.

With some lovely parks and diverse neighborhoods to wander around, Warsaw has many different sides to it. The nation’s capital is a fun and interesting place to explore, with a plethora of great, cheap restaurants, bars and clubs for visitors and locals alike to indulge at.

For a great view of Warsaw, head to the top of the domineering Palace of Culture and Science that towers over the tiny buildings below.

Krakow

An atmospheric place to visit, Krakow’s gorgeous Old Town is mesmerizing – delightful churches and old buildings line its picturesque squares. In fact, it has the biggest market square in Europe, in the shape of Rynek Glowny. A popular tourist destination, the former royal capital has lots to see and do , with Wawel Castle being just one of the highlights.

See also: Where to Stay in Krakow

Myriad restaurants and bars can be found throughout the city. There are endless options for great nightlife here if you get tired of exploring its historical sites and fantastic museums. The former Jewish quarter with all its synagogues is somber to walk around, and many tourists visit Krakow to take a trip to Auschwitz – a haunting yet important experience.

Map of cities in Poland

Map of cities in Poland

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10 Most Beautiful Spots In Poland

10 places to visit in poland

From dense fir forests concealing quaint timber towns to moving sand dunes that shift like waves in the Baltic breeze, this list of Poland’s 10 most beautiful spots is sure to get you hankering for a dose of the Slavic east.

1. tatra national park.

shutterstock_491464879-shaiith

2. Białowieża Forest

Forest, Park

2. Białowieża Forest

A wild and primeval land that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus in the country’s extreme east, Białowieża Forest is considered one of the last vestiges of virgin woodland in Europe. In total, it covers an area of more than 3,000 square kilometers and enjoys a status as a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site for its environment and untouched natural beauty. Along the endless hiking trails that wind their way deep into the forests here, visitors can spy the colossal oaks of Great Mamamuszi and the King of Nieznanowo (which soar more than 30 metres overhead), or wandering herds of the endangered European bison.

Białowieża Forest, Hajnówka

10 places to visit in poland

Białowieża Forest | © Marc Veraart/Flickr

3. Malbork

Nestled between the Elbląg Lakes and the rolling fields of Polish Masuria, the city of Malbork is home to one of the most fascinating medieval relics in all of Europe. For history lovers, or purveyors of great human architecture, there’s arguably no spot more beautiful in all of Poland, and there are endless photo opportunities to be had between the town’s sprawling castle complexes (which together form one of the largest on the entire planet). One of the most beautiful views of the red brick fortress has got to be from the opposite banks of the Nogat River, where the red tiled keeps and towering inner buildings can be seen in all their glory.

Malbork, Poland

10 places to visit in poland

Malbork Castle | © Arian Zwegers/Flickr

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5. The Masurian Lake District

A long-time favorite of domestic Polish holiday-makers, the Masurian Lake District continues to fill up with campers, hikers and sailors during the warmer months of the year, when the scintillating swathes of its famous waters glimmer in the Baltic sun. In total, the area is home to more than 2,000 individual lakes, with bodies like Śniardwy (the largest lake in Poland) and Lake Mamry drawing in the lion’s share of the crowds. There are also some beautiful rivers open for exploration, along with a number of charming towns, like Giżycko, Elk and Mikołajki.

Masurian Lake District, Poland

10 places to visit in poland

Fishing boats on the masurian lake in Poland | © Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock

6. Bieszczady Mountains

6. Bieszczady Mountains

Another off-shoot of the great Carpathian Range that runs its way right through the heart of Eastern Europe, Poland’s Bieszczady Mountains throw up sweeping vistas of verdant valleys, rolling highland meadows and clusters of virgin woodland to boot. They form the heart of the country’s Bieszczady National Park , which also enjoys a UNESCO biosphere designation and covers more than 290 square kilometers of land in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. Aside from the majestic mountain ridges of peaks like Szeroki Wierch and Mała Rawka, visitors here can spy out brown bears, wild wolf packs and even the endangered European bison.

Bieszczady Mountains, Poland

10 places to visit in poland

Bieszczady Mountains| © Emploia/Flickr

7. Karkonosze National Park

Karkonosze National Park

8. Słowiński National Park

Park, Forest

10 places to visit in poland

9. The Gdańsk old town

Northern Poland’s answer to the regal majesty of southern Kraków comes in the form of historic Gdańsk. Since the city’s official establishment in 1235, it’s passed under the rule of the Teutonic Knights, the Polish monarchy and the Prussian Confederation to name just a few, gaining sway as one of the most important Baltic port towns. Today, visitors are invited to lose themselves between the city’s tight-knit medieval lanes, exploring the cobblestone market squares and the historic docklands. Here the looming silhouettes of shipping cranes now belie Gdańsk’s more modern role as a booming industrial center, and a hotbed for the Solidarity movement that would go on to topple communist rule in the East.

