Poland is a very attractive country for travelers from Western Europe. Former Eastern bloc country, its troubled history makes Poland a rich travel destination: architecture, landscapes, traditions, a sense of welcome from the Poles… From Krakow to Warsaw, via Gdansk, Poland is a destination not to be missed!
Why visit Poland?
Poland is a country with a troubled history. After being wiped off the map for over 120 years - Poland then was Prussia - this nation was dominated by the Nazi regime and then the USSR. More recently, Poland entered the European Union and experienced significant economic development. Despite all these turpitudes, she kept her Slavic soul so charming in the eyes of travelers.
Poland is also breathtaking landscapes, this is why hiking enthusiasts will be delighted by discovering these wonders, in particular the Bialowezia National Park. A unique opportunity to come across in the middle of a walk in the forest a herd of bison - which gives their name to an aromatic herb used in alcoholic drinks - and to marvel at the jewels of this nature reserve.
Bialowieza park
When to go to Poland?
Poland oscillates between an oceanic and continental climate. The summers are hot and sometimes stormy, with temperatures regularly around 30 ° C.. The beaches are pleasant from July to September, but victims of their success. Prefer the end of September or October to consider a little relaxation away from the summer hustle and bustle. The winter season is rather cold. In the east, in the snow-capped mountains, the thermometer can reach down to -15 ° C. Surprisingly, winter remains drier than summer.
Golden and sunny autumn will delight nature lovers in escapade on the side of the massifs, particularly in beauty at this period. Be careful in the mountains, the climate varies quickly. Don't forget to equip yourself with a k-way and a little wool! The best period to explore Poland is around summer, between May and September. April remains, despite the inclement weather, interesting to soak up the Christian traditions deeply rooted in the population. Indeed, many events are organized on these occasions.
PRACTICAL TIPS To help you choose the best time to go, here are all the climate statistics in Poland.
What is the budget to plan?
Although Poland has been a member of the European Union since 2004, the currency used remains the “zloty”. If the cost of living is significantly cheaper than in France, local purchasing power is also lower. Prices of course vary depending on the season and the places visited. It is certain that a visit in high summer in the high tourist places, with strong crowds, will make skyrocket your budget. To meet your average expenses related to accommodation, public transport travel and food, plan a small fifty euros per day and per person.
Warsaw
A "backpacker" budget would rather be around thirty euros per day. Accommodation prices can fluctuate significantly. The cost of a double room in mid-range accommodation varies from 25 to 95 euros depending on the level of comfort sought, the location and the season. A more luxurious hotel will be in a price range between 100 and 150 euros per night. Food and restaurants are more than affordable. A meal in an average establishment can cost less than 15 euros, while a snack on the go will cost you a maximum of 5 euros. Treat yourself!
How to go to Poland from France?
The approximately 1 km that separate Poland from France will quickly be covered by plane. In just over 2 hours and for an estimated round-trip budget of 30 euros, you will land in the Polish capital. Several international airports, scattered all over the country, are ready to welcome you. If you have more time, some bus companies offer connections to Poland. The trip lasts a little over 24 hours and costs less than 100 euros.
Although the country has an efficient rail network, unfortunately you will not find a direct route to this destination. The best, you will need to change trains in Germany. To benefit from significant reductions, inquire about obtaining the Interrail Pass. It is also possible to reach, from Paris, in about fifteen hours, the Polish regions with your own vehicle. This trip, a trip in itself, allows you for a little over 200 euros in tolls and fuel, to travel independently once there.
How to get around the country?
Depending on the type of stay you will be doing in Poland, several possibilities are available to you to fully enjoy the country in your own way.
By car or motorbike
The Polish road network is not devoid of surprises, between carelessness of drivers, roadworks, the omnipresence of heavy goods vehicles on the main roads and the general deterioration of certain sections… you may have to show energy and patience. The use of taxis, at low prices, via apps Bolt or Uber could be an interesting one-off alternative.
By plane or boat
To travel through this vast country, some internal flights are necessary in order to save significant time. National and low-cost airlines serve the entire territory. Boat trips are not recommended apart from possible pleasant day trips, along the coast or in one of the many rivers in the country. The offer is indeed infrequent and often limited to the summer.
By carpooling or hitchhiking
These modes of travel, common in Poland, require special caution. Even if you are not a priori allowed to lift your thumb on the sides of the roads, it is to bet that you will stay a short time on the side. Car pooling is also spreading more and more in Poland. You will find your co-travelers in particular at the bend of platforms on the internet.
By bus or train
Prefer a bus trip for short distances and train for longer. Train-bus combinations are also common, and route planners will help you find the best option. Regular private minibuses serve the interior of the cities. To reach remote communities, travel with comfortable and modern companies. The rail network is efficient for long distances and is cheaper than the bus. Online purchase is preferred and the timetables are also available for consultation.
By tram or trolley
These inexpensive forms of transportation are extremely popular. Even though they are often crowded at peak times, their use is suitable for city trips. The timetables are sometimes written in Polish, so buy a city map to find your way around more easily!
Le tramway de Grudziadz
What to eat and drink in Poland?
