From buzzing cities to breathtaking national parks, Poland is home to a diversity of captivating landscapes that intrigue and enchant in equal measure. Visitors can immerse themselves in rich political history, hike in the expansive Tatra Mountains or explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Wieliczka salt mines.
Capital city
Warsaw
Currency
Polish zloty (some businesses will accept euros but may include a mark-up.)
Cuisine
Polish cuisine takes its cue from Central European and West Slavic traditions, encompassing gloriously satisfying, rich and flavourful dishes. From the iconic pierogi to smoked fish, spiced kielbasa and crisp potato pancakes, you’re never far from the taste of comfort in Poland.
Tipping etiquette
Tipping is a matter of personal preference in Poland, but typically 10% of your bill is a fair guide, with that percentage rising for exceptional service.
Saying hello
Wish someone a good morning with ‘dzien dobry’, pronounced jen dough-bray. ‘Czesc’ (pronounced chesht) is another common greeting, or for an informal hello try ‘hej’, pronounced hey.
There’s truly no bad time to visit Poland – it all depends on what you’re looking for. To explore beautiful Baltic beaches, visit in May through to September for warmer weather. Seeking snow? The ski season is at its best from mid-January through to the end of February. Meanwhile, the run up to Christmas offers world-class festive markets across all major cities.
Go hunting for the ‘Wroclawskie krasnale’, small statues which have been popping up around Wroclaw since 2005. Today, there are more than 400 to discover, and a festival celebrating them every September.