Gdansk Old Town, Poland

10 places to visit in poland

© Jerzy/Shutterstock

10. Owl Mountains

10. Owl Mountains

A sub-range of the great Sudetes Mountains that run for hundreds of kilometers along the Polish-Czech border in the South, the Owl Mountains represent one of the country’s more off-the-beaten-track natural highlights. For the most part, they are clad in great swathes of dense spruce forest. The occasional summit soars above the treeline, at spots like Wielka Sowa and Kalenica, to more than 1,000 meters. Of course, there are oodles of hiking trails that crisscross the range, peppered with rustic timber lodges and pretty little country hamlets.

Owl Mountains, Poland

10 places to visit in poland

Winter in Owl Mountains | © Veli Plan/Flickr

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Top Things to Do in Poland

Places to visit in poland.

  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Stare Miasto
  • Wesoła Zachód
  • Budget-friendly
  • Good for Big Groups
  • Good for Couples
  • Good for Kids
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  • Adventurous
  • Honeymoon spot
  • Good for a Rainy Day
  • Hidden Gems
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

10 places to visit in poland

1. Wieliczka Salt Mine

MartinPrague67

2. Lake Morskie Oko

Freestyletraveling

4. Lacka Dune

Deivanai89

5. Oliwa Zoo

catlady300000

6. Bieszczady National Park

Basia_Poznan

7. Pieniny National Park

ThRued

8. Giewont Mountain

NickW830

9. Zamek Chojnik

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10. Cracow Saltworks Museum - Salt Mine Location

Sanka1

11. Tatras Mountains (Tatry)

dzbnkx

12. Museum of Krakow Town Hall Tower

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13. Stolowe Mountain National Park

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11 Best Things to Do in Wrocław, Poland

W rocław is one of the most charming cities in Poland . You will see numerous attractions and monuments, eat in great restaurants and you will not have time to be bored! The capital of Lower Silesia is appreciated both by Poles and international tourists. Let’s review the best things to do in Wrocław and perhaps after visiting, you will follow the growing trend and call this city “Wroclove” :)

I recommend you to visit for a weekend or three days. And don’t forget to check out these fantastic tours in Wroclaw that will tell you more about the history of the city and show you some of the top places in and around Wroclaw.

Wroclaw Quick Info:

Best Tours in Wroclaw:

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Wrocław
  • Delicious Wroclaw Food Tour
  • Wroclaw: 2-Hour Segway Tour around the Old Town

Best Hotels in Wroclaw:

Luxury: The Bridge Wroclaw

Mid-Range: Art Hotel

Budget: Hotel Europejski

Hostel: Quantum Hostel

Things to do in Wrocław, Poland

1. hunt the dwarfs.

When you walk around Wrocław you will come across multiple figures of dwarfs/gnomes. What are they doing there? Their history goes back to the times after World War II when Poland was under communism.

Anti-communist activists were writing anti-socialist slogans on the walls. Then, obviously, the authorities covered them with paint. The activists reacted to that by putting a drawing of a gnome on every stain of paint. The first two dwarfs were painted in Wrocław in August 1982, and in the following year, over 1000 were created, also in other cities in Poland.

Later dwarfs also appeared on posters announcing anti-communist happenings – and the culmination of their popularity was the Dwarf Revolution happening in 1988 when over 10,000 participants in dwarf hats passed through the streets of Wrocław.

The first five dwarfs as we know them today appeared on the streets of the city in 2005. Currently, you can find over 350 of them all around the city! Pay close attention – some of them even ride trams :)

2. Visit the Market Square

Wrocław Market Square is one of the largest Old Town markets in Europe. On the square, you will see buildings from different historical eras. In the middle, there is a central block consisting of the Old Town Hall and New Town Hall.

The Old Town Hall is one of the main architectural monuments in the city; its construction started in the 13th century and lasted 250 years! In the basement of the Town Hall, there was a restaurant called Piwnica Świdnicka. It operated in this place with no break since 1273 (!) until its unexpected closure in 2017 due to an unregulated legal situation. Luckily, the situation has improved, and Wroclaw Old Town Hall reopened in 2022!

