Top 10 Best Cities to Visit in Poland in 2026

In my opinion, Poland is one of the most severely under-rated countries in Eastern Europe (and Europe as a whole). Before I visited the first time, I hadn’t really heard of anyone visiting. It wasn’t a popular tourist destination. But I left having fallen head over heels for the friendly Polish people, traditional Polish food (hi, pierogies!!!!), and the stunning beauty and character of the Old Town areas.

If you’re looking for a fantastic place to visit in Poland, or even just scoping out an *affordable* vacation spot for your next international trip, here are a few of my favorites and the best cities to visit in Poland:

1. Krakow, Poland

If you’re looking for the absolute best city to visit in Poland, Krakow is IT!

When I tell you I love Krakow, I mean it (and so does my husband!). We both agree that it is one of the most incredible places we’ve visited- it’s affordable, it’s unique, it’s charming. It has delicious food, amazing tourist attractions and things to see, and, of course, a ton of history.

Don’t miss the magnificent Market Square (Rynek Glowny) right in the center of Old Town Krakow. You’ll find Cloth Hall here, along with St Mary’s Basilica, the Rynek Underground Museum, and my favorite restaurant, Restauracja Sukiennice! It’s the perfect place to grab dinner and a beer (Try a Zywiec) And people-watch an evening in the square away.

A little way outside Market Square, Krakow has the Plac Nowy, a fantastic local market, the Galeria Krakowska, and Wawel Castle, which are all worth visiting.

Krakow is also host to many historic sites connected with World War II and the Holocaust. Near the city center, many visit Oskar Schindler’s Enamelware factory, the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz), and what remains of the Plaszow concentration camp.

You can also easily take a day trip to Auschwitz Concentration Camp from Krakow, and I highly recommend you do so.

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2. Gdańsk

One of the most remarkable cities in Poland is Gdańsk. This one stands out because it combines ancient history with a vibrant contemporary flavor. I relished every moment I spent here, as it’s truly a city unlike any other I’ve visited.

To begin, you cannot ignore the Old Town. This is like a return to the past with incredible structures and pavements built of stones. The Main Town Hall is gorgeous, and you can reach the peak for an amazing city view.

A tour of the Museum of the Second World War is quite an eye-opener and a popular tourist destination. This war museum backs insight into the conflict from a Polish point of view. This museum has many attractions and it is a great addition to your 2 week itinerary Europe for Poland.

Another captivating location is the Gdańsk Shipyard, where the Solidarity movement originated from. It is a peculiar combination of industrial history and contemporary development.

Don’t skip getting a feel for local life by going to the riverfront of Motława. There are many interesting cafes and shops, as well as the famous Gdańsk Crane, which is an old maritime crane considered to be a symbol of shipbuilding in this city.

Finally, there is the European Solidarity Center. This museum is dedicated to the Solidarity movement that ended communism in Poland. It’s really fascinating and worth seeing.

And, of course, the beach. Gdańsk is right on the Baltic Sea, so you can enjoy some beach time too! (Unless it is winter in Poland, which is COLD!). 

The city is well-connected by train to other parts of Poland. In addition, the city of Gdańsk boasts an efficient and widely available network of public transportation, so you can easily move around the streets without a rental car once you’re there!

Contributed by Lavina D’Souza of Continent Hop 

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3. Warsaw, Poland

As the capital of Poland and one of its major cities, it goes without saying that Warsaw is easily one of the best cities to visit in Poland. I’ve been there three times now, and I fall in love with it more every time I visit! It is one of the towns that beautifully marries the old with the new despite its rough past.

Warsaw’s rich history is reflected in the preserved architecture and museums, while its modern side shines through its diverse dining scene, contemporary art spaces, and amazing nightlife (which is kind of unexpected!).

There are plenty of incredible things to do in Warsaw. Any traveler should start their Warsaw itinerary with a visit to the Royal Castle. Once the official residence of Polish monarchs, the Royal Castle is now a museum that showcases an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts.

