Do I need a visa to travel to Poland?

Poland is part of the Schengen Area, so travellers from the UK, US, Canada, and Australia can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Other nationalities should check visa requirements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Polish Consulate in your country.

When is the best time to travel to Poland?

The best time to visit Poland depends on what you want to experience. Spring (April to June) brings blooming flowers and outdoor festivals, while autumn (September to October) is perfect for colourful foliage and harvest season delicacies. Summer (June to August) is ideal for exploring cities and countryside but expect larger crowds. Winter (December to February) transforms Poland into a snowy wonderland, great for Christmas markets and winter sports in the Tatra Mountains.

What is the weather like in Poland?

Poland has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer temperatures range from 20-30°C (68-86°F).

Does it snow in Poland?

Yes, snowfall is common in winter, especially in the mountains and northern regions.

What currency does Poland use?

Poland uses the Polish Zloty (PLN). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to carry cash for small purchases.

Do you tip in Poland?

Tipping 10% in restaurants is customary for good service. Rounding up the bill in taxis is also appreciated.

What kind of adaptor do I need for Poland?

Poland uses Type C and Type E plugs with a voltage of 230V. If your appliances come from outside the EU, you'll most likely need an adaptor.

What is ATM access like in Poland?

ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, and major credit cards are accepted.

Can you drink tap water in Poland?

Yes, tap water is perfectly safe to drink, even though a lot of Polish locals prefer bottled water.

What should I pack for a trip to Poland?

Layered clothing is key in Poland, where the days can be quite mild but the nights very cold. Winters require warm coats, gloves, and boots, while summers call for the option of light clothes and a sweater or jacket for cooler evenings.

How many days should I spend in Poland?

You can cover highlights like Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk in 7-10 days. If you want to explore lesser-known regions, or go at a more relaxed pace, give yourself another 4 days on top.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance for a Trafalgar tour to Poland?

We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to your trip. Please ensure you add the details of your insurance to the MyTrafalgar portal. Your insurance should cover trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, and evacuation and repatriation cover including during pandemic events.

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Poland tours & holidays

Name: Best of Poland
Brand: Trafalgar
Price: 46 ZAR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (365 reviews)

Travel guide

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Exploring Poland, we will quickly discover the remarkable survival this culture is built upon. We will hear Chopin play in the streets and find cafes alive with a new bohemian energy... an energy that will cement your affection for this country. The many monuments and museums here serve as a constant reminder of what the country has been through. From the urban hub of Warsaw to the picturesque villages scattered around the country, Poland proves that truly memorable moments are often found in the most unexpected places.

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4.7

Best of Poland

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11-Day Poland Tour to Warsaw, Gdańsk and Kraków

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Christmas Markets of Poland, Guided Tour

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Unedited Poland reviews

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"The trip of a lifetime!"

“We had such a great time with Trafalgar—5 countries in 21 days was truly the trip of a lifetime! The history, the food, and the chance to experience different cultures firsthand is what I love most about travel. The journey was stress-free with so much already organised for us, letting us soak in every moment. I’d definitely recommend budgeting for the optional extras before you leave; they are worth it and provide a deeper taste of each country. Travel truly opens your mind and expands your horizons. “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”

- Leanne, Bohemian Highlights

"Far exceeded our expectations in every way"

“Fantastic Experience. Much history, welcoming people, impeccably clean country, good food, very safe, fantastic exchange rate... Far exceeded our expectations in every way. The guide was very attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. Bus driver was very talented. Both were fabulous. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.”

- John, Best of Poland

"A trip we will never forget"

“It was an amazing tour. So many different experiences that this felt like a trip we will never forget. Both the beauty and the tragedy of the history of so many places we visited were unforgettable. And we also had so much fun, met some great people, and our tour director Paul and our driver Vlad were both outstanding. This was our second Trafalgar tour and we will definitely be back for more.”

- Trusted Customer, Highlights of Eastern Europe

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Poland experiences with Trafalgar

With Trafalgar, you’ll journey into the heart of each destination. Be My Guest invites you to connect with locals, while MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences let you positively impact communities. Plus, on many tours, you’ll overnight at Stays with Stories accommodations with tales as rich as the places you explore. Here are just a few of these unforgettable experiences on a Trafalgar Poland tour.

Women Dressed in Polish National Folk Costumes From Lowicz Region in Poland

Dive into Culture

Enjoy a farmhouse dinner and Polka party

You’ll feel the lively spirit of Poland with traditional Polka music and dance. Enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Polish dishes and drinks at a special venue, where the culture and hospitality of this vibrant country come to life in every moment. Experience on Best of Poland.

Iconic Experience

See the sights of Kraków

Stroll through the stunning Rynek Główny, Kraków’s vibrant town square and the heart of the city. You’ll see the iconic Sukiennice Cloth Hall, the towering St. Mary’s Basilica, and a collection of historic townhouses, palaces, and churches that bring centuries of Polish history and charm to life. Experience on Best of Poland.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

Try traditional polish doughnuts

You’ll step into one of Poland’s last remaining bakeries dedicated to crafting handmade doughnuts the traditional way. Here, you’ll discover unique flavours like lavender and rose petals, lovingly created using age-old recipes. Your visit directly supports United Nations Development Goals 11 and 12: Sustainable Cities and Communities and Responsible Consumption and Production. Experience on Best of Poland.

