Choose from 79 Fun Things to Do in Poland
ShowingFilter 61-79 of 79 listings.
Vistula River
Running an incredible 654.5 miles (1,053 kilometers) and traversing the entire length of the country, the Vistula River (Wisla) is Poland’s longest river, passing through both Warsaw and Krakow.
The Basics
In Krakow, it’s possible to explore the riverfront on a bike tour or Segway tour, while Vistula River cruises leave from the wharf beneath Wawel Castle and afford magnificent views of the royal castle, the Wawel Dragon Statue, the Church of St. Stanislaus, and the old Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz.
Boat tours also run along the River Vistula in Warsaw, or you can hop off to explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or stroll around the atmospheric Vistula Boulevards.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring warm clothing if traveling on an open-air boat—it can get chilly, especially in the evening hours.
- Some boat cruises are wheelchair accessible.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the many attractions and beautiful scenery you’ll see.
How to Get There
Originating on the slopes of the Beskidy Mountains in Southern Poland, the Vistula winds its way north through Krakow and Warsaw until it tips itself into the Baltic Sea in the Gdansk delta. In both Warsaw and Krakow, the river runs right through the heart of the city, and it’s easy to reach the riverfront on foot from many of the central attractions.
When to Get There
In Warsaw and Krakow, sightseeing cruises typically run between March and October.
Towns Along the Vistula River
In addition to Krakow and Warsaw, towns along the Vistula River include the UNESCO-listed medieval town of Toruń, where Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born; Kazimierz Dolny, known for its striking Renaissance architecture; and the hilltop town of Plock. The vast UNESCO-listed Gothic castle of Malbork lies on the Nogat river, the easternmost tributary of the Vistula, and in Gdansk there’s even a museum dedicated entirely to the river.
Address: Poland
From $ 21
Tempel Synagogue
Tempel Synagogue dates from around 1862 and was built by Krakow's Reform Jews. It is the only still functioning synagogue in Kazimierz, the Jewish area of Krakow which had its population decimated during World War II. The building is a Neo-Classical style with Moorish interiors. It was badly damaged during the war when the Nazi's used it to store ammunition, but it was repaired and services resumed after the war.
These days services are only held a few times a year, but the synagogue remains a place of worship. It also hosts concerts of Jewish and classical music. it is worth seeing for the contra st between the austere facade and the brightly decorated interior of gilded woodwork and ceiling, lit by stained glass windows.
These days services are only held a few times a year, but the synagogue remains a place of worship. It also hosts concerts of Jewish and classical music. it is worth seeing for the contra st between the austere facade and the brightly decorated interior of gilded woodwork and ceiling, lit by stained glass windows.
Practical Info
Kazimierz is a short walk from the Old Town of Krakow.
Address: Miodawa 24, Krakow 31-057, Poland
Hours: Open Sunday - Friday, Closed Saturdays and Jewish holidays
From $ 116
Warsaw Royal Castle (Zamek Krolewski)
Built in the beginning of the 17th century, the Royal Castle of Warsaw - or Zamek Krolewski - marks the entrance to Old Town, and was the official seat of the Polish monarchy up until the beginning of the 19th century, and also housed the Polish Parliament throughout history. Although, like most of Old Town, the castle was destroyed during World War II, it underwent major reconstruction between 1971 and 1984, and is now fully open to the public.
The beautiful brick facade of the castle is bookended by the bulbous spires so common to Polish architecture, and the castle square alone is worth visiting. In addition to the classic Polish architecture, Italian influences are strong, as the palace was designed by an Italian architect. As such, the building is exquisite, and should be on every Warsaw visitor's agenda.
Containing an incredible collection of artwork and art objects, the interior of the castle is a beautiful also houses part of the National Museum, as well as functioning as a frequent meeting place for the Ministry of Culture. The different rooms of the palace are decorated with amazing attention and fealty to the original state, before the war. Be sure to pick out the two Rembrandts that were donated in 1994 by the Countess Karolina Lanckoronska.
