The Most Beautiful Places in Poland

As a country Poland has a rich history and culture of almost a thousand years. It is home to stunning medieval architecture, castles and palaces in every city, and remnants of the Second World War and its devastation.

Besides this, Poland also has a number of national parks, mountains, lakes, and seemingly endless trails cutting through pristine nature waiting to be explored.

With its rich history and culture, welcoming locals and delicious cuisines, Poland is a destination ready to be explored. Here’s a list of the 12 most beautiful places to visit in Poland.

 

 

• Warsaw
• Krakow
• Wroclaw
• Gdansk
• Torun
• Poznan
• Malbork
• Lublin
• Olsztyn
• Tatra National Park
• Białowieża National Park
• Bieszczady Mountains

 

1. Warsaw

Let’s start with Warsaw, the capital of Poland, a city that evokes mixed reactions, everyone who visits either loves or hates it.

The city has a long history and dates back well over a 1000 years. But during the Second World War, 90 percent of the city centre was destroyed. As soon as the war ended, the locals embarked on a massive effort to reconstruct the historic city centre using the original plans. As a result, many of the pre-war castles, houses and buildings were restored and today what you see are perfect replicas of the originals.

Begin your walk around the Old Town area; it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Warsaw Rising Museum, and get an insight of the major players in the Warsaw Uprising.  Admire the Castle Square, Palace of Culture and Science and the Royal Castle, all these monuments were rebuilt to its exact former glory. The city has over 60 museums. Don’t miss the National Museum that has a large collection of paintings, this includes a number of works of art that came from Adolf Hitler’s private collection.

Take a relaxing walk at the Lazienki Palace and its formal gardens. The 18^th-century palace is surrounded by acres of lush greenery and is home to an outdoor theatre, a planetarium, pavilions, and much more.

Today, Warsaw is an inspiring and vibrant city. It has a dynamic culinary scene, boasting one of the coolest selections of eateries in Europe as well as a great variety of street food.

 

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2. Krakow

Inhabited since the 7^th century, Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland. Unlike other cities, Krakow escaped the Second World War destruction; hence its Old Town still retains its stunning medieval architecture.

Today, Krakow is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in Poland. There is a lot to do here and you can easily spend a week in the city by exploring the different neighbourhoods, visiting the museums, and taking walking tours or a day’s trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine and the Auschwitz Concentration Camp.

Krakow is one of the most important cultural centres in Europe and its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its main square is filled with restaurants, cathedrals and old buildings.  Make sure you visit the Wawel Castle; its located on top of a hill in the middle of Krakow, this medieval castle is one of the largest in Poland and is an absolute stunner. Don’t miss the Dragon’s Den, a cave located at the base of Wawel Hill.

If you are a person of faith then visit the St. Mary’s Basilica, the Wawel Cathedral and explore the historic Jewish district of Kazimierz. Lovers of history can take a trip out of the city and explore Pieskowa Skala Castle that’s about 30-minutes away.

No visit to Kraków is complete without a trip down to the Wieliczka Salt Mine (UNESCO-protected) and Auschwitz, the largest concentration camp in Poland.

Finally, Krakow is not only a historic destination, but of the most modern and progressive cities in Poland. It’s a University town with a young and vibrant atmosphere, which contributes to a thriving art scene and nightlife.

 

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3. Wroclaw

Located on the Oder River, Wroclaw is one of the oldest, largest and most beautiful cities in western Poland. But did you know Wroclaw was never a part of Poland? For centuries, it belonged to various kingdoms to more recently being part of Prussia and then Germany. It officially became part of Poland in 1945, after the Second World War.

Begin your tour by visiting the Lubomirski Museum. It’s a good place to learn about the history of the city. Next you can head to the oldest area of the city, the 13th century Main Market Square; here you can visit the St. Elizabeth’s Church and the Old Town Hall. A few blocks away is the Pan Tadeusz Museum that showcases Polish customs and traditions. Another unique attraction you must not miss is the exotic Japanese Garden, built a century ago.

In summer you can make use of the Hop-on Hop-off buses to travel around the city. Those exploring the city on foot will find some strange gnome figurines; these are the Wroclaw’s dwarfs.  There are more than 400 tiny bronze figurines of elves that can be found throughout the city, around street corners, side-walks, and on lamp-posts.

Take a day’s trip to the rock city of Bledne Skaly in the Stolowe Mountains National Park; it has one of the most stunning natural sights in Poland. Here you can wander around a maze of unique giant rocks and boulders that resemble a scene from a fantasy movie.

Wroclaw also has a hip and youthful side. Being a University City, there is a steady stream of young students, and the city is full of cute little bars and trendy boutiques. The city is also popular for its craft beer and street food scene, so prepare yourself to taste all the local delicacies.

 

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4. Gdansk

For centuries Gdansk was one of the most important seaports in Europe and drew scores of traders, sailors and artisans from all across Europe. This influenced the architecture of the city and several old facades similar to those in Amsterdam and Antwerp became part of the city. Over the centuries the city also got its own Lutheran and Calvinist churches. The result was a beautiful historic city in Poland that was a mix between East and West Europe, with a sprinkle of Scandinavian flair.