Once you are done visiting the Royal Castle, spend some time exploring the Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to the city’s resilience and determination. Despite Warsaw being 85% destroyed during World War II, Warsaw has been meticulously rebuilt and is now a vibrant area filled with charming architecture, cozy cafes, shops, and historic sites.

Finally, visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum and take a guided tour of the Warsaw Ghetto to to explore what’s left of this historic site. A few pieces of the original ghetto walls still remain, and there are multiple sites to see along a guided walking tour. I tried to find them myself, and it was definitely difficult, so I do really recommend the guide.

Warsaw is one of those cities that blew me away; it’s so gorgeous and almost reminded me of Italy. It is, without a doubt, one of the best cities to visit in Poland.

Recommended by Sean from Living Out Lau

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4. Poznan, Poland

One of the best cities to visit in Poland is Poznań. Oftentimes overlooked, Poznań is an energetic university town with plenty of things to do. While most travelers experience the city as a day trip, it’s easy to spend a few days in Poznań savoring the sights.

Poznań has a charming Old Market Square with colorful Merchant Houses. One of the biggest attractions is the mechanical “fighting goats” who entertain onlookers when the Town Hall clock strikes noon. Nods to the legend of the Poznań goats can be seen with sculptures, signboards, and street art proudly decorated throughout the city.

The Old Market Square is filled with bars, traditional restaurants, and museums, and is adorned with fountains. It’s easy to spend hours soaking in the atmosphere.

Do explore outside of the Old Town of Poznań. The hip neighborhood of Śródka is worth a wander for foodies seeking cuisines of the world. Another Poznań attraction is the Stary Browar, an impressively restored brick brewery. Even if you don’t want to shop, the architecture is spectacular,, and during the summer, events take place in the grassy surroundings.

During the summer, rent a bike and enjoy Cytadela Park. For a full-day adventure, bike out to Lake Malta or Lake Kiekrzskie. In the winter, the city hosts a spirited Christmas market.

Recommended by Megan From Packing Up the Pieces

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5. Zakopane: A Polish Escape!

For those visiting Krakow or looking to get out of the city for a little bit, a beautiful mountain town to escape to is Zakopane!

This small town is located within the Tatra Mountains and offers the most gorgeous natural scenery. Even driving up the mountainside, I remember being awestruck by the beauty of the colors and the towering mountains. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy all the traditional houses and chalets!

Once you’re in Zakopane, be sure to spend time at the rejuvenating thermal baths that have minerals to help soothe your body. Afterward, check out Krupowki Street, which is where hundreds of vendors sell everything from unique souvenirs and clothes to traditional foods.

And if you’re a cheese enthusiast, don’t miss out on Muzeum Oscypka. It delves into the local cheese that Zakopane is famous for. So, if you’re keen on an escape from city life, Zakopane is one of the best cities to visit in Poland!

Contributed by Kristin of Global Travel Escapades

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6. Wrocław

Wrocław, known as the city of dwarfs and bridges and the capital of Lower Silesia, is a must-visit destination on every Poland backpacking itinerary.

With a rich history dating back to the 10th century, Wrocław once boasted more than 300 bridges. Today, the city features 100 bridges, 33 gangways, and 25 islands- hard to believe! It has a beautiful Old Town with a charming Market Square complete with an Old Town Hall, historical lanes with centuries-old tenement houses, and many restaurants.

Wish to see the city and have an amazing time? The most popular thing to do in Wrocław is dwarf-hunting (not kidding)! Wrocław Dwarfs are small (30cm tall) inhabitants who can be spotted pretty much all around the city. They are the unofficial symbol of Wrocław, and there’s even a map where you can find all the figures.

A top landmark, The Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski) is the oldest part of the city and home to the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross and St. Bartholomew, and picturesque quiet streets. If you visit Ostrów Tumski during the sunset, you have a good chance of meeting a lamp man dressed in a black cape and top hat and walking around the streets lighting 98 street gas lamps.

Another UNESCO-listed architectural masterpiece worth visiting in Wrocław is the Centennial Hall. An early example of reinforced concrete architecture, Centennial Hall was designed by the architect Max Berg and opened to the public in 1913. Don’t miss out on the multimedia fountain show in front of the hall, which operates from spring to late autumn. It’s one of the largest fountains in Europe, with 300 water jets and three fire jets.

