10 Days in Poland: Itinerary, What to Do & Where to Go

To quench your Central Europe wanderlust, spending 10 days in Poland might be the easiest remedy. Whether you’re into exploring magical historic cities or battery-recharge nature, an epic Poland itinerary is the European escape you’ve been craving.

Kickstarting what to do in Poland isn’t the hard part; it’s deciding what to leave out. Urban travellers will have plenty of choices, from the Hanseatic seaside grace of Gdansk to the show-stopping architecture of Krakow. If you’re a nature lover, you can seek serenity in Białowieża National Park or clear your lungs in the High Tatras near Zakopane. Either way, choosing among the best places to visit in Poland can present a challenge!

Not sure where to go in Poland in 10 days? Dig into this amazing Central European country with this complete 10-day itinerary.

Why Treksplorer? Founded in 2011 by Ryan O’Rourke, Treksplorer provides travel recommendations and advice to millions of readers every year. Our content is rooted in our writers’ firsthand experiences, in-depth research, and/or collaborations with other experts and locals. Read more about our editorial policy.

Where to go in Poland in 10 days: A complete itinerary

Launching an epic 10-day Poland itinerary is easier than you think. A modern and ever-improving transportation system connects major Polish cities and even lesser-known gems. Distances in Poland are becoming less of a problem. It’s no more challenging to travel through Poland than through other Central European destinations.

Krakow

Poland is a little different, though. It’s beautiful enough to appease travellers used to classic European grace, while just rough enough around the edges to give rustic backpackers their due. However you decide to dole out your plans of what to do in Poland, I guarantee it’ll be satisfying.

Warsaw

1 Day

My suggestion to start your 10 days in Poland in Warsaw is bound to attract a few detractors. Warsaw isn’t necessarily an immediately loveable destination, but a necessary one for any Poland itinerary. Unless you’re simply popping into Poland for a weekend, no trip to Central Europe’s heartland should leave out Warsaw.

Krakowskie Przedmiescie in Warsaw

I can’t guarantee it’ll be love at first sight. But Warsaw’s not so hard to get to know either. Polish history surges through the veins of Warsaw, as does the present and future of the nation. From the timeless streets of Old Town to an ever-evolving food & drink scene with more than a dash of the past peppered in the mix, Warsaw can be deeply satisfying in more ways than one.

Give yourself at least one day in Warsaw, more if you’ve got the time. Give Poland’s upbeat capital a chance to snatch your heart.

What to do in Warsaw

While Warsaw doesn’t exude the classic European charm of Krakow in the south, that’s not to say that it won’t keep your interest peaked. There’s a little of everything here: hip restaurants, world-class museums, medieval squares, and even a waterborne palace.

Get started exploring Poland’s capital with a few of these top things to do in Warsaw:

Experience the grace of Old Town (Stare Miasto)

It’s a bit of a misnomer to describe Warsaw’s Old Town (Stare Miasto) as “old.” On the surface, yes. The foundations of Old Town were laid long ago, in bygone centuries. But as with so many cities in Central Europe, World War II was not kind to Warsaw. Much of the original Old Town was flattened, leaving little beyond rubble in its wake.

Old Town Market Place in Warsaw

The Old Town seen today in Warsaw is a modern-era restoration that flashes back perfectly to the grace of its pre-war existence. With UNESCO declaring Warsaw’s Old Town a World Heritage Site, the importance doesn’t appear to be giving way any time soon.

The best way to experience Old Town is to wander through the alleyways spoking out from Old Town Market Square. If you’re interested in art and history, don’t miss a visit to the Royal Castle, the reconstruction of Poland’s 16th-century royal residence.

Relive the resistance at the Warsaw Rising Museum

There’s no more fascinating place to whet your appetite for modern Polish history than the Warsaw Rising Museum. This museum opened on the 60th anniversary of the Warsaw Rising. Through a variety of interesting exhibits, it documents the history of the movement that ultimately shook the Nazis’ grip on Poland.

The admission of 20zł (free on Sundays) is well worth it.