Another part to pay attention to on the Market Square is two tiny medieval buildings connected by an arcade called Hansel and Gretel. They used to be houses of altarists from the nearby church of St. Elizabeth. In the past, there was a gate between them that led to a cemetery. Hence the inscription still preserved on the arcade: Mors Ianua Vitae – Death is the gate to life.

3. Climb up the viewing point of St. Elizabeth

The above-mentioned church of St. Elizabeth is a Gothic church with a tower over 90 meters high. Visit the church inside to see the decorations but most importantly – climb over 300 stairs to the top and see the panorama of Wrocław from up high!

4. Take a boat ride

Wrocław is sometimes called the “Venice of Poland”. It is located on 12 islands on the river Oder and has 112 bridges. A great way to see the city is by boat! Boat rides last around 50 minutes and it will allow you to see beautiful places from a different perspective.

5. Visit Ostrów Tumski

Ostrów Tumski is the second place (after the Market Square) you absolutely cannot miss! It is the oldest part of the city, originally it was located on a separate island. Later, however, the river changed and the only sign that it used to be an island remained in the name (“ostrów” meant “island” in old Polish language).

Make sure to pass Tumski bridge. Couples used to add padlocks as signs of eternal love. I’m not sure how the couples are doing but the city was forced to remove the padlocks from the old bridge. They weighed 17 tons (!) and were too much for the bridge to handle. Currently, it’s forbidden to put new padlocks – which does not stop some couples from trying. But the bridge still looks pretty romantic so perhaps you can find another way to express your love there! :) The key part of Ostrów Tumski is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, a gothic church with neo-gothic additions. You can climb up its tower too.

6. See a fascinating painting in Panorama Racławicka

Panorama Racławicka is an art museum where you will see a monumental painting – the Battle of Racławice. The painting is cycloramic, which means it covers the entire space around you. When you enter the museum, you immerse yourself in the world presented by the team of painters. In the painting, you will see the story of the battle won by Tadeusz Kościuszko during the uprising in 1794.

However, do not expect full historical consistency. In the painting, there are scenes that were actually taking place at different times or events that did not actually happen. The artists matched the details of the battle to their artistic vision. In the museum, you will not only see the painting but also hear the story of the battle and description of different parts of the picture (audioguides in many languages are available). I must say it is one of the most interesting art museums in Poland I have visited and I highly recommend it.

7. Visit the Centennial Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Centennial Hall opened in 1913, on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Leipzig and the triumph of the anti-French coalition over Napoleon Bonaparte’s army. It is a multifunctional building which was hosting exhibitions, concerts, theatrical and opera performances, and sporting events.

Currently, sporting events, business summits, and concerts take place in this hall. You can also see an exhibition about its history inside. The dome of the building is 65 meters wide, and the Centennial Hall itself is 42 meters high. There is room for up to 10,000 people. In 2006, UNESCO added the Centennial Hall to the UNESCO World Heritage List because it’s a “pioneering work of modern engineering and architecture”.

8. See the Japanese Garden

If you are a nature lover, you also need to visit the Japanese Garden. It was built over 100 years ago at the same time as Centennial Hall. There are about 30 species of plants from the Far East and Japan. Except for the plants, pay attention to the system of streams, cascades, and ponds.

9. Visit the best Zoo in Poland

While I personally have never been a fan of caging wild animals and displaying them to the public for entertainment – I have to admit that zoos have changed a lot over the last few years. From places full of unhappy, lonely animals living in tight cages, many zoos have turned into places that create conditions as close to natural as possible, while also engaging in the protection of endangered species.

Wrocław Zoo made a good impression on me. The animals look well-groomed, everything is clean. In the zoo, you can visit the unique Afrykarium – the first and the biggest aquarium in Poland and the only in the world which is dedicated to the fauna and flora of the African continent.

10. See a show of the multimedia fountain

Wrocław is home to the largest multimedia fountain in Poland and one of the largest in Europe. It takes almost a hectare of space! It has 800 light points, 300 water jets, and 3 fire nozzles. The fountain shows in Wrocław include lights, sounds, and music.

You can see the shows in the summertime (from May to October). They happen every hour from 10 a.m. and last anywhere between 4 to 17 minutes.