Adjacent to Centennial Hall, you’ll find another top attraction – the Japanese Garden. It has more than 300 plant species, walkways, a tea pavilion, and a gate. Japanese Garden was created in 1913 by the Japanese gardener Mankichi Arai for Baron Fritz von Hochberg and was initially part of the Global Exhibition in 1913. It’s a popular place for peaceful walks, and the entrance costs just 21 PLN (5 USD).

Contributed by Leslie of Backpackers Thailand

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7. Bialystok

Bialystok, the largest city in northeastern Poland, is a hidden gem that should absolutely make your list of the best cities to visit in Poland. What makes it special is the unique mix of Polish, Tatar, Jewish, and Belarusian influences that you can see throughout the city, in the monuments and the incredible churches.

One of the best things to do in Bialystok is visit Branicki Palace, often called the “Versailles of Poland.” A visit to this historic site will give you insight into the history of the city’s royal past and even has an enchanting baroque garden.

A stroll through Bialystok Market Square (Rynek Kosciuszko), the city’s main square, is a great opportunity to admire the buildings from different eras and sample traditional Polish food at the many cafes and restaurants.

If you have more time, Bialystok is also a perfect place to take a day trip to Bialowieza National Park, Poland’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Listed site and home of the European Bison. There is a great educational center here and tours of the area run frequently.

But perhaps best of all is the fact that Bialystok is not on Poland’s typical tourist route, and it gives you the chance to enjoy a truly local experience, cheaper prices, and fewer crowds. We love the laidback Bialystok lifestyle, still with plenty of the same charm as the more popular Polish cities. We have spent a lot of time in Bialystok due to having a family connection, and it is such a refreshing chance to live like locals for a while.

Holly Connors from Four Around The World

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8. Sopot, Poland

For a wonderful seaside city to visit in Poland, consider making your next destination Sopot. Located between Gdansk and Gdynia, it’s perfect to combine with these other locations. 

Sopot is a great place to visit while visiting Poland due to its location at the seaside. It has a large sandy beach for those looking for a hint of a beach vacation.

Sopot also has the longest wooden pier in Europe at 511.5 meters. There is a small fee of 4 PLN to walk on the pier, which is free if you arrive to Sopot by boat from Gydnia or Gdansk. Many private and public transportation boats stop at the end of the pier,  as well as a fun speed boat activity and a pirate ship to explore! 

The city area has many restaurants to choose from. For a delicious burger, we suggest dining at Prosty Temat Sopot, or Kawiarnia Santa Cafe for tea, coffee and cake. Once eaten, take time for a little shopping. Sopot has some lovely local boutiques for finding something unique. Alternatively, take a walk in Jezioro Nowowiejskiego Park to climb the observation tower. Here you can see all of Sopot and the pier in the distance!

Contributed by Zoe from Together In Transit 

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9. Gdynia

Gdynia is a special city among the very old towns one often visits in Europe, as it was just a small fishing village about a century ago but has over time been built up with modern buildings, designs, and layouts.

Part of the “Tri-City” metropolitan area, it’s a great, calm base for exploring the area and visiting the two sister cities of Gdansk and Sopot. Gdynia is known for its relationship with the sea, being an important port town, and also enjoying a public beach in the heart of the city, which becomes very lively in the summertime.

The wide stretch of sand at Miejska Beach offers lounge chairs, volleyball courts, restaurants and hotels just a few minutes walk away. The promenade along the beach and Kościuszko Square are perfect places to take a stroll or sit and people-watch.

Gdynia also boasts some fascinating museums, especially if you’re interested in the city’s maritime history. Visit the Naval Museum, the Emigration Museum, or two different museums that are actually aboard ships, the “Dar Pomorza” Maritime Museum and the ORP “Błyskawica” Ship Museum.

Lastly, for a more “off the beaten path” adventure, check out Hotel Zdrowie, an abandoned building turned giant canvas for street artists to show off their skills. It’s a cool place to take some interesting, even dystopian-looking, photography, but note that as the building is not maintained. Therefoire, it’s necessary to be careful of things like broken glass.

