Poland

Understand

Poland is located at the very centre of Europe with an area of 322,575 km².

Poland's western regions, including large parts of Lower Silesia, Lubuskie and Zachodniopomorskie, were parts of neighbouring Germany at different periods of time. The natural border of mountain ridges separating Poland from its southern neighbours, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, did not stop the cultural influence (and periodic warring). In the Middle Ages, Poland was part of a powerful Commonwealth with Lithuania that governed much of today's Belarus and Ukraine. The cultural evidence of it can be found closer to the present-day borders. Lastly, the entire eastern half of Poland used to be controlled by the Russian Empire, and there was a strong Soviet influence during the communist era, leaving behind many traces in both culture and built heritage.

Poland has a very homogeneous society in terms of ethnicity, language and religion. The historical Republics of Poland, whose boundaries were very different from those of today, were very multi-cultural, and, for a period, Poland was known as Europe's most religiously tolerant. Poland held Europe's largest Jewish population, which was all but wiped out by the Holocaust of World War II. After the war the survivors were persecuted by the anti-Semitic communist government into leaving the country.

Despite losing a third of its population during World War II, including a disproportionally large part of its elites, and suffering many economic setbacks as…

Get around

Polish road infrastructure is extensive but generally poorly maintained, and high speed motorways in place are insufficient. However, public transport is quite plentiful and inexpensive: buses and trams in cities, and charter buses and trains for long-distance travel.

See

Ever since Poland joined the European Union, international travellers have rapidly rediscovered the country's rich cultural heritage, stunning historic sites and just gorgeous array of landscapes. Whether you're looking for architecture, urban vibes or a taste of the past: Poland's bustling cities and towns offer something for everyone. If you'd rather get away from the crowds and enjoy nature, the country's vast natural areas provide anything from dense forests, high peaks and lush hills to beaches and lake reserves.

Do

Travel one of the European Cultural Routes that cross Poland: for example Cisterian Route Watch football: Ekstraklasa is the top tier of soccer in Poland, with 16 teams representing all the major cities. The playing season is July to April with a long winter break. The national team usually play home games at Stadion Narodowy (National Stadium) in Warsaw. Cycling: you can bike through Poland, there are five EuroVelo trails going through nearly every part of country. However, infrastructure may be a bit lacking outside major cities.

Eat

Poles take their meals following the standard continental schedule: a light breakfast in the morning (usually some sandwiches with tea/coffee), then a larger lunch (or traditionally a "dinner") at around 13:00-14:00, then a supper at around 19:00.

It is not difficult to avoid meat, with many restaurants offering at least one vegetarian dish. Most major cities have some exclusively vegetarian restaurants, especially near the city centre. Vegan options remain extremely limited, however.

thumbnail|right|Pierogi

Drink

thumbnail|right|Polish people drink more beer than any other alcoholic beverage

Poland is on the border of European "vodka" and "beer culture". Poles enjoy alcoholic drinks but they drink less than the European average. You can buy beer, vodka and wine. Although Poland is known as the birthplace of vodka, local beer seems to have much more appeal to many Poles. Another traditional alcoholic beverage is mead. Polish liqueurs and nalewka (alcoholic tincture) are a must.

You must be over 18 years old and be able to prove it with a valid ID to buy alcohol, and this is strictly enforced.

Sleep

Poland is catching up with Western Europe when it comes to availability and standards of lodging. Many smaller towns and locations less frequented by tourists still offer very little choice of accommodation and the existing providers make use of it rather by offering low standards than charging extortionate prices. In large cities, both in hotels and hostels, you can expect staff to have reasonable command of English, and often other foreign languages. In less frequented locations, the language barrier may be a problem.

Stay safe

The European unified emergency number 112 is being deployed in Poland. By now, it certainly works for all mobile-phone calls and most land-line calls.

There are also three "old" emergency numbers that are still in use for land-lines. These are: Ambulance (Pogotowie): 999, Firefighters (Straż Pożarna): 998, and Police (Policja): 997.

Municipal Guards (Straż Miejska), dial 986, is a kind of auxiliary Police force found only in large cities. They are not armed and their role is primarily to cope with parking offences and minor cases of antisocial behaviour.

thumbnail|right|When in trouble, report immediately to the police (Policja)

Stay healthy

Tap water is safe to drink in entire Poland. If you stay in any larger settlement, there is no reason to worry about water quality. The only complaint may be excessive chlorine treatment and the resulting unpleasant smell. However in some rural locations residents may prefer to source water from wells, which usually will be contaminated with iron and unsafe to drink. Poland relies heavily on coal and wood for home heating, and thus has a serious smog problem, which is particularly pronounced in winter and in the southern regions, especially in mountain valleys.

Go next

The land border can be crossed to Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Lithuania. Traffic to Belarus and the Kaliningrad Oblast is severely restricted as of 2025.