Practical Info
The palace is hard to miss coming into Old Town, sitting right on the Vistula River, and can be accessed easily by tram or bus, at either the Stare Miasto or Pl. Kamkowy stops.
The admission price varies depending upon which rooms and collections you wish to see. Entry into the permanent exhibitions is free on Sundays, but tickets are limited, and tour guides are not available. Also, be aware that no visitors are allowed entry one hour before the palace officially closes.
Address: Pl. Zamkowy 4, Warsaw 00-277, Poland
Hours: Open Tues - Sat 10am - 4pm, Sun 11am - 4pm, Closed Mondays
Admission: Adults: 22PLN
From $ 18
Wieliczka Salt Mine
An eerie world where everything has been carved from salt blocks, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is made up of a labyrinth of tunnels, the deepest of which lies 1,075 feet (327 meters) underground. The ancient UNESCO World Heritage site is a major part of Poland's salt mining history, one of the country's most popular attractions, and one of the world's oldest salt mines, having produced table salt from the 13th century until 2007.
The Basics
Three of the mine's nine levels are open to visitors. Explore these upper areas and see underground lakes, pits and chambers that have been made into detailed chapels, and an array of statues and monuments, all carved from salt. The mine's claim to fame is its ornate Chapel of St. Kinga, made entirely of salt—from the chandeliers to the altarpieces—over the course of 30 years. Wieliczka is a popular site for travelers to Krakow, often visited on a half-day trip with a tour guide or combined with a trip to the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to Wieliczka Salt Mine
While the easiest way to arrive from Krakow is via a guided tour, buses to Wieliczka run from Krakow’s main post office every 10 minutes and drop passengers off at the bottom of the road leading up to the mine's entrance. Trains between Krakow and Wieliczka depart every 45 minutes—the Wieliczka train station is about one mile (1 km) from the mine.
When to Get There
The Basics
Three of the mine's nine levels are open to visitors. Explore these upper areas and see underground lakes, pits and chambers that have been made into detailed chapels, and an array of statues and monuments, all carved from salt. The mine's claim to fame is its ornate Chapel of St. Kinga, made entirely of salt—from the chandeliers to the altarpieces—over the course of 30 years. Wieliczka is a popular site for travelers to Krakow, often visited on a half-day trip with a tour guide or combined with a trip to the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors to the mine are guided in groups, with most salt mine tours lasting two hours.
- To avoid long lines often seen in summer, book your tour in advance.
- Tours through the mine involve walking about 1.25 miles (2 km) and descending dozens of stairs (the return trip up is by lift).
- Temperatures are cool below ground, so dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes.
- Admission to the onsite Krakow Salt Works Museum is included with mine entry.
How to Get to Wieliczka Salt Mine
While the easiest way to arrive from Krakow is via a guided tour, buses to Wieliczka run from Krakow’s main post office every 10 minutes and drop passengers off at the bottom of the road leading up to the mine's entrance. Trains between Krakow and Wieliczka depart every 45 minutes—the Wieliczka train station is about one mile (1 km) from the mine.
When to Get There
The most popular months to visit the salt mine are July and August, though it is open year-round. During these summer months, English-language tours depart every half hour between 8:30am and 6pm. At all other times of year, six to eight English tours are offered daily.
Address: ul Daniłowicza 10, Wieliczka 32-020, Poland
Hours: 8 am- 7:30 pm
Admission: 65 PLN
From $ 18
Warsaw Jewish Ghetto (Getto Zydowskie)
The haunting monuments and memorials of Warsaw’s former Jewish Ghetto (Getto Zydowskie) tell the story of its tragic past—during World War II, it was the largest Jewish Ghetto in all of Nazi-occupied Europe.
