Poland
From historic cities like Kraków to wild Baltic coastline: your guide to visiting Poland.
Where is Poland located?
Poland sits in eastern Central Europe and stretches along the Baltic Sea for 325 miles in the north.
It shares borders with seven countries:
To the north, the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad; to the west, Germany; to the east, Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine; and to the south, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
At 312,679 square kilometers, Poland is the sixth-largest country in the EU — only slightly smaller than Germany.
Our Guide to Poland
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Flair
Steeped in history, warm-hearted, and seriously affordable.
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Best time to visit
May through September.
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Trip length
One week covers the most beautiful cities.
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Currency
Złoty — card payment is accepted almost everywhere.
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Tipping
Around 10% is customary in restaurants.
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Getting around
Trains between cities are affordable and reliable.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Poland?
Generally, the best time to visit Poland is during summer, from May through September. The weather varies quite a bit depending on where you are.
Around Warsaw in the east, summers tend to be hotter and drier. Along the Baltic coast, there’s usually a fresh sea breeze keeping things cooler.
The beaches are genuinely great for swimming in July and August — but that’s also when crowds are biggest and prices peak.
Our recommendation: visit in late spring or early fall instead. The weather is mild, the days are long enough for day trips and sightseeing, and you’ll find far fewer tourists.
What language is spoken in Poland?
The official language is Polish, spoken by the vast majority of the population. Since 2005, several minority languages have also been officially recognized, including German, Hebrew, Czech, and Russian.
English has become much more manageable in recent years — especially in Warsaw, younger locals speak it pretty well. That said, learning a few basic Polish phrases before your trip goes a long way. Locals really appreciate the effort!
What currency is used in Poland?
Poland’s currency is the Polish Złoty (PLN). One euro gets you roughly 4.70 PLN.
Near the border, euros are often accepted.
Card payments are widely available across Poland — honestly, even more so than in many other European countries. You rarely need much cash.
How much time do you need in Poland?
A long weekend is enough to get a real feel for one of the major cities. If you want to dive into museums or join guided tours, add three to four more days.
To explore more of the country, give yourself one to two weeks — you can cover a surprising amount of ground. Honestly, Poland rewards longer stays, and there’s so much more to discover the more time you have.
