Poland Holidays

The kind of place where plates are stacked with tasty pierogis, castles look like they're straight from a storybook, and the city vibes are buzzing.

Destination highlights

Home to the world's BIGGEST castle (no biggie...oh wait)
It's vodka's birthplace - so prepare for the best vod & cran you've ever had
It's the land of lakes! Sail, kayak or nature-watch your heart out.
Pierogis. That's it. That's the highlight.

What are the best sights to see in Poland?

Get ready for a visual feast, because Poland's landmarks are like stepping into a living history book.

Wawel Castle, Kraków - not just a castle, but a crown jewel of Polish history. Dragons, kings, and legends – what more could you want?!
Warsaw Old Town - it's giving colourful small town vibes, with cool statues, markets and enough charm to fill a dozen Instagram feeds.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum - yep, it's heavy, but also essential. It’s a real eye-opener and a must for a bit of real-world perspective.
Białowieża Forest - fancy meeting some European bison? Stroll through this ancient forest that’s like a green time machine. It’s wildlife and wilderness at its best.
Malbork Castle - this massive brick fortress is seriously impressive. Think ‘Game of Thrones,’ minus the dragons (and a lot more peaceful).
Wieliczka Salt Mine - go underground for some salty goodness. It's a maze of tunnels and salt sculptures that’ll have you feeling like you’re on another planet.

Popular Poland hotels

Weather in Poland

We can't lie, winter in Poland is a bit like stepping into a snow globe - especially when the thermometer takes a dive below zero! But it's the perfect excuse to snuggle up with a mug of grzaniec (think mulled wine with a Polish twist) and pretend you're in a Hallmark movie. Come spring, the place starts to thaw and temperatures gently nudge between 10-15°C, waking up the flowers and the locals! Summer in Poland is like the sunny plot twist you didn’t see coming, with a sweet 20-25°C – perfect for those long days exploring and cool evenings enjoying a lody (that's ice cream, FYI). And autumn? It's all dramatic with its chilly 5-10°C, showing off with golden leaves and crisp air. Just layer up like an onion, and you're golden.

FAQs

The local currency used in Poland is the Polish Zloty. Try saying that after a few bevs.

Unsurprisingly, the official language spoken in Poland is Polish.

It takes around 2.5 hours to fly to Poland from the UK/Ireland, which is the perfect amount of time for a nap, bing-watch or a cheeky jam sesh to your favourite playlist.

The local time in Poland is one hour ahead of the UK/Ireland, so you don't have to worry about that pesky ol' jetlag.

Get your neon on

Museum trip, but make it fun. This colourful museum might be small, but it packs a punch. It's home to a collection of neon signs from back in the Cold war era - like a brightly-lit glimpse into history.

Check out the Chapel of Skulls

If you ever had a goth phase as a teen, then you need to hit Kaplica Czaszek up. It's nicknamed the 'Chapel of Skulls' because the ceilings and walls are quite literally covered in skulls. Real, human ones. Sounds dark, and it is - but the intentions behind this place were to provide a resting place and a 'sanctuary of silence' for the victims, created by a priest and a grave-digger way back when. Nowadays, their skulls also form part of the chapel, as their final resting place.

Learn about all things gingerbread

On a slightly lighter note, Torun is actually home to its very own gingerbread museum. Yeah, we know. Very cool. (Adn tasty.) It was once a factory, but now hosts exhibits and workshops all about the traditional spiced biscuits.

Turn the place upside down

In Szymbark, you'll find one of the best tourist traps going - an upside-down house! The whole thing was built upside-down both inside and out, so you can enter through one of the attic windows and wander along the ceiling. Trippy much?!

Take an unusual hike

The Holy Mountain of Grabarka is more of a small hill than a mountain, which makes it a great trail for beginners. It's covered in crosses of all shapes, sizes and materials. The history behind it dates back to the cholera epidemic, and this place is seen as a place of healing and Orthodox - so if you fancy checking it out, just keep in mind that it's not unusual for locals to pray and host weekly services here.

