Quickly growing to be a popular tourist destination in Europe, Poland symbolises everything perfect about the ideal European vacation: an energizing and exciting city life filled with interesting activities and attractions coupled with a relaxing and rejuvenating trip into nature’s cradle with the picturesque lakes, rivers, and mountains. With such diversity throughout the country, it can be a tough decision to plan your itinerary. Each place in Poland holds a special charm and has something different and irreplaceable to offer to travellers of all kinds. So if you are planning your next Poland trip, scroll down to find out the best places to visit in Poland, so that you are sure to have the time of your life here!
1. Zamość
Located in southeastern Poland, Zamość is a gorgeous city. It was named the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has a variety of different ways to get there. Whether you are taking a walk down the quaint residential streets or munching on some delicious food from the bakeries along the road, you are sure to have a wonderful time here. Visit popular places frequented by tourists such as the City Hall, Zamość Fortress, Zamojskie Museum, Zamość Synagogue and many more.
Zamość
Address: Zamość, 22-400, Poland
2. Zielona Góra
For the adventurous tourist, Zielona Góra represents a world of opportunities. Popular originally because it was home to multiple wineries and vineyards, this is a great city to check out if you are a wine enthusiast. There are multiple wine tasting tours you can find here, or simply go bar-hopping on a Saturday night to sample some of the amazing cocktails they serve with the wine brewed right here. There is also an interesting building known as the Palm House, that has beautiful huge plants and picturesque and photogenic views. In addition to all this, you can also explore the variety of different museums available here.
Zielona Góra
Address: Zielona Góra, 65-100, Poland
3. Elbląg
Built upon the ruins of the Second World War lies this lovely little town called Elbląg. This town is popular for its natural hike trails and tranquil lakes. If you are looking for some respite from the urban jungles that we all seem to be surrounded by, there is no better place to be in than Elbląg. From boating along the Canal that runs through the city, to learning about the tragic history behind the concentration camps situated here, to taking a calming stroll through the Old Town area, you are sure to have a full itinerary even if you stay here for multiple days.
Elbląg
Address: Elbląg, 82-300, Poland
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4. Kalisz
If you are attracted to the glittering and exciting city life, Kalisz represents the rush of staying in the big city. As one of the biggest cities in Poland, it offers a wide variety of attractions and activities for you to enjoy, some of which include taking a walk along the beautiful bridges over the Prosna River that runs underneath the city, going on a shopping spree at the Market Place, exploring the rich history of this city through its museums, or appreciating the beautiful vintage architecture of the buildings and the cobblestone streets.
Kalisz
Address: Kalisz, 62-800, Poland
5. Bielsko-Biala
Another big city to enjoy the sparkling city life in is Bielsko-Biala, a sprawling city ripe with opportunity and waiting to be explored. The river Biala runs underneath this city, and being at the foot of the picturesque Carpathian Mountains, this city offers breathtaking Instagram-worthy views from most of its buildings. It is a well-connected city, which means you will not have to splurge on cabs and you can enjoy the rail and road connections here. Bielsko-Biala has traditionally been a city famous for its textile industry, so be sure to go shopping for folk and traditional clothes here!
6. Zabrze
Located in the lovely region of Southern Poland lies this quiet and sublime town that promises comfort and homely luxury. Zabrze is located in Silesia, near the Silesian Metropolis and the Silesian Highlands. The river Bytomka split originally from River Oder, runs underneath this city, and you can go for some boating along the canals here. If you are interested in industrial technology and history of how industries developed in these cities, head on over to the multiple museums sprinkled through the city and the coal mines that are now opened for tourists. This is a wonderful treat for a history buff.
7. Toruń (from USD 101.6)
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the old vintage city of Toruń, which is situated on top of the Vistula River. This is the artist’s city, as it is filled with historic art pieces and artefacts throughout the city. This city was where one of the most famous philosophers of all time, Nicolaus Copernicus, was born and eventually wrote a book disproving the heliocentric nature of the universe. The architecture of all the buildings here are slightly different than they are elsewhere. You can spend a day just walking through the streets here, and return to the bigger cities by evening.