11. Visit museums In Wrocław

You can visit numerous interesting museums. One of the most famous is Hydropolis – a water knowledge center that covers the topic of water on Earth from all perspectives. You can learn about oceans and their depths, water in the city, the water system on Earth, and much more. It’s a great place for adults and kids alike. If you download a special Hydropolis app, you will be able to use a special audioguide which helps to understand all the information.

A place all kids love is also Kolejkowo. It’s the largest railway model in Poland. It has over 700 square meters. You can see numerous miniatures of the most recognizable places from Wrocław and Lower Silesia on a scale of 1:25.

Kolejkowo is a toy town that is full of life. Miniature inhabitants lead their miniature lives here. They work, commute, meet in restaurants, play, and grill, walk around the city, go shopping and it’s fun to observe them. Scenes from the little lives will amuse adults too! :) If you are into art I recommend you to visit the National Museum where you will see famous paintings by Polish and international artists.

I hope I encouraged you to visit this beautiful city and do all the fun things to do in Wrocław! I also encourage you to visit other cities in Poland like Gdańsk or Warsaw .

My name is Dorota, I come from Poland. I traveled and volunteered on three continents and I am fascinated by the world’s beauty. I love exploring Poland too, I think it’s one of the best and most diverse countries in Europe! My blog is Weekendowka (in Polish) and I focus on sharing my favorite weekend trips in Poland. Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for more info about Poland

Best Things to Do in Wroclaw, Poland – Pin for Later:

Wrocław is one of the most charming cities in Poland. Here are the 11 best things to do in Wroclaw Poland that you can't miss.

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Russia-Ukraine war: Two babies and toddler among 10 confirmed dead after drone strike in Odesa – as it happened

Russian drone crashed into nine-storey residential building in Odesa on Saturday. This live blog is now closed

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  • 21h ago Summary
  • 24h ago Two babies and toddler among 10 confirmed dead after drone strike in Odesa
  • 1d ago Opening summary

A drone view shows rescue crews working at the site of a residential building heavily damaged by a Russian drone strike in Odesa.

It is 2.30pm in Ukraine . Here is a summary of events

The bodies of a mother and baby found in the rubble of a missile-hit apartment block in Odesa on Sunday have brought the death toll from Saturday’s strike to 10. Two babies and a toddler are amongst those found dead following a Russian drone strike on a nine-storey apartment block in Odesa on Saturday, according to briefings from officials.

Five people were injured overnight by Russian shelling in Myrnohrad and Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast , according to the regional prosecutor’s office. A “massive missile attack” on a residential area of Myrnohrad injured two women aged 50 and 33 and a 37-year-old man, Donetsk Oblast’s regional prosecutor’s office posted on Telegram . It said a Russian missile strike in a residential area of Pokrovsk at 6.30 on Sunday morning also left two women with shrapnel wounds.

People are still queueing up to place flowers on Alexei Navalny’s grave in Moscow’s Borisovskoye cemetery . The pile of floral tributes is growing despite state intimidation as Russians pay tribute to the late opposition leader.

Turkey believes it is time for ceasefire talks to start in Ukraine, its foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, said at a press conference on Sunday. Fidan said: “A dialogue for a ceasefire (in Ukraine) should start. That doesn’t mean recognising the occupation (by Russia), but issues of sovereignty and ceasefire should be discussed separately.”

The wife of Vladimir Kara-Murza, one of Russia’s most high profile political prisoners, says it has taken two years to secure a meeting with the UK government, despite him being a British citizen . Kara-Murza is serving a 25-year sentence in a Siberian jail and his wife Evgenia told The Observer she met David Cameron on Friday.

Ukraine’s border with Poland remains blocked at all six checkpoints to trucks because of protests by Polish farmers about the import of grain from Ukraine, according to local reports. State Border Guard spokesperson Andrii Demchenko said on national television that around 2,400 trucks had been waiting to pass the border as of Sunday, according to a report in The Kyiv Independent .

Ukraine launched a mass drone attack on the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula early on Sunday , with unconfirmed reports of powerful explosions near the port of Feodosia. Russia’s defence ministry said Ukraine launched 38 drones and that its air defences destroyed all of them. It did not say whether any damage or casualties resulted from the attack in a statement on its Telegram channel.

Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called on the west to rapidly deliver more air-defence systems as a wave of Russian missile, drone and artillery strikes killed at least 11 people . “Russia continues to hit civilians,” the Ukrainian president posted on social media on Saturday. Eight were confirmed dead, including a child and a baby, after an overnight drone strike on an apartment block in the southern port city of Odesa, a regional official said. Zelenskiy said in his post: “We need more air defences from our partners. We need to strengthen the Ukrainian air shield to add more protection for our people from Russian terror.”

The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has promised a full investigation after a purported recording of confidential army talks on the Ukraine war was circulated on Russian social media , in a huge embarrassment for Berlin. A German defence ministry believed a conversation in the air force division was “intercepted”, a ministry spokesperson said. The recording apparently showed German officials discussing striking Crimea and delivery of long-range missiles to Kyiv.

An anti-Russian, Crimean Tatar-led underground group have claimed large explosions have destroyed a pipeline, causing “colossal” damage, in Russian-occupied Crimea , Associated Press reports.

Loud explosions were heard near an oil depot in the early hours of Sunday, according to a local pro-Kyiv Telegram news channel, while Kremlin-installed officials in the territory said that a nearby stretch of highway was closed to traffic for over eight hours. Videos shared with pro-Ukrainian channel Crimean Wind showed explosions lighting up the night sky, followed by loud booms. The channel said they were taken by local residents near Feodosia — a coastal town in northeastern Crimea. It was not immediately possible to verify the circumstances in which the videos were shot. The group, Atesh — which means “fire” in Crimean Tatar — did not directly claim responsibility for the strike, and said it had learned about its consequences from informers among Russian-appointed officials. Authorities in Kyiv did not immediately acknowledge or comment on the claims. Russia’s defense ministry on Sunday did not comment on the reports but claimed that 38 Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight into Sunday over the peninsula.

Chinese Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs, Li Hui, on a visit to the Russian foreign ministry in May 2023.

After diplomatic talks in Moscow on Saturday evening, China’s foreign ministry said on Sunday that negotiation would be the only way to end fighting in Ukraine .

China’s special envoy on Ukraine, Li Hui, and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Mikhail Galuzin, held talks on Saturday evening with senior Russian diplomats. It was the first leg of a European trip that will also take Hui to Brussels, Poland, Germany and France.

In a readout published on Sunday morning, China’s foreign ministry said that Special Representative Li Hui and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin agreed that negotiations are the only way to end the fighting in Ukraine.

China is ready to “continue its efforts to promote peace talks, mediate and build consensus among Russia, Ukraine and other relevant parties, and promote a final political settlement of the Ukraine crisis,” China’s foreign ministry said in a readout from the meeting.

Li’s trip is the second since last May and comes as Kyiv seeks Beijing’s participation in peace talks that Switzerland is trying to organise this spring, AP reports. China claims it is neutral in Russia’s war on Ukraine but maintains close ties with Moscow.

“A very engaged and thorough exchange of views took place on the topic of the Ukrainian crisis,” the Russian foreign ministry said in the statement posted on its website. “It was stated that any discussion of a political and diplomatic settlement is impossible without the participation of Russia and taking into account its interests in the security sphere.”

Evgenia Kara-Murza, wife of jailed Russian opposition figure and journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza, who is serving a 25-year sentence over charges including treason over criticism of the Ukraine offensive.

Vladimir Kara-Murza is one of Russia’s most high profile political prisoners. He is a British citizen, yet his wife Evgenia Kara-Murza tells Carole Cadwalladr in today’s Observer that it has taken her two years to secure a meeting with the UK government.

Cadwalladr writes:

Hours after Alexei Navalny was buried in Moscow , his body brought from a grim Siberian jail, Evgenia Kara-Murza, who is married to another Russian opposition leader serving a 25-year sentence in another grim Siberian jail, is perfectly composed. On Friday, images of Navalny’s body in an open casket were beamed around the world, but if these scenes had brought home to Evgenia Kara-Murza the risk to her husband and her family, she wasn’t showing it. In fact, she’s fresh out of a meeting with Britain’s foreign secretary, David Cameron . “I was actually with him when the funeral was taking place,” she says. “It was arranged two weeks ago so it was a total coincidence. But can you believe it’s taken two years for the British government to meet with me? It took them a year to make even a statement about his arrest.” It’s a fact that Bill Browder , an American businessman turned activist calls “utterly shameful”, not least because Vladimir Kara-Murza is a British citizen. Since Navalny’s death, he’s the most high-profile politician imprisoned in Russia but he spent his teenage years in Britain after his mother married an Englishman, studying at Cambridge University before returning to Moscow.

