Poland Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Poland is one of Europe's best-value destinations. Located in Central Europe, Poland offers a rich mix of historic cities, fairy-tale architecture, scenic countryside, and a food scene that's having a moment.

Poland Holidays 2026 highlights

Home to the world's BIGGEST castle (no biggie...oh wait)
It's vodka's birthplace - so prepare for the best vod & cran you've ever had
It's the land of lakes! Sail, kayak or nature-watch your heart out.
Pierogis. That's it. That's the highlight.

3 Fun Facts About Poland You Didn’t Know

Pierogi Party – These little dumplings are a national treasure – sweet, savoury, fried, boiled – there’s no wrong way to eat them (trust us, we’ve tried).
Hollywood who? – Poland has one of Europe’s oldest film schools and a thriving movie scene. You might just spot tomorrow’s Oscar winner in Łódź.
Book it, literally – Warsaw’s library has a botanical garden on the roof. Yep, reading and rose bushes – name a better combo.

Local Lingo – Talk Like a Local in Poland

In Poland, you’ll hear Polish everywhere (and yes, it looks tricky, but you’ll pick up a few gems fast):

“Cześć” (chesh-ch) – hi / bye (super casual, very common)
“Dziękuję” (jen-koo-yeh) – thank you
“Proszę” (proh-sheh) – please / you’re welcome
“Jak się masz?” (yak shay mash) – how are you?
“Na zdrowie!” (nah zdroh-vyeh) – cheers! (used often with vodka or beer )
“Ile to kosztuje?” (ee-leh toh kosh-too-yeh) – how much is it?

What are the best sights to see on your Poland holidays 2026 / 2027?

Poland's like that perfect buffet spread that you just, gotta keep going back to for more. Whether you've picked it for a cheap break, you made a last-minute judgement call, or you're simply craving a holiday away from the beach for a change. Either way, get ready for a visual feast, because Poland's landmarks are like stepping into a living history book:

Wawel Castle, Krakow: The hilltop royal castle that's been the symbolic centre of Polish power for 1,000 years. State Rooms, the Crown Treasury, and the Wawel Dragon's Den down by the river.
Warsaw Old Town: Almost completely destroyed in 1944 and meticulously rebuilt brick-by-brick afterwards, the Old Town is now UNESCO-listed for the rebuild itself as much as the architecture. Pastel-coloured townhouses, the Royal Castle, and brilliant cafés in the Market Square.
Malbork Castle: The world's largest castle, an hour south of Gdansk on the Nogat river. Built by the Teutonic Knights in the 14th century, UNESCO-listed, with three concentric castle complexes, live out your most epic castle fantasies.
Wieliczka Salt Mine: The 700-year-old salt mine near Krakow, with kilometres of underground galleries, salt-carved chapels and statues. Two-hour guided tours are the standard, brilliantly atmospheric.
Białowieża Forest: Europe's last primeval lowland forest on the Belarus border, with around 500 European bison roaming free in the Polish section. Guided trails covering Polish royal hunting history and wildlife spotting.
Wrocław's old town and dwarf hunt: The city's UNESCO market square is one of Europe's largest, and over 700 small bronze dwarf statues are scattered across the city for visitors to find. A proper kids-and-adults activity for half a day.

Where to Stay on your holidays to Poland

Krakow is the headline city break: a properly preserved medieval Old Town, the cobbled Market Square, Wawel Castle on the hill, and the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz with its bars and restaurants. The launch pad for day trips to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka. Best for first-timers.

Warsaw is the bigger, modern capital with the meticulously rebuilt Old Town, Soviet-era buildings, the Wilanów Palace, and a city-break-friendly nightlife scene around Nowy Świat. Best for travellers who want a working capital city rather than a historic showpiece.

Gdansk brings Baltic charm: the colourful waterfront of the historic Hanseatic port, easy day trips to Sopot and Malbork Castle, and a different rhythm from the inland cities. Best for couples, history enthusiasts and travellers visiting in summer.

