First-timer's guide to Poland

30.09.2023 - 04:19 / lonelyplanet.com / Art

On the EU’s frontline, bordering both Ukraine and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, Poland has been much in the news of late.

It’s one of Eastern Europe’s most economically successful countries with a long, fascinating, sometimes tragic history, played out against a backdrop of royal castles and palaces, picturesque old towns and incredible landscapes.

From the Carpathian Mountains in the south to the Great Masurian Lakes in the north, Poland is a dream destination if you’re up for an activity-driven vacation – hiking, cycling and kayaking opportunities are abundant, plus there’s skiing in the winter.

If urban pleasures are more your thing, vibrant cities such as the go-ahead capital Warsaw, the atmospheric old capital Kraków, and revamped 19th-century industrial powerhouse Łódź do not disappoint. Each offers masses of cultural attractions alongside delicious dining and lively nightlife scenes – all at very affordable prices.

As Poland is a big country packed with travel possibilities, you’re sure to have questions. Here are some tips and practical advice on how to get the most out of your first trip to Poland.

There’s no time of the year to specifically avoid when scheduling a trip. For fine weather and the chance to join summer festivals and events such as Kraków’s Jewish Culture Festival and Warsaw’s Summer Jazz Days, come between May and early September.

Towns and cities come alive as the warmer temperatures tempt everyone outside for al-fresco dining and drinking. This is peak season, too, for visiting Poland’s 23 national parks.

The countryside in spring and autumn can also be very beautiful. Winter is the quietest season, except in ski resorts such as Zakopane. Come prepared for frigid temperatures and sloshing through snow and rain.

Compensations include low season rates at hotels and plenty of excellent museums in the major cities in which to shelter from the elements. Autumn through early spring is also when performing arts institutions such as Warsaw’s Teatr Wielki and Filharmonia Narodowa run their season of top-grade shows.

Two, or better, three days is the minimum needed for a short city break to either Warsaw or Kraków. You won’t have enough time to cover everything, but you will be able to get a feel for these places and tick off the main attractions.

If you’re prepared to move around quickly, you could cram in more of Poland over 10 days to two weeks, adding to your itinerary metropolises such as Gdańsk (also close to the Baltic seaside resort of Sopot) and Łódź, as well as smaller historic towns like the artists’ retreat Kazimierz Dolny and Zamość, a perfectly preserved 16th-century Renaissance town.

Have a month to spare? Now you’re talking! This will give you the opportunity to explore