Top 10 Tourist Places in Poland. Poland is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the Baltic Sea coastline to the Tatras Mountains, Poland has something to offer every type of traveler. In this article, we explore the top 10 tourist places in Poland that you don’t want to miss.
1. Krakow
Krakow was Poland’s former capital for centuries and is today one of the most visited places in Poland. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is full of historic architecture, including the Wawel Royal Palace, the stunning Cloth Hall, and Europe’s largest market square (Rynek Główny). Other must-see attractions include St Mary’s Basilica with its famous wooden altarpiece and Wawel Cathedral with its Crypt of National Heroes.
For a more moving experience, visit the former Jewish district of Kazimierz or take a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Krakow is also a lively university city with loads of cafes, bars, restaurants, and cultural events year-round.
- Type of Visitor: History and architecture enthusiasts, foodies, weekend break travelers
- Top Things to Do: Stroll through Old Town and market square, tour the royal Wawel Castle, learn about WWII history
- Average Stay: 3-5 days
2. Warsaw
Warsaw, Poland’s vibrant capital, has risen from the tragic events of WWII when 85% of its buildings were destroyed. Today, Warsaw seamlessly blends old and new with painstakingly restored historic buildings alongside contemporary architecture and attractions.
Major sights include Castle Square, the meticulously rebuilt Old Town, the lively commercial district, Lazienki Park with its Chopin monument, the Warsaw Uprising Museum, the Palace of Culture and Science, and the Warsaw Zoo. There’s also fantastic dining, shopping, theaters, galleries, and nightlife.
- Type of Visitor: City explorer, public transit rider
- Top Things to Do: Explore Old Town, learn about Poland’s history, enjoy performing arts
- Average Stay: 3-5 days
3. Malbork Castle
Malbork Castle is the largest castle complex in the world by surface area and the largest brick building in Europe. It was built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, a German Roman Catholic religious order. Now it’s one of Poland’s most popular tourist destinations.
A visit to Malbork is like stepping into the Middle Ages. Walk along the formidable stone walls and defenses or admire the Craftsmen’s Court and Grand Masters’ Palace with its elaborate stonework and carved furnishings. There’s also an ambry with relics from the Teutonic era. The museum houses a large collection of armor and weapons.
- Type of Visitor: History lovers, castle enthusiasts, photographers
- Top Things to Do: Take a guided tour, marvel at the architecture, visit the Amber Museum
- Average Stay: 3-6 hours or 1 day
4. Baltic Sea Beaches
Poland boasts some breathtaking stretches of beautiful Baltic Sea coastline along the northern border. Popular seaside resort towns include Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot, Kołobrzeg, Międzyzdroje and Świnoujście which have lovely beaches, boardwalks, spas, restaurants, and water sports.
The Hel Peninsula is a popular weekend getaway with sandy beaches tucked between pine trees and dunes. Visitors can soak up the sun, build sandcastles, picnic on white sand, or try water activities like sailing, fishing, kayaking, or kitesurfing. Don’t forget to sample fresh seafood like smoked fish, Baltic salmon, or pickled herring!
- Type of Visitor: Beach bums, water sports enthusiasts, fishing fans
- Top Things to Do: Relax on the beach, take a boat cruise, enjoy ice cream on the pier
- Average Stay: 2-5 days
5. Wrocław
Wrocław (Breslau) may be Poland’s often overlooked gem with its magnificent Old Town, fascinating history, and over 100 picturesque bridges earning it the nickname “Venice of Poland.”
Top attractions include the huge Market Square, 14th century Town Hall and Astronomical Clock, towering Gothic churches, Raclawice Panorama (19th century circular painting), ZOO with Africa section and aquarium, Multimedia Fountain, and Hala Stulecia (Centennial Hall).
Don’t miss Óswięcim, Poland’s best-preserved fortress and the oldest settlement in Wrocław dating to the 10th century.
- Type of Visitor: Architecture fans, photographers, zoo and aquarium enthusiasts
- Top Things to Do: Stroll/cruise along rivers and canals, explore Market Square, visit Africa section of ZOO
- Average Stay: 2-4 days
6. Zakopane and the Tatras Mountains
Nestled at the base of Poland’s Tatras Mountains near the border with Slovakia, Zakopane mixes Old World mountain charm with outdoor adventure. It’s Poland’s most popular ski resort town in winter and hiking/biking haven in summer.
Top sights include cable car rides for panoramic mountain views, hiking/skiing/snowboarding trails, traditional wooden architecture, lively outdoor markets selling local Góral handicrafts, and awesome highlander cuisine including smoked sheep’s cheese oscypek.
The striking Tatra National Park offers breathtaking Alpine-like scenery, wildflowers, mountaineering, caving, rafting opportunities, and home to elusive wildlife like bears, lynx, wolves, red deer, and golden eagles.
- Type of Visitor: Adventure/outdoor sports enthusiasts, hikers, wildlife lovers
- Top Things to Do: Hike in Tatras Mountains, try local smoked cheese, ride cable car
- Average Stay: 3-7 days
7. Toruń
Toruń transports visitors back to the Middle Ages with its intact 13th century Old Town containing well-preserved buildings, monuments, walls, gates, and red brick Gothic architecture. As the birthplace of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, it’s one of Poland’s highlights and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Major attractions include the Copernicus House Museum, the towering brick Cathedral of Saints John the Evangelists and John the Baptist with its ornate chapel, lively Old Town Market Square, and Gothic Town Hall. Don’t miss Toruń’s famous gingerbread (pierniki), in production here for over 750 years.
