The cities of Poland are the best in the world to visit: a very biased opinion from someone who is Polish.
But seriously, I have traveled to many countries worldwide, and Poland still takes my breath away every time I visit. It has everything: from the sea to the north, the mountains to the south and the gorgeous countryside landscape dotted with ancient cities in between.
Not only is it a beautiful country with much to see and do, but it’s also very cheap for most travelers, especially compared to Western European countries. Therefore, Poland is becoming a more popular tourist destination.
Here is a list of my favorite cities in Poland with an explanation on why you should book your trip to Poland. Like, now.
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Table of Contents
5. Zakopane
This city is only number five because, truth be told, it has gotten to be extremely touristy. I recently traveled there for the first time since I was a kid and was shocked to see how many people are flocking there now compared to when I was a kid.
BUT…don’t let that deter you. There is a very good reason why that is.
The reason for the large amount of visitors is that Zakopane is located in the perfect location for a base to hike the Tatry National Park. Here you will find some of the most gorgeous alpine views (coming from someone who hiked many mountains worldwide).
The main reason why the Tatry mountains should be your next alpine adventure are the gorgeous alpine lakes they cradle up above. The most famous and biggest one is Morskie Oko, or Sea Eye.
While it is breathtaking, I personally think that the lakes of the Dolina Pięciu Stawów (Valley of the Five Lakes) are much more beautiful. Although they’re harder to get to (longer and more difficult hike than to Morskie Oko), this also means less people.
4. Warszawa (Warsaw)
The capital of Poland had to make this list, even though it was mostly destroyed during World War II. Although it may lack the original ancient, historical buildings that the other cities in Poland have, this city is brimming with a rich history. It tells the story of the resilience and strength of the country as a whole.
The old town, although destroyed completely during the war, was rebuilt exactly the same as it once was. You can therefore see how beautiful the city was before its inhabitants were punished for fighting for their country’s independence.
If there is one museum you go to here, I HIGHLY suggest the Warsaw Rising Museum. It tells the story of how Warsaw fought for its independence during World War II.
It’s one of the best museums I’ve been to, telling the story of an impressive fight. Learn the stories of the citizens- including children- that rose up to help the soldiers fight against Nazi and Soviet attacks.
Learn about other things to do in the nation’s capital here.
3. Gdańsk
This northern city lies by the sea and therefore has a long history as a trading port city. Not only can you use it as a base to check out the beaches lining the Baltic Sea (where you can enjoy water sports, swim in the sea or simply lay out in the sand), but the city itself is beautiful.
It has an energetic, youthful vibe with lots of bars. (Check out Piwna street if you’re in search of those, or book a beer tasting tour here.) This youthfulness contrasts deeply in the context of the extremely old buildings surrounding you in the old town. Make sure to take a walk along the canal lined with the colorful buildings.
It’s also a good place to take a day trip. Visit Westerplatte, where the first battle of World War II took place when Germany invaded Poland.
Or go to the nearby city of Sopot, which has a long pier that I suggest taking a walk on during sunset, after which you can partake in the vibrant nightlife of the city. You can even walk to Sopot along the sea on the beach from Gdańsk…doable, but it’s going to be a long walk.
2. Wrocław
This is primarily a student city, so it’s also very vibrant and full of lots of young people. One of the most fun and unique things about this city is the nearly 400 (they’re always adding new ones) little krasnoludki (dwarfs) hiding throughout the city.
Not real ones, of course, but little statues, and you can get a map of their locations. Walking through the city trying to find them all is an adventure in itself. And it’s also a great way to explore the city.
Once you find them all (if you can, I’d be very impressed), the main square is a beautiful place to hang out. Snap pics with all the photogenic, colorful buildings lining the square and stop at an outdoor cafe.
The city also has a very large and popular zoo, as well as a beautiful botanical garden. Next to the garden there’s a large multi-media fountain that you should visit at night if you’re there in the summer. The water spurts and jumps to the beat of the music, complete with color-changing lights and projections on a vertical wall of water. (Btw, Warsaw also has multi-media fountain that’s worth checking out!)
1. Kraków (Cracow)
KOne monument to this history is the Wawel castle, in which is where the Polish monarchy used to live. It is now open to the public for a visit. If you do visit, make sure to go under in the tunnel where the dragon from a famous legend was rumored to once live. Also, near the exit there’s a statue of a dragon that breathes real fire every 10ish minutes!Kraków is a very old city, and it was actually once the capital of Poland. This means there’s a very rich history in this city, and that’s part of why it’s one of my favorite cities in Poland.
Kraków’s main square is one of the most impressive in the entire country. In the middle is the Sukennice, an ancient, indoor market where you can buy souvenirs (although watch out, they may be overpriced). Under the square, you can visit the excavation of the Medieval city and learn about the city’s history by going back 1000 years.
There’s so much to do in this city, which I’ve visited many times because it’s the city my dad is from. That’s why I compiled a list of my favorite things to do in this city.
It was extremely difficult to choose only five cities in Poland. These are the most popular, and therefore the easiest to travel to for foreign tourists.
Comment below to share what your favorite cities in Poland are! And please contact me if you need any tips for your upcoming trip to Poland. I’d be more than glad to share insight with you about this beautiful country 🙂
Krakow is a great city the best in Poland! Lublin is a lovely city that often gets overlooked…. It has become my second favorite city … or maybe third as I love Wrocław as well!!