Poland: a country well worth a visit

It may not be the most famous tourist destination in the world, but Poland is a fascinating country that’s sure to appeal to travellers in search of history, culture, authenticity, and modernity. From historic Krakow to the vibrant capital city of Warsaw, by way of lesser-known cities such as Gdańsk and Gdynia, this country with a dark past is steeped in history and has something for everyone. Here are eight places not to miss when visiting Poland!

1. Kazimierz in Krakow

The city of Krakow is the cultural capital of Poland, and the locals are very proud of their rich heritage. No visit to Krakow is complete without a relaxing stroll through the old city — we recommend setting aside a whole morning to explore Kazimierz, which was originally founded by King Casimir the Great as an autonomous city in the 14th century. This neighbourhood was a model for the peaceful coexistence of Jews and Christians. For hundreds of years, Kazimierz was considered to be one of the most important Jewish cultural and spiritual centres on the European continent. Unfortunately, during World War II, Krakow’s Jewish population was largely exterminated. These days, travellers enjoy visiting this neighbourhood for its unique ambiance, to learn more about its history, to enjoy a drink at a comfortable café, and to discover its old synagogue, famous Plac Nowy (New Square) and many art galleries.

2. Lazienki Park in Warsaw

After being largely destroyed during World War II, the Polish capital was rebuilt, and it is now one of central Europe’s most modern cities. It is teeming with cafés, bars, restaurants and art galleries frequented by locals and tourists alike. The city is worth visiting for its vibrant atmosphere alone, but also for the chance to follow in the footsteps of some of the country’s greatest musicians. If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, head to Lazienki Park, near the formal Royal Route. On Sundays, people gather at the monument to Frederic Chopin, the famous Polish composer, for an open-air concert. With a bit of luck, you may even see a peacock or two, the stars of Warsaw’s largest park.

3. The Wieliczka Salt Mine

The magnificent sculpted rooms of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which was in use from the Middle Ages until 1990, are hidden away 64 meters beneath the surface of the earth. You’ll begin your visit by descending 380 stairs down into the mines, where you will be greeted by a magical world that stimulates all your senses. During your tour, you will have a chance to visit halls and chambers of different sizes, including three chapels and a cathedral that were built by the miners over the course of hundreds of years. Remember to look up from time to time to admire the dazzling chandeliers made of delicate salt crystals. This place is far more than just a simple mine; it is a work of art!

4. Wroclaw’s 300 bronze dwarfs

The charming city of Wroclaw consists of 12 islands connected by more than 100 bridges, earning it the nickname “the Venice of Poland”. The fourth-largest city in Poland was also named one of the two European Capitals of Culture in 2016. In addition to its Gothic cathedral, city hall and cultural center, Wroclaw is also home to a unique collection that attracts quite a few curious visitors. There are no fewer than 350 dwarfs, or “krasnales” in Polish, scattered throughout the city streets. The first dwarf figurine was erected to commemorate an anti-communist movement from the 1980s, and since then, hundreds more dwarfs have sprung up all over the city. Some are eating, while others are relaxing, working or even playing musical instruments. It’s well worth a bit of your time to go on a hunt for these funny little characters while visiting Wroclaw.

5. The Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp

The former concentration and extermination camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau, located west of Krakow, is now a museum and memorial. It’s not an easy place to visit, but it is not to be missed during your time in Poland. Guided tours offer the chance to learn more about the everyday lives of the camp’s prisoners and the horrors perpetrated by the Nazis here at the site of one of the largest mass murders in history. Between 1942 and 1955, more than 1.1 million prisoners, most of them Jewish, perished in the camp’s gas chambers. Visiting the site is a difficult, emotional experience, but also an important one to ensure the horrors of the Holocaust are never forgotten.

6. Mariacka Street in Gdańsk

Gdańsk is a charming, vibrant port city on the Baltic coast. With its sumptuous Royal Route and colourful buildings, the old city, which was rebuilt nearly identically after World War II, is a true feast for the eyes. Mariacka Street is known for its charming cafés and jewellery shops specializing in amber, a yellow-orange stone found in the Baltic Sea. Take some time to admire the city’s unique architecture and enjoy a cup of coffee or a vodka-based cocktail as you stroll through town. And don’t forget to visit St. Mary’s Church, the largest brick church in the world!

7. Sopot Pier

Just a short train ride way is Sopot, an elegant seaside resort built in the second half of the 19th century and one of three cities that make up the “Tricity”, along with Gdańsk and Gdynia. The city’s Belle Epoque style has earned it the nickname “the Deauville of Poland”. Sopot is home to beautiful gold sand beaches where you can lay out your towel and catch some rays, as well as Europe’s longest wooden pier, a perfect place for a walk in sunny weather. The 515-meter-long structure offers a panoramic view of the Baltic Sea, along with the city’s hotels and casino.

8. The Black Madonna of Czestochowa

The city of Czestochowa is a major pilgrimage site in Poland. It attracts visitors from around the world who come to see the Black Madonna, one of the country’s most important Catholic symbols, with their own eyes. This famous work is kept in the heart of the Jasna Gora fortified monastery, atop a hill by the same name. The holy icon, which is said to have miraculous powers, is displayed on the altar inside the shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is named for the colour of its paint, which has darkened over the centuries. This site attracts some 4 to 5 million pilgrims each year.

So, has this article piqued your interest? Then what are you waiting for? It’s time to set off on an adventure to discover this central European country with something for every one, from amateur historians to lovers of culture and gastronomy!