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When planning a vacation, a visit to Poland is rarely a country that tops the must-see destination list for most. Especially when Europe is full of so many remarkable destinations, but trust us when we say you should make it a priority to visit Poland.
Poland is a country close to our hearts, but even were it not for the personal connection to the country, it would be a stand out as one of our favourite European countries to visit.
And don’t be fooled into thinking a quick holiday to Poland will suffice. Nope, it’s deserving of much more than a short stopover when you visit Poland. So let us give you 14 reasons to go to Poland for your next holiday.
14 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT POLAND
Poland has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in exploring the outdoors, visiting historical sites, or enjoying the nightlife. Poland is an affordable destination that offers great value for your money.
Find out why Poland is one of our favourite countries in the world and why you should visit Poland to see for yourself!
1. The History
There is so much history! A visit to Poland means a chance to learn so much about this country and what has at times been a very tragic history.
If you enjoy a country with an interesting background, this is a huge reason why to visit Poland. There is no doubt about it, they have been through a lot over the decades and have come out strong at the other end.
From the feeling of disbelief and sadness you get wandering the Auschwitz – Birkenau Museum and War Memorial, to the confronting displays at the Warsaw Rising Museum.
You will definitely feel a lot of emotion when you visit these places sharing the raw and tragic history of World War II and the concentration camp horrors.
But not all of Poland’s history is so dark. There are beautiful palaces, ornate churches and some of the most picturesque towns in the world. Not to mention some of the most stunning palaces as well.
There are significant historic events, both good and bad that are definitely worth learning more about and seeing with your own eyes when you travel to Poland.
2. The Size
Poland is massive. A lot of people forget that. It is actually the 9th largest country in Europe, and with size comes variety. When you visit Poland, you are not just getting town squares and unique architecture.
You also get beaches and forests, salt mines, wildlife and the breathtaking Tatra Mountains, plus a whole lot of beautiful cities to explore.
Again, Poland should not be underestimated and the fact that you can experience so many different things in one country is an essential reason why visit Poland!
It also means you need more than a couple of days to fully appreciate this country.
You won’t really see much in a couple of days anyway! A couple of weeks would be better spent getting acquainted with this Eastern European gem. And you still won’t have time to see it all.
3. Polish Food
Don’t go to Poland on a diet. Go there with the intention to eat and make the most of the delicious must try food in Poland.
A trip to Poland would not be complete without a generous serving of pierogi with a side of kapusta, followed by a slice of makowiec or a paczki.
Polish cuisine is largely carbohydrate-based and hearty. After all, it can be downright freezing during a Polish winter, so why not warm up from the inside first.
There is lots of meat, cabbage and potatoes, usually served with bread. Very filling and perfect for warming you during a cold winter in Poland. Polish food is definitely amongst my favourite cuisines in the world.
Why go to Poland if not to enjoy the food.
Although I will admit Polish dessert is not always my favourite, with the exception of their gofry served at street stalls all around the bigger cities. They are essentially a waffle with Nutella or flavoured sauce on top, plus a generous serving of whipped cream. So good.
The lody is a favourite for my kids and husband though… ice cream!
FOR MORE POLAND TRAVEL TIPS FIND OUR ULTIMATE POLAND TRAVEL GUIDE
5. Old Towns
Poland has some of Europe’s most beautiful town squares and old town areas.
Krakow boasts Europe’s largest town square – and the market square should be high on your list of best places to visit in Poland. Each old town area comes with its own unique history and sights to see.
And there is, of course, the capital city in Poland, Warsaw. The old town in Warsaw was completely destroyed during WWII, but you wouldn’t know it.
The reconstructed version is still a must-see place in Poland, and the atmosphere in the area is usually very lively, with lots of things going on all year round.
We have visited in both summer and winter, and have loved both equally. During December you will usually get to experience the Christmas Markets in Poland around the town centres. This is not to be missed.
In the summer, often there will be performances and plenty of outdoor dining opportunities to enjoy the town square activity.