Torun Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour
Duration: 2.0 to 3.0 hour
8. Opole
Built on top of the breathtakingly huge Oder River, Opole is a small town and used to be the capital of Upper Silesia historically. It is also one of the oldest cities in Poland, and has been subject to a series of damage and dilapidation over the two World Wars and the Cold War. This is an underrated gem to explore, so definitely stop by this lovely quaint town on your trip to Poland.
Opole
Address: Opole, 45-001, Poland
9. Bialystok
The capital of the Podlaskie Voivodeship and one of the largest cities in Poland is Białystok. Located right beside the picturesque river Biała, this city is filled with unique events and activities. You can just set out strolling through the famous Warszawska Street, filled with vintage architecture and lush green trees from centuries ago. Check out the Jewish Heritage Trail, a foot trail that you can explore either by yourself or with a guided tour.
10. Gdynia (from USD 230.34)
Located on the seaport of the Gdańsk Bay, the coastal town of Gdynia is a beautiful place to visit all year round as the weather remains fairly similar throughout. Watch the sun on the Baltic Coast as you relax on the beach, and enjoy the warm sea breeze flowing through your hair. As this is primarily a fishing town, don’t miss out on the delicious seafood that is freshly caught and cooked for you.
Private 3 City Tour - Gdansk, Sopot & Gdynia
Duration: 7.0 hour
11. Karpacz
If you are interested in skiing, Karpacz is the ultimate skiing destination to be at if you visit Poland in winter. Karpacz offers a variety of different ski hotels and resorts, along with saunas and spas to soothe your tired muscles after a day of skiing. Another popular activity you can indulge in is exploring the beautiful castles and buildings constructed with vintage architecture.
12. Kielce
Kielce is another awesome destination that you need to check out in Poland. From taking tours of elaborately built castles and manors, to sampling the traditional Polish fare available in the many restaurants, to checking out the interesting museums here, there is an unlimited number of activities you can engage in. Check out the Town Hall and the Kielce Cathedral, as those are must-visit places.
13. Bydgoszcz
With the Brda and Vistula rivers rippling below, the city of Bydgoszcz is nicknamed the Venice of Poland. Go on a long romantic cruise along the canals of this city and marvel at the interesting architecture that you can see along the banks, or hit the incredible bars here and enjoy the nightlife, this city will not disappoint! Another main attraction is the tightrope statue, so be sure to check that out.
14. Sopot (from USD 230.11)
Another seaside port village is Sopot. This is a lovely resort city where you can stay overnight and simply enjoy the views from your hotel or Airbnb. There are several amazing attractions you can check out if you have an afternoon free. The Sopot Wax Museum creates wax models of famous celebrities that look exactly like the real deal. There are several churches and cathedrals that you can explore, along with museums and quaint little shoppes. All in all, a trip to Sopot represents a quaint seaside resort experience and you are sure to have a grand time here.
Highlights of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot 1-day Private Tour
Duration: 7.0 hour
15. Katowice
As the capital of Silesia in Poland, Katowice enjoys a special privilege with respect to a very rich history and culture that ranges centuries. With a rich theatre scene, concert arenas galore and incredible nightlife with music, you can say that Katowice is a music lover’s city. So head over if you enjoy a lovely theatrical performance or a concert, and stay back for the bars and pubs that have an electrifying effect on anyone!
16. Świnoujście
As another beach town in Poland, Świnoujście lies on the Baltic coast. It is famous for its relatively balmy weather, beautiful beaches, and easygoing vibes. Świnoujście consists of a series of islands forming an archipelago. It is home to a variety of important landmarks such as the Lighthouse and King’s Christ Church.