The Basics
Most Warsaw city tours and Old town walking tours make a stop at the Warsaw Jewish Ghetto, visiting sites such as the remains of the Ghetto Wall, the Monument of the Killed and Murdered in the East, the Warsaw Uprising Monument, the Umschlagplatz Monument, and the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes. For a more comprehensive insight, opt for a Jewish history and heritage tour, or pay a visit to the Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most of the main sites of the Warsaw Ghetto are wheelchair accessible, but there are some narrow lanes and uneven streets to navigate
How to Get There
The Warsaw Ghetto is located at the border of the Old and New Towns and is easy to reach on foot from many of Warsaw’s central attractions. Alternatively, ride the train to Warsaw Central Station or take the tram (1, 22, or 27) to Cm. Zydowski stop.
When to Get There
If you’re exploring Warsaw in the busy summer months, aim for an early morning or late afternoon visit to avoid the tour groups. Alternatively, the most moving time to visit is on International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) when an emotional ceremony is held in front of the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes.
The History of the Warsaw Jewish Ghetto
Before World War II, there were over 400,000 Jews living in Warsaw, and by 1942, all members of the Jewish community were forced into the German-constructed ghetto, demarcated by a 10-foot (3-meter) high wall circling around a specified sector of the Jewish district. In addition to being the restrained living quarters of the Jewish community during the Nazi occupation, the Warsaw Ghetto was also the place from which thousands of men, women, and children were dispatched to the Treblinka Concentration camp in the summer of 1942, which, in turn, led to the Ghetto Uprising.
Address: Warsaw, Poland
Hours: Open Daily
Admission: Free
From $ 41
Wadowice
A small town in southern Poland, Wadowice is best known as the birthplace of Pope John Paul II. The town has been the site of ermanent settlement since the 10th or 11th century and was once a regional center of crafts and trade. Today its primary industry is tourism, attracting 200,000 visitors each year. The primary attractions are the Museum of John Paul II, set in the home where he lived between 1920 and 1938, and the nearby Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin May, which is where the Pope was baptized, confirmed and served as an altar boy. Stop at the tourism office to pick up a booklet outlining a trail of 11 sights related to Pope John Paul II.
Also worth seeing are the 19th-century houses surrounding Pope John Paul II Square, the Municipal Museum of Marcin Wadowita and the monument to writer Emil Zegadlowicz, who often wrote about Wadowice. Don’t leave without trying kremowka, the town’s famous pastry made of cream, eggs, sugar and brandy.
Practical Info
Wadowice is located about 30 miles southwest of Krakow. Trains from Krakow are infrequent and slow, so a bus or mini-bus is a better option. Mini-buses leave from a parking lot across from the Galeria Krakowska mall, and buses leave from a station on the other side of the mall. The Museum of John Paul II is generally open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with tours conducted in groups of up to 25 people.
Address: Wadowice, Poland
From $ 63
Warsaw Old Town Square Market
The Old Town Square Market - or Rynek Starego Miasta - is the oldest part of Warsaw, originally constructed in the late 13th century. After being destroyed by the German army, it was restored after World War II to its beautiful prewar charm, lined with 17th and 18th century houses, shops, and restaurants. The historic center of Warsaw, cafe life is at its height with street vendors and performers abound.
Stop to try a local beer or taste traditional Polish fare and admire the incredible architecture all around you. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this area is not to be missed.
Stop to try a local beer or taste traditional Polish fare and admire the incredible architecture all around you. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this area is not to be missed.
Practical Info
Located right on the river in the heart of Warsaw, the Old Town Square Market is a quick walk from the Stare Miasto tram stop, from which the 13, 23, 26, and 32 lines.
Address: Warsaw 00-272, Poland
From $ 40
Wawel Hill
The very symbol of the nation, the hilltop Wawel, pronounced vah-vel; is more steeped in Polish history than any other place in the country. It was the seat of the kings for over 500 years from the early days of the Polish state, and even after the centre of power moved to Warsaw in the late 16th century it retained much of its symbolic power. Today it is the silent guardian of a millennium of Polish history and the most visited site in the country.