Today, the city is dotted with endless rows of colourful houses, medieval churches, city gates and towers. You can begin by exploring the old part of the city – known as the Royal Route. It dates back to the 17^th century and is beautifully preserved. The attractions to admire here are the City Gates, the Prison Tower, and numerous merchant houses. Later, pay a visit at the Saint Mary’s Basilica (the world’s largest brick church), as well as the star-shaped Wisloujscie Fortress and the Gdansk Nowy Port Lighthouse. Make a stopover at the Amber Museum and see Neptune’s Fountain (symbol of Gdansk).

History buffs can visit the Museum of the Second World War, one of the best historical museums in the country. The highlights are the number of vintage vehicles which include a Polish Sherman tank and a German DKW motorcycle. There are several artefacts, documents, and photos connected to the war and the Holocaust worth exploring.

Gdansk is also a popular beach destination, a perfect place to enjoy a fun time with your family and friends. If the weather is clear, take a short ride over to the spa town of Sopot and enjoy the rays on the promenade. The city is also famous for their amber productions, so do buy a nice piece of jewellery with an amber stone. All in all, this fabulous port city will appeal to history enthusiasts, foodies, lovers of relaxation, as well as nature lovers.

 

5. Torun

Dating back to the 8^th century, this beautiful, medieval town in north Poland has been classed as a UNESCO town.  It remained untouched by the bombing and destruction caused during the Second World War, hence most of the city’s Central Market place and its many Gothic houses and wooden 16th-century buildings are still intact. The impressive old town is a mix of Baroque, Gothic and Mannerist buildings.

The entire Old Quarter can be explored on foot, and as you get lost in its little streets you will discover the architecture and soul of the area. If you are a castle lover then visit the 13^th -century Teutonic castle, though partly in ruins, there are certain portions you can explore like the sewage tower, the cellars and a watermill.

Torun is also famous for its gingerbreads, make sure you take a visit to the gingerbread museum (Muzeum Piernika) and try the gingerbread ice cream and your hand at baking. The city is also famous as the birthplace of the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus (who discovered that the sun is at the centre of our universe). You can visit his childhood home, which has been converted into a museum.

A day’s trip from Torun takes you to the biggest Gothic complex in Poland and one of the largest castles in the world at Malbork.    Torun is best explored in the evening when the town feels even more intimate and quaint.

6. Poznan

The city dates back to the 11^th century and was the first capital of Poland. For generations the Polish royals were buried in the impressive cathedral of Poznan, hence it’s often called the birthplace of the Polish state.

If you want to explore the diversity of the old and new in one city, it’s got to be Poznan. For instance, if you are looking to explore some stunning Gothic architecture, then visit both the Town Hall and St. Peter and Paul’s Cathedral. But the true gem here is the 13^th-century Poznan Castle, which was rebuilt after being destroyed during the Second World War.

 

The most picturesque spot is the colourful Market Square with rows of painted burgher houses and the impressive Renaissance City Hall. But beyond the vibrancy of the city’s square, there’s plenty more to explore.

Make a visit to the Old Brewery, a historic market that is pretty enormous. Here, you will find all kinds of shops and galleries paired with food stalls serving local cuisines. The city is also home to lots of buzzing bars, street art, and affordable food due to the large student population.

It is also a great destination if you love Polish cuisine, try the traditional Polish croissants and even learn to make them at the Croissant Museum. You can also indulge in some Polish classics like doughnuts and Pierogi that are abundant here.

As a traveller you will find the overall vibe and energy of the city amazing, therefore it is one of the most beautiful and amazing places to visit in Poland.

 

7. Malbork

Located in northern Poland, Malbork was once part of Prussia and is still known by its German name ‘Marienburg‘. The town got its name from the impressive Malbork castle which was founded in the 13^th century by the Knights. The castle took over 230 years to build and was ruled by different rulers during different periods in time.

During the Second World War 50 percent of the castle was destroyed. After the war, it was restored to its former glory and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the castle proudly stands as one of the largest Gothic fortresses in Europe and the largest brick castle in the world.

Sitting next to a medieval castle, is the leafy ‘Malbork Park’, in which you can simply get lost. It’s called the park for all seasons. Wander around its beautiful trees and little pathways which make for a romantic and relaxing stroll.

 

The Town Hall and the Old Town is a wonderful place for an evening stroll, where you can admire a fascinating mix of both modern-day Malbork with its residential housing blocks and medieval times buildings that still remain intact.

Make a visit to Malbork’s Neo-Gothic train station and admire the beauty of this pristine red brick structure. It’s a feast for the eyes and is very popular with historians, photographers and trainspotters alike.

After a long day of sightseeing you and your buddies can enjoy sunset cocktails by the River Nogat. There are a few eateries and bars that offer traditional food and a good range of cocktails, wines and beers by the riverside.

 

8. Lublin

Lublin is a beautiful quaint city in eastern Poland. It may not be as popular as Krakow, Warsaw, and Gdansk, but it’s surely worth stopping over for a few days.