Book your Warsaw city tours online
6. The Architecture
The many beautiful buildings to see. While talking about the old town areas and the surrounding sights, a mention of the architecture in Poland is essential.
Think brightly coloured buildings constructed in the 17th century or earlier, or elaborate churches and palaces.
One unique building that has become a more modern Polish attraction is the Crooked House in Sopot – Krzywy Domek, which serves as a place of business, shopping and dining.
There isn’t anything spectacular to see inside the Sopot Crooked House though. There is a bar and a few shops, but otherwise, it is simply the novelty that draws the crowds.
Sopot as a whole is a beautiful city though and one that should be high on your list.
Even more of a stand out is the quaint wooden houses in the mountains, such as those throughout Zakopane, with their pointed roofs and window shutters.
Zakopane feels like a storybook village, still a perfect example of traditional mountain life in Poland – especially in winter!
It is a popular location for winter vacations, bordered by the Tatra Mountains, with plenty of ski slopes and snowboarding opportunities. It is just as beautiful in the other seasons though.
Related Reading: Best Things to do in Zakopane with kids
7. Cheap
Visit Poland for an affordable holiday destination in Europe. The currency in Poland is the Zloty and chances are your dollar will go a long way.
For us, even with the current poor state of the Australian dollar compared to the Euro or the US dollar, we still get about 3 Zloty per Aussie dollar, which is a far less painful conversion than most places in Europe.
You can enjoy a whole lot during a holiday in Poland for a lot less. That alone is a pretty great reason to visit Poland.
In saying that though, of course, the food, drink and accommodation in the big city hubs of places such the capital of Poland, Warsaw and beautiful Krakow are more expensive, but not totally unreasonable.
You might like to check out the best things to buy in Poland here.
8. Beautiful Landscapes
Views you will want to stop and take in for hours. So we have covered the remarkable buildings, town squares and old man-made sights to see in Poland, but the natural scenery is pretty amazing too.
Mountainscapes, forests, lakes and don’t even get me started on how beautiful Poland is with snow covering every outdoor surface.
The natural scenery is one of the biggest reasons to go to Poland. Especially when you are getting away from the big cities and into the great outdoors.
Polish cities such as Bialystok in North-Eastern Poland are known for their high air quality, with so little industry nearby to pollute it. So breathe it all in!
And while it certainly isn’t the first thing you think of for a visit to Poland, but there are also beaches along the Baltic Sea well worth a visit, if you are wondering what to see in Poland.
9. The Tatra Mountains
The Polish Alps. Okay so this may be part of Poland’s natural attractions, but the Tatra Mountains, bordering Slovakia in Poland’s far south are stunning and they deserve a mention of their own.
They are impressive all year round, but there is something extra magical about snow capped mountains. Make sure you check out our winter packing list for Europe!
The best place to enjoy the views is from Zakopane, which is also the perfect winter holiday destination in Poland for families.
It provides easy access to the mountain ranges to hike, ski or take in the sights from above. Kasprowy Wierch is by far a visit worth making. Catch the cable car up the top and enjoy the incredible views.
Book your Tatra Mountain tours online
10. The Traditions
Tradition is not lost in Poland. Unlike some of the more westernised and modern parts of Europe, you can guarantee plenty of tradition during your visit to Poland.
Being such an old country, the traditional way of life is still valued and it can be seen in the food, the rich culture and the behaviour. There are strong family values in Poland and reputations to uphold. They are a proud nation and a friendly one.
That’s not to say Poland doesn’t have all the modern facilities you may have come to expect. It does. Warsaw is the perfect contrast between traditional old town and modern development.
Read next: Our top places to visit in Poland
11. The People
Polish people are incredibly polite and friendly. Expect to be welcomed and treated well, which makes your Poland holiday the perfect option if travelling with kids.
While like any country there is petty crime, such as pickpocketing on occasion, if you’re wondering is Poland a safe country to visit, overall it is and we have never once felt threatened or at risk on any of our visits to the country.