Best hotels to stay at on your holidays to Poland 2026 / 2027

When it comes to picking the perfect place to lay your head, we've got the hotel for you, sure to make this a city break to remember. See all our Poland hotels or browse our top picks below...

Poland hotels for families

Galaxy Hotel. Spacious central Krakow four-star with a pool, spa and wellness centre, properly useful for families recovering from a long sightseeing day. Walking distance to the Old Town.
Radisson Blu Hotel Krakow. The flagship Krakow Old Town five-star, with a unique salt walls bar (a nod to nearby Wieliczka), seafood buffets three times a week, and bike tours that work for older kids. One of the best-reviewed hotels in Poland, with one of the strongest review records on the books.
Express Krakow Hotel. Four-star with a buffet breakfast, cosy TV lounge, and Amber Restaurant on site. Sensible mid-range family base.

Poland hotels for couples

Hotel Stary. Five-star in Krakow Old Town with an underground spa and salt cave, fitness centre, and panoramic views from the rooftop. Properly atmospheric for a romantic city break.
Balthazar Design Hotel. Boutique Old Town five-star with spa perks, romantic city vibes, and proper character in every room.
Hotel Kossak. Boutique with rooftop views of Wawel Castle, polished local-cuisine restaurant, and a quiet but central position.
Old Time Aparthotel. 19th-century tenement charm with Art Nouveau-styled rooms, set centrally in Krakow's Old Town. Properly distinctive, strong recent reviews.

Best luxury hotels in Poland

Radisson Blu Hotel Wroclaw. The headline Wroclaw five-star with a stylish lobby bar, sauna, fitness centre and superb buffet breakfast. Walking distance to the famous Market Square.
Warszawa. Art Deco grandeur at the centre of the Polish capital, with spa indulgence, a rooftop restaurant, and a proper splash of luxury that earns the price.
Hotel Number One by Grano. Scandi-style five-star in Gdansk with a sleek wellness zone, just steps from the historic Hanseatic centre.

Poland hotels for groups

Belle Epoque Residence. Properly central Krakow four-star with on-site gym and sauna, well-suited to groups who want to base themselves walking distance from Old Town nightlife. Strong recent reviews.
No.23 Premium Aparthotel. Aparthotel layout works for groups (separate sleeping spaces, shared lounge), with smashing breakfast buffet and central Krakow location.
Hotel Kazimierz III. Four-star in the historic Kazimierz district, with delish buffet breakfast and easy access to the synagogues, museums and bar scene of Krakow's Jewish quarter. Properly group-friendly territory.

Best value hotels in Poland

Alexander. Affordable, cheerful three-star around the corner from Krakow's Market Square. Great for no-fuss city breaks at a sensible price point.
Plaza Boutique Hotel. Modern and comfy with a chilled-out sauna and fitness room, close to bars, restaurants and the buzzy local scene.
Kazimierz. Three-star in central Krakow with banquet hall, multilingual crew and a bangin' buffet breakfast. Solid central value.

All hotels in Poland

Poland Holidays 2026/2027 - Travel Guide

Things To Do For Families

A day in Kraków Old Town feels like stepping into a storybook. Kids can explore cobbled streets, horse-drawn carriages, and finish at Wawel Castle overlooking the river
The Copernicus Science Centre in Warsaw is packed with hands-on exhibits where kids can touch, test, and play their way through science
Gdańsk Zoo is one of the biggest in Poland, set in a forested park with plenty of space for a full family day out
A ride on the Kraków Tram system is simple but fun for little ones and a great way to explore the city without too much walking
In winter, the Tatra Mountains near Zakopane offer skiing, sledging, and snowy cable car rides with postcard views

Things To Do For Couples

A wine and sunset walk through the Vistula River Boulevards in Kraków is effortlessly romantic with cafés, bridges, and skyline views
Warsaw Old Town at night glows with lights, live music, and cosy restaurants tucked into pastel-coloured squares
A day in Sopot on the Baltic coast means sandy beaches, a famous wooden pier, and relaxed seaside dining
Wieliczka Salt Mine feels surreal underground, with carved chapels and candlelit chambers deep below the surface

