Last updated on May 16th, 2026
Plan your trip to Poland with this Poland itinerary. In this travel guide blog, we share the places we visited and the hotels we stayed in. This guide is ideal for first-time visitors to Poland.
Poland is a sensory overload. This country may not be your typical travel destination that captures your heart immediately. Unlike popular European destinations like France or Germany, Poland doesn’t boast many big tourist highlights. However, we believe it deserves at least a 5-day visit, and ideally 7 to 10 days or more.
Would you like to know what awaits you on a trip to Poland? What other stops are worth seeing in Poland? Which destinations might be better to skip? What does an ideal travel route look like? We’ve compiled all of our tips in this blog article to help you plan your perfect journey through Poland.
In this Poland travel guide blog, we share our experiences and provide insights on how to create your Poland itinerary. We highlight the main attractions, recommend things to do, and offer our personal tips for your trip.
Poland Pre-Trip Essential
The best times to visit Poland are late spring and early autumn. During these seasons, the weather is generally pleasant, and there are fewer tourists. Summer, on the other hand, is the peak tourist season in Poland. It tends to be the hottest and most crowded time of the year, making it less than ideal for a visit. Additionally, hotel prices are at their highest during the summer months.
Traveling to Poland: Poland is located in the heart of Central Europe. Depending on your starting point, there are several transportation options available for traveling to the country. Most visitors arrive by plane, as numerous flights connect Poland to various cities across Europe. The main airport for international flights is Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW). You can use a flight aggregator like Skyscanner to find affordable flights to both Warsaw and Krakow Airport.
Flying is the fastest way to reach Poland, and we flew into Warsaw Chopin Airport. From the airport, you can easily reach the city center by bus, train, or a combination of both. Taxis and rental cars are also available for convenience.
If you’re traveling to Poland on a budget, then a cheaper alternative is to travel to Poland by bus and train.
Getting Around in Poland: The fastest way to travel between different locations is by car, especially given the considerable distances involved. You can rent a vehicle that suits your needs through the Rental Cars website and pick it up at the airport. Poland is also well-connected by public transportation. You can quickly travel between major Polish cities using trains and buses. For train connections, visit the PKP Intercity website, and for buses, (flixbus.pl). Within cities like Warsaw and Krakow, you can use trams, buses, and the metro for easy navigation.
Connectivity: Consider getting the 5G eSIM card for your travel in Central Europe. You can choose from various options based on your itinerary for both Central Europe and Poland.
Planning for Poland Itinerary
We enjoyed our time in Poland so much that we want to return for a longer stay. If you’re interested in visiting all of Poland’s top tourist attractions, a two-week Poland itinerary would allow you to see everything. However, if you’re short on time, plan for at least five days in Poland, with ideally seven to ten days for a more comprehensive visit. This duration would give you enough time to explore the country’s best sights and attractions.
When planning for Poland itinerary, travelers can choose to focus on southern cities, such as Kraków and Warsaw, or northern cities like Gdańsk.
Here’s our suggested 7-day Poland itinerary, concentrating on the historical cities of Warsaw and Kraków, with day trips to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Be sure to click through for a detailed travel itinerary.
Poland itinerary for the First-time Visitor:
- Day 1 -2: Arrived in Poland and reached Warsaw. Explore Warsaw.
- Day 3: Travel from Warsaw to Krakow. Explore Krakow’s Old Town.
- Day 4: Take a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
- Day 5: Visit Wawel Castle and Cathedral. Stroll through Kazimierz, the historic Jewish Quarter.
- Day 6: Visit Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains.
Additional Options: Extend your Poland itinerary by visiting Gdańsk, a historic port city on the Baltic Sea known for its rich history, maritime heritage, and stunning architecture. Alternatively, you might consider a day trip to Katowice, located just an hour from Krakow, which boasts a vibrant cultural scene with numerous theaters.
Day 1 -2: Warsaw
Many people begin their Poland itinerary in Warsaw, the country’s capital. This city has a brutal history, having endured the horrors of World War II and being nearly completely destroyed. However, over the last century, Warsaw has transformed into a modern and vibrant city full of life. Today, Warsaw is a fascinating place where you can immerse yourself in history and experience a unique mix of modern glass skyscrapers, concrete structures, and charming medieval-style squares. The city offers interesting museums, numerous green spaces, and delicious local food!
