The most interesting places in Poland — TOP 10
Honestly, it’s difficult to fit the most attractive places in Poland into just 10 entries, but some cities and regions definitely lead in popularity among Polish and foreign tourists. Of course, much depends on whether we prefer sightseeing, spending time actively, or simply lounging around. Everyone will find something for themselves in our TOP 10 list of must-see places in Poland.
1. Kraków
The former capital of Poland is undoubtedly a favourite city for both Polish and foreign tourists. In 2024, nearly 15 million travellers visited it, of which over 2 million were foreigners.
What to see in Kraków and its surroundings?
- Old Town: Main Market Square with the Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica,
- Wawel and the royal castle, the cathedral with the tombs of kings,
- beautiful districts of Kraków with numerous monuments, e.g. Kazimierz,
- nearby: Wieliczka and the salt mine; Auschwitz and the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp.
2. Warsaw — the capital of Poland with a rich history and culture
Warsaw was leveled during World War II and then spectacularly rebuilt. What to see in Warsaw? Noteworthy sites include: Old Town, the Royal Castle, Royal Łazienki Park, the Palace of Culture and Science, symbols of Warsaw: the Mermaid and Nike, as well as historical places related to World War II.
3. Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains – mountain tourism and folklore
Zakopane is the capital of the beautiful and monumental Tatras. It serves as a great base for mountain excursions and is increasingly attracting tourists from the Middle East. The highlanders of Podhale share a lot of their colorful folklore with tourists, which is a significant attraction of this place.
4. Gdańsk and the Tri-City – seaside climate and history
Gdańsk captivates with its Long Market, the streets by the Motława River, and its unique atmosphere – especially during the St. Dominic's Fair. It’s worth visiting historical sites: Westerplatte and the Gdańsk shipyard. Sopot is a typical tourist resort with its impressive pier and Forest Opera. Gdynia, on the other hand, is a typical port city. Here, you can explore unique ships: the Dar Pomorza and ORP Błyskawica.
5. Malbork – the largest castle in the world
The castle in Malbork is considered the largest castle in the world by area, as well as the largest brick Gothic castle. It is also listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
6. Masuria – the land of Great Lakes
The “Land of a Thousand Lakes” attracts lovers of sailing and peace. It is one of the most frequently visited places in Poland, featuring a network of interconnected lakes, which you can navigate endlessly.
7. Jasna Góra – pilgrimage and religious tourism
Just as the Spanish have Santiago de Compostela, the Portuguese have Fatima, and the French have Lourdes, we have Jasna Góra with the miraculous image of the Mother of God. It is the most important pilgrimage site in Poland.
8. Białowieża and magical Podlasie
The Białowieża Forest is a unique place on a global scale, recognized by UNESCO, which has listed it as a World Heritage Site. It is a natural pearl where you can visit the Bison Show Reserve. In addition, Podlasie holds the kingdom of the elk, the largest in Poland, the Biebrza National Park.
9. Krynica-Zdrój and other Polish health resorts
Southern Poland is rich in excellent health resorts, known mainly for their healing waters, peat, and brine. The queen of Polish health resorts is undoubtedly Krynica-Zdrój, but do not forget about smaller ones like Szczawnica, Muszyna, or Piwniczna. In the southwest, it's worth visiting Kudowa-Zdrój, Duszniki-Zdrój, and Polanica-Zdrój.
10. The Baltic Coast
The Baltic beaches are unparalleled. Picturesque cliffs, wild nature, national parks, wide sandy shores, and well-prepared tourist infrastructure. From Świnoujście to Krynica Morska, the Baltic Sea delights. It’s worth taking a deep breath here, as the precious iodine is in the air.
Poland is beautiful!
Every place in Poland is worth visiting. Besides those mentioned on the list, tourists can explore the wild Bieszczady and Low Beskids, the mysterious Sudetes (including impressive underground tunnels built by Hitler), the Kraków-Częstochowa Jura with its medieval castles, Copernicus' city – Toruń, the exceptional Lublin, colorful Masovia, the enchanted Holy Cross region… The list of places worth visiting in Poland truly seems endless 😉
A TRIP THROUGH POLAND? - ORDER FROM US -
Photo and text author: Agnieszka Soszka
