Find your holiday
Holidays to Poland offer a mix of historic landmarks and striking mountain scenery.
A closer look at the culture
Poland is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, giving you lots of well-preserved places to explore. These range from the moving Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial to the Medieval town of Toruń, which dates back to the 13th century. Its cobbled streets and colourful buildings feel carefully looked after rather than overdone, and you’ll find traditional restaurants serving classics like pierogi – filled dumplings often topped with sour cream.
Cities filled with character
In the south, Krakow is one of the country’s best-known cities, thanks to its historic centre and varied architecture. You can take in the Gothic towers of St Mary’s Basilica, spot the different styles brought together in the Royal Palace or simply wander the smaller side streets and squares at your own pace. It’s an easy city to explore on foot, which helps keep costs down.
Mountain views
A short journey south of Krakow brings you to the Tatra Mountains, the only alpine-style range in Poland. At their base is Zakopane, a relaxed town that still feels less crowded than other European mountain spots. The setting is ideal if you enjoy the outdoors – it offers walking trails, forest scenery and a clear lake surrounded by hills.
Best places to stay in Poland
Krakow
Krakow’s one of the easiest places in Poland to get to grips with. The Old Town’s compact, so you can cover a lot on foot without spending much on transport. You’ll find a wide range of places to stay here too – from simple, good-value apartments to higher-end hotels.
Warsaw
The country’s capital offers a different feel, with a mix of modern buildings and carefully rebuilt historic areas. It’s a good choice if you want a city break with plenty of museums, shopping and food options.
Gdansk
Gdansk sits on the Baltic coast and is known for its colourful waterfront and maritime history. It’s a solid option if you want a city break with a coastal edge. Staying just outside the main centre can help keep costs down, while still giving you easy access to the Old Town and nearby beaches.
Zakopane
Choose Zakopane as a base if you fancy exploring the Tatra Mountains. It’s more about scenery and outdoor time than city sightseeing, so it suits travellers who want walking routes and fresh air.
Why we love Poland
Here are some top tips from our team
Expert recommendation
“My favourite lunch spot in Krakow was Wentzl, located in the heart of the Old Town square. It’s the perfect place for people-watching while enjoying delicious food and drinks. I'd definitely recommend trying one of their cakes – they're too good to miss! Another must-do to add to your Krakow itinerary is the Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour. It’s emotional and thought-provoking, but an important historical experience”. – Alice Bigland
Non-touristy activities
For something a little quieter, Kazimierz Dolny offers a more relaxed take on Poland. Set on the banks of the Vistula, this small town is known for its historic square, riverside setting and slower pace – a good contrast to the bigger cities. Spend your time wandering between viewpoints, browsing independent galleries and stopping at local cafés where prices are often more reasonable. There are also easy walking routes nearby, making it ideal for a laidback daytrip.
Free things to do
Free walking tours are a simple way to get your bearings in Poland without adding to your spend. You’ll find them in most major cities, including Krakow, Warsaw and Gdansk, with guides covering key sights and sharing local context along the way.
Poland FAQs
The official currency is the Polish Złoty (PLN). While contactless card payments are accepted in big cities, premium hotels and restaurants, it’s wise to carry a small amount of cash for tipping or buying items from local shops and markets.
May, June and September offer great weather for city sightseeing and hiking, without the peak summer crowds. Don’t overlook winter either – December brings beautiful Christmas markets to Krakow and Warsaw, while January and February are ideal for a luxury ski holiday in Zakopane.
Poland benefits from a highly efficient and modern rail network. The Express InterCity Premium (EIP) trains, operated by Pendolino, are the fastest and most comfortable way to travel. A first-class ticket offers spacious seating and complimentary drinks, making the journey between Warsaw and Krakow or Gdansk easy and relaxing.
Yes, English is widely and fluently spoken, particularly by the younger generations and throughout the hospitality, retail and dining sectors. However, learning a few basic Polish phrases is always appreciated.
When you click through to book your holiday, we’ll supply the exact travel requirements for your chosen destination through our partner, Passolution. In the meantime, check the FCDO for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements and health and safety information.