🌍 AWESOME EUROPEAN CITY BREAKS 🌍
✨ Poland – History, Culture & Cities Full of Character ✨
Poland is a country that deserves far more than just one city break.
From the medieval streets of Kraków and colourful squares of Wrocław to the remarkable story of Warsaw and the maritime character of Gdańsk, Poland offers some fantastic possibilities for a European City Break.
But its appeal stretches far beyond its cities.
Travel around Poland, and you’ll discover castles and palaces, mountains and lakes, Baltic beaches, beautiful old towns, centuries of history and a food culture that is reason enough to arrive hungry.
Poland has 17 UNESCO World Heritage properties, while its cities reflect very different chapters of the country’s past and present story.
For British travellers, it also has that important city-break ingredient; it feels distinctly different while remaining relatively close to home.
So, where should you start?
Let’s discover Poland.
🗺️ GETTING TO KNOW POLAND
Located in Central Europe, Poland borders Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia’s Kaliningrad region.
Warsaw is the capital, but one of the joys of visiting Poland is discovering just how different its cities and regions can be.
Head south and you’ll find Kraków and, farther beyond, the landscapes of the Tatra Mountains.
Travel west to Lower Silesia, and you’ll find Wrocław, a city of bridges, islands, and colourful architecture.
In the centre of the country is Warsaw, a modern European capital with an extraordinary past.
Travel north to Gdańsk, on Poland’s Baltic coast and in the wider Tri-City area of Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia.
And those amazing cities are only the beginning.
Poznań, Toruń, Łódź, Lublin and many other Polish cities offer yet more reasons to return.
🏰 KRAKÓW – POLAND’S ROYAL CITY
For many travellers, Kraków is their introduction to Poland, and it’s easy to understand why.
Once Poland’s capital and the seat of Polish kings, Kraków is one of the country’s oldest cities.
At its heart is the magnificent Rynek Główny, the Main Market Square, surrounded by historic buildings, cafés and restaurants.
Look out for St Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall before wandering through the historic streets towards Wawel Royal Castle.
Then there’s Kazimierz, Kraków’s historic Jewish quarter, where important heritage and history sit alongside today’s restaurants, cafés and independent businesses.
Kraków works brilliantly for a long weekend, but stay a little longer, and you can also explore beyond the city.
The extraordinary Wieliczka Salt Mine is one possibility, while many visitors also choose to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a place of remembrance and education that should be approached with appropriate respect and consideration.
Kraków combines history, architecture, food, and atmosphere particularly well, and we’ll explore it in much greater detail in our dedicated Kraków city guide.
🌉 WROCŁAW – COLOURFUL, CREATIVE & FULL OF SURPRISES
Wrocław is one of those cities that can surprise first-time visitors. Widely known as the ‘Venice of the North’ or the ‘City of a Hundred Bridges’.
Located in Lower Silesia in south-western Poland, it has a complex history and a wonderfully distinctive personality.
Its beautiful Market Square is surrounded by colourful facades, while rivers, bridges and islands add another dimension to exploring the city.
Then there are Wrocław’s famous dwarfs.
What began as a connection to the city’s Orange Alternative protest movement has developed into one of Wrocław’s most recognisable features, with small bronze dwarfs waiting to be spotted throughout the city.
Finding them can become surprisingly addictive!
There’s much more to Wrocław, of course: impressive architecture, cultural attractions, riverside walks and plenty of restaurants and cafés.
It’s a city we think deserves much more attention from British city-break travellers.
🏙️ WARSAW – A CITY REBUILT
Warsaw tells one of Europe’s most remarkable urban stories.
Poland’s capital suffered catastrophic destruction during the Second World War, yet its historic Old Town was painstakingly reconstructed.
Today, UNESCO recognises that reconstructed Old Town.
Walk through its colourful streets and squares, then explore the Royal Route, museums, parks, and the banks of the Vistula.
But don’t assume Warsaw is purely about looking backwards.
This is a dynamic modern European capital with contemporary architecture, restaurants, rooftop views, cultural attractions and an energy quite different from Kraków.
That contrast between past and present is part of what makes Warsaw so interesting.
⚓ GDAŃSK – WHERE POLAND MEETS THE BALTIC
Head north and Poland changes character again.
Gdańsk is a historic port city on the Baltic coast, combining handsome architecture, maritime heritage and some hugely significant chapters of European history.
Its historic centre rewards exploring on foot, while the waterfront reminds you of the city’s centuries-old relationship with the sea.
Gdańsk is also part of the Tri-City, together with neighbouring Sopot and Gdynia.
That creates another style of city break.