Getting to Warsaw is convenient, as it is well-connected to an international airport. Alternatively, you can enter the country from a neighboring nation, such as Austria, as we did.
The downtown area of Warsaw isn’t very large, making it easy to explore the city on foot or by using buses, trams, e-hailing services, or even e-scooters. We prefer e-hailing and found that both Uber and Bolt are affordable, convenient, and easy to use.
Warsaw Place To Visit
Spending one or two days in Warsaw will allow you to visit important sites and gain a good understanding of what the city has to offer. The historical Old Town is undoubtedly a highlight; it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered a national treasure.
For your visit to Warsaw, we recommend starting your day by exploring the most popular area in Warsaw. Warsaw’s Old Town and the Royal Route are the top attractions in the city and a must-see for anyone visiting Warsaw.
The Royal Route (Trakt Królewski) is a historic path that stretches from the Royal Castle in the Old Town to Wilanów Palace, connecting several landmarks and former royal residences. As you walk along the route, you will have the opportunity to admire several iconic landmarks and significant sites.
You’ll encounter notable places such as the Presidential Palace, beautiful parks, and elegant boulevards like Krakowskie Przedmieście, culminating at the baroque Wilanów Palace. The journey can be completed on foot in about 30 minutes. You can start your walk from either end, depending on your accommodation in Warsaw.
Continue your Poland itinerary with a visit to Warsaw’s Old Town, where you can explore numerous historical sights. This charming area features cobblestone streets and reconstructed medieval buildings, which were destroyed during World War II. You’ll also find many historic churches and quaint back alleys.
Notable attractions include the Royal Castle in Warsaw, the most famous castle in the city, and Sigismund’s Column, a Corinthian column that commemorates King Sigismund III Vasa. Additionally, don’t miss the Warsaw Barbican, a fortified 16th-century defense wall, and the Warsaw Mermaid, a statue that serves as an iconic symbol of the city.
Poland Travel Guide Tip: You can enter Warsaw’s Royal Castle and Wilanów Palace with an entrance fee. If you’re interested, consider planning to visit one or two museums as well, such as the Warsaw Uprising Museum, the Museum of Life under Communism, or the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
Warsaw Accommodation Tips
For first-time visitors, we recommend staying near the Palace of Culture and Science or in Warsaw’s Old Town for convenience and ease of getting around. Popular options to stay in Warsaw are the NYX Hotel Warsaw or the Radisson Blu Sobieski.
During our visit, we stayed at the lovely Motel One Warsaw-Chopin that offered mid-range pricing and a few minutes walk to the Old Town, restaurants, and entertainment. The staff was incredibly friendly, and we found it to be a great value for money.
Day 3 -5: Krakow
Your next stop on the Poland itinerary is Krakow, one of the oldest cities in the country that served as its capital for hundreds of years. Today, it is considered one of the best cities to visit in Poland and has become a trendy destination in Central Europe.
Traveling from Warsaw to Krakow is very convenient. Travelers can reach Krakow from Warsaw by car, bus, or train. The train is the fastest option, and the journey typically takes about 2 hours and 48 minutes.
Krakow is famous for its beautiful Old Town and Wawel Royal Castle, both of which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It boasts Europe’s largest medieval town square, the oldest university in Poland, and stunning architecture. The Old Town exudes a charming atmosphere that is definitely worth experiencing.
We recommend spending two or three nights in Krakow to fully enjoy what the city has to offer. For more information, check out our blog article: 3-Day Krakow Itinerary: A Travel Guide.
Krakow Place To Visit
Three days in Krakow will allow you to explore many key attractions, including: Krakow Old Town Main Square, Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, Town Hall Tower, St. Florian’s Gate and Florianska Street, Krakow Barbican, Wawel Royal Castle, Wawel Cathedral, Dragon’s Den, Vistula River Boulevards, and the Kazimierz district.
Exploring Kraków Old Town is undoubtedly the most essential experience when visiting the city. This area is the prettiest in Kraków, featuring numerous important landmarks and attractions. You can explore the medieval Old Town on your own, but if you want to learn more about the city’s history, consider joining a guided tour, such as the popular and well-rated Krakow Old Town Highlights Walking Tour in English.