Swoon over Warsaw from above at the Palace of Culture & Science

With almost unanimity, Warsovians despise the monstrous Palace of Culture & Science. This hallmark of communist architecture is often dubbed “Stalin’s Last Erection” in reference to the Soviet leader who “gifted” it to Poland. And with its grandiosity, it’s hard to ignore while visiting Warsaw.

Palace of Science and Culture in Warsaw

Putting aside the impossibility of avoiding gazing up at the 231-metre-high building that clogs Warsaw’s skyline from nearly every angle, the Palace of Culture & Science is a must-see for the panoramas from atop. (Locals often joke that the views are the best in the city as they’re the only ones that exclude the building itself!)

Entrance to the observatory deck at the Palace of Culture & Science is 20zł.

Experience the “real” Warsaw in Praga

Not long ago, no smart traveller would dare step into Praga. Oh, how things have changed! Today, Praga is Warsaw’s coolest up-and-coming district, the Polish capital’s answer to Berlin’s Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain.

Bazar Rozychkiego in Praga District, Warsaw

Sitting just east of the tourist bubble of Old Town, getting over to Praga for a grittier look at Warsaw is hardly difficult. To witness the district’s transformation from shab to shab-chic, meander along ulica Ząbkowska, , This lively street has sprouted a handful of interesting art galleries, bars, cafes, and restaurants.

For more background information on the district, pop into the new Praga Museum (ul. Targowa 50/52). The museum is located on ulica Targowa just a block south of ulica Ząbkowska.

Where to stay in Warsaw

Even with its size, choosing where to stay in Warsaw is generally relatively simple. There’s a good selection of accommodations in Warsaw, especially around the centre of town.

  • Warsaw Hostel Centrum: A centrally located hostel with both private rooms and dorms. It’s a good compromise between budget and comfort.
  • Old Town Castle Apartment: Comfortable apartment in the heart of Old Town. Many of Warsaw’s top tourist attractions are just a short walk away. The apartment offers superb value compared to nearby hotels. Book early as this place is insanely popular!
  • Hotel Chmielna Warsaw: A comfortable and quiet 2-star hotel with a very central location at the fraction of the price of nearby chain hotels. Everything you’ll need for your stay in Warsaw is within a short walking distance.
  • Sheraton Warsaw Hotel: A luxurious 5-star property in the heart of Warsaw. The hotel is home to two fine restaurants and a bar to unwind after a long day. A 24-hour fitness centre, sauna, and steam bath are also available for guests.

Getting to Warsaw

Several airlines fly into Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) including LOT Polish Airlines, the flagship carrier of Poland.

From the United States, the best fares to Warsaw start at about $415 return. From Canada, you’ll be hard-pressed to find flights much under C$800. If you stopover in the UK, you could find low-cost flights for as little as £30 one-way.

Looking for cheap flights to Warsaw? I’d recommend searching for airfare deals on Cheapoair!

Gdansk

3 Days

Hanging onto Poland’s Baltic coast, Gdansk rarely features on first-time Poland itineraries. And it’s a huge mistake. Gdansk is one of the best places to visit in Poland, even if it can’t stack up in popularity with Krakow, Warsaw, or even Wroclaw.

The charms of Gdansk are intricately tied in with its seaside setting. Centuries of merchant trade left their mark on Gdansk, leaving behind a stunning architectural legacy that feels more Germanic than Polish.

On the surface, Gdansk has more in common with Copenhagen or Hamburg than Warsaw or Krakow. This distinction among Polish cities alone makes the trip to Gdansk worthwhile.

Artus Court in Gdansk

Give yourself at least three days to explore Gdansk on this 10-day Poland itinerary. The city itself could captivate for the entire time. But the real treat is the day trips that lie in every direction. From medieval castles to seaside resorts, the whole of northern Poland is well connected to the region’s biggest city. Use this chance to explore it as much as possible.

What to do in Gdansk

There aren’t just a ton of things to do in Gdansk itself; the whole Gdansk area is ripe for exploration. With just three days (surely you could squeeze a few more, couldn’t you?), you’ll have to compromise.

Explore Gdansk’s Main Town & Old Town

Getting to grips with Gdansk begins with a thorough exploration of its delightful Main Town & Old Town.

