Medieval castles, underground salt mines carved into cathedrals, and mountain trails that disappear into the clouds. Poland sits at the heart of Central Europe with a history that spans royal dynasties and wartime resistance. Things to do in Poland stretch from Baltic Sea beaches in the north to alpine peaks in the south.
This guide covers the best experiences across the country. You’ll find the royal halls of Krakow, the moving history of Auschwitz, the colorful streets of Gdansk, and natural wonders that rival anywhere in Europe. We’ve included timings, ticket prices, and practical tips so you can plan your trip with ease.
1. Wawel Royal Castle, Krakow
Your Poland journey should begin at Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow, the former seat of Polish kings for over 500 years. Perched on Wawel Hill, this fortified castle complex stands as one of the top things to do in Poland for history and architecture fans.
The castle houses several museums, including the State Rooms, Royal Apartments, and the Crown Treasury with Poland’s coronation sword. Don’t miss the Wawel Cathedral next door and the famous Dragon’s Den cave, where a bronze dragon breathes real fire every few minutes. Allocate 3 to 4 hours for a proper visit.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Location: Wawel 5, 31-001 Kraków, Poland
- Timings: Monday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (seasonal variations apply)
- Entry Fee: Castle exhibitions start from PLN 47/ INR 1,200, set aside 3 to 4 hours for a thorough visit
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2. Wieliczka Salt Mine
Located 14 kilometers from Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mine dates back to the 13th century and has been operating for over 700 years. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts over 1 million visitors annually, making it among the fun things to do in Poland.
The Tourist Route takes you 135 meters underground through 3.5 kilometers of tunnels, chambers, and underground lakes. The Chapel of St. Kinga, carved entirely from salt with chandeliers and statues, is the highlight. Guided tours last about 2 hours, and the temperature stays at 14°C year-round, so bring a jacket.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Location: Daniłowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka, Poland
- Timings: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (seasonal hours vary)
- Entry Fee: Starting ticket price PLN 143/ INR 3,600, set aside 2 to 3 hours for the guided tour
3. Warsaw Old Town & Royal Castle
The capital city rebuilt its Old Town from rubble after World War II, and today it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Warsaw Old Town and the Royal Castle rank high among things to do in Poland for tourists who want to understand the country’s resilience.
Start at the Royal Castle, which houses baroque interiors, Rembrandt paintings, and the Lanckoroński Gallery. Walk through the Old Town Market Square surrounded by colorful merchant houses and cafes. The Mermaid Fountain at the center symbolizes Warsaw’s protector. End your stroll at the Barbican, a 16th-century fortification gate.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Location: plac Zamkowy 4, 00-277 Warszawa, Poland
- Timings: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Monday – Closed
- Entry Fee: Royal Castle – Adults PLN 50 to PLN 80/ INR 1,300 to INR 2000, Royal Gardens – Free, set aside 2 to 3 hours to see the castle and Old Town
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4. Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
About 70 kilometers west of Krakow, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial preserves the site of the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp. Over 1.1 million people lost their lives here during World War II. A visit here is a solemn but essential experience for anyone traveling through Poland.
The memorial consists of two sites, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, located 3.5 kilometers apart. Free shuttle buses connect them. Pre-book your entry passes online as visitor numbers are limited daily. Guided tours help provide important historical context.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Location: Więźniów Oświęcimia 55, 32-600 Oświęcim, Poland
- Timings: Daily 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM (varies by month)
- Entry Fee: Entry – Free, set aside 3 to 4 hours for both sites
5. Gdańsk Old Town
On Poland’s Baltic coast, Gdańsk showcases colorful merchant houses and a maritime heritage stretching back centuries. Walking through the Long Market (Długi Targ) ranks among the top things to do in Poland for architecture lovers.
The Neptune Fountain and the Gothic Town Hall anchor the main street. Climb the Town Hall tower for views across the rooftops to the Motława River. Nearby, Mariacka Street houses amber workshops and cafes on historic stone terraces. The European Solidarity Centre tells the story of the Solidarity movement that helped end communist rule.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Długi Targ, 80-831 Gdańsk, Poland
- Timings: Open 24 hours (museums and towers have individual hours)
- Entry Fee: Town Hall Tower – PLN 20/ INR 500 | Street walking – Free, keep 3 to 4 hours for Old Town and the waterfront
6. Tatra Mountains & Zakopane
For outdoor lovers, the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland provide hiking, skiing, and stunning alpine views. Zakopane, known as the Winter Capital of Poland, serves as the gateway to Tatra National Park and stands out among must see places in Poland.