The way to Wawel Hill begins at the southern end of ul Kanonicza, from where a lane leads uphill. Past the equestrian statue of Tadeusz Kościuszko, it turns to the left leading to a vast open central square surrounded by several buildings, of which the Wawel Cathedral and Wawel Castle are the major attractions. Plan on at least four hours up here if you want anything more than just a glance over the place. In the southwestern part of the complex you'll find a visitors centre as well as a gift shop, post office and café with outside terrace.
The way to Wawel Hill begins at the southern end of ul Kanonicza, from where a lane leads uphill. Past the equestrian statue of Tadeusz Kościuszko, it turns to the left leading to a vast open central square surrounded by several buildings, of which the Wawel Cathedral and Wawel Castle are the major attractions. Plan on at least four hours up here if you want anything more than just a glance over the place. In the southwestern part of the complex you'll find a visitors centre as well as a gift shop, post office and café with outside terrace.
Practical Info
Wawel Hill is a short walk from the Old Town of Krakow. Or catch a number 10 tram but be sure to validate your ticket onboard as there are often inspectors roving around. Be aware of the different opening hours of all the attractions. In summer it's best to come early as there may be long queues for tickets later in the day. Alternatively, you can prebook your tickets in advance.
Address: Wawel, Krakow 31-001, Poland
Hours: Open Daily 6am - 8 pm (April - September), 6am - 6pm (October - March)
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Wolski Forest
The Wolski Forest (Las Wolski in Polish) is close to Krakòw city center but has thus far remained well off the tourist radar; it is a hilly, protected forest of beech and oak woodlands covering 422 hectares and hemmed by the River Vistula. A refuge for wildlife such as badgers, red deer and wild boar, in summer the forest is given over to cyclists, hikers and horseback riders and in winter it is riven with tracks for cross-country skiers. It has a number of manmade attractions, too. Kids will love the Przewalski horses and sleek wild cats of Kraków’s zoo and petting farm as well as the bizarre Piłsudski Mound, topped with a granite cross and dedicated to Poland's inter-war leader Józef Piłsudski in 1937.
The slightly sinister Camaldolese Monastery (Klasztor Kamedułów) sits moodily on Srebrna Góra (Silver Mountain); it was founded by Mikołaj Wolski (hence the name of the forest) in 1604 and is occupied by Camaldolite monks who shun contact with the world. Its Baroque secrets are revealed to male visitors on a daily basis but alas, women can only visit on 12 days per year (Easter weekend and Christmas Day included). Wolski Forest is also home to Przegorzały Castle, which today houses Poland’s Centre for Holocaust Studies as well as a romantic restaurant with fantastic views across the Vistula and sometimes even to the Tatra Mountains in the south.
Practical Info
Wolski Forest is eight km (five miles) west of Krakow and is not easily accessed by car. Instead take the regular bus service no. 134, which leaves about every 30 minutes from Stadion Cracovia and heads for the zoo at the center of the Wolski Forest. Here maps are available showing the direction and duration of the walking trails.
Address: Aleja Zubrowa, Krakow, Poland
From $ 38
Wawel Royal Castle (Zamek Wawelski)
The political and cultural centre of Poland until the end of the 16th century, Wawel Royal Castle, also known as Zamek Wawelski is, like Wawel Cathedral, the very symbol of Poland's national identity. The original, rather small residence of the Zamek Wawelski was built in the early 11th century by King Bolesław Chrobry beside t he chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary (known as the Rotunda of SS Felix and Adauctus). King Kazimierz Wielki turned it into a formidable Gothic castle, but when it burned down in 1499, King Zygmunt Stary commissioned a new residence. Within 30 years a splendid Renaissance palace, designed by Italian architects, was in place. Despite further extensions and alterations, the 3-store Renaissance structure, complete with a courtyard arcaded on three sides, has been preserved to this day.