Begin your walking tour of Gdansk by sauntering along Długa. This beautiful main drag, once catering to Polish royal processions, leads to the heart of Gdansk, Długa Targ. This main market square breathes more than a little Germanic flair into the city. It’s ringed with distinct restored merchant houses, a reminder of its Hanseatic seafaring days.

Old Town Gdansk

Elsewhere in Main Town, don’t miss St. Mary’s Basilica. Thought to be the world’s (or at least Europe’s) largest brick church, St. Mary’s Basilica has long been the most important religious symbol of the city.

The church sustained heavy damage in World War II. Like most of Gdansk, most of what you’ll see at St. Mary’s Basilica is a painstaking reconstruction of the 15th-century original.

Scale up the over 400 steps to the top of the church tower (6zł admission) for fabulous views over Gdansk.

Show your “Solidarity” at the Gdansk Shipyards

I generally avoid ports. But when they are as important as the Gdansk Shipyards, skipping out isn’t an option.

Flashback to 1980, the Gdansk Shipyards witnessed one of the first blows to communism in Europe when shipyard electrician Lech Wałęsa founded Solidarity (Solidarność).

What started as a trade union in these shipyards became much more. Solidarity was one of the most important social movements of the era, sounding the death knell to communist rule in Poland and beyond.

To learn more about the Solidarity movement, visit the European Solidarity Centre (Europejskie Centrum Solidarności) at the entrance to the shipyards. The centre features a permanent exhibit with multimedia displays that detail the movement’s founding and its impact on politics in Poland and, more generally, Europe.

Discover the medieval grace of Malbork Castle on a day trip

It’s rare to find a castle where a mere glance can surge all your medieval childhood fairytales to life. Malbork Castle is it.

The history of Malbork Castle slips back to the Crusades when the Teutonic Knights fled northward from the Arabs. Their original fortress grew over the centuries, eventually becoming the largest Gothic fortification in Europe.

Malbork Castle

Malbork Castle is no less impressive today. The reconstruction projects that followed World War II restored Malbork Castle to its former glory. And it was no easy feat with the damage sustained over the years from war, neglect, and fires.

Besides the turrets, ramparts, and towers that look as if they were plucked from the pages of legends, the inside of the Malbork Castle features exhibits that walk through the castle’s history.

This vast castle, the largest in the world by area, isn’t a quick drop-in. Set aside a couple hours to truly soak in Malbork Castle’s medieval glories.

Where to stay in Gdansk

There’s a good selection of accommodations in Gdansk. But with the city’s increasing popularity among travellers, it’s getting harder and harder to find deals without booking well ahead of time. To grab the perfect room in Gdansk, start your search early.

  • 4-friendshostel: A great guesthouse/hostel in a superb location. Offers both clean private rooms and dorms. Many of the top Gdansk attractions are just a short walk away.
  • Old Town Panorama Apartments: An excellent apartment in the heart of Gdansk. Apartments are spacious, perfect for travelling as a family or in a group. A self-catering kitchenette offers an excellent way to save money on eating out.
  • Liberum: A super central hotel in a historic building with a ton of character. Rooms are comfortable, bright, and quiet.
  • Radisson Blu Hotel Gdansk: A luxurious 5-star hotel occupying a stunning historic Gothic merchant house on Dluga Targ in Main Town. Can’t get more central than this!

Getting to Gdansk

The upgraded train services between Warsaw and Gdansk make the train by far the best option. Direct trains between Warszawa Centralna and Gdańsk Główny depart every hour and take less than 3 hours (150zł to 229zł). Check schedules and prices here.

Wroclaw

2 Days

For a city many outside of Poland have never heard of, Wroclaw packs a punch. Crowned the 2016 European Capital of Culture, Wroclaw has nabbed the attention of travellers, at least in Europe, over the past several years.

Wroclaw feels a bit like Krakow before the big crowds swooped it. But don’t wait too long to visit; a (relative) secret like Wroclaw will only last so long.

Market Square in Wroclaw

I can hardly think of another city whose fate has laid in the hands of so many. Over its long history, Wroclaw has been ruled by Austrians, Czechs, Hungarians, Germans, and Poles. Each left a mark on the capital of Lower Silesia. It’s given Wroclaw an interesting aesthetic unike any other Polish city.

