CZESC POLAND

Destination guide

Get going and explore some of Europe’s greatest mountain scenery, medieval architecture and moving history in Poland. We’ll take care of all your Poland holiday essentials so you’ll have the freedom to create your ultimate Poland tour, with optional experiences to tailor your trip your way. Whether you want to feast on Polish delicacies and listen to traditional Polka music, or take a trip down an 800-year-old salt mine at the Underground Salt Cathedral, you’ll discover Poland, but always your way.

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ESSENTIAL POLAND BUCKET LIST ITEMS BY US

Our trips to Poland are packed with memorable experiences, from exploring the castles and cathedrals of Warsaw and Krakow, to discovering the emotional war history of the country.

VIEW ST. JOHN'S CATHEDRAL IN WARSAW

If St. John’s Cathedral could talk, it would have some incredible stories to tell. Join your Local Specialist on your Warsaw trip for a tour around this 14th-century Gothic building that has witnessed the likes of coronations, royal weddings and funerals, and the Warsaw Uprising in 1944 where the cathedral was destroyed and since restored to its former glory.

SEE THE ROYAL CASTLE IN KRAKOW

As a the cultural heart of Poland, the Wawel Royal Castle complex sits proudly on top of a hill in Krakow. It’s one of the best places to visit in Krakow and we’ll show you around the glorious assortment of Renaissance, Romanesque and Gothic buildings, with centuries of tales of sackings, vandalism, occupations and restorations.

VISIT THE POIGNANT FORMER CONCENTRATION CAMP, AUSCHWITZ

We’ll visit the former concentration camp at Auschwitz for a somber reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. Auschwitz was the largest of the Nazi concentrations camps and is the resting place for over one people. Much of the camp has been preserved and you can walk the grounds to come face-to-face with one of humanity’s darkest periods that should never be forgotten.

POLAND TAILORED BY YOU

You’ll get to tailor your dream Poland trip with our range of Optional Experiences. Choose from adventures like exploring the incredible Wieliczka Salt Mines and wandering the splendid Wilanow Palace.

Kirralee G.

Costsaver team member

VISIT KRAKOW'S JEWISH DISTRICT

Although not originally on my bucket list, Poland is now one of my favourite countries. Krakow is home to an incredible mix of modern suburbs and rich history. Take a stroll into the depths of Krakow's Jewish district to find the graffiti artworks covering many of its streets corners (and find one of my favourite cafe's - Cheder; from the festival 'house of culture').

Maximilian W.

Costsaver team member

WANDER AROUND LAZIENKI PARK IN WARSAW

Lazienki in its present form originates from the time after 1764, where Poland's last elective King acquired the nearby Ujazdowskie castle. Several painters and architects were commissioned to extend the Royal Possessions and create a Royal Summer Residence. You can visit the park for free, but a visit to the palace or closed pavilions costs a fee. Perfect place for a summer stroll!

Irina G.

Costsaver team member

DISCOVER WIELICZKA SALT MINE

Wieliczka Salt Mine is a subterranean labyrinth of tunnels and chambers – about 300km distributed over nine levels, the deepest being 327m underground – of which a small part is open to the public. The salt-hewn formations include chapels with altarpieces and figures, while others are adorned with statues and monuments – and there are even underground lakes. Unforgettable experience!

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK IN POLAND

Polish food will set your taste buds singing and we’ll show you all the best dishes to try from hearty soups to their famous dumplings.

PIEROGI

Prepare to fall in love with pierogi, Poland’s beloved dumplings. This rib-stickingly good dish is made from pillow-soft dumplings stuffed with all sorts of fillings like meat, mushrooms, potato and cheese or seasonal fruits for sweet pierogi. Top them off with some sour cream or a sprinkle of sugar and you’ll be in Polish pierogi heaven.
ZUREK

If you love a warming bowl of soup, you’ll adore zurek. This traditional Polish soup is known for its distinct sour taste and you’ll also get the flavours of meats like bacon, ham or sausages, vegetables like potatoes and mushrooms, and even hard-boiled eggs on top as a garnish. Mop it up with some bread and you’ve got the perfect comfort food.
PACZKI

These deep-fried delights are sure to become your new favourite dessert in Poland. The delicious doughnuts are made from fried rounds of yeast dough stuffed with all sorts of wonderful fillings like sweet cheese or plum, strawberry, raspberry, apricot and rosehip jams. However you try them, each mouthful will be an utter treat.

WHEN IS BEST TO VISIT POLAND

We love Poland all year round, from the golden mountains of autumn and the sunny cities of summer, to the charming snowy scenes of winter.

BEST TIME TO VISIT POLAND’S CITIES

You can go enjoy a city break in Poland all year round, but the best time is usually the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring with milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
BEST TIME TO EXPLORE POLAND'S COUNTRYSIDE

If you want to discover Poland’s spectacular countryside, the best time is spring when there’s more sunshine and wildflowers in bloom, especially in the High Tatras.
BEST TIME FOR WINTER MAGIC IN POLAND

Head to Poland from December to March for beautiful snow scenery and enchanting Christmas markets full of handmade toys and festive snacks.

PACKING TIPS FOR POLAND

A day bag

Bring a day bag to keep your hands free while you spend your days exploring the best Poland tourist attractions and picking up special souvenirs.

Polish phrasebook

Pack a Polish phrasebook or download some common phrases to your smartphone, to help you learn a bit of the country’s official language and connect more with locals.

Headphones

We’ll be taking some long journeys through this massive country and while the scenery offers visual entertainment, a pair of headphones can be used to enjoy some local music or podcasts.

HOW TO TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY IN POLAND

Create your own rules on a tailor made holiday to England with our range of Optional Experiences. Choose from adventures like exploring Wray Castle and taking a steam train journey from Lakeside to Haverthwaite.

On visiting Auschwitz

This former concentration camp is synonymous with the Holocaust. It's important to remember its dark and sorrow past with respect when walking through this piece of history.

Eat local

When you indulge in Polish food at local restaurants and cafes, you’ll support local farmers and get to eat delicious regional dishes while learning about their fascinating food traditions.

Bring a filtered water bottle

Although Polish water is safe to drink, the plumbing can affect the quality and taste. Instead of drinking bottled water, bring a reusable bottle with built-in filtration for an eco-friendly option.

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