You will feel comfortable walking down the street with your family in general. Of course, it always pays to stay alert wherever you are, however, Poland is a great place to visit if you are looking for somewhere low risk.
12. The Vodka (and the Beer)
Poland does alcohol quite well! This may be a little less family travel-focused but when you visit Poland, you need to try the Polish vodka. It’s a tradition!
Although perhaps don’t try and compete with the locals in a drinking contest. They sip their vodka like water and can throw back their beer as well as most Europeans.
What does help though is filling your stomach with plenty of that hearty Polish food, since it seems to absorb the alcohol very well.
If you are looking for something that won’t burn on the way down, the Soplica flavoured vodkas are our favourites. Bring a 200ML bottle home as it makes a great souvenir or gift.
Beer is another popular choice in Poland and another they are quite proud of. They have many famous beers imported globally and you have the chance to visit some of the breweries around the country if you are a beer lover.
13. The Attractions
You won’t run out of things to see and do! Poland is home to a large number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Krakow’s old town, Auschwitz – Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mines.
There are many others as well, all well worth a visit if you have an interest in the preservation of culture.
A visit to Bialowieza Forest and national park to see the European bison is a unique experience the whole family will enjoy.
Then, of course, there are more modern attractions too, like ice skating rinks, parklands and the annual Christmas markets.
The well-preserved palaces and royal residences throughout Poland are a must, including the massive Malbork Castle – the largest castle in the world, and less traditionally, a water park and plenty of other things to do in Zakopane with kids.
Enjoy winter sports during the cold months and brace yourself for a swim in the summer. Explore beautiful parks and gardens, such as the stunning Lazienki Palace pictured above.
Although here’s something to give you a giggle. Our first visit was for around a month over Christmas many years ago and during some downtime after almost 6 weeks of travel, we went to the cinema to watch a movie. Us Australians watched the film Australia, with Polish subtitles. Something different indeed…
Read next: Where to visit in Poland
14. The Location
Poland borders some incredible countries. With all these great reasons to visit Poland, you should make your trip an extended one, however, Poland is also located in close proximity to so many other wonderful European destinations.
Everything in Europe is conveniently close compared to the isolation of our home country of Australia, but Poland is bordered by countries such as Germany, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Belarus, Ukraine, Lithuania and Russia.
That gives you a whole lot of countries to explore, with many of them also being affordable European destinations.
And if you need a bit of help working out where in this AMAZING COUNTRY you should be visiting first, see our guide to the top places to see in Poland, which will get you on the right track in no time!!
FAQs For Visiting Poland
Is Poland worth visiting?
Absolutely! Poland is definitely worth visiting for its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. The country offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences, from exploring medieval towns and castles to immersing yourself in vibrant city life or exploring natural attractions.
Is Poland a safe country to visit?
Yes, Poland is generally considered a safe country to visit. Like any destination, it’s always recommended to take common safety precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings, keeping your belongings secure, and following local guidelines and regulations.
What is Poland known for?
Poland is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage. Poland is also renowned for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes like pierogi, kielbasa (sausage), and borscht (beet soup).
When is the best time to visit Poland?
The best time to visit Poland is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is generally warm and pleasant. This is also the peak tourist season, so popular attractions can be crowded. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Winters in Poland can be very cold, but also a great time to experience the country’s winter activities.
If you are looking for somewhere off the tourist track & Poland hot spots, check out our Bialystok guide as one of our favourite fun places to visit in Poland.
- Book your flights – We use WayAway or Skyscanner to research and book flights. You can set up a price alert for your travel dates, plus it compares most major airlines in one place.
- Book your Accommodation – We use Booking.com to book most of our hotel accommodation when we travel.
- Travel Insurance – SafetyWing have insurance plans for different trip types.
- Book your rental car – Compare the best car hire prices for your trip.
- Book your tours & attractions – Our favourite attraction and tour booking services are Get Your Guide and Viator. Booking ahead will mean you don’t miss out on popular tours!
Have you been to Poland? Tell us your favourite Poland vacation spots! Leave a comment below. We would love to hear them!
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