Try to carve out at least two days in Wroclaw. You should be able to cover most of the major sites in town in that time.

What to do in Wroclaw

Although the city is home to over 600,000 people, you can cover many of the best things to do in Wroclaw on foot throughout the compact city centre.

Wandering through the Old Town

The excitement of exploring any Polish city starts with the Old Town. And with lovely mix of Central European influences, Wroclaw’s Old Town doesn’t disappoint.

Wroclaw Town Hall in Wroclaw

Wroclaw is at its most picturesque at Market Square, the centre of Old Town. Around the 14th century, Wroclaw really hit its groove. The city was, at the time, one of the largest trading centres in Europe. It beckoned goods from all over the continent and beyond.

Wroclaw, much like its northern counterpart of Gdansk, became a member of the Hanseatic League. It helped to shape the architectural canvas that still charms travellers today.

Keep on the lookout for the Town Hall (Ratusz). This Gothic masterpiece on Market Square really stands out, even in a city as beautiful as Wroclaw.

Get stunned by the Gothic tranquility of Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski)

Even though the hordes in Wroclaw can’t rival Krakow, escape the buzz of Old Town for the quiet cobblestoned alleyways of Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski). Propped up on the northern banks of the Oder River, Cathedral Island is the oldest part of Wroclaw and one of the city’s true gems. The area offers a flashback to Wroclaw’s humble beginnings.

Long before the city centre blossomed around Old Town, the town of Wroclaw flourished on Cathedral Island. After scuffle with the invading Tatars, who left much of Cathedral Island in ruin, the shift to the “mainland” surged forward. Cathedral Island waned in importance, becoming a idyllic spiritual escape rather than trading centre.

Cathedral Island in Wroclaw

Its ancient legacy left Cathedral Island jam-packed with stunning medieval and Gothic architecture. Cross over Tumski Bridge (Most Tumski) for a stroll down ulica Katedralna.

Not to be missed is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist at the end of ulica Katedralna. Besides the epic 16th-century Gothic altarpiece and massive church organ, the cathedral’s tower (5zł), offering the city’s best panoramic view, is worth the trip.

If you can, visit Cathedral Island in the evening. Under the faint glow of gaslights, Ostrów Tumski is at its most atmospheric.

Where to stay in Wroclaw

Finding accommodations in Wroclaw isn’t as much of a challenge as in Krakow or Warsaw where the size of the city and the selection can overwhelm. For travellers, Old Town and Śródmieście are the best areas to narrow your search for convenience.

  • Moon Hostel: An excellent choice for budget travellers wanting to stay in Old Town. Offers both dorms and private rooms. The larger quadruple and family rooms offer private bathrooms.
  • B&B Hotel Wroclaw Centrum: A nice budget hotel located within walking distance of both Cathedral Island and Market Square. Rooms offer few frills but are spacious, comfortable and clean.
  • Centrum Dikul Hotel: A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town. Offer large rooms with splendid modern decor. A rarity among hotels anywhere are the electronic adjustable beds installed in the rooms. An excellent breakfast is also included with most bookings.
  • Hotel Monopol: The best 5-star hotel in Wroclaw. Pamper yourself with the hotel’s wellness offerings including an indoor pool, sauna, steam bath and massages. Rooms are incredibly spacious with excellent city views available. Two fine on-site restaurants serve delicious Polish and Mediterranean fare.

Getting to Wroclaw

Trains between Gdańsk Główny and Wrocław Główny leave about 4 times per day. The journey takes between 5h29m to 6h10m (70zł to 91zł). If you have extra time and find the trip too long, break it up with a stay in Poznan.

Krakow

3 Days

No visit to Poland is complete without a visit to Krakow. In fact, most Poland itineraries start—and end—here.

Now that you’ve already experienced a couple of the best places to visit in Poland, Krakow is just the cherry on top. It’s Poland’s top tourist destination for a reason. Travellers fall in love with Krakow nearly unanimously. And if not, they probably didn’t dig quite far enough.

Not only are the treasures of Krakow obvious, the city has an intangible vibrance that always leaves you wanting more.