Poland Travel Guide Tips: You can explore the medieval Old Town on your own, but if you want to learn more about the city’s history, consider joining a guided tour, such as the popular and well-rated Krakow Old Town Highlights Walking Tour in English.
Don’t forget to visit the magnificent Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral during your visit to Krakow. Wawel Royal Castle is one of the most iconic and fascinating places in Krakow. It is situated on a hill overlooking the Vistula River, providing a panoramic view and a glimpse into the history of Poland and Central Europe.
Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau
During your visit to Krakow, be sure to include a trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, an important historical site in Poland. Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest of the German Nazi concentration camps and extermination centers. Over 1.1 million people were murdered, with more than 90% being Jewish.
A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau requires a mandatory guided tour, as visitors are not allowed to enter the site on their own. It’s essential to book your Auschwitz tour in advance to explore the history of the concentration camps and the Holocaust with a guide. Prepare for a lengthy and emotionally impactful experience.
Here are some important tips for your visit:
- Book your tour in advance.
- Bring a valid photo ID.
- Arrive on time for your departure.
- Dress respectfully and comfortably.
- Smoking and eating are forbidden while on the tour.
The tour typically takes 3 to 4 hours and includes a 30-minute snack break. Round-trip transportation is usually provided, so ensure to confirm the transport arrangements.
Recommended Tour Options:
- Auschwitz Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Full Day Tour – Most Popular!
- Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour with Transfer and Ticket
For a full day of exploration, you can also combine your visit to Auschwitz with a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. This salt mine is one of the oldest operating salt mines in the world, having been in continuous operation from the 13th century until 2007. In 1978, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Krakow Accommodation Tips
We recommend staying in Krakow Old Town, as most of the city’s highlights are located in this area. It’s a fantastic place to stay if you enjoy sightseeing and walking around. If you decide to stay in Krakow Old Town, I personally suggest the Leonardo Boutique Hotel Krakow Old Town and the Cracow Central Aparthotel as great options.
For those who don’t mind staying a bit further away from Old Town area, the AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow offers excellent value and a comfortable stay. Although it’s not located in the Old Town, it provides great facilities and value for your stay.
For more accommodation options: Where to Stay in Krakow.
Day 6: Zakopane Tatra Mountains
For those looking to experience something a bit different from the city excursions in Kraków, Zakopane is the perfect addition to your Poland itinerary.
Zakopane is a small, scenic town surrounded by the stunning Tatra Mountains, located about 100 km from Kraków. This destination is gaining popularity for its spectacular views, picturesque hiking routes, traditional wooden houses, unique regional cuisine, and relaxing thermal pools. Many Polish people visit throughout the year, as it offers winter sports in the colder months and hiking in the summer. Zakopane serves as the gateway to Tatra National Park, making it a haven for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
Zakopane Places to Visit
If you only have one day in Zakopane, consider taking the funicular up Gubałówka for stunning views and to enjoy the town’s atmosphere. If you have more time, you might want to extend your itinerary to include a visit to a thermal spa or a cable car ride to Kasprowy Wierch for breathtaking mountain scenery.
During our visit to Zakopane, we traveled there by taking a local bus from the Kraków bus station, which took around 2.5 hours each way. The buses leave frequently, but the journey can be time-consuming. For a hassle-free experience, you might also consider booking a Zakopane Tour with Chocholow Thermal Pools and Cable Car.
Upon our arrival, we walked along Krupówki Street to reach Gubałówka. There, we found a ticket counter for the cable car. A short funicular ride took us to the top, where we enjoyed stunning views. We ended our day by strolling along the Krupówki Street, which are filled with shops and local delicacies. It was a short yet enjoyable trip to Zakopane, and we hope to spend more time here in the future.
Overall: A Visit to Poland
Overall, we hope you find this Poland Travel Guide blog post useful. It’s a hidden gem and truly worth spending time visiting Poland. We are sharing some travel tips that I learned from our trips to Poland. We also extended our travels to other Central European countries like Austria and Hungary. If you need more travel inspiration, feel free to read more of our Central Europe blog posts. Thanks for reading, and have a magical time in Poland!
Lastly, this Poland itinerary is part of our trip to the country. Feel free to check out the Poland travel blog below.