You can combine Gdańsk’s culture and history with Sopot’s seaside atmosphere and Gdynia’s maritime character, giving you city and coast in the same trip.
🥟 A TASTE OF POLAND
Polish food deserves to be part of the experience.
Traditional cooking can be hearty, comforting and packed with flavour, while Poland’s major cities now combine those classics with increasingly varied contemporary restaurant scenes.
A few dishes and specialities to look out for include:
🥟 Pierogi – Poland’s famous filled dumplings.
🥣 Żurek – sour rye soup, commonly served with sausage and egg.
🍲 Bigos – a traditional stew featuring cabbage, sauerkraut and meat.
🥞 Placki ziemniaczane – Polish potato pancakes.
🍖 Kotlet schabowy – a breaded pork cutlet and a Polish classic.
🥯 Obwarzanek Krakowski – the distinctive ring-shaped bread associated with Kraków.
🍰 Sernik – Polish cheesecake.
But don’t simply seek out the most famous dishes. Exploring local restaurants, bakeries, markets and cafés is one of the pleasures of travelling through Poland.
POLAND BEYOND THE CITIES
Our Awesome European City Breaks series naturally concentrates on cities, but Poland has much more to offer.
The Baltic coast provides beaches and seaside resorts.
The south of the country offers mountain scenery and opportunities for walking and outdoor adventures.
The Great Masurian Lakes region provides a completely different side of Poland, with forests, waterways and lakes.
Elsewhere you’ll find castles, historic towns, national parks and UNESCO-listed cultural and natural heritage.
That makes Poland particularly interesting for travellers who want to turn a city break into a longer tailor-made holiday.
Start with a city, then explore.
🚆 EXPLORING MORE THAN ONE POLISH CITY
Poland is perfect for a multi-city holiday.
Hiring a car is one of our favourite ways to explore a country. A self-drive holiday gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, venture beyond the main cities and stop to enjoy attractions, sights and interesting places you might otherwise miss along the way.
Poland’s extensive road network connects regions across this magnificent country, making a road trip a great way to discover more than just the headline destinations.
Take the scenic route, stop when something catches your eye and discover a little more of Poland along the way. Sometimes the journey can be just as memorable as the destination.
The rail network connects many of the country’s major destinations, making combinations such as Kraków and Warsaw or Warsaw and Gdańsk possible without flying between cities.
Instead of thinking of Poland as a one-weekend destination, consider combining two cities or taking a longer journey across the country.
Each stop can feel remarkably different from the last.
🍂 WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT POLAND?
You can visit Poland year-round, but the experience changes considerably with the seasons.
🌷 Spring – increasingly mild days make this a lovely time for sightseeing and exploring cities on foot.
☀️ Summer – warm weather, long days, outdoor dining, events and the Baltic coast make summer an attractive time to travel.
🍂 Autumn – cooler temperatures, changing colours and atmospheric cities can make this a particularly enjoyable period for a cultural break.
❄️ Winter – expect colder conditions, but Poland’s cities take on a very different character. Christmas markets, seasonal food and cosy cafés can make a winter visit particularly memorable.
It depends on the Poland you want to experience.
💷 WHAT CURRENCY DOES POLAND USE?
Although Poland is a member of the European Union, it does not use the euro.
The national currency is the Polish złoty, abbreviated as PLN and usually shown with the symbol zł.
Card payments are widely used, particularly in cities, hotels, restaurants and shops, although it can still be useful to have some local currency available.
🗣️ LANGUAGE
The official language is Polish.
In the major cities and areas accustomed to international visitors, you will often find English spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.
That said, learning a couple of Polish words never hurts.
Dzień dobry – Good morning / good day.
Dziękuję – Thank you.
Proszę – Please / you’re welcome.
🧳 PRACTICAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
Capital: Warsaw
Currency: Polish złoty (PLN / zł)
Official language: Polish
Time zone: Central European Time, with daylight saving time observed.
Getting around: Poland’s major cities have established public transport systems, with buses and trams widely used, and Warsaw also has a Metro.
Travelling between cities: Rail is an excellent option for many journeys and can make a multi-city Polish holiday particularly appealing.
For British citizens visiting for tourism, Poland is part of the Schengen area. Current UK government guidance allows visa-free visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area, subject to the applicable passport and entry requirements.
Always check the latest official travel advice and entry requirements before travelling, as regulations can change.
❓ VISITING POLAND – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Poland good for a city break?
Absolutely. Kraków, Wrocław, Warsaw and Gdańsk all make excellent city-break destinations, but each offers a very different experience. Poland is particularly appealing if you enjoy history, architecture, food and exploring cities on foot.
Which Polish city is best for a first visit?
