Poland
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General Travel Guide: The Indomitable Heart of Europe
Poland is a country that has risen from its ashes time and time again, showing a resilience that is palpable in every corner of its cities and in the spirit of its people. It is a land of surprising contrasts, where fairytale castles rise close to the deep silences of 20th century history. From the medieval beauty of Krakow, which survived the war intact, to the energy of a completely rebuilt Warsaw, Poland offers a deeply moving and enriching journey. Get ready to discover a nation of diverse landscapes, from the beaches of the north to the peaks of the south, comforting cuisine and hospitality that will make you feel at home. This is a destination for those seeking history, beauty and an authenticity that lasts.
Capital
Warsaw
Population
41.026.067
Langue
Polaco
Sites du patrimoine de l'UNESCO
17
Indices de voyage
📊Indices de voyage
Le meilleur de Poland
Expériences uniques
Reflect on Auschwitz-Birkenau
Visiting the former Nazi concentration camp is a solemn and necessary experience to understand the depth of the tragedy of the Holocaust. Touring the barracks, gas chambers and extensive grounds of Birkenau is an act of remembrance and a striking reminder of history.
Descend into a World of Salt in Wieliczka
A few kilometers from Krakow are the Wieliczka Salt Mines, an incredible underground world. For centuries, miners carved chapels, statues, and even an entire cathedral out of the salt. The tour through its galleries and chambers is a unique and amazing experience.
Search Gnomes in Wroclaw
The city of Wroclaw is full of surprises, and the most charming is its army of more than 400 small bronze gnome statues. What began as a symbol of the anti-communist resistance movement has become a fun and quirky way to explore the city, following the trail of these tiny figures.
Explore the Teutonic Castle of Malbork
Travel back to medieval times by visiting the largest Gothic brick castle in the world. This imposing fortress on the banks of the Nogat River was the headquarters of the Knights of the Teutonic Order. Exploring its walls, patios and halls is like entering a legend.
Breathe Mountain Air in Zakopane
Known as the winter capital of Poland, Zakopane is the gateway to the Tatra Mountains. In winter it is a paradise for skiing, and in summer, an ideal destination for hiking between green valleys and mountain lakes. Its unique style wooden architecture adds a special charm to the visit.
Enjoy a Chopin Concerto
In Warsaw, Frédéric Chopin's hometown, his musical legacy can be felt. Attending a piano concert in Łazienki Park during the summer or in one of the city's historic halls is a wonderful way to connect with the romantic soul of Poland's most celebrated composer.
Strong and Comforting Flavors
Polish gastronomy is rich, varied and very tasty, with influences from Slavic, German and Jewish cuisines. It is a cuisine that makes the most of local products such as meats, cereals, forest mushrooms and root vegetables. Get ready for hearty dishes, resurrecting soups and a surprising variety of dumplings.
Polish gastronomy is rich, varied and very tasty, with influences from Slavic, German and Jewish cuisines. It is a cuisine that makes the most of local products such as meats, cereals, forest mushrooms and root vegetables. Get ready for hearty dishes, resurrecting soups and a surprising variety of dumplings.
Food as a Central Act
Meals, especially during holidays such as Christmas (Wigilia) or Easter, are family events of great importance, with specific rituals and dishes. Polish hospitality is often demonstrated through food, always offering guests something to eat.
Milk Bars ('Bar Mleczny')
A legacy from the communist era, these simple cafeteria-style restaurants offer homemade, traditional and very affordable food. They are the perfect place to try authentic Polish cuisine quickly and affordably.
Plats Iconiques
Pierogi
The jewel in the crown of Polish cuisine. They are thin dough dumplings that are boiled and sometimes fried later. The fillings are very varied: the most classic are the 'ruskie' (potato and fresh cheese), with meat, sauerkraut and mushrooms, or sweet, with berries.
Bigos
Known as the 'hunter's stew', it is one of the national dishes. It is a stew of sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) and fresh cabbage, with different types of meat (pork, beef, sausages), dried mushrooms and prunes, cooked over very low heat.
Żurek
A soup with a characteristic acidic flavor, obtained from the fermentation of rye flour. It is served hot, often with hard-boiled egg and white sausage (kiełbasa), and is sometimes spectacularly presented inside a hollowed-out bun.
Kotlet Schabowy
The Polish version of schnitzel. It is a breaded and fried pork chop, traditionally served with potatoes and coleslaw. A simple but omnipresent and much loved dish.
Gołąbki
They are cabbage leaf rolls filled with minced meat and rice or barley, cooked in a tasty tomato sauce. A homemade dish par excellence, comforting and delicious.
