Poland became a part of the European Union in 2004, but it’s still treated as a reclusive corner where people fight the Soviet State, feast on pierogi, and go to church every Sunday. In reality, Poland is a country known for its vibrant cities, delicious cuisine, alluring historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural artifacts.
In addition, Poland is home to a rich culture and history, along with 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranging from Wieliczka Salt Mine to Bialowieza Forest National Park. There are a lot of things to do and see in Poland, especially since this country has been going through a reinvention process ever since its admission to the European Union.
15 Things to Do in Poland
- Gdansk
- Krakow
- Warsaw’s Old Town
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
- Kraków’s Old Town
- Wieliczka Salt Mine
- Malbork Castle
- Kazimierz, Kraków
- Bialowieza Forest National Park
- Łódź
- Toruń
- Oświęcim
- Tricity
- Visit the Warsaw Rising Museum
- The Skull Chapel
1. Gdańsk
A Polish city known for its unique architecture and rich history and culture, Gdańsk has a lot of attractions for tourists. The first one is Neptune’s Fountain, which stands in Artus Court, right beside the Town Hall. It was designed and constructed by Abraham van den Blocke in the early 17th century. It is known as the mannerist–rococo masterpiece and was commissioned in 1559 by Cosimo I de’ Medici because he wanted to celebrate the marriage of Grand Duchess Joanna of Austria and Francesco de’ Medici I.
The second place on the list is the Main Town Hall, which is a Renaissance and Gothic building located at the junction of Dlugi Targ and Dluga Street. It has a permanent art exhibition, along with the Red Room, the White Room, and the Hall. Its origin dates back to the early Middle Ages, but its last restoration dates to 1952 when the top of the tower was damaged during World War II.
St. Mary’s Basilica is another church in Gdańsk and is known as one of the biggest brick churches in the world. During the years 1536 and 1572, this church was used for Lutheran as well as Catholic services. The church has a triple–aisled hall church, along with a 3-aisled transept, and is the epitome of Gothic architecture. The vaulting is a masterpiece because the main presbytery, transpet, and nave are covered with net vaults, while diamond vaults are used for the aisles.
2. Krakow
Also known as Cracow and Krakow, this is the second biggest city in Poland and is situated on the edge of the Vistula River. Its old town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1978, but the city started as a hamlet: it was situated on Wawel Hill and became a trading center in 985.
The first place to visit is St Florian’s Gate, which is the last remaining tower of the 8 built in the 14th century, along the medieval walls. These towers were constructed as a protection from the Turkish attack, and now, there is an open-air gallery with authentic Polish art.
The Royal Wawel Castle is a stunning castle dating back to the 11th century and is situated on a popular limestone hill, which is only 25m above the Vistula River. The tourists can climb on top of one of the castle’s towers to get a panoramic view of the river. Lastly, the castle houses a dragon’s den, and Polish people believe that it is the home of a real Wawel dragon.
3. Warsaw’s Old Town
Warsaw’s Old Town is the most captivating part of the city and is rooted in the 13th century. It was almost completely destroyed during World War II, but it was reconstructed into its original form.
The first place to visit is Market Square, which used to be a center of public life, ranging from executions to political speeches. Back in the 13th century, the old town used to have wooden buildings, but concrete buildings were constructed in the 15th century. Now, there are cocktail bars and restaurants serving specialized Polish beverages and gourmet meals, respectively.
The second place on your itinerary should be the Historical Museum of Warsaw, which shows the artistic, cultural, and historical side of the city. Ever since it was institutionalized in 1936, it has expanded to 11 tenement houses in the old town. The museum showcases the rare items from the 1944 Uprising and World War II while showing the changes the town witnessed throughout history.
For people who like Polish literature, visiting the Adam Mickiewicz Museum of Literature is a must, as it’s named after the greatest poet and writer of Poland. It was founded in 1948 in memory of Mickiewicz, as it was his 150th birthday. There is private correspondence of Mickiewicz in the museum, along with manuscripts, personal items, and portraits.
Last, but not least, visit the Royal Castle on Krakowskie Przedmieście Street, and you can also visit the Presidential Palace on the right. It was home to Polish presidents and noblemen from the 17th century, but now it has transformed into a neoclassical building with white paint on the exterior. There is a bronze monument of Prince Józef Poniatowski in front of the palace; he was the commander-in-chief of the Polish army in the early 19th century. Also, the monument was modeled after Marcus Aurelius’s statue on Capitoline Hill.
4. Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
Located in the Nazi German Auschwitz concentration camp, this museum has the remains of extermination and concentration camps. Both these camps were developed and managed by Nazi Germany when they occupied Poland during 1939 and 1945. The government has preserved the campsite as a research center, and this step was taken to commemorate 1.1 million people who lost their lives during the Holocaust and World War II.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It was created by Tadeusz Wąsowicz in 1946, but the formal inauguration in 1947 was completed by the Polish parliament. Ever since 1960, national exhibitions have been planned in Auschwitz I, but most of them have been renewed, especially the ones of Slovakia, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and France.