Things To Do For Groups

Kraków nightlife in the Old Town – bar after bar packed into medieval streets, perfect for a big night out
Warsaw clubs and rooftop bars – modern, loud, and open late for groups that want to keep going
Gdańsk river cruises – chilled daytime boat trips followed by waterfront drinks in the evening
Christmas markets in Kraków or Wrocław – mulled wine, street food, and a proper festive atmosphere in winter

Places to visit on your Poland holidays

Krakow: The headline city break with the UNESCO Old Town, Wawel Castle, and the launch pad for Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka day trips.
Warsaw: The modern capital with a meticulously rebuilt Old Town, working-city energy, and Soviet-era architecture alongside the medieval rebuild.
Gdansk: Baltic charm, colourful Hanseatic waterfront, and the obvious base for Malbork Castle and Sopot day trips.

More Central European city break destinations

Czech Republic: Prague's the headline. Gothic old town, fairytale spires, and Europe's best beer scene at half the price of Western Europe. Brilliant pairing with Krakow on a longer trip.
Hungary: Budapest's thermal baths, ruin bars, and Danube views. The most atmospheric of the Central European capitals after dark.
Austria: Vienna's imperial coffee houses, classical concerts, and Christmas markets that rival the Polish ones.
Germany: Berlin for the layered Cold War history, Munich for the Bavarian Alps, plus everything in between.

Popular Poland hotels

More Poland hotels

Weather in Poland

JAN

3^°C

FEB

5^°C

MAR

9^°C

APR

16^°C

MAY

20^°C

JUN

24^°C

JUL

26^°C

AUG

26^°C

SEP

20^°C

OCT

15^°C

NOV

9^°C

DEC

5^°C

FAQs

The official currency used in Poland is the Polish Złoty (PLN).

While some tourist areas may accept card payments almost everywhere, cash can still be useful for local markets, small cafés and independent shops.

Typical prices in Poland:

Item	Average price
Coffee	£2–4
Local beer	£2–4
Restaurant meal	£6–15
Public transport ticket	£1–2

Most visitors find Poland more affordable than many Western European destinations.

The official language of Poland is Polish.

English is commonly spoken in major cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk and Wrocław, especially in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas. Younger generations and tourism staff generally speak good English, although learning a few local phrases is always appreciated.

Useful phrases:

Hello – Cześć / Dzień dobry
Thank you – Dziękuję
Please – Proszę
Goodbye – Do widzenia

Direct flights from the UK to Poland usually take around 2–3 hours, depending on your departure airport and destination.

Typical flight times:

Route	Average flight time
London – Kraków	2h 30m
London – Warsaw	2h 30m
Manchester – Gdańsk	2h 15m
Birmingham – Kraków	2h 30m

Poland is one of the quickest European city-break destinations for UK travellers.

Poland is 1 hour ahead of the UK.

So when it's:

12:00pm in London → 1:00pm in Poland

Poland follows Central European Time (CET) and also observes daylight saving time.

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, located in Oświęcim near Kraków, is one of the most important historical sites in Europe.

The memorial preserves the site where more than 1.1 million people were murdered during the Holocaust, the majority of whom were Jewish.

Things to know before visiting:

Around 90 minutes from Kraków
Allow at least half a day to a full day
Guided tours are widely available
Expect a quiet, reflective and emotionally powerful experience

Many visitors consider it an important part of understanding European history.

No, Poland is generally considered one of the more affordable destinations in Europe, especially for food, accommodation and entertainment.

Average holiday costs:

Travel style	Average daily spend
Budget	£30–60
Mid-range	£60–120
Premium	£120+

Typical costs:

Restaurant meal: £6–15
Beer: £2–4
Hotel room: £60–120+
Public transport: £1–2

Major cities remain good value compared with many UK and Western European destinations.

The best time to visit Poland is usually May to September, when temperatures are warmer and cities are at their liveliest.