Repeatedly sacked and vandalized by the Swedish and Prussian armies, the castle was occupied after the Third Partition by the Austrians, who intended to make Wawel a citadel. Their plan included turning the castle into barracks, and the cathedral into a garrison church, moving the royal tombs elsewhere. They never got that far but they did turn the royal kitchen and coach house into a military hospital and razed two churches standing at the outer courtyard to make room for a parade ground. They also enveloped the whole hill with a new ring of massive brick walls, largely ruining the original Gothic fortifications. The castle was recovered by Poles after WWI and the restoration began immediately and continued up until the outbreak of WWII. The work was resumed after the war and has been able to recover a good deal of the castle's earlier external form and its interior decoration.
Practical Info
Wavel Royal Castle is on Wawel Hill, a short walk from the Old Town or you can catch tram number 10. Make sure you validate your ticket on the tram - plain clothes inspectors are vigilant in Krakow. The castle is now a museum containing 5 separate sections, each requiring a different ticket that is valid for a specific time. There's a limited daily quota of tickets for some parts, so arrive early if you want to see everything or phone ahead to reserve. You will need a ticket even on 'free' days (Mondays in summer).
Address: Wawel 5, Krakow 31-001, Poland
Hours: 6 am- 5 pm
From $ 6
Tatra National Park
Established in 1949, Tatra National Park is the oldest national park in Slovakia. Covering nearly 300 square miles in north central Slovakia, it encompasses 600 kilometers of hiking paths, 16 different bike trails and more than 100 mountain lakes. The park also includes the highest peak in the country, Gerlachovsky Stit, as well as Lomnicky Peak, easily accessible by cable car, and Krivan Peak, the most popular among the Slovaks. Krivan has become a symbol of freedom for Slovaks and it is said that every Slovak has to climb to the top at least once in his or her lifetime.
While some 300 caves can be found within Tatra National Park, only Belianska Cave is open to the public and is one of the most visited caves in Slovakia. Two thirds of the park is covered by forest, including spruce, Norway spruce, Scots pine and Swiss pine. Thirteen hundred species of plants, 115 species of birds and 42 species of mammals can be found within the park as well.
Practical Info
Hiking trails within the park are only accessible from June 16 to October 31 each year. Hiking away from the marked trails is only permitted while accompanied by an experienced guide. A tour of Belianska Cave costs 8 Euro and lasts just over an hour. Popular gateway towns to the park include Poprad, Tatranska Lomnica, Strbske Pleso and Stary Smokovec. All have frequent connections around Slovakia by bus or train.
Address: Slovakia, Poland
Admission: Cave tour: 8 Euro
From $ 103
Tyniec Benedictine Abbey
Perched in an awesome setting on a limestone crag above the River Vistula, Tyniec's Benedictine Abbey is the oldest of its kind still in operation in Poland. Founded by Benedictine monks in 1044, the abbey wasn’t necessarily built out of spiritualism; in fact, the monks were invited to Krakow in order to restore order and strengthen the position of the newly-found Kingdom of Poland, in the light of major turmoil with the Czechs. This partly explains why the abbey boasts such a defensive and austere allure, as well as its strategic location atop a limestone mountain overlooking the Vistula River. The configuration changed quite drastically over the years as the site underwent raids, cosmetic remodeling and invasions, and it even served as a fortress to rebel Poles during the 1768 War of the Bar Confederation against the Russian Empire.
Nowadays, the Baroque-style complex consists of the abbey itself, the twin-spired church of Saints Peter and Paul, a museum highlighting its turbulent history, tranquil cloisters and courtyards, a souvenir shop selling produce made by the monks—including beer and wine—and a simple restaurant. Visitors can only see the abbey by guided tour, but it's also possible to join the Benedictines for days of contemplation, attending prayer services and eating with the monks.
