Poland is rich in history and steeped in tradition and too often overlooked from its European counterparts. Warsaw, located on the Odra River showcases a unique mix of architecture including modern buildings and gothic churches, while the heart of the city is the market square of the Old Town.
Jewish heritage and its tragically painful history comes into full view in Krakow, with its dedicated monuments and museums. Poland, outside of its main cities is unspoiled and waiting to be discovered. Hills, lakes and alluring landscapes make for great outdoor activities and there is always the warming apple strudel to entice you back indoors. Poland is an interesting country and economically on the rise, so go now and check out its natural beauty.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP
START EXPLORING POLAND WITH THESE TOP POSTS
SUGGESTED SIGHTS / EXPERIENCES
EXPLORE WAWEL CASTLE
Krakow’s medieval castle houses the former Polish Crown jewels and an art museum.
VISIT AUSCHWITZ
A trip to Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps, is both haunting yet necessary.
STROLL AROUND KRAKOW
Krakow has a beautiful central square, cobbled streets, churches, medieval architecture
& great food.
EXPLORE WROCLAW
A small less crowded city, Wroclaw has beautiful and colourful architecture to admire.
WILANÓW PALACE
Take an audio tour of Warsaw’s top palace which dates back to 1677 and is a great example of baroque style.
VISIT WIELICZKA SALT MINE
Explore the labyrinth of tunnels where everything is hand carved from salt blocks.
WARSAW
Warsaw is a mix of old and new, with fascinating architecture and informative museums.
TAKE A RIVER CRUISE
In summer, take a sightseeing cruise along the Wisla River and get a different perspective
of Krakow.
POLAND FACTS
WEATHER
Spring tends to be bright but showery, with Summer being sunny especially on the Baltic coast. Autumn colours are matched with crisp sunny days and winter sees significant drops in temperature, icy winds and snow for up to 3 months.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
In general, the best time to visit the north of the country is during (May-June and September-October), though this is the High Season and prices will be higher. The best time to visit the central region is between March and October, and the south of the country between May and October.
Best overall time to visit is May-June (Spring) and September-October (Autumn).
LANGUAGE SPOKEN
Polish, English (most common foreign language spoken)
TIME ZONE
GMT plus 1 hour
CURRENCY
Złoty (zł) (100 Grosz). Coins come in denominations of 1gr, 2gr, 5gr, 10gr, 20gr, 50gr, 1zł, 2zł, 5zł5. Frequently used Notes are 10zł, 20zł, 50zł, 100zł, 200zł, while 500zł notes are rarely used. For up to date currency exchange rates, check here
ELECTRICAL CURRENT
Electrical supply is 230V / 50Hz and you will need to use a 2 pin adapter.
BEFORE YOU GO
VISAS
Visas are generally not required for stays of up to 90 days for visitors from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Japan and many other countries.
EU citizens can stay indefinitely without the need for a visa. Other nationalities can check the official site here.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Standard regulations are in force.
HEALTH
Medical facilities in Poland are generally comparable to those in the UK. A free European Health Insurance Card entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Check for any vaccinations required. Tap water is safe to drink.
ARRIVING
Although Warsaw Chopin Airport is the busiest, airports in Gdańsk, Katowice, Szczecin, Poznań, Wrocław, Krakow and Rzeszow also service international connections.
GETTING AROUND
Excellent road networks, reliable and extensive bus and train services and a comprehensive network of domestic routes, make getting around the country very easy.
PRACTICAL TIPS
CULTURE
Population is mainly Polish with small minorities of Silesian, German, Belarusian, Ukrainian. Both local and Polish culture is based around religion with the majority of the country being catholic.
INTERNET ACCESS
Internet access can be found in the majority of hotels, while free wi-fi is usually offered in many cafes, restaurants and bars. if you don’t carry your own device, your best bet is libraries and tourist information offices.
TIPPING
Common practice in restaurants and other service establishments (10%) Optional elsewhere.
DAILY COSTS
Mid-range double accommodation, restaurant and transport – 220–350zł
USEFUL NUMBERS
Country Code 48
The all-service emergency number is 112, however traditionally designated numbers are still used.
Ambulance 999
Fire Brigade 998
Police 997
USEFUL WEBSITES
Official Tourism For Poland – lots of information provided.
USEFUL PHRASES
Hello is “cześć” (cheshch) in Polish