Unlike the other polish cities, it is much smaller and enclosed and resembles a fairy tale city. Once here, make sure to explore Lublin Castle which also houses a museum.

 

Take a stroll through the beautiful Old Town and explore the preserved medieval town centre, it’s one of the best places to see in Poland. Here you can also enjoy some fantastic Pierogi in one of the traditional Polish taverns. Afterwards, make a trip to the Majdanek National Museum or enjoy unparalleled views from the Trinity Tower.

Finally, Lublin is not only about history and culture; it is home to five universities, which makes it a pretty vibrant, young and energetic city to visit in Poland.

 

9. Olsztyn

Olsztyn, also known as a city of sixteen lakes, is one of the most beautiful cities in Poland.

Take a walk along the cobbled streets of the charming Old Town. It’s the perfect place to begin your walking tour through the marvellous gate structure known as the Wysoka Brama or the Upper Gate. Here an information board explains the history of the city. Visit the Warmia Chapter Castle, St. James’s Cathedral, and spend a few moments in the Podzamcze Park. The Old Town Square is flanked by bars, cafes and restaurants.

But for many, Olsztyn is more about its surrounding lakes where you can indulge in water sports activities or simply spend time at the lake beaches. During summer the lakes attract plenty of tourists from all over Europe.

Poland may be famous for its vodka but the beer scene is catching up too. Beer lovers can sample locally crafted beer from the Warmia Brewery Bar – set in Olsztyn.

 

10. The Tatra National Park

It’s not only the cities that make Poland a beautiful country, but also its rich natural biodiversity and unique landscapes. The Tatra Mountains and National Park in southern Poland, on the border to Slovakia, is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

It was designated a National Park in 1954 and is a popular outdoor destination for domestic and international tourists. The gateway to the Tatras Mountains is through the resort town of Zakopane, it’s from here you get access to the beautiful ski tracks in winter and numerous hiking trails in summer.

It’s also home to Poland’s highest mountain, Mount Rysy. At 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), it’s the highest peak that can be climbed without a park guide. In addition, there is a presence of over 600 limestone caves, the Wielka Sniezna cave being the longest (14 miles) and deepest (2700 feet).

The Tatra Park is dotted with numerous waterfalls, streams, and mountain lakes; ‘Morskie Oko Lake’ being the largest. It’s located deep within the park and can be reached after a two-hour hike through the hills and thick forest. The National Park is also home to many protected wild animals like the brown bear, grey wolf and Eurasian lynx.

After a tiring hike try some tasty local cuisines like the Oscypek (a traditional smoked cheese), Kwaśnica (Polish sauerkraut soup) and Placek po zbójnicku (a potato cake served in beef sauce) at Zakopane.

 

11. The Bialowieza National Park

It’s disheartening when a place is referred to as ‘the last remaining’; this term applies to the Bialowieza National Park, a forest that sits on the border between Poland and Belarus.

Once upon a time, the forest covered much of the continent and remained untouched for centuries by humans. Today, it’s a UNESCO-protected wilderness and represents the unique European primeval forest.

The forest covers an area of over 1,400 square kilometres. You can explore the park only with a guide and all tours start at the outskirts of Bialowieza village.

The must-see at the park is the legendary bison, a giant animal that’s regarded as a symbol of Poland, as well as other animals such as wolves, wild boar, and deer that inhabit the forests. The park is also a bird-watchers paradise, and you can join bird-watching tours headed by local ornithologists.

Since Bialowieza village lies within the forest, make sure you visit its open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture. On display are models of windmills, wooden huts, a tiny wooden chapel, a barn, and even a sauna.

 

12. The Bieszczady Mountains

The Bieszczady Mountains is a massive range that begins in Poland and extends all the way to Ukraine and Slovakia. It may not be as high as the Tatra Mountains, but it’s still impressive, with the highest peak Mount Tarnica, at 1346 metres (4415 feet).

These mountain ranges are sometimes called the wildest region in Poland, as they have plenty of unique wooded landscapes that are remote and quiet.

They are also unique because of their Polonyna (a type of mountain meadow) that only occurs in this region.  Because of this phenomenon, the valleys and meadows softly slope up and down, rather than being too steep, making them a perfect destination for hiking and trekking.

One of the most popular meadow trails is the Polonyna Wetlinska at 1255 meters (4115 feet), is a picturesque, soft climb that shouldn’t take more than two hours.  At the top of the mountain is a small guest house that offers snacks and drinks, they also provide bedding for the night just in case you want to extend your adventure.

It’s strongly recommended to hike with a guide as the park is relatively a wild place with animals like bears, wolves, bison and deer roaming freely.

 

As a final point, this is our list of the twelve most beautiful places to visit in Poland. It’s a blend of big cities, small towns, and natural wonders to get you excited for your trip to Poland.

Whether you are going to explore the history, culture, architecture, landscapes or the food in Poland, you will find it here.

If you have travelled to Poland before and would like to share your thoughts about the most beautiful places in Poland then please make use of our comments section below.