21 Poland

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Schengen Zone Visa Rules

Poland is in the Schengen Area. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date.

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Currency is the Polish Zloty

Poland uses the Polish Zloty (PLN), not the Euro. Avoid currency exchange kiosks (kantor) at airports and in tourist zones as they offer poor rates. ATMs from banks like PKO or mBank give the best rates. Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry cash for markets, small shops, and rural areas.

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Excellent Train Network

PKP Intercity trains connect all major cities comfortably and affordably. The Warsaw-Krakow express takes about 2.5 hours. Book tickets in advance on the PKP Intercity app or website for Promo prices that can be 50-70% cheaper than walk-up fares. Flixbus is a good budget alternative for some routes.

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Book Auschwitz and Salt Mine Early

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and the Wieliczka Salt Mine are Poland's most visited attractions and tours sell out weeks in advance, especially in summer. Book online through the official websites as soon as your dates are confirmed. Free entry slots at Auschwitz are limited and fill up fast.

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Tipping Customs

Tipping 10% at restaurants is standard in Poland. Tell the server the total amount you want to pay rather than leaving coins on the table. Tip in cash even if paying the bill by card. Rounding up for taxi drivers and leaving small change for hotel housekeeping is also common.

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Tap Water is Safe

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Poland, though some locals prefer filtered or bottled water. Carry a reusable bottle to save money. Poland is also very affordable compared to Western Europe, with meals in milk bars (bar mleczny) costing as little as 15-25 PLN.

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Safety and General Tips

Poland is consistently ranked among the safest countries in Europe with low rates of violent crime. English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Warsaw and Krakow. Use Type C and Type E plugs (230V/50Hz) and bring an adapter if coming from outside continental Europe.

1

Warsaw Old Town and History

📍 Warsaw

Start at the meticulously rebuilt Old Town Market Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and climb the tower of St. Anne's Church for rooftop views. Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum for an immersive look at the 1944 resistance. Walk through the Royal Route from Castle Square to Lazienki Park to see the Palace on the Isle. Try zurek (sour rye soup) in a bread bowl at a milk bar.

2

Krakow and Wawel Castle

📍 Krakow

Take a morning train to Krakow and head straight to the Main Market Square (Rynek Glowny), the largest medieval town square in Europe. Visit St. Mary's Basilica to hear the hourly trumpet call, then explore Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral on the hill above the Vistula River. Spend the evening in Kazimierz, the historic Jewish quarter, sampling pierogi and oscypek at a traditional restaurant.

3

Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz

📍 Wieliczka / Oswiecim

Take a morning excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, descending 135 meters to see underground chapels carved entirely from salt, including the stunning Chapel of St. Kinga. In the afternoon, make the sobering visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, about 1.5 hours from Krakow. Book guided tours in advance for both sites as they sell out quickly.

4

Wroclaw Bridges and Dwarfs

📍 Wroclaw

Travel to Wroclaw and explore the colorful Market Square surrounded by ornate townhouses. Hunt for the 300+ bronze dwarf figurines scattered across the city's streets and bridges. Walk to Ostrow Tumski (Cathedral Island) across the Oder River to see the Gothic cathedral lit by gas lamps at dusk. Finish with bigos (hunter's stew) and Polish craft beer in the vibrant university district.