Season	Why visit
May–June	Pleasant weather and fewer crowds
July–August	Warmest temperatures and outdoor events
September–October	Autumn colours and quieter attractions
November–December	Christmas markets and festive atmosphere
January–April	Lower prices and fewer tourists

Best overall: June is often considered the sweet spot for weather, sightseeing and crowd levels.

Yes, Poland is considered a great family holiday destination, offering a mix of city attractions, outdoor adventures and good-value accommodation.

Family-friendly highlights include:

Interactive museums and science centres
Castles and historic old towns
Beaches along the Baltic coast
Mountains and nature parks
Family-friendly restaurants and hotels

Cities such as Kraków, Warsaw and Gdańsk are especially popular with families because they are walkable and easy to explore.

🌅 More Things to Do in Poland

💡 The Neon Museum, Warsaw

A small museum in Warsaw's Praga district, dedicated to preserving Cold War-era Polish neon signs. The collection is properly atmospheric, with backlit signs from across communist-era Poland plus exhibits on the design history. A 90-minute stop, properly distinctive.

⚰️ The Chapel of Skulls, Czermna

Built in the 18th century by a local priest and grave-digger as a sanctuary for victims of plague, war and famine, the Chapel of Skulls (Kaplica Czaszek) in Lower Silesia has walls and ceilings literally lined with around 3,000 skulls and bones. Properly sobering, properly Polish, and a half-day trip from Wrocław worth taking with the right mindset.

🍪 The Toruń Gingerbread Museum

Toruń has been baking gingerbread (pierniki) for nearly 800 years, and the Living Museum of Gingerbread runs interactive workshops where you mix, roll and bake your own from medieval recipes. A 40-minute hands-on session, surprisingly memorable, brilliant with kids.

🏠 The Upside-Down House, Szymbark

A genuine architectural curiosity in the Pomeranian village of Szymbark: a complete house built upside down both inside and outside, where you enter through an attic window and walk along the ceiling. A 30-minute stop on the way to Malbork Castle from Gdansk.

🛕 The Holy Mountain of Grabarka

The most important Orthodox pilgrimage site in Poland, where thousands of crosses planted by pilgrims cover a forested hillside in eastern Poland. Best visited respectfully outside service times, with regular Sunday services and major pilgrimages in mid-August. A different Poland from the city tourist trail.

