Greetings everyone! When you hear about the country of Poland, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? The capital city of Warsaw? Crazy and wild soccer matches? Or Polish sausage? (Yum!). There’s more to it! I am going to share the best cities to visit in Poland in addition to Warsaw.
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I recall seeing a picture of one of the palaces which caught my attention and made me curious about the country’s history. I wanted to discover more and see beyond the books, I wanted to feel and experience it in person. Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone to find the hidden treasures and I did. My exploration started after I landed in Warsaw. After sleeping through a 300 kms ride, I woke up in the city of Poznan. Definitely one of the best cities to visit in Poland.
Poznan
Known for its Renaissance style buildings in Old Market Square, today it is an important cultural and business center and is one of Poland’s most populous regions. The Old Town is centered on Stary Rynek, and this is where the historic Poznan Town Hall (Ratusz) stands representing the glory of Poznan from its foundation in 1253! You can find many local restaurants, cafes and pubs and don’t forget to check out the Town Hall towers where the heads of 2 small goats collide everyday at noon.
Rogalin
Next head out of Poznan to a small village roughly 19kms far and you will end up in Rogalin. Here you will find the magnificent Rogation Palace. The palace is rich in Polish history and the decor is every room is royally fit (aka amazing!) depicting everyday living.
Kornik
Lastly, don’t forget to check out Kornik. A small town roughly 25 kms south east of Poznan, it houses the famous Kornik Castle which was built in the 14th century! The castle presently houses the Kornik library and a museum showcasing numerous unique objects including historic furniture, Polish and European paintings, sculptures, military antiques, and porcelain and silver art objects.
Gdansk
Now lets head towards the Baltic Coast and you are in Gdansk. Part of the Tricity, Gdansk is a port city known for its long sandy beaches and is a center for the world’s amber trade. Nearby cities are Gdynia and Sopot. Gdansk of course is the most famous, thanks to its long legacy as the prosperous German port of Danzig. It is here you will find the cobble stoned streets, medieval quayside and Gothic churches that make it very instagrammable.
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Krakow
Hop on a quick flight and head to the Southern side of Poland, near the border of Czech Republic lies the city of Krakow known for its well preserved medieval core and Jewish quarter, I found the largest group of English speakers (a lot of them were international students). Krakow is one of the most culturally and politically significant cities in the country, and its major attractions include the Wawel Castle and Rynek Glowny which is Europe’s largest market square. This city is rich in history as it dates back to at least the 7th century! It was also Poland’s former capital for almost 5 centuries. The Wawel Castle, represents nearly all European architectural styles of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Poland has so much to offer to the world often overlooked. Some of my tips to make your trip to Poland an enjoyable one are as follows. The most economical flight options I found were to Warsaw, there are other airports throughout the country too. Polish is the official language, I would recommend you familiarize yourself with some key phrases, English is spoken more among the younger crowds. Make sure you check the travel and visa requirements to Poland, travelers insurance is required. Poland has an extensive railroad system, however, I found driving as the best option as I got to stop and enjoy the views at my own pace. Polish cuisine was one of my favorites, there are a lot of restaurants and cafes all over, some of them by the square in Poznan are tucked away, almost underground, but you will find the best food there, don’t forget to check out those hidden treasures! Hope you enjoyed reading about the best cities to visit in Poland.
If you are looking to visit some other countries while you are in Europe, check out my blog posts on Paris and what to do in Italy.
“A little step may be the beginning of a great journey.”
SHARE ME- BEST CITIES TO VISIT IN POLAND
I have always wanted to go to Poland, the views and the architecture look simply amazing! Fingers crossed to one day!
If I ever visit Poland, I know where to go!! Your photos are so amazing.
I actually visited some of these place while visit my cousin in Poland. It is definitely a must see! Thanks for the post, it brought me back sweet memories!
It seems like everywhere in Poland is beautiful, your photos in each place are amazing. I definitely want to visit Poland and other central and eastern european countries. They have a unique beauty and history.
Thank you for sharing these wonderful tips. I have a friend in Poland who I’ve been wanting to visit, and your post has given me more inspiration to do so!
I wasn’t very sure about visiting Poland but this post makes it look absolutely stunning! I think I might need to add it to my list!
Wow all of these places look so pretty! Poland is on my list of must sees. Thanks for the great list of stops!