You can read the full article here .

The pile of flowers on Alexei Navalny’s grave is growing bigger by the minute, as Russians pay tribute to the late opposition leader.

The BBC’s Steve Rosenberg has posted a video of the scene from Moscow’s Borisovskoye cemetery, where queues of people have braved state intimidation to show their support.

The scene at Moscow’s Borisovskoye cemetery this morning. Russians continue to place flowers on the grave of Alexei Navalny. There’s now a mountain of floral tributes to the late opposition leader. @BBCNews #Navalny pic.twitter.com/Eco5N2gJMf — Steve Rosenberg (@BBCSteveR) March 3, 2024

Enemy rocket attacks on Myrnograd and Pokrovsk, where five people were wounded on the night of March 3, 2024

Five people were injured overnight by Russian shelling in Myrnohrad and Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, according to the regional prosecutor office.

A “massive missile attack” on a residential area of Myrnohrad injured two women aged 50 and 33 and a 37-year-old man, Donetsk Oblast’s regional prosecutor’s office posted on Telegram . According to its governor, the attack damaged 17 apartment blocks, 16 homes, two shops, two educational institutions and a bank.

Another Russian missile strike in a residential area of Pokrovsk at 6.30 on Sunday morning also left two women aged 24 and 52 with shrapnel wounds, according to the regional prosecutor.

Enemy rocket attacks on Myrnograd and Pokrovsk, where five people were wounded on the night of March 3, 2024

Turkey believes it is time for ceasefire talks to start in Ukraine , its foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, said at a press conference on Sunday, Reuters reports.

“A dialogue for a ceasefire (in Ukraine) should start. That doesn’t mean recognising the occupation (by Russia), but issues of sovereignty and ceasefire should be discussed separately,” Fidan said.

He was speaking at the close of a diplomacy forum in the southern city of Antalya. The Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) began in 2021 as a place for policymakers, businessmen, researchers and academics to exchange ideas and views.

Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, offered last month to host a new round of Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations.

Ukraine’s border with Poland remains blocked at all six checkpoints to trucks because of protests by Polish farmers about the import of grain from Ukraine , according to local reports.

State Border Guard spokesperson Andrii Demchenko said on national television that around 2,400 trucks had been waiting to pass the border as of Sunday, according to a report in The Kyiv Independent .

Protests over the EU’s Green Deal have been taking place across Europe but in Poland they have taken on an anti-Ukrainian character over allegations that cheaper imports have undermined their business.

Polish farmers now want to stop the import of Ukrainian grain and to extend the ban to other goods including fruit, eggs and meat. They have been dumping Ukrainian grain at the border in protest and blocking trucks from coming through.

Demchenko said that busses and passenger cars are still able to cross the border and that trucks carrying aid into Ukraine were getting through.

Two babies and toddler among 10 confirmed dead after drone strike in Odesa

Employees of the State Emergency Service sort through the rubble of a residential building partially destroyed due to a drone attack by Russian military on March 2, 2024 in Odesa.

Two babies and a toddler are amongst the 10 people confirmed dead following a drone strike on an apartment block in Odesa on Saturday, according to briefings from officials.

A mother and her baby have been found in the rubble this morning as search and rescue operations continue, Odesa governor Oleh Kiper said. A Russian drone crashed into a nine-storey residential building in Odesa on Saturday.

“The body of another dead baby has just been found next to the woman’s body. Preliminarily, the child is less than a year old. Rescuers continue to clear the rubble,” Kiper said on Telegram.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday that a four-month-old and a two-year-old had been killed. Zelenskiy said that casualties could have been avoided if Ukraine had not faced delays in arms deliveries.

Ukrainian soldiers of a tank unit preparing for combat in Donetsk Oblast.

An estimated 1,160 Russian soldiers were killed in combat on Saturday, according to figures published this morning by the General Staff of Ukraine’s armed forces.

It brings Ukraine’s estimate of Russian losses to 416,800.

In its daily update of combat losses, which cannot be verified, Ukraine’s military also claimed to have destroyed 16 tanks, 28 armoured vehicles and 14 drones on Saturday. The data is still being updated.

Opening summary

Hello and welcome to our ongoing live coverage of the war in Ukraine. Here is a summary of the latest developments to start with:

Ukraine launched a mass drone attack on the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula early on Sunday, with unconfirmed reports of powerful explosions near the port of Feodosia.