Barszcz Czerwony
A deep red beet soup with deep flavor. The clear version is drunk hot from a cup, often accompanying filled pastries ('paszteciki'). The denser version is eaten as a soup with small dumplings called 'uszka' (little ears), especially at Christmas.
Boissons typiques
Wódka (Vodka)
Poland and Russia dispute the origin of vodka, and in Poland it is the national drink. It is produced from grain or potato. There is a huge variety, from pure to flavored ones, like the famous Żutrówka, with bison herb in the bottle.
Piwo (Beer)
Beer is extremely popular in Poland, with a craft brewery scene booming. Big brands like Żywiec or Tyskie are everywhere, but local beers from each region are worth trying.
Miód Pitny (Mead)
A traditional alcoholic drink made from fermented honey. It is one of the oldest drinks in the world and in Poland it has a long tradition. It can be sweet or dry and is drunk both hot and cold.
Kompot
A very homemade non-alcoholic drink. It is made by cooking fresh fruits (such as strawberries, cherries or apples) in sugar water. It is served cold in summer and is a common accompaniment to family meals.
Desserts traditionnels
Sernik
Polish style cheesecake. It is dense and creamy, made with 'twaróg', a fresh local cheese. There are many varieties, often with a shortcrust pastry base and sometimes with raisins or chocolate coating.
Makowiec
A rolled cake filled with a sweet poppy seed paste. It is very typical at Christmas and Easter. It is moist, dense and with a very characteristic flavor.
Szarlotka / Jabłecznik
The popular Polish apple pie. It usually has a shortcrust pastry base, a generous filling of spiced apples and a crumble or dough topping. It is often served hot with a scoop of ice cream.
Pączki
They are a type of donuts or round donuts, fried and traditionally filled with rose petal jam or other fruits. They are the sweet star of 'Lardero Thursday', the day before the start of Lent.
Que voir par thème
Poland's wealth lies in the incredible diversity of its regions, which offer everything from Renaissance cities to unspoiled natural landscapes and places of deep historical memory.
Royal and Hanseatic Cities
Discover the duality of the two capitals. Krakow, the royal and cultural capital, will seduce you with its perfectly preserved medieval old town, Wawel Castle and the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz. Warsaw, the current capital, is a phoenix city, a fascinating mosaic of reconstructed Gothic architecture, Soviet-era blocks and modern skyscrapers.
The Traces of the History of the 20th Century
Poland is a key place to understand European history. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is an unavoidable place of reflection. In Warsaw, the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews offer moving insights into the resistance and the country's rich Jewish heritage.
Baltic Jewelry and Medieval Heart
Northern Poland is home to cities with a strong commercial legacy. Gdansk, with its colorful Dutch-style facades, is the heart of the Baltic coast. Nearby, the Sopot spa offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Inland, Poznan vibrates with its Renaissance square and Toruń, on the banks of the Vistula, boasts an impressive Gothic old town.
Virgin Nature and Mountains
Poland surprises with its natural landscapes. Białowieża National Park, on the border with Belarus, is the last primary lowland forest in Europe and home to the largest population of European bison. In the south, the Tatra Mountains offer spectacular hiking trails in summer and ski slopes in winter. The Masuria region is known as the 'land of a thousand lakes', a paradise for water sports.
Route of the Wooden Churches and Eagle's Nests
Discover the most rural and picturesque Poland. In the south, the Wooden Architecture Route includes impressive Catholic and Orthodox churches built centuries ago and declared a World Heritage Site. The Eagle's Nest Route is a trail that links a series of medieval castles built on rocky hills between Krakow and Częstochowa.
Conseils de voyage
Currency
Although Poland is part of the European Union, its currency is not the euro, but the złoty (PLN). It is advisable to change money at exchange offices ('Kantor') in city centers rather than at the airport, as they usually offer better rates. Payment by card is very widespread.
Internal Transportation
The train network (PKP) is an efficient way to move between major cities. For more specific or economical routes, the bus network is very extensive. Within cities, public transport (trams and buses) is efficient and easy to use.
Language
The official language is Polish, a Slavic language that can be difficult for Spanish speakers. In tourist areas, hotels and restaurants, it is common to find English-speaking staff, especially among young people.
Tips
In restaurants, service is usually not included in the bill. If the service has been good, it is customary to leave a tip of around 10% of the total. It is not common to tip taxi drivers, but you can round up the rate.
This guide is just an introduction to surprising and complex Poland. Each region offers a different experience, from the Baltic coast to the southern mountains. We invite you to explore city- and region-specific guides to discover the rich history, vibrant culture, and unexpected beauty of this resilient country. Miłej podróży (Have a good trip)!
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