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Poland
What to see, when to go and how to travel on a budget – a practical guide from places we’ve explored ourselves.
Poland is close and yet still a bit of a discovery. You’ll find long sandy beaches on the Baltic, the Tatra and Karkonosze mountains, historic cities like Krakow and Wrocław, plus famous hospitality and friendly prices. In this guide you’ll find where to go, when to travel and how to enjoy the trip without unnecessary spending.
We travel to Poland very regularly – it’s close to our border, it’s safe, affordable and full of variety. Near the border we most love Wrocław and Krakow; further north we’re fond of Łódź and Gdańsk. What’s great about Poland is how it combines beautiful historic and modern cities with an accessible coast, beaches and even sand dunes near Łeba. Add good food, quality roads and the fact that you usually pay no motorway tolls here. Our trips tend to be on the budget-friendly side, so we come back to Poland several times a year.
When to go to Poland
The best time is May to September. For the Baltic coast, July and August are ideal (a warmer sea); for cities and mountains, spring and early autumn work well too – fewer crowds and lower prices.
What to see in Poland
Wroclaw: What to See, Where to Stay, and How to Fall in Love With It (2026)
I've compiled everything we wished we knew before our first trip into this article: where to stay in Wroclaw, what not to miss, how much money to bring, and how to avoid the mistakes we made ourselves. If, like me, you're a fan of animals, water, and high-up views, this city will win you over just like it did us.
Read
Krakow: Practical Guide 2026 – Accommodation, Transport, and Budget
Even though we waited ten minutes for the dragon's flame, which lasted one second – we still returned there a second time because around the statue is the most beautiful view of Wawel and the Vistula in all of Krakow. That's exactly what Krakow is all about, and not just about this.
Read
Zoo Wroclaw: The largest aquarium in Poland
Just two hours from the Czech border, according to its official name, is the largest Afrykarium in the country – located right in Wroclaw.
ReadBest regions & cities
Where to spend your time, depending on what you are after.
Kraków & the Tatras
A historic city, Wieliczka and mountains within reach – classic southern Poland.
GuideThree days in Poland
We start our trip at the point farthest from home – in this itinerary that’s Krakow. A few days in Poland are enough to experience the essentials for a first taste of the country. The route combines city walks, historic landmarks and interesting stops on the way home.
Krakow
We begin in Krakow, one of Poland’s most beautiful cities – the Main Square, Wawel Castle and the Kazimierz Jewish quarter. In Krakow you have to see the fire-breathing dragon, the underground beneath the main square (Rynek Underground) and the Barbican; more tips are in our Krakow guide. Nearby is the Wieliczka salt mine, which we highly recommend for lovers of the unusual (or of Lord of the Rings – it looks like Moria).
Wrocław
On the second day we move on to Wrocław – the colourful Rynek square, the islands on the Oder river and hunting for the dwarves dotted all over the city. Wrocław also has one of the largest zoos and its famous Afrykarium, well worth a visit. Also worth seeing is Hydropolis, an unusual exhibition all about water.
Łódź or Kłodzko
On the way home we stop in Łódź or Kłodzko. In Kłodzko it’s worth visiting Mini Euroland – a park with models of European landmarks and a small zoo (with peacocks that wander among the visitors, for instance), a hit mainly with kids. In Łódź, meanwhile, you can visit the zoo where the elephants take a bath.
Before you go
Getting around
A car is the most convenient – it’s close from Central Europe. Trains and buses connect the big cities cheaply.
- Some motorway sections (A2/A4) are tolled – have cash/card ready
- PKP trains and FlixBus buses between cities
- Cheap public transport within the cities
Where to stay
In season (summer on the coast) book ahead – prices and occupancy rise fastest then.
- Apartments and guesthouses are usually good value
- Check ratings and reviews
Money-saving tips
- Pay by card or change złoty at a kantor (better rate)
- Travel outside peak season
- Try the local bar mleczny (cheap milk-bar meals)
How much a trip to Poland costs
Rough prices per person per day (2026). Actual costs depend on the region and season – treat the numbers below as a guide.
Poland articles
Wroclaw: What to See, Where to Stay, and How to Fall in Love With It (2026)
I've compiled everything we wished we knew before our first trip into this article: where to stay in Wroclaw, what not to miss, how much money to bring, and how to avoid the mistakes we made ourselves. If, like me, you're a fan of animals, water, and high-up views, this city will win you over just like it did us.
ReadKrakow: Practical Guide 2026 – Accommodation, Transport, and Budget
Even though we waited ten minutes for the dragon's flame, which lasted one second – we still returned there a second time because around the statue is the most beautiful view of Wawel and the Vistula in all of Krakow. That's exactly what Krakow is all about, and not just about this.
Read
Wieliczka: Salt Mine near Krakow – Complete Guide
And did you visit that salt mine? With Veronika, we went through both routes that Wieliczka offers – the classic tourist one and the tougher miners' one, where you put on overalls and descend like a real miner. Both are worth it, although each for a completely different reason. As a first visit, however, we recommend the tourist one. You can find out more in this article.
Read
Sky Tower Wroclaw: Complete Guide, Tickets, Reviews, and Tips for the Best View in Poland (2026)
Wroclaw is a city of dwarves, historical bridges, and colorful squares. But towering above it all is one unmissable landmark – Sky Tower, Wroclaw. This controversial yet fascinating structure changes the game for any tourist wanting to see Poland from a bird's-eye view.
ReadZoo Wroclaw: The largest aquarium in Poland
Just two hours from the Czech border, according to its official name, is the largest Afrykarium in the country – located right in Wroclaw.
Read
Polish sea by car: best places, what to see, and practical tips
Poland by the sea is an often underestimated destination, but we have fallen in love with it so much that we have been returning here for several years. It is an ideal option for a couple or a family.
ReadQuestions about Poland
When is the best time to visit Poland?
May to September. For swimming in the Baltic, July and August are warmest; for cities and mountains, spring and early autumn work well too.
Do they use the euro in Poland?
No, the currency is the złoty (zł). Cards are accepted almost everywhere; a little cash is handy for markets and small businesses.
Are Poland’s motorways tolled?
Some sections (e.g. A2 and A4) are tolled – have cash or a card ready for the toll gates. State-run motorways are free for cars.
How long should I go to Poland for?
2-3 days is enough for one city. Combining a city with the coast or mountains works best over 5-7 days.
Plan your trip to Poland
Browse our guides and itineraries – so you know exactly where to go and what not to miss.