Poland Holidays

Holidays in Poland offer a striking mix of medieval city breaks and impressive alpine scenery, and typically without the premium price tag. Whether you're looking for a city packed with history, a trek through primeval forests, or a relaxing break on the Baltic Coast, you'll find it here. It's a country that balances a rich past with a vibrant present, making for a truly memorable trip.

Where to go in Poland

Poland's cities and regions each have their own distinct character. From the cultural heart of Kraków to the alpine air of Zakopane, there's a perfect base for every kind of traveller.

Kraków

Often called Poland's cultural capital, Kraków is a city that's easy to fall for. Its heart is the vast Main Market Square, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, where you'll find the beautiful St Mary's Basilica and the Renaissance-era Cloth Hall. The entire Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its cobblestone streets lead to historic university buildings and the Wawel Royal Castle. Explore the historic Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz, with its unique atmosphere, synagogues, and independent galleries. Alternatively, opt for a day trip to nearby historic sites.

Warsaw

Poland's capital is a city of resilience and energy. Its Old Town, meticulously rebuilt to its former glory, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can follow the Royal Route to see palaces and historic homes, or see the city from the top of the imposing Palace of Culture and Science. Warsaw is a city that buzzes with life, full of excellent museums, a fantastic food scene, and vibrant green spaces like Łazienki Park.

Gdańsk and the Baltic Coast

Located on the Baltic Sea, Gdańsk is a port city with a different feel. Its colourful, narrow buildings with ornate façades line the Motława River, reflecting its history as a key member of the Hanseatic League. It's a great starting point for exploring Poland's coastline, with the popular seaside resort of Sopot – famous for its long wooden pier and sandy beaches – just a short train ride away.

Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains

For fresh mountain air and outdoor adventures, head south to Zakopane. Known as the winter capital of Poland, it's a hub for skiing and snowboarding in the Tatra Mountains. In the summer, the snow melts to reveal hiking trails that stretch for hundreds of kilometres, with routes for all abilities. The town itself has a unique architectural style and a lively main street, Krupówki, filled with shops and restaurants serving regional food.

Things to do in Poland

Beyond the main cities, Poland is packed with important historic sites and areas of great natural beauty that are well worth exploring.

Historic sites and day trips

A visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a sobering and important part of understanding European history. Located about an hour's journey from Kraków, it stands as a place of remembrance for the more than one million people who lost their lives there. In Kraków itself, the Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory museum tells the powerful story of the factory owner who saved many of his Jewish workers. Just outside the city, you can descend into the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a remarkable underground world of chapels, statues, and lakes all carved from rock salt. Further north, near Gdańsk, stands Malbork Castle, the largest brick castle in the world and a striking example of a medieval fortress.

Outdoor adventures

Poland's natural landscapes are as varied as its cities. The Tatra Mountains offer some of the best hiking and skiing in Central Europe. To the northeast, the Masurian Lake District is a peaceful network of over two thousand lakes, perfect for kayaking, sailing, or simply relaxing by the water. In the east, Białowieża Forest is one of the last and largest remaining parts of the immense primeval forest that once stretched across the European Plain. It's a protected UNESCO site and home to the majestic European bison.

Polish food and drink

Polish cuisine is hearty, comforting, and delicious. You can't leave without trying some of the classic dishes, such as:

• Pierogi: soft dumplings that come with all sorts of fillings, from cheese and potato to meat or fruit
• Bigos: a rich hunter's stew made with cabbage and various meats
• Żurek: a distinctive sour rye soup

For something sweet, look for pączki, which are rich, jam-filled doughnuts. And of course, you'll find a wide selection of locally produced wódka, often considered the national drink.

When to visit Poland

Poland is a year-round destination. For sightseeing in the cities, the months of May, June, September, and October offer pleasant, warm weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. July and August are the hottest, making them ideal for time spent on the Baltic Coast. Winter brings a different kind of magic, with festive Christmas markets lighting up cities like Kraków and Wrocław from late November, while the ski season in Zakopane typically runs from December to March.

From its historic cities to the wild mountain ranges, Poland offers a memorable trip for every kind of traveller.