17. Szczecin
If you enjoy beach towns and cannot get enough of them, Szczecin represents yet another opportunity to have a beach day. With gorgeous architecture lining the city making for some extremely photogenic spots no matter where you go, along with the friendly and welcoming locals, you are sure to have a great time here. Check out the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle and the Chobry Embankment during your visit.
18. Warsaw (from USD 49.0)
You cannot visit Poland without stepping foot in Warsaw, its amazing capital city. In spite of its popularity, you will not find it excessively crowded and touristy at any time of the year, and that is thanks to its extremely humble and down-to-earth locals. At the same time, it offers all the awesome opportunities for enjoyment that any of the popular destinations would offer, thus making it the ideal vacation spot.
Warsaw Small-Group Historical Tour With Transportation
Duration: 3 hours
19. Gliwice
Another lovely city in Upper Silesia is the ever-popular Gliwice. This is another industrial city that attracts people from all over the country for its opportunities. Crawling with beautiful and relaxing parks and gardens everywhere you look, this is a great place to check out if you like spending time in nature. Bring along a blanket, some snacks and just set up a small picnic with your spouse, family or friends. Otherwise, bring a volleyball and challenge your loved ones to a game. Aside from the gardens, you can also enjoy the classic European architecture and the cobblestone streets that are so quintessential to Poland.
20. Radom
Perhaps the most important reason we know about the city of Radom is the horrifying Nazi ghetto that was built and used during the Second World War. Take a trip to this city to explore this ghetto and learn about the horrors of the Holocaust, and pay your respects to the brave people who fell victim to the tragedy. Aside from that, you can also attend the famous Radom air show that is held towards the end of August every year and features some of the best pilots that have served in the Polish armed forces as well as other countries’ armed forces.
21. Tychy
Very close to the city of Katowice is Tychy, another small town famous for its breweries and wineries. So if you are interested in wines or beer, definitely check out this lovely little town and go for some beer or wine sampling classes here. Check out the town’s special Tyskie beer, which has been an untouched recipe for centuries. There is also a beautiful lake named Paprocany Lake, where you can go boating or just relax on the shore. In addition, check out the museums and cultural alcohol-oriented events that are held here, as well as the awesome nightlife.
22. Bytom
If you are an architecture enthusiast or simply love the look of vintage buildings, Bytom is an underrated gem that you will be glad to have discovered. With beautiful stone streets and stone buildings, this town has a unique look to it that you will appreciate. Each building seems to be personalised to the unique taste of the owner, as though it is a sculpture. Check out the Town Square of Bytom to get a feel of the industrial era buildings, and stop by the many cafes and bakeries to have freshly baked Polish traditional meals.
23. Legnica
Legnica is yet another unknown and undiscovered gem that you must visit if you like the quiet tranquillity of old towns. The main Cathedral in this town is one of the most beautiful ones you will ever see, with gorgeous stained-glass windows adorning the walls as coloured light passes through them. The building itself is made of old stone and is very beautiful indeed. There is a vibrant street art culture in this town, as can be evidenced by the fact that you will find amazing graffiti on most streets and a lot of walls. The bonus is that the city is close to Görlitz so you can hit two birds with one stone.
24. Krakow (from USD 19.12)
As the second-largest city in all of Poland, Krakow presents an unlimited number of opportunities just waiting to be explored. Whether you are looking for artistic scenes, music, culture or gastronomical pleasure, Krakow has you covered. Krakow’s Old Town was also termed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which in and of itself is a great reason to visit it. This city deserves to be on your bucket list when you come to visit Poland. You can have a cosy picnic in one of its many parks, go on a long and enjoyable shopping spree along its market square or one of the huge malls here, go trekking along the nature trails on the outskirts of the city or explore the rich (and often tragic) history of this city. The choice is yours!