What events can I go to in Poland?
Poland is buzzing with events year-round, and there's something for every kind of thrill-seeker, culture enthusiast, or food-lover. Time to mark your calendar for some serious fun!
- Kraków International Film Festival (May-June) - get your popcorn ready for a cinematic adventure! This festival showcases an eclectic mix of international and local films that'll have you glued to your seat.
- Wianki - Fête de la Musique, Kraków (June) - think of this as Poland's own Glastonbury by the Vistula River, celebrating music in all forms. Free concerts, good vibes, and maybe a flower crown or two...
- Warsaw Summer Jazz Days (July) - jazz up your summer in the capital! It's a jazzy jamboree with artists from around the globe, turning the city into a music-lover's paradise.
- Pierogi Festival, Kraków (August) - for the love of pierogis! This is a carb-lover's dream come true, with every kind of stuffed dumpling you can imagine. It's like Thanksgiving, but for pierogi enthusiasts. Niche, but delish.
- St. Dominic's Fair, Gdańsk (July-August) - one of Europe's largest open-air markets and cultural events. Imagine a medieval fair meets modern-day festival – crafts, food, and a dash of history.
- Warsaw Autumn International Festival of Contemporary Music (September) - a treat for the ears with avant-garde music that pushes all the right buttons. It's like the edgy, artsy cousin of traditional music festivals.
- Kraków Live Festival (August) - music buffs, unite! This festival brings big names and fresh talent to the stage. It's like the Polish Coachella, minus the desert heat.
- Christmas Markets (November-December) - get into the holiday spirit with twinkling lights, mulled wine, and crafts. It's like walking into a winter wonderland, with the added bonus of gingerbread.
Where's the best nightlife in Poland?
Poland's nightlife is where history shakes hands with the here and now, creating the perfect backdrop for late-night adventures. Whether you're in the mood for a classic pub crawl or a dance-'til-dawn club sesh, Poland has you covered:
- Pawilony, Warsaw - imagine a cluster of tiny bars tucked away behind Nowy Świat. It’s like stepping into a secret world of drinks and laughter. Compact, cosy, and bags of fun.
- Frantic Club, Kraków - if you're looking to dance the night away, this is your spot. Multiple rooms, each with a different vibe – it's like a musical buffet.
- Prozak 2.0, Kraków - with a mix of underground and mainstream music, this club is where medieval cellars meet modern beats. It's like partying in a history book, but way cooler.
- Święty Mikołaj, Gdańsk - this bar’s like a trip back in time with a twist of today. Think old-world charm, complete with craft beers and unique cocktails.
- Czekolada, Lodz - sweet on the outside, wild on the inside. It's where the stylish crowd goes to let loose. Expect glitz, glam, and a dancefloor that doesn't quit.
- Bunkier Club, Wrocław - part club, part historical bunker; this place is as unique as they come. It's a little bit edgy, a little bit mysterious, and a lot of fun.
- Klub Piekny Pies, Kraków - a laidback vibe with live music that ranges from jazz to rock. It’s like the living room of the coolest person you know, but with a bar.
- Multi Qlti Tap Bar, Gdańsk - craft beer-lovers, this one’s for you. It’s like a library, but instead of books, there’s an impressive selection of brews. Cheers to that!
What's the food like in Poland?
Say hello to tasty Polish cuisine, where comfort food is king and every dish tells a story. Here's your guide to eating your way through Poland – fork and knife at the ready!
- Pierogi - the stars of the Polish food scene – dumplings stuffed with, well, pretty much anything you can dream up! Cheese, meat, potatoes - even fruit for a sweet twist. It's like a hug for your taste buds.
- Bigos - known as hunter's stew, this is a hearty mix of meat, sausage, sauerkraut, and a bunch of other ingredients that have been stewing together long enough to tell their own tales. It's like the ultimate Polish comfort food.
- Żurek - this sour rye soup is a flavor adventure. Often served in a bread bowl (because why not?), it's the kind of soup that doesn't just warm your stomach; it warms your soul.
- Kotlet Schabowy - think schnitzel's Polish cousin. A breaded pork cutlet, fried to golden perfection. It's simple, it's delicious, and it's a must-try.
- Golonka - a pork knuckle that's been cooked and cooked until it's fall-off-the-bone tender. It's meaty, it's hearty, and it's oh-so-Polish.
- Placki Ziemniaczane - potato pancakes fried to a crispy golden brown. They're the kind of snack that makes you wonder why potatoes ever bother being anything else.
- Kaszanka - Polish blood sausage, a mix of blood, buckwheat, and delicious spices. It might sound a bit out there, but it's a flavor sensation.
- Pączki - these Polish doughnuts are sweet, filled with jam or cream, and dusted with sugar. They're like little balls of happiness that'll make you forget about calories.
Best restaurants to try in Poland
Poland’s food scene goes far beyond traditional dishes, with a strong mix of fine dining, modern Polish cuisine and creative tasting menus in major cities like Warsaw, Kraków and Gdynia.
- Soul Kitchen (Warsaw) - A highly rated modern Polish restaurant known for its warm atmosphere and polished service. Expect elevated comfort food with a creative twist and beautifully presented dishes.
- Amarylis Restaurant (Kraków) - A refined dining experience offering modern European cuisine with a strong focus on presentation and flavour. Known for attentive service and high-quality tasting menus.
- Restauracja TYGLE (Warsaw) - A stylish restaurant serving sophisticated Polish dishes alongside inventive cocktails. A great choice for a special night out in a central location.
- NUTA (Warsaw) - A fine dining restaurant with a strong reputation for creativity and precision. Expect tasting menus, expert service and a premium culinary experience.
- Oberża 86 (Gdynia) - A more relaxed but highly rated spot offering traditional Polish dishes at fair prices. Known for generous portions and excellent value for money.
- Bottiglieria 1881 (Kraków) - One of Poland’s standout fine dining restaurants, offering an elegant tasting menu experience with exceptional attention to detail and atmosphere.

