Travel to Poland — everything you need to know
When to go to Poland?
- May – September — Mild season : Best time to visit: pleasant temperatures (18–26°C), festivals, lively terraces. June–August are the finest months but also the busiest.
- December – February — Winter : Cold (-5 to -10°C), but exceptional Christmas markets in Kraków and Warsaw (December). Skiing in the Tatras (Zakopane).
Weather in Poland
Check the weather city by city, starting with Warsaw.
- Varsovie: daytime highs from 4 to 26 °C depending on the season, 46 mm of rain per month on average.
- Cracovie: daytime highs from 4 to 26 °C depending on the season, 58 mm of rain per month on average.
- Gdańsk: daytime highs from 4 to 23 °C depending on the season, 46 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Poland?
Poland is a revelation in Central Europe: Kraków and its intact medieval centre (UNESCO), Auschwitz-Birkenau (UNESCO memorial), Warsaw and its incredible identical reconstruction after WWII, the Białowieża primeval forest with its European bison (UNESCO), and Gdańsk on the Baltic Sea. A country with generous cuisine (pierogi, żurek, bigos) and sincere hospitality.
Kraków — UNESCO medieval centre
Kraków is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe: the market square (Rynek Główny, the largest medieval square in Europe), Wawel Castle overlooking the Vistula, the old town and Kazimierz (historic Jewish quarter) have been UNESCO-listed since 1978. The city survived WWII almost intact — a rare treasure in Central Europe.
Highlights : Rynek Główny — largest medieval square in Europe, Wawel Royal Castle with the crypt of Polish kings, Wieliczka Salt Mine (UNESCO) — underground cathedral.
Auschwitz-Birkenau — UNESCO memorial
The Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp is UNESCO-listed 'so that human memory does not lose sight of this act of barbarism'. The site holds the most important archives of the genocide of Europe's Jews: 1.1 million victims, 90% of them Jewish. A guided tour is mandatory to understand the significance of the site.
Highlights : Auschwitz I — 'Arbeit Macht Frei', exhibition blocks, victims' rooms, Auschwitz II-Birkenau — ruins of the gas chambers and crematoria, Mandatory guided tour (online booking essential), Memorial and tomb of ashes at Birkenau.
Warsaw — the rebuilt phoenix
Warsaw is one of Europe's great surprises: 85% destroyed during WWII, it was rebuilt identically by its residents using paintings by Canaletto. Its Old Town (UNESCO) looks just as it did in the 17th century. The Warsaw Uprising Museum is one of the most moving in Europe. The city is also a hub of techno culture and cuisine.
Highlights : Warsaw Old Town (UNESCO) — rebuilt identically, Warsaw Uprising Museum (1944), POLIN — Museum of the History of Polish Jews, Łazienki Park — palace on the water and Chopin concerts (summer).
Białowieża Forest — the last bison
Białowieża is the last primeval lowland forest in Europe — 12,000 years old, never industrially logged. It's home to the European bison (żubr), Europe's heaviest animal, saved from extinction in the 1920s. Guided hikes in the strict reserve let you observe wild bison, wolves, lynx and deer.
Highlights : Guided hike in the strict reserve — wild bison, National park — ancient trees and absolute silence, Białowieża village — wooden Podlasie houses.
Zakopane & the Tatras
Nicknamed Poland's winter capital, Zakopane nestles at the foot of the Tatras, the country's highest mountain range. Wooden mountain architecture, ski slopes and trails to glacial lakes make it a popular destination. The Kasprowy Wierch cable car opens up stunning panoramas.
Highlights : Kasprowy Wierch — ski runs and cable car, Morskie Oko valley, Zakopane — mountain town, Tatra National Park, Gubałówka — panoramic view.
Travel budget for Poland
Poland is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe — prices are about 40% lower than in Western Europe. Polish cuisine is generous and affordable. Kraków is the most touristy (and priciest) city, but remains well below major Western European capitals.
- Backpacker : 45–75 €/j — Hostel + bar mleczny + public transport
- Comfort : 85–150 €/j — 3★ hotel + restaurants + guided tours
Practical tips for travelling to Poland
- Flight from Paris : ~2h30 (Wizz Air, Ryanair, direct Air France CDG–Warsaw or Kraków). Many routes.
- Visa : No visa required — Schengen area. A French ID card is sufficient.
- Currency : Złoty (PLN). Cards accepted almost everywhere. Some markets and bars mleczny are cash-only.
- Language : Polish. English spoken by young people and in tourist areas. French rarely spoken. The Google Translate app is very useful.
- Electricity : Type C/E (European) — 230V. No adapter needed.
- Health : No particular precautions needed. EHIC valid. Ticks in the forests (Białowieża) — long trousers recommended.
- Beer : Poland is a great beer country: Żywiec, Tyskie, Okocim. A pint at a bar costs 2–4€ — among the cheapest in Europe.
- Winter : Polish winters are cold (-5 to -15°C). Dress warmly from November to March. Snow is common in Kraków and looks magnificent on the Old Market Square.
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