Poland – The Ultimate Travel Guide
Poland is a country in central Europe. Its name is officially the Republic of Poland. Its a former communist country and it was actually an election in Poland that started the ripple effect that led to the end of communism in Europe. The country is divided into 16 administrative provinces called voivodeships, covering an area of 120,700 sq mi (312,700 km2).
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Table of contents
| USEFUL INFORMATION AND FUN FACTS ABOUT POLAND |
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| Poland is a member of the European Union Poland currency is the Polish Zolty Poland electricity is 220v 2 prong European socket The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork is the largest castle in the world by land area Vodka originated in Poland (Russia dispute this) Marie Curie was Polish Warsaw is the Capital |
Getting There
Airport – There are 15 airports in Poland with Chopin airport in Warsaw being the most advanced and biggest.
Train – There are regular daily direct trains from other European countries including Germany and Hungary. For example Berlin to Poznan, Warsaw or Krakow and Budapest to Warsaw. As well as direct service there are also indirect journeys to other destinations. In my experience of Polish railway system I found the trains to be pretty reliable.
There is also a good and regular train service within Poland to take you to other cities and towns within the country.
Top 5 Things to Do In Poland
1. Auschwitz
Auschwitz-Birkenau is the site of a former concentration camp used by the Nazis during World War II. Its probably the best known of all the camps used during the war. Approximately 1.3 million people were sent to the camp. Shockingly 1.1 million of them were killed. When the camp was liberated in 1945, there were only 7,000 people there. Most of the camps survivors were incredibly ill or sick. A visit here is sobering experience but on that shouldn’t be missed. Also wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking. Photography is allowed. However please remember this a memorial a place of remembrance not a tourist attraction be respectful. Also a top tip i found it significantly less expensive to do this trip from Kracow than it was from Warsaw.
2. Warsaw: POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
This is a fantastic museum over several floors that tells the story of the Polish Jews going back 1000 years. I spent several hours going around this museum and found it fascinating I learned so much about the Jewish people that I hadn’t known before. The museum is closed on Tuesday’s. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday the museum is open 9-6 and Saturday 10-8. The museum is also opened on Sundays 10-6. This will change in June when the museum will open at 10 everyday other than Tuesday when its closed. Also the museum is free on Thursday for the main exhibits other days the price is 45 Polish Zolty for regular adult ticket with reduced tickets for children and concessions.
3. Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes Szczecin
The castle is a Renaissance style building built in the 14th Century. Its located in Szczecin Poland. The castle was restored after world war II. Currently it houses and art Gallery today which hosts various exhibitions throughout year. There is also a concert hall and cinema
A visit to the castle Includes the rooms and a collection of items that where rescued during the buildings restoration. There is a small entrance fee to enter.
4. Old Synagogue (Stara Synagoga)
The Synagogue was built during the 15th Century. It is in the style of German and Bohemian Gothic architecture. The Stara Synagoga is the oldest surviving Synagogue in Poland. During world war II the building was taken over by the Germans who used it as a office. The ceiling and furnishings were destroyed during this time. They were reconstructed after the war. Today the Synagogue houses a small museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Jews. Although this museum is small it is well worth a visit. I found it interesting and this was the first time I had seen inside a Synagogue.
5. Panorama of the Battle of Racławice Wroclaw
This is an unusual museum in that the whole museum is technically one painting. However it is one very large painting its 15m x 114m. The painting is design and displayed in such away that it almost like it transport you back to an earlier era. It was painted to commemorate victorious battle of Raclawice. Its one painting yet in my opinion gave me thore impression of several different paintings telling the story of this important victory.
Other Things To Do In Poland
Wroclow Gnomes
The Wroclaw Dwarfs or Gnomes are small figurines/statues measuring between 20 and 30 cm. They are located throughout the city. The first one appeared in the city in 2005 and since then the number of statues have continued to grow and there are now over 600 throughout the city. The Gnomes were originally linked to the anti communist movement known as the orange alternative.