What events can I go to in Poland?
Poland is buzzing with events year-round, and there's something for every kind of thrill-seeker, culture enthusiast, or food-lover. Time to mark your calendar for some serious fun!
- Kraków International Film Festival (May-June) - get your popcorn ready for a cinematic adventure! This festival showcases an eclectic mix of international and local films that'll have you glued to your seat.
- Wianki - Fête de la Musique, Kraków (June) - think of this as Poland's own Glastonbury by the Vistula River, celebrating music in all forms. Free concerts, good vibes, and maybe a flower crown or two...
- Warsaw Summer Jazz Days (July) - jazz up your summer in the capital! It's a jazzy jamboree with artists from around the globe, turning the city into a music-lover's paradise.
- Pierogi Festival, Kraków (August) - for the love of pierogis! This is a carb-lover's dream come true, with every kind of stuffed dumpling you can imagine. It's like Thanksgiving, but for pierogi enthusiasts. Niche, but delish.
- St. Dominic's Fair, Gdańsk (July-August) - one of Europe's largest open-air markets and cultural events. Imagine a medieval fair meets modern-day festival – crafts, food, and a dash of history.
- Warsaw Autumn International Festival of Contemporary Music (September) - a treat for the ears with avant-garde music that pushes all the right buttons. It's like the edgy, artsy cousin of traditional music festivals.
- Kraków Live Festival (August) - music buffs, unite! This festival brings big names and fresh talent to the stage. It's like the Polish Coachella, minus the desert heat.
- Christmas Markets (November-December) - get into the holiday spirit with twinkling lights, mulled wine, and crafts. It's like walking into a winter wonderland, with the added bonus of gingerbread.
Where's the best nightlife in Poland?
Poland's nightlife is where history shakes hands with the here and now, creating the perfect backdrop for late-night adventures. Whether you're in the mood for a classic pub crawl or a dance-'til-dawn club sesh, Poland has you covered:
- Pawilony, Warsaw - imagine a cluster of tiny bars tucked away behind Nowy Świat. It’s like stepping into a secret world of drinks and laughter. Compact, cosy, and bags of fun.
- Frantic Club, Kraków - if you're looking to dance the night away, this is your spot. Multiple rooms, each with a different vibe – it's like a musical buffet.
- Prozak 2.0, Kraków - with a mix of underground and mainstream music, this club is where medieval cellars meet modern beats. It's like partying in a history book, but way cooler.
- Święty Mikołaj, Gdańsk - this bar’s like a trip back in time with a twist of today. Think old-world charm, complete with craft beers and unique cocktails.
- Czekolada, Lodz - sweet on the outside, wild on the inside. It's where the stylish crowd goes to let loose. Expect glitz, glam, and a dancefloor that doesn't quit.
- Bunkier Club, Wrocław - part club, part historical bunker; this place is as unique as they come. It's a little bit edgy, a little bit mysterious, and a lot of fun.
- Klub Piekny Pies, Kraków - a laidback vibe with live music that ranges from jazz to rock. It’s like the living room of the coolest person you know, but with a bar.
- Multi Qlti Tap Bar, Gdańsk - craft beer-lovers, this one’s for you. It’s like a library, but instead of books, there’s an impressive selection of brews. Cheers to that!
What's the food like in Poland?
Say hello to tasty Polish cuisine, where comfort food is king and every dish tells a story. Here's your guide to eating your way through Poland – fork and knife at the ready!
- Pierogi - the stars of the Polish food scene – dumplings stuffed with, well, pretty much anything you can dream up! Cheese, meat, potatoes - even fruit for a sweet twist. It's like a hug for your taste buds.
- Bigos - known as hunter's stew, this is a hearty mix of meat, sausage, sauerkraut, and a bunch of other ingredients that have been stewing together long enough to tell their own tales. It's like the ultimate Polish comfort food.
- Żurek - this sour rye soup is a flavor adventure. Often served in a bread bowl (because why not?), it's the kind of soup that doesn't just warm your stomach; it warms your soul.
- Kotlet Schabowy - think schnitzel's Polish cousin. A breaded pork cutlet, fried to golden perfection. It's simple, it's delicious, and it's a must-try.
- Golonka - a pork knuckle that's been cooked and cooked until it's fall-off-the-bone tender. It's meaty, it's hearty, and it's oh-so-Polish.
- Placki Ziemniaczane - potato pancakes fried to a crispy golden brown. They're the kind of snack that makes you wonder why potatoes ever bother being anything else.
- Kaszanka - Polish blood sausage, a mix of blood, buckwheat, and delicious spices. It might sound a bit out there, but it's a flavor sensation.
- Pączki - these Polish doughnuts are sweet, filled with jam or cream, and dusted with sugar. They're like little balls of happiness that'll make you forget about calories.

Places to visit

The painted village of Zalipie
The colourful village of Zalipie is like someone gave a village a whole box of crayons and said 'go wild!'. This place is famous for its painted houses, with every nook and cranny covered in the most vibrant, folksy floral art you've ever seen. It's like walking into a real-life colouring book where the residents decided beige was just too boring. Picture quaint cottages, barns, bridges, and even doghouses decked out in dazzling designs – it's the Instagram spot you never knew you needed. Visiting Zalipie is like stepping into a kaleidoscope of colours, and let's be honest, who wouldn't want to spice up their travel feed with a little rainbow village action? So grab your camera and maybe a paintbrush (just kidding, don't actually paint anything), and get ready for a whimsical wander through Poland's most colourful secret.
Wroclaw
This Polish city is like the cool, artsy cousin in the family that everyone wants to hang out with. It's got a vibe that's both historical and hipster all at once. Think charming little bridges linking up islands on the Oder River, streets that look straight out of a storybook, and a market square that's so colourful, you'll think you've stepped into Balamory. And let's not forget the famous Wroclaw dwarfs – these cheeky little statues are scattered all over the city, making a game of hide-and-seek an absolute must. It's like a city-wide Easter egg hunt, but with dwarfs instead of eggs. Whether you're sipping a coffee in one of the oh-so-cool cafés, cruising down the river or just soaking up the artsy atmosphere, Wroclaw's got a charm that's hard to resist. It's like the hidden gem that's just waiting to be 'grammed.
Auschwitz
Visiting Auschwitz in Poland is a heavy, but incredibly important experience - and one you've got to do when you're in the area. While it's a pretty heart-wrenching location, it's also an eye-opening reminder of a chapter in history that we'll never forget. It's all about paying respects, learning, and remembering. So, pack a thoughtful mindset and a respectful heart - this visit is your chance to pay tribute to and understand a significant (albeit dark) piece of history.