Russia’s defence ministry said Ukraine launched 38 drones and that its air defences destroyed all of them. It did not say whether any damage or casualties resulted from the attack in a statement on its Telegram channel.

Earlier, road traffic near Feodosia was significantly restricted, Russian-installed officials in Crimea said, with traffic on the bridge linking the Crimean Peninsula to Russia halted for hours before resuming.

There was no immediate comment from Ukrainian officials.

About 10 people were still unaccounted for after the Odesa strike on the nine-storey building, the interior minister, Igor Klymenko, said on Telegram. Almost 100 rescuers were set to continue a search and rescue operation overnight. Ukraine’s armed forces said the Odesa region was attacked by eight drones, of which seven were shot down.

Shelling attacks on the frontline Kharkiv, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions killed another three people , Ukrainian officials said.

Ukraine downed a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber on Saturday, the Ukrainian air force commander said on Telegram. Mykola Oleshchuk’s claim could not be independently verified.

A drone crashed into an apartment building in St Petersburg , Russia’s state news agency said. A report by RIA Novosti said six people received medical help after an explosion on Saturday morning in the north-western Russian city

Russian artillery shelling reportedly killed a 53-year-old man in the partly occupied Kherson region on Saturday.

The mother and mother-in-law of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny were among mourners who brought flowers to his grave in Moscow on Saturday, a day after thousands turned his funeral into one of the largest recent displays of dissent in Russia.

More than 20 settlements in Ukraine’s eastern province of Kharkiv have reportedly sustained Russian artillery and mortar attacks. As well, high-rise buildings in Kharkiv city were damaged by a drone attack, the regional governor, Oleh Syniehubov, was reported as saying.

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    5. Lazienki Park, Warsaw. Palace on the Isle in Lazienki Park. Lazienki Park covers 76 hectares of the city center, making it one of Poland's largest urban parks. Lazienki started life as a baths park for a nobleman in the 17 th century. Today, the Palace on the Isle is open to the public, as are the gardens around it.

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    4. Gdansk. Gdansk is one of Poland's most popular tourist destinations, located on the Baltic coast. When you think of Poland, beaches and seaports don't necessarily come to mind, which is why Gdansk is one of the best places to visit in Poland. Situated in the north of Poland, Gdansk is a port city on the Baltic Coast.

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    This is surely one of the most famous places to visit in Poland for your next trip! Location: Plac Defilad 1, Warsaw 00-110, Poland Timings:: 11:00 AM - 11:30 PM. 7. The Vistula River Beach. Image Source. The Vistula acts as a district of entertainment and recreational activities in the middle of Warsaw. The beach, stretch of natural ...

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    12. Ojcow National Park. Located not far from Krakow, Ojcow National Park dramatically sits between Pradnik and Saspowska River valleys. It is one of the smallest national parks in the country and is characterized by deep canyons, numerous limestone cliffs, thick woodlands, rock formations, and dark caves.

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    1. Get amazed by the unique beauty of Wrocław. One of the best things to do in Poland is to discover this elegant gem of a city, with gorgeous architecture unspoilt by tourist hordes.

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    4. Gdansk. The Hanseatic city of Gdansk hasn't been Polish for very long. Throughout history, Gdansk alternated between being German, Prussian, Polish and autonomous until it became a part of Poland in 1945. Gdansk was one of the most important seaports in Europe and a member of the Hanseatic League.

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    7. Wroclaw. Surrounded by the Oder River is the elegant and ethereally beautiful Wroclaw; adorned in architecture that could easily inhabit folklore, it is brimming with art, history and a diverse medley of cafes, restaurants, and bars to fuel your exploration of the largest city in Western Poland. Wroclaw's origins are in Ostrow Tumski ...

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    12. Energylandia. Try all of Energylandia's—Poland's largest theme park—123 attractions spread across 6 distinctive zones: Fairytale Land, Family Zone, Extreme Zone, Water Park, Dragon Zone, and Aqualantis. Ride the popular Hyperion, Speed, and Space Booster rollercoasters; and watch shows like 'Extreme show' and 'The Egypt ...

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    Amazing place. Lovely scenery. Walking shoes required as narrow in places. Lots of people to chat to as you walk even if you only speak a little polish. Coffee hut at the top but very steep walk down. My poor knees are suffering now. Defiantly worth a visit and if at the bottom your too tired to walk back the taxi bus passes by for very few plz.

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