Rynek Glowny in Krakow

Dedicate at least three days to Krakow. In addition to a hearty exploration of the city, there’s a handful of vital day trips that every traveller to Poland should take.

With only three days, you’ll need to make a judgment call or put the pedal to the metal to fit in everything I’ve mentioned here. The more time you can stretch out in Krakow, though, the better.

What to do in Krakow

For the record: I don’t recommend skimming through Krakow. There’s just too much complexity and too many things to do in Krakow to stuff it all in to a vacuum-packed Krakow itinerary without leaving something to be desired.In any case, here are a few pointers on where to start…

Let your love of Krakow blossom in Old Town

Here’s a unsurprising confession: I love Krakow’s Old Town. Even if it’s gotten a lot more crowded over the past decade, Old Town still exudes magic. From Gothic churches to castles rising above the riverbank, Krakow’s Old Town is an absolute gem. Don’t miss your chance to find your own love for it.

Cloth Hall Krakow

Start off in Rynek Glowny, a massive market square that’s been the centre of Krakow for centuries. The square is surrounded by incredible architecture, none more impressive than the superlatively large Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica.

Take time to explore each, especially the Rynek Undergound beneath the Cloth Hall and the interior of St. Mary’s Basilica. Within the chuch, you’ll find Veit Stoss’s masterful Gothic alterpiece.

At the southern fringes of Old Town don’t miss the grandeur of Wawel Hill, home to the Wawel Cathedral and Wawel Castle. Although Wawel Castle isn’t as striking as Malbork Castle near Gdansk, exploring the castle’s array of extravagant treasures will surely spark reaction. The ornate chapels of Wawel Cathedral are no less impressive.

Descend into the mysterious caverns of Wieliczka Salt Mine

With a free half-day or so, find your way to the fringes of Krakow for a (maybe literal) taste of one of Europe’s most unique attractions, Wieliczka Salt Mine. As one of the first UNESCO Heritage Sites in the entire world, Wieliczka Salt Mine is clearly a special place.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

The regular tourist route through the mine snakes through dozens of chambers and galleries carved out from rock salt. Along the way you’ll encounter intricate formations from monuments and statues to underground lakes and chapels.

Most impressive on the tour is the Chapel of St. Kinga. In this otherworldly church, every decoration and adornment is painstakingly carved from salt.

TIP: To make the most of your time, book yourself on a Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour from Krakow. The guided half-day tour leaves twice a day from Matejko Square in Old Town and includes transportation and admission to the mine.

Experience an all-too-real history lesson at Auschwitz-Birkenau

Set aside at least one day in your itinerary for Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of the best day trips from Krakow. It’s hard to stomach the horrors of these two Nazi concentration camps, but it’s an absolutely necessary trip for anyone who wants to better understand the 20th-century history of Poland, Europe, and, indeed, of the world.

Auschwitz-Birkenau in Oswiecim

The museum at Auschwitz-Birkenau is a sombre scene, bringing to life conditions at the camps with a number of exhibits.

Most haunting are the personal effects of the prisoners—from eyeglasses and uniforms to toothbrushes and journals—left behind as they were erased from history with precision.

Equally shuddering are artefacts from the German side. Among them, empty canisters of Zyklon B, the poison used in the gas chambers, sit idle having long ago fulfilled their deadly duty.

Spend at least one-and-a-half to two hours at both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II (Birkenau) to fully absorb the scene.

TIP: Want the full experience? I’d recommend booking a guided tour like the Auschwitz and Birkenau Tour from Krakow.

Where to stay in Krakow

With its ever increasing popularity, finding where to stay in Krakow is hardly as easy as it once was. The best properties for travellers looking to explore the city centre lie within Old Town and Kazimierz. You’ll need to book well ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

  • Mundo Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel with both private rooms and dorms on offer. International design touches give each room a unique vibe. A short five-minute walk to Wawel Hill.
  • Aparthotel Stare Miasto: An amazingly central apartment/hotel hybrid. It offers spacious and comfortable rooms with a unique design aesthetic that combines modernity with a rustic touch.
  • Hotel Legend: A modern hotel located between Kazimierz and Old Town. The cozy and quiet rooms are the perfect place to put up your feet after a long day of sightseeing in Krakow.

