Poland is a central European nation and borders Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the east and Lithuania and Russia (Kaliningrad exclave) to the north.
The country faces the Baltic Sea to the north, with a coastline stretching some 440 kilometres. Its strategic location has historically made it an important cultural and commercial crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe.
Its main cities, Warsaw, Kraków and Gdańsk, tell stories of resilience and rebirth, while the natural areas, from the Tatra Mountains to the primeval forests of Białowieża, display the country’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Polish culture, deeply rooted in Slavic traditions but open to modern influences, is reflected in its robust cuisine, vibrant art scene and the warm hospitality of its people. From the tragic past of World War II to the Solidarity revolution, Poland has turned its challenges into opportunities for renewal, emerging as one of the most dynamic economies in Eastern Europe.
Poland offers an incredible variety of attractions ranging from historic cities to breathtaking natural landscapes.
Kraków ‘s Old Town (Stare Miasto) is the beating heart of Polish culture. Its main square, Rynek Główny, is Europe’s largest medieval square and is home to the iconic Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), a Renaissance building where fine fabrics were once traded and now home to local craft stalls. The Gothic vaults of the upper floor house a valuable collection of 19th-century Polish art.
Wawel Castle dominates the city from the top of its hill. This architectural complex represents the spiritual and historical heart of Poland, where Polish kings were crowned and buried for centuries. The castle combines different architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance, and houses an extraordinary collection of Flemish tapestries. Wawel Cathedral, part of the complex, houses the royal tombs and Sigismund’s famous bell.
The Jewish quarter of Kazimierz is a vibrant area that tells the rich history of Krakow’s Jewish community. Its historic synagogues, such as the 16th-century Remuh Synagogue, alternate with trendy cafes, art galleries and restaurants serving traditional Jewish cuisine.
The Old Town (Stare Miasto) of Warsaw is a miracle of post-war reconstruction. Completely destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt stone by stone using Canaletto’s paintings as a reference. The colourful Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta) is surrounded by richly decorated burgher houses that look like something out of a storybook.
The Royal Palace represents the historical heart of the city. Rebuilt in the 1970s, it now houses a rich collection of artwork and period furniture. The state rooms are particularly impressive, with the Throne Room and the Knights’ Hall bearing witness to the former grandeur of the Polish monarchy.
Łazienki Park is the largest park in the capital and a true green jewel. Inside, the Palace on the Island is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, surrounded by English gardens and populated by free-roaming peacocks. During the summer, open-air Chopin concerts attract music lovers from all over the world.
Gdańsk is one of the most fascinating cities in Poland, with its Hanseatic atmosphere and architecture more reminiscent of Amsterdam than typical Polish cities. The Royal Street (Droga Królewska) is lined with beautiful merchant houses decorated with elaborate facades. The Neptune Fountain and Artus Palace on the Długi Targ (Long Market) are perfect examples of the splendour of the city in its golden age.
The World War II Museum is one of the most impressive modern museums in Europe, telling the story of the conflict from a Polish and Eastern European perspective. The building itself is a contemporary architectural masterpiece.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum provides an essential moment of reflection for understanding the horrors of the Holocaust. The site includes the original Auschwitz I camp and the larger Birkenau extermination camp (Auschwitz II). The emotionally demanding but necessary visit includes the original barracks, gas chambers, crematoria and an extensive collection of personal belongings of the victims.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine, just a few kilometres from Krakow, is a UNESCO site that has amazed visitors for centuries. This underground city stretches over 300 km on nine levels, although only a small part is open to visitors. The Chapel of St. Kinga, entirely excavated in salt, is the highlight of the visit, with its salt crystal chandeliers and bas-reliefs telling biblical stories.
Malbork Castle is the largest brick castle in the world and an impressive example of medieval military architecture. Built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, the castle is a complex of three separate fortresses that show the evolution of military construction techniques in the Middle Ages. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the rooms of the Grand Master, the medieval kitchens and the imposing fortifications.
The Tatra Mountains offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Poland. Zakopane, the country’s winter capital, is the perfect starting point for exploring this region. The city is famous for its unique wooden architecture and numerous ski slopes. During the summer, a network of well-maintained hiking trails leads to crystal-clear Alpine lakes and breathtaking peaks.
To visit Poland, EU citizens need only a valid identity card or passport.
If you are travelling by car, you need to carry your driving licence, registration certificate andvehicle insurance. It is also recommended to carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access health care in case of need.
For those travelling with pets, a valid European pet passport, microchip and rabies vaccination are required.
However, it is advisable to always check the validity of your documents before departure and to take photocopies with you.
The best time to visit Poland varies depending on the activities you wish to undertake. The summer season, from June to August, offers pleasant temperatures between 20-25°C and is ideal for exploring the cities and enjoying the many outdoor festivals. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive period.
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are excellent alternatives, with mild temperatures and cheaper prices. These months are perfect for excursions to national parks and admiring the colours of the changing seasons.
The Polish winter, from December to March, is harsh with temperatures dropping below zero, but offers unique opportunities for winter sports in the Tatra Mountains and the magical atmosphere of the Christmas markets.
The area code for Poland is +48.
Poland follows the Central European Time Zone (CET, UTC+1 in daylight saving time, UTC+2 in summer time), the same as that used by many Central European countries, including Germany, France, Italy and mainland Spain.
The flag of Poland consists of two horizontal bands of equal size: the upper one is white and the lower one is red. These colours have deep historical significance and represent important values for the Polish people – white symbolises purity and peace, while red represents courage and strength.
The official currency of Poland is the Złoty (PLN), divided into 100 groszy. Although Poland is part of the European Union, it has not yet adopted the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, but it is advisable to carry cash with you at all times, especially in rural areas or at local markets.
Located in Central Europe, Poland faces the Baltic Sea to the north. It is one of the largest countries in the region and borders Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania and Russia.
Polish electrical sockets follow the European standard (type C and F), with a voltage of 230V and frequency of 50Hz.