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As seen on

Poland at a glance

Listen to Chopin in the streets, enjoy heart-warming food, and discover the monuments and museums that serve as a reminder of the country's survival. Your expert Trafalgar Travel Director will take you from the iconic to the unexpected, from the captivating streets of Warsaw to picturesque countryside villages.

Currency

Polish złoty

Capital City

Warsaw

Winter avg

-2°C

Language

Polish

Summer avg

17°C

Good morning

Dzień dobry

Time Zone

GMT+2

Good evening

Dobry wieczór

"A land of unspoiled countryside and splendid buildings, and home to 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 23 national parks, Poland is rich in culture, history and natural beauty"

Steven, Travel Director

Our top 5 things to do in Poland

Walk through the artistic underbelly of Warsaw and stand in the spot where WWII began. These are just some of the captivating experiences served up by Trafalgar in Poland.

Enjoy the music of Chopin in Warsaw

The city where Chopin was first discovered provides the perfect backdrop to his masterpieces. Take your pick of many museums, galleries, terraces and parks that still perform concerts daily in honour of this Polish composer and virtuoso, two centuries on.

Journey to the little-known district of Praga in Warsaw

One of the best things to do in Warsaw is to leave the well-trodden Old Town and visit the right bank district of Praga. The once derelict neighbourhood has become a favourite among students and artists alike. Explore the gritty bohemia's abandoned factories, now reclaimed and transformed into communal cultural spaces, street art, markets and bars.

Journey to Gdansk

For a change of scenery, head to the port city of Gdansk that bears little resemblance to Poland’s urban centres. Stroll through Main Town and be dazzled by the colourful shop facades of Long Market, an ornate Golden Gate and the bronzed body of a sea God in Neptune Fountain.

Visit Westerplatte, the place where WWII began

A scattering of shelled bunkers and burnt-out ruins contain reminders of the Battle of Westerplatte. This memorial site and monument will whisper Poland’s forlorn story to you. See the lighthouse where the first warning shots were fired and stand where the few brave Polish soldiers tried in vain to defend against the German invasion.

Explore Wieliczka Salt Mines

A short drive from Krakow is a subterranean labyrinth to behold. Descend the many steps and discover an underground world so remarkable in size it contains lakes and a chapel made of salt - right down to its chandeliers. One of the Poland attractions you will have to see with your own two eyes to believe.

Best museums in Poland

A Trafalgar tour through Poland will take you back in time to World War II and forward in time to Poland’s next generation of artists. It is through these museums that you will understand the many chapters of Poland's remarkable story.

Auschwitz

Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum

The largest of the Nazi concentration camps and the resting place of over one million men, women and children, Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is a somber place of reflection. Come face-to-face with the realities of the Holocaust with a walk through these infamous grounds, where you will uncover a dark time in humanity that’s not to be forgotten.

Warsaw

Galeria Raster

Founded by two art critics, this independent gallery is a place known for encouraging participation in culture. Immerse in the excitement of Poland’s next generation with film screenings, concerts, countless artworks and a self-publishing bookstore all found at Galeria Raster. This is the heart of the local contemporary art scene.

Warsaw

Krolikarnia

Fresh respite is found in the ‘Green District’ of Mokotów and the classicist palace that calls it home. Come to Krolikarnia to see the country’s largest collection of sculptures and relax in the leafy estate grounds, where idyllic reading spots and garden performances are plentiful.

Best food in Poland

Our tours of Poland is complete with many tastes of its simple - and simply delicious - national dishes. You will quickly understand why the Polish say ‘smacznego’ (meaning ‘enjoy your meal’) at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Pierogi

The humble pierogi dumplings have been comforting the Polish since the 13th century, enduring and evolving as the years went by. Savoury, salty, spicy, sweet - these half-moon delights will not fail you. From the traditional to the more creative, chefs around the country will surprise you with many moreish fillings.

Bigos

With a name meaning ‘hunter’s stew’, it’s unsurprising the meal of bigos is meaty and hearty. Expect cabbage, sauerkraut, finely chopped meats and the odd splash of beer or wine stewed for hours. Let this traditional single pot meal warm you on a cool Polish night.

Placki Ziemniaczane

Popular in World War II when there was little to eat, today these potato pancakes are considered a special treat. Try one - or many - at an outdoor market or festival topped with a generous dollop of sour cream or a sweet condiment.

What to pack for Poland

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Polish phrasebook

Polish is the official language of Poland, so pack a phrasebook to help you learn a few words. If you can’t spare the space, download them to your Google Translate app offline.

Headphones

Poland is a massive country and on some days, long journeys are unavoidable. The scenery will provide plenty of visual entertainment, while headphones can be used to listen to some local music or enjoy podcasts about Polish history and culture.

Some WWII reading

Whether you’re a history buff or not, a refresher on the world wars will make for a richer experience of the significant and soul stirring sites you will visit in Poland.

A filtered water bottle

Polish water is officially safe to drink, but the plumbing can affect the quality. Many locals and tourists use bottled water; take the cheaper and more eco-friendly option of a reusable bottle with built in filtration.