When it comes to Central Europe, we consider Poland a high-priority stop for tourists. It provides an impressive diversity of sights to see and adventures to go on.
Before you head there, here’s a list of our 7 favorite things to do in Poland. No matter what you’re looking for, Poland will provide it in abundance.
Visit Wawel Castle
If you’re a fan of castles, we bet you’ll love Wawel Castle in Kraków. This 13th-century castle is one of the best preserved in the country. It’s also one of the oldest remaining castles, as WWII did significant damage to many of them.
Here, you can see a fascinating combination of Gothic, Baroque, Early Renaissance, and Romanesque architecture. Inside, you can also see tapestries, Poland’s former crown jewels, and treasures dating back to the Ottoman Empire.
Get Out Into Nature
Poland is a country with great natural beauty, and there are many places to go to soak it in. If you take a trip to the Bialowieza National Park, you can see one of the oldest forests left in Europe.
This primeval forest is the only place left in the world where you can find European bison in the wild.
If you enjoy hiking, there’s no better place to head than the Tatras Mountains. These mountains offer stunning scenery and a variety of hikes at different intensities. This makes them suitable for both hiking enthusiasts and novices.
Take A Trip To Auschwitz
One cannot visit Poland without acknowledging its history, and there’s no better way to do this than a trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
This might not be the most fun holiday activity, but it’s an essential one. One of the gravest monuments of World War II, it serves as a poignant memorial to the many lives tragically lost.
See The Wieliczka Salt Mine
Located near Kraków, you can find a completely unique experience in the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Salt was the main industry in Kraków, and this specific mine was in operation until 2007.
We were pleasantly surprised by the ornate carvings down by the workers. Carved out of stone and salt, you can see statues, chandeliers, and chapels.
Walk The Gdańsk Riverfront
The town of Gdańsk lies on the Baltic Coast and provides a nod to its history as a trade center and economic hub. You can walk along the riverfront, stopping to look at the quaint shops and other sights.
We discovered that Gdańsk’s architecture differs from other Polish cities, with burgher’s mansions lining the streets; the notable influence of trading partners in its building style.
We strongly recommend heading to the beachfront to take a dip, at least in summer. The beach also offers exquisite sunset views, perfect for a romantic evening.
Explore WWII History
While in Gdańsk, take a trip to the Museum of the Second World War. This museum, which opened in 2017, documents events leading up to the war, and the devastating impact that it had on Poland.
Not only is this one of the best history museums in Poland, but it is also one of the very best WWII museums in the world. It offers a rich and detailed look into an important but tragic part of human history.
Have A Night Out In Warsaw
The country’s capital is very modern and has a much more 21st-century feel than other cities. This makes for a nice change of pace and makes it the perfect choice for a night out.
Warsaw has a thriving urban nightlife scene, with an abundance of bars and clubs, guaranteed to satisfy any partygoer.
If that’s not your speed, Warsaw is steeped in culture, boasting some of the best art museums in the country, including the Museum of Modern Art, and the National Museum.
Have An Adventure In Poland
Now that you’ve seen some of the best things to do in Poland, it’s time to book your tickets and start packing. Make sure to check the weather, and bring a raincoat, just in case.
Whether you’re looking for natural beauty, riveting history, wild nightlife, or majestic architecture, Poland has it all.
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