5. Kraków’s Old Town
Kraków’s Old Town is known for its pedestrianized squared and cobbled streets and is only 3 km away from Wawel Hill and St. Adalbert’s Church, especially if you are around Planty Park.
The first place to visit is Cloth Hall, which is located in the market square’s center and used to be an international trade center. The Cloth Hall dates back to the Renaissance, and the upper portion has a museum with Polish sculptures and paintings. However, the ground level is still a market, while beneath this hall, you will find the Rynek Underground Museum. This museum offers a multimedia experience and showcases the excavated merchant stalls from medieval times.
Secondly, St. Adalbert’s Church is a must-visit place, which has been around since the 11th century. Known as one of the oldest stone churches in Poland, this church was built before setting the foundation of the square. For this reason, it also seems small and doesn’t align with the grandeur of the square.
Then, head to the Jagiellonian University Professors’ Garden, which was opened to the public back in 2010. It was opened as a memorial to the 183 professors who were arrested during World War II, and many of them died as well.
6. Wieliczka Salt Mine
Excavated in the 13th century, the Wieliczka Salt Mine used to produce table salt until 1996 and is known as one of the oldest operational salt mines in the world. During the Neolithic times, table salt was produced through the upwelling brine, but the commercial mining of salt was discontinued in 1996, given the mine flooding and the lowering of salt prices.
Now, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Polish Historical Monument, especially because it has an abundance of labyrinthine passageways and shafts. There is an underground lake, displays of salt-mining technology, statues carved in rock salt, and four chapels.
During the Nazi occupation, thousands of Jews were transported from the labour camps to the mines to work as an underground arms factory was set up here by the Germans. However, the manufacturing never started because the Soviet offensive was on the lines, so the Jews were transferred to factories operating in Austria and the Czech Republic.
7. Malbork Castle
Also known as the Castle of the Teutonic Order, this castle dates back to the 13th century, and it’s the biggest castle in the world, measured by land. It was built by the German Catholic religious order from the Crusaders, officially known as the Teutonic Order. The primary purpose of this castle was to strengthen control over the area, especially after the Order’s 1274 suppression.
Later, in 1457, this castle was sold to King Casimir IV by the Bohemian mercenaries in return for indemnities. In addition, it has been expanded multiple times to accommodate the increasing number of Knights, which resulted in the biggest Gothic building in Europe.
Over the years, this castle has been home to multiple royal families and officers of the Polish government. However, the residential use was interrupted by the Swedish occupation. After this, the castle was handled by the Germans until 1945. Now, there are three castles, including the High, Middle, and Lower Castle, and they are separated by towers and moats.
Back in 1959, a huge fire caused a lot of damage to the castle, and the restoration was initiated in 1962. The majority of the castle has been reconstructed, including the principal church (the church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary).
8. Kazimierz, Kraków
Commonly known as the historic Jewish district, Kazimierz is now home to galleries, bars, and cafes, and every street shows cultural richness. The borders of this district are slightly rough but it adds to the charm of this area.
The first place to visit is the Galicia Jewish Museum, which has a permanent gallery but some temporary displays of photographs in different themes. The photographic exhibitions are related to Jewish history in the area and how the Holocaust changed the political dynamics.
Secondly, the Old Synagogue in Kazimierz dates to the 15th century, and has the Kraków’s Jewish Museum. There is a prayer hall here with a bimah, and Torah is read here, along with the original Kodesh. The upper portion of the Old Synagogue also has a photographic display showcasing the historical landscape.
9. Bialowieza Forest National Park
A huge forest complex, Bialowieza Forest National Park has the residues of different primaeval forests, including Szereszewska Forest, Białowieża Forest, and Świsłocka Forest. Since it’s at the water divide of the Neman River and Vistula, there are no lakes, but there are incredible small rivers here and there. In fact, Orłówka River sources from this forest, making it one of the best mixed forests in the European Lowlands.
The biggest portion of this forest is occupied by wet-ground forests, and they are covered with hornbeam and oak. Bialowieza Forest National Park has an abundance of dead wood, which is a collection of brushwood and decaying trees. These decaying trees are a habitat for exotic mushroom varieties, and many of them are at risk of extinction or endangerment.
10. Łódź
Łódź has a lot of monuments and historical sites to visit, but starting with Piotrkowska Street seems like a refreshing start. This is the longest promenade in the country, which is lined with palaces and villas of industrialists, old houses, the Gallery of Great Citizens of Lodz, and churches. In addition, the street houses the monuments of Lodz Citizens of The New Millennium and others.
Secondly, the Palace of I. Poznański is the biggest residence in Poland, and it’s known for its representative interiors, ranging from a ballroom to a dining room. Moreover, the Museum of Lodz City exhibitions planned in this place are perfect for history buffs.
Łódź has the Inner Tube, which is a Museum of Canal: it’s one of the most unique museums in Poland, and it’s coddled up under the Wolności Square. The museum is a part of the underground sewerage system that was designed in the 20th century by William Lindley, an English engineer.