With so many fun things to explore, from beach days and summer festivals to interesting museums and delicious seafood restaurants, Gdynia is an enjoyable place to visit any time of the year and is one of the best day trips from Gdansk and other Polish cities.

You can drive a rental car to Gdynia but it is not necessary to have one, as public transportation makes it easy to get to Gdynia. There are multiple trains a day from the bigger city of Gdansk or other cities such as Warsaw. Buses or taxis are also options, so there is no difficulty getting to Gdynia.

Recommended by Megan from Megan & Aram

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10. Lublin

Lublin, tucked away in Eastern Poland, is often missed on most Poland itineraries. But my travels in Poland have led me to appreciate Lublin for its historic city center and the many things to do in this off-the-beaten-path town.

First, visit the historic Lublic Old Town area, which is anchored by the medieval Lublin Castle and the Holy Trinity Chapel. You can tour both, gaining an appreciation for the art and architecture that comes alive here.

Another place nearby Lublin that is worth visiting is the Majdanek Concentration Camp Memorial. Once the grounds of a Nazi Concentration Camp, this area has been preserved as a memorial to those murdered during the Holocaust. It is a somber and moving place to visit, but is so informative as a learning experience.

For those who enjoy trying local flavors (me!), Lublin’s food options do not disappoint. The city’s market square buzzes with small cafes and traditional Polish food. Grab a pint of beer and a plate of pierogies, and you’ll have a taste of authentic Poland!

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Why Should You Visit Poland?

Poland is a country that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Having visited several times, I can confidently say it’s a destination that keeps you coming back for more. Here’s why Poland should be on your travel list:

🇵🇱 Rich History and Heritage
Poland’s history is a story of resilience and triumph. Cities like Warsaw and Kraków tell this tale through beautifully restored Old Towns, medieval castles, and poignant monuments.

🇵🇱 Holocaust Tourism and Jewish Heritage
Poland is central to understanding Jewish history and the Holocaust. Sites like Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Kraków Ghetto, and the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews provide powerful insights into the past. These visits are deeply moving and offer an opportunity to reflect, remember, and learn.

🇵🇱 Architectural Beauty
From the Gothic Wawel Castle in Kraków to the colorful facades of Gdańsk’s Old Town, Poland’s architecture is as diverse as it is breathtaking. Every city offers something unique for architecture enthusiasts.

🇵🇱 Stunning Natural Landscapes
Poland’s nature is incredibly diverse, from the dramatic peaks of the Tatra Mountains to the serene Masurian Lake District. Whether you’re into hiking, skiing, or simply relaxing by the water, Poland has something for every nature lover.

🇵🇱 Hearty and Delicious Cuisine
Polish food is comfort on a plate. Don’t miss out on pierogi (dumplings), zapiekanka (Polish-style pizza), or the iconic żurek (sour rye soup). Pair it with a glass of Polish vodka or craft beer for the full experience.

🇵🇱 Affordable Travel
Poland offers incredible value for money. Accommodations, meals, and attractions are often much more budget-friendly than in Western Europe, making it a perfect destination for cost-conscious travelers.

🇵🇱 Vibrant Culture and Festivals
Poland knows how to celebrate. From the Jewish Culture Festival in Kraków to Warsaw’s Chopin concerts, there’s always an event or festival to enjoy, showcasing the country’s rich artistic traditions.

🇵🇱 Warm and Welcoming People
Polish hospitality is second to none. You’ll find the locals eager to share their stories, traditions, and tips for exploring their beautiful country.

Best Place to Visit in Poland FAQ

Concluding Thoughts: Must-Visit Cities in Poland in 2025

As a Holocaust and World War II educator and an avid explorer of Europe, my numerous visits to Poland have only deepened my fondness for this often-overlooked country in Europe. Each city, from the streets of Old Town Krakow to the less-trodden paths of Lublin, brings its own unique story and charm.

If you’re seeking an affordable but incredible travel experience, some of the best cities to visit in Poland await. I hope you love it just as much as I did!