Things to do in Poland
3 destinations in Poland, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.
Places to visit in Poland
- Things to do in Gdansk culture, beach, city
- Things to do in Krakow city, culture
- Things to do in Warsaw city, culture, food
Best time to visit Poland
When flights to each destination are cheapest.
- Gdansk
- The cheapest months to fly to Gdansk are November through March, when round-trip fares from major US hubs can be 30-40% lower than the summer peak; mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) shave an additional 10-15% off fares. July and August are peak season for Baltic summer tourism, so booking at least 3 months ahead is essential if visiting then.
- Krakow
- The cheapest months to fly to Kraków are January through early March and November, when round-trip fares from major US hubs can dip to $500-650 compared to $900-1,200 in peak summer, savings of 30-45%. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) reliably shaves another $50-100 off fares.
- Warsaw
- The cheapest months to fly to Warsaw are January through March and November (excluding holidays), when round-trip fares from US hubs can be 30-40% lower than the summer peak of June-August. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) versus weekends typically saves an additional 10-15%.
Is Poland expensive?
A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.
- Gdansk
- About $27 a day on a shoestring, about $171 comfortably.
- Krakow
- About $27 a day on a shoestring, about $181 comfortably.
- Warsaw
- About $27 a day on a shoestring, about $186 comfortably.
Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.
Free things to do in Poland
- Gdansk: Stroll Mariacka Street Gdansk's most photogenic amber-and-gothic lane, lined with gargoyle-adorned terraces and street artisans, entirely free to walk.
- Gdansk: Explore the Motlawa Riverfront Walk along the medieval waterfront past the Crane Gate and grain warehouses at any hour for stunning views.
- Krakow: Stroll the Planty Park Ring A leafy green belt encircling the Old Town perfect for people-watching and unwinding
- Krakow: Kazimierz Jewish Quarter Wander atmospheric streets, murals, and synagogue exteriors steeped in centuries of history
- Warsaw: Praga District Street Art Walk Warsaw's edgy east-bank neighborhood is an open-air gallery of murals and Soviet-era architecture.
- Warsaw: Chopin Bench Musical Trail Press solar-powered benches along Royal Route to hear Chopin melodies played in his hometown.
Cheap eats in Poland
- Bar Mleczny Neptun in Gdansk, Bigos (hunter's stew) with rye bread and kompot Plates $2-5
- Targ Rybny Fish Market in Gdansk, Fresh smoked Baltic herring or fish soup in a bread bowl Plates $4-8
- Bar Mleczny Pod Temidą in Krakow, Pierogi ruskie and beet soup (barszcz) Plates $2-5
- Zapiekanka stalls, Plac Nowy in Krakow, Oversized toasted baguette with mushrooms and cheese Plates $2-4
- Bar Mleczny Familijny in Warsaw, Żurek (sour rye soup) and pierogi ruskie Plates $2-5
- Zapiecek in Warsaw, Handmade pierogi with a variety of fillings Plates $4-8