- Type of Visitor: History lover, architecture enthusiast, foodie
- Top Things to Do: Learn about Copernicus, sample gingerbread, explore the Old Town
- Average Stay: 1-3 days
8. The Białowieża Forest
The magical primaeval Białowieża Forest straddles Poland’s eastern border with Belarus, reminiscent of the vast forests that once covered Europe. This rolling green forest sheltering 800 European bison along with elk, deer, lynx, wild boar and 250 bird species including woodpeckers is an outdoor and wildlife lover’s paradise.
As Europe’s last old growth forest and UNESCO heritage site untouched for over 10,000 years, one expects to see Little Red Riding Hood or Hansel and Gretel emerge from behind a moss-covered tree trunk. A must-do is exploring nature along forest trails or visiting the European Bison Show Reserve.
- Type of Visitor: Nature lover, hiker, wildlife enthusiast
- Top Things to Do: Hike forest paths, stay overnight in forest cottage, see European bison
- Average Stay: 2-4 days
9. Małopolska Region
Southern Poland’s Małopolska province captivates with fairy-tale castles, magnificent historical buildings and monuments in charming old towns, fascinating salt mines dating to the 13th century, scenic hiking in Pieniny National Park, and world-famous spa resorts nestled gracefully in forested mountains.
Popular destinations are medieval-flavored Lublin with its Old Town, Kazimierz Dolny (“Polish Venice”) on the Vistula River banks, the picturesque “Lock Trail” uniting restored villages, castles and palaces, historic Zamość with ornate architecture, and Poland’s second city Kraków rich in culture.
- Type of Visitor: Outdoor enthusiast, history buff, spa/wellness tourist
- Top Things to Do: Hike in Pieniny National Park, explore Wieliczka Salt Mine, soak in mineral spas
- Average Stay: 5-7 days
10. Tatra Mountains (Zakopane)
The jagged snow-capped Tatra Mountains bordering Slovakia shelter Zakopane, nestled in a valley between mountain ridges. With Alpine-style wooden architecture and lively cultural events, Zakopane is Poland’s most popular ski resort and outdoor adventure hub surrounded by 25 lake-dotted valleys perfect for hiking, climbing, mountain biking, kayaking or horseback riding in warmer months.
Top sights include exploring traditional wooden churches, riding cable cars up Kasprowy Wierch Mountain, browsing lively outdoor markets selling woolens and smoked cheeses, learning about Góral highlander culture, hitting ski jumps or slopes in winter, hiking mountainous trails, or wildlife spotting for bears/lynx/wolves in Tatra National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
- Type of Visitor: Adventure traveler, outdoor sports enthusiast
- Top Things to Do: Ride cable car up mountains, hike wildlife trails
- Average Stay: 3-7 days
Frequently Asked Questions on Top 10 Tourist Places in Poland
What is the best way to travel around Poland?
Answer: It is possible to travel by train and bus, but the most flexible option is to rent a car. Main cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wrocław have airports that offer some budget flights within Poland.
How do I get from Warsaw to Krakow?
Answer: The fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Warsaw to Kraków is by taking the direct Express Intercity (EIC) train that makes the trip in about 2.5 hours. You can also take a private bus or domestic flight between the cities.
Where should I stay in Krakow?
Answer: The most popular area to stay in Krakow is around the Old Town area and main market square which puts you in walking distance to all the major sights. Some good neighborhoods are Old Town, Kazimierz (former Jewish quarter), Kleparz, and Grzegórzki.
What is the best time of year to visit Poland?
Answer: The best time to visit Poland is late spring through early fall (May-September) when there is mild weather and long daylight hours perfect for sightseeing. November-February is peak ski season in the mountains. Many sites are closed in winter.
How many days do I need in Krakow and Warsaw?
Answer: 3 full days is usually recommended for Krakow and Warsaw each to see all the top attractions. Add extra days if you want to take day trips, slow travel pace, or simply relax enjoying the city vibe, cafes and restaurants.
What famous tourist attraction is found in Poland?
Some of the most famous tourist attractions in Poland include the medieval Old Town in Krakow, Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Malbork Castle, and the Tatras Mountains.
Why Poland is famous for tourism?
Poland is famous for tourism due to its well-preserved medieval architecture, rich history, diverse landscapes including mountains and beaches, vibrant cities like Warsaw and Krakow, and cultural attractions like museums, castles, historic sites, and art galleries.
Which part of Poland should I visit?
The most popular regions to visit in Poland are Southern Poland to see Krakow, Zakopane and the Tatras Mountains; Central Poland for Warsaw and Łódź; Northern Poland to explore Gdańsk, the Baltic beaches and Malbork Castle; and Western Poland including Wrocław and historic Lower Silesia.
Which city is beautiful in Poland?
Some of the most beautiful cities in Poland acclaimed for historic architecture are Krakow, Warsaw, Gdańsk, Wrocław, Toruń, Lublin, and Poznań. Coastal cities like Sopot and Gdynia also offer stunning beauty.
What is the 3 biggest city in Poland?
The 3 biggest cities in Poland by population are:
- Warsaw (capital)
- Krakow
- Łódź
What are the top 5 largest city in Poland?
The top 5 largest cities in Poland by population are:
- Warsaw
- Krakow
- Łódź
- Wrocław
- Poznań
Where is the richest city in Poland?
Warsaw, the nation’s capital and largest city, is considered the richest and most expensive city to live in Poland based on average salaries, GDP, infrastructure and prices.
What is Poland capital city?
Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland.
Which language is spoken in Poland?
Polish is the official language spoken by nearly all people in Poland. English is the most popular foreign language spoken as a second language.