Getting to Krakow

Travelling between Wroclaw and Krakow by train is no longer the slow tedious trudge it once was. Direct trains between Wroclaw and Krakow depart every couple hours, taking only about 3h20m on average (45zł to 81zł). Buses cost a little more and take about the same time.

Zakopane

1 Day

With most of this Poland itinerary taking place in & around cities, I couldn’t leave you without suggesting a trip to Zakopane, Poland’s most famous outdoor retreat.

View over High Tatras and Zakopane

Visiting Zakopane at anytime of year is fanastic. In the winter, the area bustles as Poland’s top ski resort; in summer, the hiking trails around Zakopane swell with travellers looking to escape to the stressors of the city.

What to do in Zakopane

Entering into the world of Zakopane means confronting unrivalled nature head on. Start with a couple of these top-notch things to do in Zakopane…

Breathe in the sweet mountain air on a hike from Zakopane

If you’re visiting in the late spring to early fall, there’s no better way to soak in Zakopane than to take to the trails. Hiking around Zakopane is among the best experiences you’ll have during your 10 days in Poland.

Mountain Trail in Zakopane

Clear your head and your lungs from European city life. A few of the most easily accessible and best hikes from Zakopane include Gubalowka, Kasprowy Wierch, and Strazyska Valley.

Marvel at the beauty of Morskie Oko

Of all the reasons to visit Zakopane, a trip to Morskie Oko takes the top spot. This crystalline glacial lake is buried deep in Tatra National Park. Morskie Oko is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Poland, reflecting the majesty of the High Tatra mountains in its emerald waters.

High Tatras at Morskie Oko, Poland

The walk to Morskie Oko starts about 20 kilometres from Zakopane at Lysa Polana. From here, it’s an 9-kilometre (approximately 2-hour) trek to the lake along a mostly paved tarmac road.

No cars are allowed, but you can save time by taking a horse carriage ride. Truthfully, it’s an excellent option as the most interesting part of the hike is around the lake itself!

Where to Stay in Zakopane

With the unique timbered homes that the area is famous for, accommodations in Zakopane aren’t quite like anything you find elsewhere in Poland. Even if you’ve never heard of Zakopane, remember that every Pole has; Zakopane is an insanely popular Polish escape year round. Book well ahead of time or see your choices dwindled.

  • Willa Anna: A cozy guesthouse showcasing classic Zakopane style. It’s a short five-minute walk to the Szymaszkowa Ski Lift and 15 minutes to Krupowki Street at the centre of town. Self-catering apartments and suites are available for bigger groups.
  • Lipowy Dwór: A rustic guesthouse located on a quiet street not far from the centre of Zakopane. Rooms are cozy with a homey atmosphere. Views of the surrounding area are simply breathtaking.
  • Walkowy Dwór: A modern inn with stylish rustic touches. Offers incredible views and is located close to Zakopane’s ski facilities.

Getting to Zakopane

Buses are by far the quickest way to get between Krakow and Zakopane. The frequent and cheap MajerBus routes take about two hours and cost 15zł.

More Poland itinerary ideas

  • Have more time? Give the capital Warsaw a couple more days to truly dig into and better appreciate the beating heart of the Polish nation. Extend your stay in Zakopane to take full advantage of hiking in the High Tatras and unwinding in incredible natural surroundings.
  • Craving more urban Poland? Slide a couple days in Poznan and/or Torun between Gdansk and Wroclaw. Both are loaded with culture and personality and are the perfect addition to this itinerary.
  • Want to get off the beaten path? Penetrate the deep woods of Białowieża National Park on the Belarusian border. Relax in Europe’s most primeval forest, spotting European bison in their natural habitat.

Things to know before you go to Poland

When to go to Poland

Like much of Central Europe, the weather in Poland can be unpredictable—at nearly any time of the year. It sports a typical European continental climate with warm summers and cool winters. Spring & autumn fall somewhere in between.

For most travellers, the best time to visit Poland is May or September. Late spring is a lovely season to travel to Poland as the temperatures warm up from their winter and early spring lows. Falling in Europe’s shoulder season, it’s also a far less crowded time to undertake your Poland in late spring. Spring tends to also be drier than the summer months.