Practical Info
The Benedictine Abbey is located at Benedyktyńska 37 in Tyniec, roughly nine miles (15 km) southwest of Krakow. It can be reached by car in 25 minutes via route DW780, DK7 and Bolesława Śmiałego. The site can also be reached by public transit using bus #112 from the main train station. Guided tours run throughout the day. The abbey is open daily from 10am to 6pm, and admission costs 6 złoty per person.
Address: Benedyktyńska 37, Kraków 30-398, Poland
Hours: Open daily 10am-6pm
Admission: Adults: 6 PLN
From $ 38
Tatra Mountains
Spilling over Poland’s southern border into Slovakia, the Tatra Mountains are the highest part of the Carpathian range and make up Tatrzański Tatra National Park. Protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this wild and mountainous region is rich with snow-topped peaks, alpine lakes, and sparkling waterfalls.
The Basics
Most visitors opt to explore the Tatras Mountains on a day trip, and tours run from Krakow in Poland or from Poprad in Slovakia. Popular destinations for a day tour include the resort town of Zakopane, where you can visit the Tatra Museum and ride the funicular to the top of Mt. Gubalówka; Morskie Oko Lake, where horse carriage rides are a fun activity; the mountain village of Zdiar in Slovakia, known for its traditional log cabins; and the ski resort of Kasprowy Wierch, reached by cable car. If you want to venture farther into the mountain landscapes, you’ll also find plenty of options for hiking in the High Tatras Mountains.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Tatras Mountains are a must for avid hikers and outdoor adventurers.
- The weather in the mountains can change quickly, and it can get cold at high altitudes even in the summer months, so pack for all seasons.
- Unless you are an experienced hiker, it’s recommended to hike with a local guide.
- A 4WD is recommended for driving in the Tatras Mountains.
- Facilities for hikers are very limited, so take everything you need, including sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water.
How to Get There
The most convenient entry point to the mountains on the Polish side is Zakopane, about a 2-hour drive south of Krakow. To reach Zakopane by public transportation, it’s a scenic 3.5-hour train ride or a less-scenic but quicker 2.5-hour bus ride from Krakow. To get around in the mountains, transportation is limited so it’s best to book a group or private tour.
When to Get There
May through September are the best months for hiking and visiting the lakes. While resorts like Zakopane can get busy in July and August, the vast mountains make it easy to escape the crowds. For winter visitors, the main ski season runs from December to early May.
Outdoor Activities in the Tatras Mountains
During the summer months, you can hike the Tatras’ 155-mile (250-kilometer) network of trails, ranging from challenging mountain summits to short scenic walks, or venture into the caves around the Koscieliska Valley. Other popular activities include mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and even paragliding. In winter, Kasprowy Wierch is the go-to destination for skiing and winter sports, with around 9 miles (15 kilometers) of runs.
Address: Poland
From $ 36
Tatra Mountains Museum
Dr. Tytus Chalubinski was a Polish physician who first established Zakopane as a health resort during the nineteenth century. He was also a known admirer of the culture and folklore of the local people living in the Tatra Mountains. In 1888, a group of the doctor’s friends founded The Tatra Mountains Museum in his honor.
The collections at the Tatra Mountains Museum cover a range of topics, from natural history and ethnography to Tatra art from the early nineteenth century. The oldest items in the collection are the 400-plus taxidermy birds and mammals, as well as Tytus Chalubinski’s moss herbarium and a set of Tatra rocks. The collection has since expanded to include more than 70,000 items that showcase the natural and cultural history of the Tatra Mountains.
Practical Info
Pick up an informational sheet in English when you purchase your entrance ticket.
Address: Krupowki 10, Zakopane, Poland
Hours: Wed -Sat 9am to 5pm; Sun 9am to 3pm
Admission: 7,00 zl
From $ 44
Warsaw Old Town
Almost entirely destroyed during WWII, Warsaw’s historic Old Town underwent an extensive restoration that transformed the area into a vibrant riverfront hub. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the neighborhood boasts striking recreations of 17th- and 18th-century structures, as well as the Warsaw History Museum.
