Poland is known for its history, old towns, nature, architecture, and vibrant cities. Plan your trip to Poland with our guides on cities, useful phrases, and the best times to explore its diverse landscapes. Here’re some quick facts about Poland:
Capital: Warsaw 
Currency: Polish Złoty (PLN) 
Language: Polish 
Time zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC +1) 
Power plugs: Type C & F, 230V / 50Hz 
Driving side: Right Useful local phrases:
Hello: Cześć
Thank you: Dziękuję
I’m sorry: Przepraszam
The food/drink is great: Jest pyszne
Best time to visit Poland
Wondering about the best time to visit Poland? The country has four distinct seasons:
Summer
June – August
18–30°C
Warm and sunny
Autumn
September – November
8-18°C
Cooler temperatures
Winter
December – February
-5–5°C
Cold with snow, especially in the mountains
Spring
March – May
8–20°C
Mild temperatures
So what’s the best time for visiting Poland?
- Summer: best for city trips, lakes, and outdoor activities
- Spring: best for sightseeing and fewer crowds
- Autumn: best for nature
- Winter: best for Christmas markets and winter sports
How to get there and getting around?
Airport: Poland has several international airports, including Warsaw Chopin Airport, Kraków John Paul II Airport, and Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport. These are well connected to city centers by train, bus, and taxi. You can compare flights via Skyscanner. If you don’t know yet when you are going to leave the country, buy an onward ticket and fake your return. This works fine.
Train / bus options: Poland has a good train network connecting major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, and Wrocław. Trains are affordable and reliable. Buses are also widely available and often inexpensive. Tickets are often time-based and can be purchased via apps or machines.
Car rental / taxis: Renting a car is useful for exploring rural areas, mountains, or regions like Masuria. Roads are generally in good condition, and driving is straightforward. Use DiscoverCars to compare car rental prices. Ride-hailing apps are widely available and reliable in Polish cities. Popular options include Uber, Bolt and Free now. Traditional taxis are also available and usually metered.
Boat travel: Boat travel is popular in regions like the Masurian Lake District, where sailing and boat trips are common. Coastal cities like Gdańsk also offer ferry services and scenic boat tours.
Cycling or walking: Walking is one of the best ways to explore cities, especially centers. Poland is increasingly bike-friendly, especially in cities and along designated cycling routes. Regions like the Baltic coast and countryside areas offer scenic and relatively flat cycling paths. Consider booking a free bicycle or walking tour via Freetour or GuruWalk.
Destinations
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Latest travel guides
FAQ about Poland
Is Poland safe for (female) solo travelers?
Yes, Poland is generally very safe for (female) solo travelers. As always, stay aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas.
Why is Poland worth visiting?
Poland offers a mix of history, culture, beautiful cities, mountains and lakes.
Is Poland cheap to visit?
Yes, Poland is relatively affordable compared to many Western European countries. Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay the local currency with a Wise Visa Card or Revolut Maestro Card. I have been using these cards for several years and have saved a lot of money as a result. I recommend bringing both bank cards with you when you travel.
Is tipping expected in Poland?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Around 5–10% for good service is common.
Do I need a visa for visiting Poland?
If you’re from the EU, US, Canada, Australia, or many other countries, you usually don’t need a visa for short stays. Always check official requirements. The official website to check visa regulations for Poland is the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Section portal: https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/visas. It provides official and up-to-date information on visa types, requirements, and application procedures for foreign nationals.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Poland?
Yes, I always recommend travel insurance. Heymondo or Safetywing are among the cheapest travel insurances for travelers and cover medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more. As a reader of Girlswanderlust, you’ll receive a 5% discount on your next Heymondo travel insurance.
Will my mobile phone work in Poland?
Yes, coverage is excellent. EU roaming may apply for European travelers. The main mobile providers in Poland are Orange Polska, T-Mobile Poland, and Plus Poland, which operate the primary networks. Smaller MVNOs like Play Poland also offer budget plans using these networks. eSIMs like Holafly, Airalo, or Saily are great options if you don’t want to swap physical SIM cards. I’ve been using eSIMs on my trips and find them convenient and cost-effective.
Can I drink tap water in Poland?
Yes, tap water is generally safe to drink.
Do I need to speak the local language in Poland?
Not necessarily. English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas, but learning a few Polish phrases is appreciated.
