Top 10 Experiences to Enjoy in Poland

Beyond the well-known cities of Warsaw and Kraków, Poland offers a wealth of unforgettable travel adventures.

Are you a fan of history and culture? This European treasure boasts an incredible array of castles, churches, palaces, and museums. Prefer the great outdoors? Choose from Baltic beaches, snow-capped mountains, winding rivers, thousands of lakes, and 23 national parks.

And if you believe that Polish cuisine is limited to pickles, potatoes, and vodka, think again. That trio is merely a teaser for a culinary feast that includes everything from blueberry-filled dumplings to gold-flaked liquors.

Continue reading for our curated list of the finest experiences in Poland.

Experience a bird’s-eye view of Warsaw

Warsaw stands out as one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals, and its current economic growth is epitomized by the Varso Tower, the tallest skyscraper in the EU at 310m (1017ft). The observation deck at 240m (787ft) is set to open in 2025. In the meantime, soak in the retro charm from the observation terrace of the 1955 Palace of Culture & Science, enjoy stunning views of the reconstructed Old Town from the bell tower of St Anne's Church, and take in the vistas over the Vistula River from the rooftop garden of the Warsaw University Library.

Detour: Once a hub for metal production, Fabryka Norblina is now at the forefront of Warsaw's industrial revitalization, featuring the city’s largest food hall along with many exciting dining and drinking spots.

Journey back in time beneath Kraków’s Old Town

The enchanting Old Town of Kraków is anchored by Rynek Główny, the largest public square in Europe, highlighted by the stunning Cloth Hall. Venture underground to Rynek Underground for a captivating look at the market from six centuries ago, brought to life with modern audiovisual effects.

Above ground, listen for the hejnał (bugle call) that rings out every hour from the taller of St Mary’s Basilica’s two towers located on the square’s west side. Inside, marvel at Jan Matejko’s vibrant murals that adorn the high altar, a pinnacle of Poland’s Gothic art.

Detour: The Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the oldest salt mines in the world, lies about 14km (9 miles) southeast of Kraków. This underground maze features around 300km (186 miles) of tunnels, lakes, and chambers filled with breathtaking chapels, altarpieces, statues, and even chandeliers—all meticulously carved from salt.

Explore Malbork Castle, the largest brick castle in the world

This UNESCO World Heritage site is Europe’s largest castle. Established by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, Malbork Castle served as the order's headquarters for nearly 150 years. Despite significant damage during WWII, most of the complex has been meticulously preserved, allowing it to retain much of its historical appearance from six centuries ago. Key features include the Grand Masters’ Palace, showcasing exquisite interiors like the Great Refectory with its stunning palm-vaulted ceiling, as well as the Amber Museum.

Planning tips: To skip the lines, purchase tickets online. Bring a picnic, as dining options at the castle are limited.

Explore the harrowing realities of conflict at Gdańsk’s Museum of the Second World War

Gdańsk, the site of the first shots fired in WWII, is home to the monumental Museum of the Second World War. Set in striking contemporary architecture, this 5,000-square-meter (53,819-square-foot) museum offers a profoundly emotional exploration of the war, detailing its causes, progression, and aftermath from the perspective of Poland as a victim.

Planning tips: This expansive museum can easily require half a day to explore fully. There’s a café on-site for breaks, and you can exit and re-enter the museum on the same ticket within the same day.

Discover the rich history of Jewish Poland at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews

Among Poland’s remarkable museums is POLIN, which traces over a millennium of Jewish history within the country’s historic lands. A highlight is the stunning reconstruction of the painted ceiling and bimah (the raised platform for Torah reading) from the former synagogue in Gwoździec (now in Ukraine). The Holocaust exhibition (1939–45) is presented in a suitably somber and constricted manner, concluding with videos of local Jews discussing the ongoing issue of anti-Semitism in Poland.

Detour: In Warsaw, the Jewish Historical Institute houses the UNESCO-listed Ringelblum Archive, which consists of over 6,000 documents, including diaries, drawings, photographs, and posters that offer firsthand accounts of the Nazi extermination of Jewish communities in Poland.

Go bison tracking in Białowieża National Park.

Nestled in the northeast near Belarus, the forests of Białowieża have been protected for centuries, initially serving as a royal hunting ground for Polish kings and later for Russian tsars. Today, it stands as Europe’s largest old-growth forest, home to around 800 bison. Early morning walks among ancient lime, oak, and hornbeam trees offer a chance to spot these majestic creatures, Poland’s national symbol, in their natural habitat—a perfect way to immerse yourself in Polish nature.

Detour: Visit the European Bison Show Reserve, located near the national park, where you can see seven bison along with other species in large enclosures, including elk, wild boar, deer, a wolf, and a three-legged lynx (the unfortunate result of a wolf attack!).

Explore the vibrant street art scene in Łódź.

Once a thriving manufacturing hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the city of Łódź has become a canvas for street art, showcasing over 200 public artworks. Notable installations include Pasaż Róży by Joanna Rajkowska, a mesmerizing courtyard adorned with mirror fragments in swirling rose patterns, and Wiedźmin (Witcher), designed by Jakub Rebelka, which stands as Poland's tallest street art piece, covering the 70m-high (230ft) facade of an apartment building.

Detour: At Marco Italian Food and Street Art, located within Łódź's Central Museum of Textiles, you can enjoy a meal while viewing a gallery of images from Urban Forms, the organization behind many of the city's stunning street artworks.

Give in to the Renaissance allure of Zamość.

Known as the 'Pearl of the Renaissance,' Zamość boasts an authentically preserved late-16th-century Old Town featuring a stunning arcaded plaza surrounded by the residences of Armenian merchants. Located in the southeastern part of Poland, this town is also fortified with defensive bastions that successfully repelled Swedish forces during their rampage through other Polish cities in the 17th century.

Detour: The Old Town of Lublin also emerged from WWII largely intact. Its enchanting maze of cobbled streets filled with legends and a main square flanked by Renaissance and Baroque townhouses are major attractions, complemented by the city’s lively festival scene.

Savor gingerbread in Toruń.

For centuries, Toruń, a World Heritage site, has been renowned for its gingerbread. To delve deeper into this sweet and spicy delight, visit one of the town's two dedicated gingerbread museums. The more impressive of the two is the Museum of Toruń Gingerbread, situated in the oldest gingerbread bakery in the world. Join one of their workshops to learn how to craft your own gingerbread treats.

Detour: Serving as the gateway to the Great Masurian Lakes, Olsztyn features a charmingly renovated old town alongside numerous new hotels, eateries, and bars. With fewer tourists around, it provides a welcome respite before venturing into the typically busier lakeside towns.

Experience hiking or skiing in the Tatras.

Few regions in Poland offer the stunning variety of landscapes found in the Tatra Mountains. The most popular spot for hiking is the expansive 212-sq-km (82-sq-mile) Tatra National Park, located just south of Zakopane, Poland’s trendiest mountain resort. For a leisurely stroll, explore the picturesque, forested valleys of Dolina Strążyska, or aim for the summit of Mt Giewont, standing at 1894m (6214ft).

As soon as the snow begins to fall, Zakopane’s 50-plus ski lifts and tows come alive. There’s skiing available for everyone, from gentle cross-country trails to challenging black diamond runs for the experienced skiers.

Planning tip: Ensure you book online in advance for a visit to the Tatra Park Nature Education Centre, as entry is limited to just 25 people at a time.