Thank you so much for all the helpful travel tips for Poland. It looks absolutely amazing!
Author
I am glad you enjoyed it! It definitely is a must visit!
Poland is so pretty and inexpensive compared to the rest of Europe. I am planing to spend a week in Warsaw. Thanks for sharing these nice cities.
I love Poland, there are so many beautiful places to visit. Just feel I have to go back there soon now 🙂
Author
Agreed! What were some of your favorites in Poland? Would love to hear.
This article is so helpful to me as I’m going to Poland in November! Although I’m going to Krakow for business for a few days. I was looking for places to see and things to do in Krakow. Any more suggestions?
I was JUST talking about a 3 generations girls trip to Poland with my daughters and mom. My Mom is Polish, so I’m half-Polish. The girls have learned just a little bit of Poland in history, but we’d love to give them a better knowledge of their heritage. I love that you went to all of these off-the-beaten-path places.
I didn’t know Poland has so many beautiful architectues. I’d love to visit one day.
I didn’t know Poland has so many beautiful architectures. I’d love to visit one day.
Great information! I’ve never been to Poland, so it’s all new to me, but I do love reading about smaller towns to visit as I’m not a fan of huge cities. Gdansk sounds like a place I would like to visit as I usually enjoy port cities (and seafood!)
Poland is so beautiful and the architecture of Poznan is stunning!
I would love to visit Poland one day, so much history there to explore! Loved the buildings of Poznan. Small day trips from a main city are way more fun!
Wow, those buildings are so old and beautiful. I have not yet considered visiting Poland, but the buildings you have photographed are truly stunning. These are great tips. I didn’t know travel insurance would be required! That saves some headaches. How do you find Polish drivers? I get so nervous driving abroad!! Pretty safe there?
Your photos capture the mood so perfectly. The architecture is stunning and the polish sausages sound delicious.
wow wow wow! This is beautiful! Poland has so many hidden treasures! loved the pictures! Thank you
Great article buddy.
Very informative and loved this one.
You have written everything perfectly.
I love the picture of you in all black. I have also heard that Poland is a gem.
I love the picture of you in all black. I have heard that Poland is a gem.
lovely pictures there 🙂
pictures are just amazing 🙂
wow! Poland is beautiful!!! Definitely need to add this to my list!
Author
I agreed! I loved visiting to Poland and would recommend it to everyone!
Love all your pictures! I hadn’t given Poland much thought but now I might need to add it to my bucket list.
Author
Thanks! It was such a pleasant surprise, do visit Poland and check out the beautiful beaches too.
These cities are really Poland hidden-gems. Pozan & Krakow are perfect to be inspired and rich in history. Gdansk is magnificent to wander between the colored houses and travel back in time with every single step you make through the cobble stoned streets, medieval quayside and Gothic churches ! Thank you for standing away from the tracks 😉
Author
I am glad you enjoyed the post, thanks for stopping by!
We’ve been to Warsaw and Krakow and loved them, good to see there are so many more places to explore in Poland. There are lots of international students in Krakow. Lots of our students from Ukraine went to study there.
Author
I didn’t get a chance to explore Warsaw, however, I would love to visit it again.
I can’t say Poland is at the very top of my list, but definitely seems like there is more to do there than I thought. Thanks for sharing!
Author
You are welcome, I hope you plan to visit it some day. Thanks for stopping by!
I have only explored Krakow and Zakopane in Poland. Incidentally, I am yet to visit North Poland and Warsaw. I have a friend from Gdansk – would love to visit her and her family. Thanks for reminding me that loveliest parts of Poland are yet to be visited.
Author
Zakopane is another one on my list when I visit it the next time!
The gothic style architecture is just jaw dropping. The whole look of their buildings screams history, so I can easily see why you were curious about the history there! Thanks for sharing!
Author
It is incredible to think that those buildings have been there for centuries.
What incredible architecture! Thanks for the pictures and travel advice!
Author
Glad you enjoyed it Paige!
Love the pictures! I will have to add Poland to my list! Also, love that you say the city of Gdansk is grammable 😉 I use that phrase as well!
Author
Haha! I also like to make up words!
The architecture in Poland looks amazing! It’s old school and so gorgeous! I’m so going to look into traveling to Poland when I venture to Germany next fall!
Author
You won’t be disappointed! Depending where you are going to be in Germany, you can always do a road trip!