Palace of Culture and Science Warsaw
A huge and foreboding building that was built around 1955 during the communist regime. The building span 42 floors at a height of 230.68. Its topped with needle that is 43 meters tall. Making it Poland’s tallest building. You can take a lift to the viewing platform for stunning views across the city. As well as the viewing platform there is also restaurants, a cinema, offices and a theatre here. I was told by a local guide that the locals dislike this building as its seen as a symbol of communism and how powerful the communism regime was.
Wroclaw Old Town
The Historic centre of Wroclaw is stunning with its coloured buildings, Rynek (Market) Square which alone make the area worth a visit. However, you will also find the Gothic Town Hall, Solny Square, Saint Elizabeth’s Basilica, Saint Mary Magdalene church, Hansel & Gretel houses, here as well many of great places to see a visit. There are many squares like this in Poland but this is one of my favourites.
These are just some of the great places I have visited on my travels around Poland there is so much more to see and do which I will discuss in more detail on the individual posts for each individual place.
Budgeting for Poland
Accommodation
Hostels – A bed in a dorm with 8-10 beds costs around 50-95 PLN per night. Private rooms cost 120-200 PLN. Free Wi-Fi usually comes as standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Free breakfast is available at many hostels too.
Budget two-star hotels start around 140-275 PLN per night. With Free Wi-Fi normally included and many hotels also include a simple free or low cost breakfast as well. If you want a slightly better three-star hotel, expect to pay at least 280-500 PLN.
Airbnb- Airbnb’s are available throughout the country with a private room starting from around 70-80 PLN per night while entire homes/apartments cost at least 100 PLN. Prices can be much higher depending on the season and how close to travel date you book. Therefore be sure to book early to find the best deals.
Booking.comFood and Drink
Food – A traditional Polish meal usually contains potatoes, meat (pork and chicken), and seasonal produce like cabbage. Stews and soups (like borscht, Rosol soup) are popular and can be found at most local restaurants. Pierogis (dumplings) are also a common dish and is cheap but hearty meal. Poland also has lots of traditional desserts too, like paczki (a Polish donut).
Most cheap meals of traditional cuisine (served at local restaurants called bar mleczny or “milk bars”) cost airound 35 PLN. If you want a more substantial meal a three-course meal with a drink and table service, will cost around 75 PLN. Fast food (think McDonald’s or KFC) costs 25 PLN for a combo meal.
A large pizza costs around 20-30 PLN while Chinese food costs around 15-25 PLN. Zapiekanki, a popular Polish street food similar to pizza but, on a baguette, costs 6 PLN.
Alcohol – If you plan to drink some alcohol during your visit a Beer costs 8-12 PLN, while a glass of wine is a minimum of 12 PLN.
Non Alcholic drinks -A latte or cappuccino is around 11 PLN. Bottled water is 5 PLN. Tea is also popular in Poland and comes in various flavours a cup will cost around 8 PLN or 15 PLN for a pot.
If you plan to buy your own groceries and cook your meals, expect to pay around 140-165 PLN for one weeks supply. This will get you basic staples such as pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat. Local markets are the cheapest places to buy fresh produce. Biedronka is a cheap grocery store that has stores all over the country.
Budget based on travel Styles
Backpacker – On a budget of 200 PLN per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook most of your meals with one or two meals out in a budget restaurant, limit your drinking to one or two alcoholic drinks or fancy coffees a day. Also using public transport to get around, and do some cheap activities like free walking tours and visiting the free museums. If you plan on drinking, add 10-20 PLN to your budget per day. If you plan on doing more paid activities dont forget to add the extra cost when working out your budget.
Mid-range – A mid-range budget of around 350 PLN per day, you could stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room. You can also eat out for most meals at cheap milk bars and fast food restaurants or eat some street food and even enjoy a couple of drinks. This budget also includes taking the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like a visit to Panorama of the Battle of Racławice or taking a tour of Auschwitz.
A Final thought
Poland is a great country to visit but most people only visit Warsaw and Krakow both of which are wonderful cities. However there are so many other places that are just as wonder such as Gdansk, Krakow, Poznan and Szczecin. The country has a troubled but interesting past with something for everyone with beautiful, architecture, a colourful history and great food. Poland was actually my favourite country on my 3 months travelling across Europe I highly recommend.
If you like my Poland travel guide check out some of my other guides Germany , Hamburg or Berlin.
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