Guides To Poland's Cities
Read in depth travel guides to Poland's towns and cities. Visit our guides to Poland to find the best recommendations on accommodation, flights to the region and domestic travel for Warsaw, Kraków, Lublin and Wroclaw.
Warsaw
Warsaw - Poland's vibrant capital now painstakingly restored after the damage of World War II. Warsaw is a city of about 1.7 million people, making it the ninth largest city in Europe. Warsaw is also one of Europe's greenest cities, with almost a quarter of its area devoted to greenery, most of it in the form of parks, of which there are over eighty. The Vistula River runs through Warsaw.
Gdansk
Gdansk - a jewel of a city full of historic buildings on the Baltic Coast. Today canal-crossed Gdansk is one of the most popular and beautiful cities in Poland and somewhat reminiscent of Amsterdam. The rebuilt Old Town shows Dutch, Flemish, and French architectural influences - but no German. This is historically inaccurate, but perhaps understandable. Gdansk is also home to shipping and the large shipyard (the former Lenin Shipyards) where Lech Walesa led the Solidarity trade union movement.
Poznan
Poznan - known for its lovely Old Square, Trade Fairs, classical music and vibrant student lifestyle. Poznan is located in the west of Poland and the history of the city is tied up with the history of the Polish nation itself. Poznan is the historical capital of the Wielkopolska ("Greater Poland") region, and it was here that the first proto-Polish kingdom was recognized under Mieszko I, who underwent a public baptism and conversion to Christianity in 966 to receive the favour of the papacy and the Holy Roman Emperor of the time. Mieszko's warrior son Boleslaw the Brave was to increase the size of the the territory under the control of the Piast dynasty. Polish monarchs continued to be buried in Poznan until 1296 even after the royal seat moved to Krakow.
Wroclaw
Wroclaw - formerly Breslau, this relaxed and peaceful city has a beautiful Old Town. Wroclaw pronounced "Vrots-lav" is Poland's fourth largest city and the main city in southwestern Poland. Wroclaw is a short trip from the Czech border and also a short distance from the German border. Over the years, the city has been annexed and ruled by many different regional powers. In the early years, Wroclaw was controlled by Bohemia: until 992, and then from 1038 until 1054. From the years 992 - 1038 and 1054 - 1202, it was part of the Kingdom of Poland.
Krakow
Krakow - a UNESCO World heritage site famous for its superb Old Town, a perfectly preserved masterpiece of historic architecture. The city's "Golden Age" took place in the 15th and 16th centuries. During this period, many of the city's synagogues were built, works of Polish Renaissance art and buildings were created, and the first printing press was established in the city. In 1520, the most famous church bell in the entire country - the Zygmunt - was cast in Krakow.
Day Trips From Polish Cities
Find information on day trips from the main Polish cities:
Sopot and Slowinski National Park
Sopot and Slowinski National Park are easily reached from Gdansk. Most activities in Sopot revolve around ulica Bohaterow Monte Cassino (Heroes of Monte Cassino Street), the pedestrianized road which slopes down towards the sea and the famous wooden pier - the longest in Europe. You can drink the salty water that is pumped 800 meters up from the covered St Wojchiech spa fountain or go up in the lighthouse for 3zl between 10 am-10 pm to get a good view of the town. The beaches are sandy and on the northern side of the pier you will find rows of bathing huts, some with lovely wicker beach chairs for rent.
Kornik and Rogalin
Kornik and Rogalin are within easy reach of Poznan. Around 18 km away from Poznan is the lakeside village of Kornik, home to a grand neo-Gothic castle with wonderful interiors and furniture. On the ground floor the drawing room bears the coat of arms of owner Tytus Dzialynski and none other than Chopin once played the grand piano that sits in the room. Behind the castle is an arboretum with a landscaped collection of more than a thousand types of tree.
Swidnica and Ksiaz
Swidnica and Ksiaz are both close to Wroclaw. Swidnica is an old town 50 km south west of Wroclaw. From the train station it's a couple of minutes' walk to the lively main square which is predominantly Baroque in architectural style. In the centre of Swidnica are two fine fountains to look at and the town hall. At the back of Swidnica town hall is the Museum of Shopkeeping with its recreations of traditional shop interiors. The Church of Stanislaw and Wenceslas is also worth a visit with its majestic belfry standing at 103 metres tall - the 3rd highest in Poland.
Kampinos Forest and Konstancin-Jeziorna
Kampinos Forest and Konstancin-Jeziorna are close to the Polish capital Warsaw. A garden town crossed by the picturesque Jeziorka River, Konstancin-Jeziorna's greatest treasure is its microclimate and thermal brine that comes from deep underground, which, when inhaled at the Graduation Tower is believed to help in the treatment of respiratory problems. The fresh clean air comes from the pinewoods surrounding the resort.
Auschwitz
The infamous Auschwitz concentration camp near Krakow.
For many of the young visitors to Auschwitz, the tragic events that happened here during World War II are a distant memory. For people in their 20s, Auschwitz has become another stop on the modern European tour to be seen along with the Eiffel Tower, the Vatican and Big Ben.
For this reason the museum at Auschwitz is targeted at the young, with hundreds of thousands of school children from all over Europe, but particularly from Poland and Germany, visiting each year, so that the crimes against humanity that took place here will not be forgotten by future generations.
However, for older people in their 50's or upwards, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Auschwitz-Birkenau sites retain a special resonance and immediacy and make them a must-see if you are spending any time in the Krakow area during your visit to Poland.
Accommodation in Poland
Hotels in Warsaw Poland - compare and book hotels in Warsaw and Poland's major cities.
Hostels & budget hotels in Poland - low cost accommodation in Poland.
Poland travel guide - all you need to know about travel and holidaying in Poland.
Map of Poland (and Ukraine) - showing the venue cities in both countries.
Join us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest soccer news from Poland and get the chance to win one of our regular free prizes.
Related
Festivals in Poland - Poland's festival calendar.
Buy tickets for soccer matches around the world