10 Reasons You Should Visit Poland

Poland may not be an obvious holiday destination, but it has a lot to offer. It’s the perfect place for a weekend getaway, a skiing trip, or a peaceful beach escape. From impressive natural beauty, to rich history and mouthwatering food, here is why Poland should be number one on your travel wish list.

1. There are 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Poland.

Poland boasts 14 unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites you simply cannot miss. From the ancient Bialowieza Forest – home to the protected European Bison species and spectacular decaying trees – to the picturesque historical Old Towns of Warsaw and Krakow and beautiful medieval churches, the country is one of the most alluring European destinations.

2. It’s a paradise for foodies.

3. It’s affordable.

Although prices in the biggest cities steadily continue to soar, Poland is still a fairly cheap European destination. To make your stay even cheaper, fly in with one of the low cost airlines such as Ryanair or Wizzair, eat your meals at the famous milk bars, get around by public bikes and book your stay at a hostel or rent out an Airbnb. If you’re visiting the capital, check out our guide to a budget stay in Warsaw.

4. It is rich in history.

History fans won’t get bored in Poland. From hundreds of medieval castles, to the infamous Auschwitz Birkenau camp and excellent museums (the Warsaw Rising Museum and POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews are especially worth visiting), there is a lot to take in and discover.

The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews

5. It has breathtaking mountain ranges.

The Tatras are a true paradise for nature lovers. Perfect for hitting the slopes in winter and hiking in the summer season, they are one of Poles’ favorite holiday destinations. Head off the beaten track to discover the lesser-known mountain ranges such as Bieszczady, Pieniny, or Table Mountains (characterized by unique plated rock formations) for a less touristy experience.

6. It has an idyllic seaside.

Many people are surprised to learn Poland’s northern coast is covered with idyllic white sandy beaches. The best time to visit is the summer season, when tourists from Poland and abroad gather in most popular resorts such as Sopot, Ustka, and the Hel Peninsula (great for windsurfing and kitesurfing) to enjoy the sun, water sports, and the delicious fruit-topped wafers (gofry). See also The Best Beach Towns in Poland.

7. Poles know how to party.

Poles know how to party all year round. Whether it’s a friend’s wedding, a summer music festival, or a regular Friday night at a club, there is always a reason to celebrate. Be careful though – Poles can drink a lot! Luckily, there are some great hangover cures that you’ll surely be recommended (such as gherkin juice) to survive the next day.

8. You’ll be surprised by Warsaw.

Everyone who visits Warsaw for the first time is positively surprised to discover its vibrant cultural life. With its hip bars, vegan restaurants, and alternative clubs, many call it the new Berlin. Check it out for yourself!

9. And charmed by Kraków.

Kraków, on the other hand, will charm you with its picturesque cobbled streets, historical landmarks, craft shops, and cosy cafés.

10. You’ll enjoy Polish hospitality.

You’ll also be lucky to experience the country’s hospitality. The good-hearted Poles love having guests over. If you visit a Polish home, you’ll be treated like a family member straight away.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.