The Kasprowy Wierch cable car takes you 1,987 meters above sea level, where you can stand at the Polish-Slovak border. From here, you can hike down or simply enjoy the panoramic views. Morskie Oko, a glacial lake surrounded by peaks, is another popular trek. In winter, skiing and snowboarding draw thousands of visitors.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Zakopane, Poland (cable car station)
- Timings: Cable car operates daily, hours vary by season
- Entry Fee: Ticket prices vary based on attractions; set aside 4 to 6 hours for the mountain experience
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7. St. Mary’s Basilica, Krakow
Overlooking Krakow’s Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica features two mismatched towers and a wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss in the 15th century. Every hour, a trumpeter plays the Hejnał melody from the taller tower, a tradition dating back centuries.
The interior holds vibrant blue and gold Gothic decorations, stained glass windows by Polish artists, and the famous 13-meter-high altarpiece. Climb the 239 steps to the top of the tower for close-up views of the city and the Main Square below.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Location: plac Mariacki 5, 31-042 Kraków, Poland
- Timings: Monday to Saturday 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM | Sunday 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: For the tour PLN 18/ INR 450 donation is required, set aside 1 to 2 hours for the visit
8. Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, Krakow
Once home to 65,000 Jewish residents before World War II, Kazimierz now blends history with a lively arts and cafe scene. Visit the Old Synagogue, the Galicia Jewish Museum, and the 16th-century Remuh Cemetery.
Just across the river, the former Jewish Ghetto and Schindler’s Factory museum tell the wartime story. By evening, Kazimierz transforms with jazz clubs, cocktail bars, and bohemian cafes filling the streets.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Location: plac Wolnica 1, 31-060 Kraków, Poland
- Timings: Neighborhoods open 24 hours | Museums vary (typically 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- Entry Fee: Ticket prices vary based on attraction; allow 3 to 4 hours for museums and evening strolls
9. Malbork Castle
About 60 kilometers southeast of Gdańsk, Malbork Castle holds the title of the largest brick castle in the world by land area. Built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, this UNESCO site draws visitors interested in medieval fortifications.
The castle complex spans three sections: the High, Middle, and Low Castles. Audio-guided tours take you through knights’ halls, the Grand Master’s palace, and a collection of amber and armor. Summer light shows illuminate the castle walls after dark.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Location: Starościńska 1, 82-200 Malbork, Poland
- Timings: Daily 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed on Tuesday)
- Entry Fee: Normal tickets – PLN 80/ INR 2,000 and PLN 60/ INR 1,500 for children, set aside 3 to 4 hours for the full castle tour
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FAQs
What are the top things to do in Poland for first-time visitors?
Start with Krakow’s Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square. From there, take day trips to Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau. Warsaw’s Old Town and Gdańsk’s Long Market round out any first visit. These sites cover history, culture, and architecture in one trip.
What are some night things to do in Poland?
Kraków’s Kazimierz district has jazz clubs, cocktail bars, and candlelit venues open until late. Warsaw offers rooftop bars like Level 27 and techno clubs such as Smolna. Gdańsk’s waterfront fills with restaurants and live music during the summer months.
What can you do in Poland for free?
Many attractions cost nothing. Walk through Warsaw’s Old Town, stroll Krakow’s Main Market Square, and enjoy Łazienki Park’s gardens and Sunday Chopin concerts. Auschwitz-Birkenau entry is free with advance booking. Beach walks along the Baltic coast in Sopot are also free.
What is the best time to visit Poland?
Late spring (May – June) and early autumn (September – October) offer mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer brings festivals and outdoor activities, while winter turns Zakopane into a ski destination. Christmas markets in December add seasonal charm to major cities.
Is Poland expensive for tourists?
Poland remains affordable compared to Western Europe. Budget hotels start around PLN 200/ INR 5,000 per night. Meals at local restaurants cost PLN 30 – 50/ INR 760 – 1,300. Attraction tickets typically range from PLN 15 – 60/ INR 380 – 1,500. Public transport is cheap and reliable.
How many days do you need in Poland?
A week allows you to visit Kraków (2 – 3 days), Warsaw (2 days), and Gdańsk or the Tatra Mountains (2 days). With 10 days, you can add Wrocław, Malbork Castle, or Białowieża Forest. A long weekend works for a single city and nearby day trips.
What food should you try in Poland?
Pierogi (filled dumplings) come in dozens of varieties. Bigos (hunter’s stew), żurek (sour rye soup), and oscypek (smoked sheep cheese from Zakopane) are local favorites. Milk bars (bar mleczny) serve cheap, traditional meals across cities.
Do I need a visa to visit Poland?
Poland is part of the Schengen Area. Citizens from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and many other countries can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa, which can be applied for through the Polish consulate or visa service providers like OneVasco.
Is Poland safe for tourists?
Yes. Poland ranks among the safest countries in Europe for travelers. Petty theft can occur in crowded tourist spots, so keep your belongings secure. Emergency services are responsive, and English is widely spoken in major cities. With its historic castles, salt mines, and mountain trails, things to do in Poland offers a safe and memorable travel experience.