Krakow: City Sightseeing Tour by Electric Golf Cart
Duration: 1.5 hour
25. Lodz
Łódź, or Lodz as it is called, is the third-largest city in Poland and is another popular tourist destination frequented by many travellers every day. Check out the tragic Jewish ghetto that was used during the Second World War to torture Jewish victims during the Holocaust, and then pay your respects at the adjacent Jewish cemetery. You can also check out the Old Town area and the Cathedral, with its gorgeous architecture. Lodz is also famous for its street graffiti that you can spot on most walls as well as its vibrant and exciting nightlife. Spend a day sightseeing here, but do not leave without exploring the nightlife!
26. Lublin
Although the location of the city of Lublin is a little inconvenient for overseas tourists, this city has a lot to offer to the traveller with more time to spare. Lublin’s Old Town is a beautiful assortment of old buildings and paved roads that make for some very pretty pictures, without the crowds and confusion you can expect in bigger cities such as Warsaw and Krakow. In addition, you can also check out the Cathedral here, as it is absolutely breathtaking. The ceilings are filled with paintings depicting scenes from the Bible, and it is adorned in a very intricate and opulent way.
27. Rzeszow
Located in the sub-Carpathian zone along the Polish border, this quaint and beautiful city awaits your arrival and welcomes you with its cool yet pleasant year-long climate. There are a lot of things you can do alone or with your loved ones in Rzeszów. The market square is a very popular venue that is frequented by tourists, where you can buy unique handicrafts and clothes produced locally and stop by one of the bars or cafes for a delicious meal. The Rzeszów Castle stands tall above most buildings here, with its beautiful unique architecture that is unlike anything you will see in the city. There is also a tower attached along the side that could belong to a princess! Finally, if you are craving to spend some time in nature, then you have to head over to the beautiful Olstynzki Park, and enjoy some serene time meditating or napping.
28. Poznan (from USD 208.0)
The colourful and picturesque little town of Poznan is another hidden gem that is now slowly gaining popularity for its old-style architecture and multiple Cathedrals that are sprinkled sparsely throughout the city. This is the kind of city where one simply cannot get bored, as there is just so much activity going on and so many attractions to explore that you are sure to feel like you’re missing out. Check out the churches and town square here, as they can make for very photogenic and Instagram-worthy pictures!
Private walking city tour in Poznan
Duration: 3 hours
29. Gdansk (from USD 20.75)
Craving the beach on your vacation to Poland? The Baltic Sea is a very clean and beautiful sea, and the best place to visit is the coastal city of Gdansk. With beautiful and quaint old-style architecture and beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, this city is a treat to anyone looking for a quiet beach vacation. The city of Gdansk has also been an important historical landmark that has been the cause of many skirmishes and battles against the Teutonic Knights, and as a result has a lot of history to explore for anyone interested in learning about the Middle Ages.
Gdansk: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket
Duration: 1 day
30. Wrocław (from USD 22.79)
The beautiful city of Wrocław is a hidden gem when it comes to tourist destinations. Known as Poland’s own Venice, it is situated on top of the Oder River with the help of quaint little bridges built to aid transport over the river. You can check out the market square here that has classic European-style architecture, as well as unique buildings throughout the city such as the Gothic Old Town Hall, which is famous for having a huge astronomical clock. Take a walk through the old-school city and you will find several cobblestone streets leading you down bakeries, restaurants, and cafes where you can munch on yummy treats.
Wroclaw: 2.5-Hour City Tour by Electric Car
Duration: 2.5 hour
Get the best of both worlds in Poland
From the lush green mountains and trees with babbling rivers and serene lakes, to the electrifying activity of the urban jungles with all its exciting attractions and people, Poland offers a well-rounded experience when you vacation here. So that you can enjoy the incredible nightlife, the yummy Polish cuisine that is to die for, and the friendly and welcoming locals. With the Carpathian mountains on one side and the balmy Baltic Sea on the other, you have an incredibly unparalleled variation of climate within the same country! With our list of the most popular cities and places to visit in this beautiful country, we hope that you have plenty to fill up your itinerary with, so that your tour can be as fulfilling as possible!
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