The discovery of a country also passes through the culinary experience! In Poland you are unlikely to be disappointed so much traditional specialties are varied and tasty. Prepare to feast on hearty meals embellished with meat, cabbage, potatoes, beets, carrots, cucumbers. Polish bread is also a delight, and its sausages are as tasty as they are unforgettable. The unmissable Polish dishes are the " bigos », A kind of Polish sauerkraut; the " pork chop », Breaded pork chop; the " pierogi ", Ravioli stuffed with cabbage, potatoes and cream cheese and" Golabki », Cabbage stuffed with rice and meat.
For a quick meal, opt for a stuffed pancake. There are a multitude of variations: with meat, mushrooms, potatoes or even… cabbage! You will not be able to leave the table without sprinkling these caloric meals with a symbolic vodka. 80 varieties give you a wide choice of tasting! Do not miss the famous " Żubrówka »Produced in Białowieża. This buffalo grass vodka is one of a kind! Fancy a lighter drink? The Poles are among the biggest beer drinkers in Europe. You should find your happiness there without difficulty!
Where to stay in Poland?
Whether you are going on a getaway for a hike in the mountains, a short cultural trip or a rather exhaustive road trip, you will find many options to accommodate you and will have no difficulty in adapting them to your expectations and your purse. In general, the price of accommodation is more expensive on the coast and in so-called tourist towns. Get away from these nerve centers to find some nuggets more original than classic hotels, inexpensive, pleasant, but without the little extra that makes all the difference!
Many youth hostels offer you decent comfort, sometimes a little run down, for an unsurprising price. Hostels, warmer private youth hostels, are better equipped. The university residences are transformed into a basic hotel during the summer period. The geographical location is not always advantageous, but the price is interesting. Campsites welcome you from May to September, all over Polish land. Farmhouses are also increasingly popular. Do not hesitate to take advantage of their low price, their clean air and their tranquility.
You will also find mountain chalet rentals. These rustic accommodations with random comfort allow you to immerse yourself in nature and welcome, in addition to hikers, anyone who ventures into the surroundings on their own.
A chalet by a lake
What are the main sights to see?
- Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is also the largest city in the country and has in particular a very rich historical center. The old town is lined with churches and several museums and sites are unmissable: the insurrection and historical museum, Wilanow Palace, Bankowy Square.
- Krakow is a former mining town, it also has several interesting buildings to visit. The Jewish Quarter is also a must-see.
- Not far from Krakow is the ancient Auschwitz concentration camp. One of the pivotal places of the Second World War, not to be missed for the symbol it represents!
- Wroclaw, the Polish Venice: in addition to an intense nightlife, the capital of Lower Silesia is famous for its Gothic architecture. Sail from one island to another thanks to its 100 bridges and relax in one of its riverside parks!
- Gdansk, the Baltic pearl: Known for its port, a symbolic place of the resistance movement against the Soviets, this charming city invites you to immerse yourself in its lively daily life. Stroll through its narrow streets and discover its fascinating historical past!
- Malbork and its Teutonic fortress: its immense medieval castle, located in Pomerania, is the largest brick building in the world. Its elegance and refinement will not leave you indifferent!
- Wieliczka and its salt mines: this unmissable place, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spares no expense with its hundreds of stairs and takes you to visit a breathtaking landscape in the center of the Earth!
- Torun, the Krakow of the north: Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the birthplace of astronomer Nicolas Copernicus is famous for its rich history. Lose yourself in the alleys of this medieval stronghold before reaching the ruins of the knights' castle!
- Lodz, the industrial city: the atmosphere of its many working-class districts makes the city unique. This city is full of unparalleled architectural, intellectual and cultural heritage that testifies to a rich and intense past.
Torun
What are the most beautiful walks to do?
Poland is full of natural corners, each more beautiful than the next. This surprising playground will delight lovers of forest and mountain walks, wildlife enthusiasts and hikers of all kinds. Stroll through the must-see Great Lakes region of Masuria. They allow you to observe flora and fauna in a majestic setting. Why not try a kayak trip to fully enjoy the tranquility of the place?
Dance Bialowieza National Park, on the Belarusian border, in the heart of the only virgin forest in Europe, don't be surprised to see a bison. Hundreds still live there in freedom and rub shoulders with lynx, wolf, deer and beaver! Live moments of pure magic thanks to your guide who will share with you his privileged places in this dense forest.
Tatra National Park includes the only mountains in Poland. Lake Morskie Oko, one of the most beautiful water sources in the world awaits you for a unique moment of disconnection. Then take the opportunity to initiate yourself, in these grandiose landscapes, to climbing or paragliding! Discover an unexpected lunar landscape in a desert in northern Poland, by the Baltic Sea. Slowinski National Park is a unique biosphere, made up of impressive dunes, which lies between Lake Łebsko and the sea. Explore this stunning place on foot or by bike to savor each of these timeless moments!
Tatra Mountains
Useful information
Want to go and visit Poland? To make your stay a success for sure, we provide you with our practical information:
- Passport and visa : Poland is part of the Schengen area, so it is not necessary for European tourists to have a passport or visa to enter.
- Money and change : the Polish currency is the Zloty.
Easily discover a colorful Poland!
Whether in its cities with a symbolic past or in its countryside with sumptuous landscapes, Poland welcomes you with friendliness and simplicity. From its historical monuments to its natural treasures, discover this land of the plains from all angles. Ready to go to Poland? Share your questions, tips and tips with us in the comments!