The Basics
A popular day trip destination from Lodz or Krakow, Warsaw Old Town is famous for its ornate buildings, expansive squares, and rich cultural history. Walking, cycling, and Segway tours provide fresh air and a close-up view of city highlights such as the Royal Castle, Grand Market Square, and Palace of Culture and Science. Car and bus tours are also available, including group and private excursions in a retro bus or Fiat car. If you’d rather explore on your own schedule, hop-on hop-off bus tours are a good option.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Warsaw is magical at night with illuminated fountains and buildings.
- Be sure to sample Poland’s iconic dumplings (pierogi) at a local restaurant.
- Warsaw is Poland's city of transformation—a fascinating place for history and culture fans.
How to Get There
Warsaw has two airports—Warsaw Chopin and Warsaw Modlin. The closest airport is Warsaw Chopin, which is roughly 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) from the city center. There is a train link that connects the airport with the city center (Warszawa Centralna station). The public transport system consists of buses, trams, and metro lines—conveniently, they all use the same ticketing system.
When to Get There
There is plenty to see and do in Warsaw throughout the year. When it comes to weather, the best months to visit are between April and October, as Warsaw is typically freezing during winter. If you want to avoid crowds, it’s a good idea to avoid July and August (the peak tourist season).
Where to Eat and Drink in Warsaw Old Town
There are plenty of wonderful restaurants in Warsaw Old Town. If you want to try traditional Polish food with eco-friendly ingredients, be sure to visit Polka. Another Warsaw spot known for its Polish hunting cuisine is Przy Zamku. If you want to try local Polish drinks, Pasieka is an unusual restaurant with mead drinking rooms.
Address: Warsaw, Poland
From $ 18
The Royal Way in Warsaw
Originally used as a communication route, Warsaw's famous Royal Way (or Royal Route) is a beautiful, 2.5 mile-(4 km) long road that goes from the The Royal Palace at Old Town to the Wilanow Palace. Walking this road assures you an incredible view of Polish historical landmarks, including St. Anne's Church, the Tyszkiewicz Palace, the Holy Cross Church, St. Alexander's Church, Lazienki Park, and so much more. An entire day can be spent exploring the monuments and side streets that are considered part of the "Road of Kings", and there are innumerable sights to be seen.
An impressive monument to the Polish composer Chopin sits in the Lazienki park, and during the summer, classical musical concerts are held on the lawn. In addition to being the living quarters of many Polish nobles, including the Polish president, museums, chic shopping, people-watching, and fine eateries are abound on this most beautiful and historic of streets.
Practical Info
The Royal Way begins at the Royal Palace in Old Town and extends out to the Wilanow Palace, making it a perfect guide to a historic tour of Warsaw. Be sure to wear good walking shoes, and remember that the actual Royal Way isn't just one street (Krakowskie Przedmiescie), but also includes a series of connecting streets. A good monument map will ensure that you take in all of interesting sights.
Address: Krakowskie Przedmiescie, Warsaw, Poland
Admission: Free
From $ 18
Town Hall Tower
Pisa’s leaning tower may have all the fame, but Krakow’s Town Hall Tower is a must-see nonetheless. Quite literally – as one of the focal points of Krakow’s main market square, it’s pretty hard to miss. Built towards the end of the 13th century, the 70-meter tall tower started leaning (it currently tilts by as much as 55 centimeters) after massively strong winds in 1703. It should be said, however, that the tower survived many fires and was therefore weakened considerably throughout the years.
To this day, the tower is the only remaining part of Krakow’s old town all. Visitors interested in visiting the tower should not worry; the tower is perfectly safe for visitors and even has an observation deck on its upper floor, reachable by a narrow staircase. The tower, as part of the Historical Museum of Kraków and because of its location in the old Cloth Hall, often has artworks and medieval costumes on display. There’s also an underground café, which is housed in the former city dungeons and torture rooms.