Kraków is a popular choice for a first visit because of its compact historic centre, major attractions, and abundance of restaurants and cafés. However, Warsaw, Wrocław and Gdańsk are all strong alternatives depending on your interests.
How many days do I need for a Polish city break?
Three nights can work well for a single city. Four nights allow a more relaxed pace and gives you more opportunity to include excursions. For a multi-city trip, consider a week or longer.
What is the capital of Poland?
Warsaw is Poland’s capital and largest city.
Does Poland use the euro?
No. Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN).
Is Poland in the EU?
Yes. Poland has been a member of the European Union since 2004.
Is Poland part of the Schengen area?
Yes. Poland is part of the Schengen area.
Do British citizens need a visa to visit Poland?
British citizens travelling as tourists can normally visit Poland and the wider Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to current entry and passport requirements. Always check current official advice before travelling.
Is it worth hiring a car in Poland?
Yes, particularly if you want to explore beyond Poland’s major cities. Hiring a car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, discover smaller towns and villages, explore the countryside and stop at interesting places along the way.
If your holiday focuses entirely on cities such as Kraków, Warsaw, Wrocław, or Gdańsk, you may not need a car, as these cities have good public transport and Poland’s major destinations are well connected by rail.
However, for a longer touring holiday or if you want to discover more of rural Poland, hiring a car can be an excellent option.
What do I need to hire a car in Poland?
Car hire requirements vary between rental companies, so always check the conditions for your booking. You will normally need a valid driving licence and the documentation and payment method required by the rental company.
UK travellers should also check the latest official guidance for driving in Poland before travelling, including licence, insurance and documentation requirements.
Can I include car hire in my Poland holiday?
Absolutely. We can add car hire to a tailor-made Poland itinerary, giving you the freedom to combine cities, countryside, and other destinations at your own pace.
A self-drive itinerary can be particularly useful if you want to experience parts of Poland that are less convenient to reach by public transport.
What are the best cities to visit in Poland?
Kraków, Warsaw, Wrocław and Gdańsk are four excellent choices. Poznań, Toruń, Łódź, and Lublin are other cities worth considering if you want to explore further.
Is Poland suitable for a multi-city holiday?
Very much so. Poland’s rail connections make combining several major cities relatively straightforward, and travelling between destinations lets you experience very different sides of the country.
What food should I try in Poland?
Pierogi are probably the best-known Polish dish, but also try żurek, bigos, placki ziemniaczane, kotlet schabowy, and regional specialities. Leave room for Polish cakes and pastries too.
Is Poland good for a winter break?
Yes. Polish cities can be particularly atmospheric in winter and during the festive season. Temperatures can be low, so bring appropriate clothing.
Is Poland just a city-break destination?
Definitely not. Beyond its cities, Poland offers the Baltic coast, lakes, forests, mountains, castles, historic towns and national parks, making it suitable for much longer holidays.
Can I combine Kraków and Warsaw in one holiday?
Yes. Kraków and Warsaw are connected by rail and work particularly well as a two-city combination.
Can I combine Warsaw and Gdańsk?
Yes. Rail connections make Warsaw and Gdańsk another attractive combination, offering the contrast between Poland’s capital and its Baltic coast.
What are the best months to visit Poland?
Spring through autumn is excellent for sightseeing, while winter has its own appeal for travellers looking for festive atmosphere and seasonal experiences. The best period ultimately depends on the type of holiday you want.
✨ FOUR CITIES – FOUR DIFFERENT SIDES OF POLAND
🏰 Kraków – royal history, atmospheric streets and one of Europe’s great medieval squares.
🌉 Wrocław – colourful architecture, islands, bridges and those irresistible little dwarfs.
🏙️ Warsaw – an extraordinary story of destruction, reconstruction and reinvention.
⚓ Gdańsk – maritime history, handsome architecture and the Baltic coast.
Which one should you choose?
Maybe the better question is: which one should you visit first?
Over the coming weeks, our Awesome European City Breaks series will take a closer look at each one.
NEXT STOP – KRAKÓW
💫 READY TO DISCOVER POLAND?
Whether you’re looking for a long weekend in Kraków, a cultural escape to Warsaw, something a little different in Wrocław, or a city-and-coast break in Gdańsk, we can tailor-make your Polish adventure around you.
Flights. Hand-picked hotels. Transfers. Car Hire, Rail journeys. Experiences. Excursions.
One city, two cities or a completely tailor-made journey through Poland.
You choose how you want to experience it.
🌎 Creating Awesome Travel Experiences 🌎
📧 enquiries@awesometravelholidays.com
☎️ 0208 004 9400