11. Toruń
Toruń is known as the most preserved medieval city in terms of monuments, and the majority of medieval buildings are preserved. The House of Legends is the first place, and it’s easy to locate on Szeroka Street. It’s a combination of theatre and interactive museum, which showcases the history of this city through colorful multimedia slides. Also, there are six installations in the Gothic basement and it has presentations showing different ages of time.
The Old Town Square is a perfect town square with Nicolaus Copernicus’s monument. In addition to this historical monument, the square has the Artus Court, tenement houses, and the Church of the Holy Spirit. The north-western corner of this square has the St. Mary’s Church, while the eastern corner has the Filus monument, which is a popular character from the Polish comic book.
12. Oświęcim
Also known as Auschwitz in German language, Oświęcim used to be home to Jewish camps from 1940 to 1945, and thousands of Jews were killed there. However, the two biggest and most important camps have been transformed into museums.
The Piast Castle is another museum where there are exhibits of the wars and artifacts from archeological sites. It had hosted a lot of historical figures, including Bona Sforza d’Aragona, who stopped here when she was traveling to meet Zygmunt I, as well as for a coronation.
Zamek w Oświęcimiu is another castle in Oświęcim, which is a building from the Middle Ages on a hilltop. It’s located on the Soła River’s right bank. It has a Gothic tower dating back to the end of the 13th century, and there are tunnels as well. The first tunnel was built before 1914, while the other tunnel was built between 1940 and 1944 by Germans – this tunnel system used to be a shelter during air raids.
13. Tricity
One of the best places to do in Poland is to visit Tricity, and it surpasses even the Polish standards of scenic landscapes. The historical heritage is evident in this city, as it has been reconstructed impeccably after World War II. Tricity has red-brick monuments with medieval elements, showcasing how Polish people preserve history.
Amber Museum is one of the best places to visit as it has a permanent exhibition showcasing the history of Amber. In addition, the museum has interactive displays reflecting the craftsmanship of Amber.
Lastly, the European Solidarity Center is a perfect touristy place for people who want to learn about the Solidarity movement from the 1980s. The Solidarity movement changed and shaped European history, and this exhibition hall tells the story of how Polish people won against communism and how the united front toppled the regime.
14. Visit the Warsaw Rising Museum
Dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, the Warsaw Rising Museum shows how the underground resistance of the Polish fought the German occupation. The uprising spanned over 63 days and was labeled as the biggest military effort caused by the resistance forces. The museum has done a spectacular job at bringing the entire uprising movement into vision.
There are multiple events and rooms in the exhibit, which showcase the recreations, films, interactive displays, and artifacts. In addition, there are sewer tunnel replicas available in the museum, along with the print shop with newspapers and posters, and an insurgent hospital.
15. The Skull Chapel
Known as an ossuary chapel, the Skull Chapel is located in the Czermna district in southwestern Poland. The Skull Chapel was built in the Baroque style, and the construction was completed in the last quarter of the 18th century. It also houses a mass grave with thousands of human skeletal remains and skulls adorning the ceiling, walls, foundations, and floor. These are the people who died because of hunger, syphilis, plague, and cholera epidemics.
It was built by Václav Tomášek in 1776, and he was inspired by the Capuchin cemetery of Rome. J. Schmidt and J. Langer collected the bones of the casualties, cleaned them, and installed them in the chapel during 1776 and 1794. There are 3,000 skulls adorning the church, along with bones of 21,000 people in the basement.
Conclusion
Poland, a country rich in natural beauty, history, and culture, offers an unparalleled experience for travelers. Whether you need to explore the European heritage or witness the changing historical dynamics in the form of museums, Poland has something to offer everyone.
Ranging from the Skull Chapel to Warsaw’s metropolis and Malbork Castle, there is an abundance of things to do in Poland. Also, Poland has diverse attractions which leave tourists with life-lasting memories.
FAQs
What Is Poland Best Known for?
Poland is located in Central Europe and has a rich culture and history. It’s known for its hearty Polish cuisine, medieval architecture, and scenic landscapes, offering a fine blend of experiences.
Is Poland Worth Visiting?
Yes, Poland is worth visiting because it’s one of the most diverse countries. In addition, Poland is one of the 20 top safest countries in the world.
What Is the Number One Tourist Attraction in Poland?
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is the number one tourist attraction in Poland after the Tatra Mountains. It is a treat for people who have a historical infatuation and want to witness how Poland changed over time.
Is Poland Cheap to Visit?
Yes, it is pretty cheap to visit because the daily spend is around £53.
Does Poland Use the Euro?
Poland has been a part of the European Union, but it’s still not in the Eurozone. This means not everyone accepts euros, and even if they do, it’s with a markup. This is why it’s better to carry Polish złoty currency.
Is English Spoken in Poland?
Yes, it is widely spoken and understood in famous tourist destinations and major cities. 30% of Polish people speak English as a foreign language.