Practical Info
The Town Hall Tower is located on the northwestern corner of Krakow’s main market square, Rynek Glowny. It is therefore easily reachable by foot and instantly recognizable. It is not advised to drive into Krakow’s old town center. Admission costs 8 złoty per adult and 6 złoty per children. Family tickets (2 adults and 2 children up to 16) are available at 16 złoty. The town hall tower is open seven days a week from 10:30 AM to 6 PM between April and October, and from 12 to 6 PM between November and March. Last entrance is 30 minutes before closing.
Address: Stare Miasto, Krakow, Poland
Hours: Daily from 10:30 AM to 6 PM between April and October, and from 12 to 6 PM between November and March. Last entrance is 30 minutes before closing.
Admission: 8 złoty per adult and 6 złoty per children.
From $ 12
Zakopane
Zakopane is a small town located in southern Poland at the foot of the Tatras Mountains near the border with Slovakia. Known as the winter capital of Poland, it is a popular tourist destination for skiing, snowboarding and ski jumping. Nearby ski resorts include Mount Gubalowka, Kasprowy Wierch and Nosal, and cross country ski trails can be found in the forests surrounding Zakopane. Mount Gubalowka can be reached directly from the town center via funicular.
Zakopane is also a great summer destination, with opportunities for hiking, climbing and spelunking in the surrounding mountains, as well as longer excursions to the Dunajec River Gorge and Niedzica Castle, just 25 miles (40 km) away. It is also a great place to experience the traditional Goral culture—a group of indigenous people with their own unique language, food, music, architecture and dress.
The city sees a quarter of a million visitors each year, and no visit to Zakopane is complete without a stroll along Krupowki Street. This popular street in the center of town is lined with shops and restaurants and is a great place to buy traditional Zakopane souvenirs.
Practical Info
Zakopane is most easily reached from Krakow, which is about two and a half hours away by bus. Buses leave Krakow regularly throughout the day, and tickets cost just a few dollars. It is also possible to get to Zakopane by train from Krakow, Warsaw or Wroclaw.
Address: Zakopane, Poland
Hours: Daily
From $ 44
National Museum
The biggest museum in all of Krakow, the National Museum, is actually the regional (and most important) branch of Poland's National Museum - There are over 21 departments in Krakow alone, made up of 12 conservation workshops, 2 libraries and 11 galleries, each divided by art period, for a grand total of over 780,000 artworks. The museum came to be after Henryk Siemiradzki, one of Poland's most celebrated painters, offered one of his works to the city of Krakow; soon after, hundreds of other artists and collectors started doing the same "“ forcing the city to adopt a special motion to house this invaluable collection. By creating the museum, the Polish government wanted to promote the achievements of the Krakow artistic community and the fine arts in general to the people of Poland, and, later on, to visitors from around the world.
Practical Info
The National Museum consists of several different buildings scattered across Krakow. The Main Building, which houses three permanent collections (Gallery 'Arms and Uniforms' in Poland, Gallery of Decorative Arts, and Gallery of 20th-Century Polish Art) is located outside the historical center at aleja 3 Maja 1. There is a paid municipal parking across the street; alternatively, it is possible to reach the museum by tram via line 20, or even by foot, seeing as it's just a 15-minute walk from Rynek Glowny. The museum is open every day except Monday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and exceptionally until 4 PM on Sundays. Entry is free for children under 7; it costs 1 złoty per children under 16 and students under 26, and 26 złoty per adult. Entry to permanent collections is free for everyone on Sundays. Audioguides are available for hire for 7 złoty per person. A museum pass is available for 35 złoty and entitles its owner to enter all the branches and permanent exhibitions of the National Museum in Krakow.
Address: Al. 3 Maja 1, Krakow, Poland
Hours: Open every day except Monday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and exceptionally until 4 PM on Sundays.
Admission: 26 zloty per adult, 1 zloty for children 7-16 and students
From $ 6