Autumn in the High Tatras

Fall is another great alternative time to go to Poland with similar advantages. With school back in swing throughout the continent, the autumn shoulder season sees declining tourist numbers. September still features plenty of warm days with less rain than in July or August, especially in southern Polish destinations like Zakopane and the High Tatras.

Do I need travel insurance for Poland?

Like any travel destination, I’d be hard-pressed to tell that it’s smart to embark on a Poland trip plan without travel insurance. Although destinations like Poland are safe, that doesn’t mean you should skip out on getting coverage!

In fact, travel insurance may even be required.

Poland falls in the Schengen Area, which has a common visa entry policy. While several nationalities are exempted from this visa (such as the United States and Canada) for travelling to the area, other countries may not have it so easy.

Palace of Culture & Science in Warsaw

If you must apply for a Schengen Visa for your trip to Poland, you’ll need to show proof of at least €30,000 in medical coverage. At the bare minimum.

Even if you’re exempt, it’s still a good idea to carry a travel insurance policy that’s right for you and your intended trip.

At the very least, you’ll want adequate medical coverage that covers hospitalization and evacuation for serious issues.

Other common coverages that could save you a TON if you needed it to include trip cancellation and lost/stolen baggage.

Not sure where to start looking? Travel insurance from WorldNomads.com is available to people from 140 countries. It’s designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities. Unlike other insurance providers, you can also buy—and extend—your coverage on the fly on the road.

Get an instant no-obligation quote at World Nomads.

Getting connected in Poland

Like much of Central Europe, it’s hardly a hassle to stay connected in Poland. In the most popular tourist centres, you’ll find free WiFi at restaurants, cafés, and hotels without a problem.

Street in Old Town Warsaw

The biggest issue with relying on public WiFi is that its often not as fast or reliable as you might like it. With so many people connecting at hotspots, you could be sharing your bandwidth with dozen of others, slowing your connection to a veritable halt.

A much better idea for travellers looking to stay connected in Poland is to rent a 4G WiFi Hotspot for Poland. The rental allows you to use up to 1GB per day with up to 4G speeds. And, unlike a SIM card, your rental doesn’t require your phone to be unlocked!

Virtual Private Network

Although connecting to the Internet in Poland doesn’t carry the same restrictions as other Eastern European countries like Russia or Belarus. That’s not to say that your sensitive information might not get into the wrong hands—whether you’re connecting through public WiFi or your own 4G WiFi hotspot.

At home or abroad, I always recommend connecting through a virtual private network (VPN). And for travellers, there’s perhaps none better than NordVPN.

Polish musicians in Market Square, Krakow

Using NordVPN, travellers can connect through over 5,000 servers worldwide. Even if you’re physically in Poland, your device can look like it’s connected in your home country. (And, yes, that means your Netflix binge-watching can continue unaffected by the rigours of travel.)

On top of being able to “hide” your location, NordVPN uses military-grade double encryption technology to protect your most sensitive data—from passwords to banking information—from prying eyes.

Ready to keep your Internet secure in Poland and wherever you travel? Save BIG by checking out the latest multi-year deals at NordVPN.

Other Poland travel planning resources

  • Guidebooks: As much I rely on technology these days, I rarely travel without print guidebooks as a backup. Lonely Planet Poland offers one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date travel guides for the country.
  • Phrasebooks: Don’t let a language barrier get in the way of your travels in Poland. The Lonely Planet Polish Phrasebook & Dictionary is the perfect companion to get things done!
  • Language learning resources: Want to get more in-depth into Polish? The Teach Yourself Complete Polish and Routledge Colloquial Polish are good places to start learning this beautiful, but difficult, Slavic language.
Ryan O'Rourke

Ryan O'Rourke is a Canadian traveller, food & drink aficionado, and the founder & editor of Treksplorer. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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DISCLAIMER: You'll notice that from time to time I link out to recommended hotels/tours/products/services. If you purchase anything through these links, I'll receive a commission. It won't cost you anything extra, but it will help keep me trekkin' on and delivering more free (and unsponsored!) travel information to you. Thanks :)