Places to visit

The painted village of Zalipie
The colourful village of Zalipie is like someone gave a village a whole box of crayons and said 'go wild!'. This place is famous for its painted houses, with every nook and cranny covered in the most vibrant, folksy floral art you've ever seen. It's like walking into a real-life colouring book where the residents decided beige was just too boring. Picture quaint cottages, barns, bridges, and even doghouses decked out in dazzling designs – it's the Instagram spot you never knew you needed. Visiting Zalipie is like stepping into a kaleidoscope of colours, and let's be honest, who wouldn't want to spice up their travel feed with a little rainbow village action? So grab your camera and maybe a paintbrush (just kidding, don't actually paint anything), and get ready for a whimsical wander through Poland's most colourful secret.
Wroclaw
This Polish city is like the cool, artsy cousin in the family that everyone wants to hang out with. It's got a vibe that's both historical and hipster all at once. Think charming little bridges linking up islands on the Oder River, streets that look straight out of a storybook, and a market square that's so colourful, you'll think you've stepped into Balamory. And let's not forget the famous Wroclaw dwarfs – these cheeky little statues are scattered all over the city, making a game of hide-and-seek an absolute must. It's like a city-wide Easter egg hunt, but with dwarfs instead of eggs. Whether you're sipping a coffee in one of the oh-so-cool cafés, cruising down the river or just soaking up the artsy atmosphere, Wroclaw's got a charm that's hard to resist. It's like the hidden gem that's just waiting to be 'grammed.
Auschwitz
Visiting Auschwitz in Poland is a heavy, but incredibly important experience - and one you've got to do when you're in the area. While it's a pretty heart-wrenching location, it's also an eye-opening reminder of a chapter in history that we'll never forget. It's all about paying respects, learning, and remembering. So, pack a thoughtful mindset and a respectful heart - this visit is your chance to pay tribute to and understand a significant (albeit dark) piece of history.

We'd recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all up-to-date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

No, you won't need to pay any tourist tax on your holiday to Poland.

If you're visiting for less than 90 days, then you don't need a visa to visit Poland, or anywhere in the Schengen area.

Poland Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Poland Holidays 2026 highlights

3 Fun Facts About Poland You Didn’t Know

Local Lingo – Talk Like a Local in Poland

What are the best sights to see on your Poland holidays 2026 / 2027?

Where to Stay on your holidays to Poland

Best hotels to stay at on your holidays to Poland 2026 / 2027

Poland hotels for families

Poland hotels for couples

Best luxury hotels in Poland

Poland hotels for groups

Best value hotels in Poland

Poland Holidays 2026/2027 - Travel Guide

Things To Do For Families

Things To Do For Couples

Things To Do For Groups

Places to visit on your Poland holidays

More Central European city break destinations

Popular Poland hotels

Weather in Poland

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

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FAQs

What currency do they use in Poland?

What language do they speak in Poland?

How long does it take to fly to Poland?

What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Poland?

A note on Auschwitz-Birkenau

Is Poland expensive?

When's the best time to visit Poland?

Is Poland good for families?

🌅 More Things to Do in Poland

💡 The Neon Museum, Warsaw

⚰️ The Chapel of Skulls, Czermna

🍪 The Toruń Gingerbread Museum

🏠 The Upside-Down House, Szymbark

🛕 The Holy Mountain of Grabarka

What events can I go to in Poland?

Where's the best nightlife in Poland?

What's the food like in Poland?

Best restaurants to try in Poland

Places to visit

The painted village of Zalipie

Wroclaw

Auschwitz

Key facts about Poland

Flight Time

2.5 hrs

Time Difference

+1 hour

Currency

Polish Zloty

Language

Polish

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Poland?

Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Poland?

Do I need a visa to visit Poland?