Poland
Europe · Warsaw · PL
Poland is a country of remarkable historical depth and regional diversity, where medieval old towns have been painstakingly rebuilt from wartime ruins and a new generation of restaurants, galleries, and design studios is redefining the national image. Krakow, the former royal capital, surrounds a vast market square with Gothic spires and Renaissance courtyards, while Warsaw's reconstructed old town stands as a monument to national resilience. Beyond the cities, the Tatra Mountains rise along the Slovak border, offering alpine hiking and the wood-carving culture of the Highlander folk tradition. The Mazurian Lake District, a thousand-lake region in the northeast, provides quiet forests and sailing. Polish cuisine is hearty and regional, from pierogi filled with wild mushroom and sauerkraut to bigos, a slow-cooked stew of meats and cabbage, and the country's beer and vodka traditions run deep in every village pub. The Baltic coast offers sandy beaches and the occasional surprise of a medieval brick castle rising above fishing harbors.
Overview
Poland is a country in Europe. Its capital is Warsaw and the international dialling code is +48. Languages commonly used in everyday life here include Polish. Local currency is the Polish Złoty (PLN). Our guide covers 2 airports, including Kraków John Paul II International Airport, Warsaw Chopin Airport. We also list 2 cities in Poland: Warsaw and Kraków.
Getting around Poland
Poland has a developing but comfortable rail network, with good connections between Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk and Poznań; newer "EIP" (Express InterCity Premium) trains are fast and punctual. FlixBus and PolskiBus coaches cover the gaps at good prices for city-hopping.
In the cities, tram networks are extensive, and free walking tours are common in the old towns. Driving is on the right, motorways are toll-free in most places (some sections tolled), and petrol is cheap compared with the west. The Tatra Mountains hidden under Zakopane and the Masurian lakes are best reached by car or bus from Kraków and Warsaw.
When to visit Poland
May to September offers the most comfortable weather for city breaks, with June through August warmest. The Tatra Mountains are ideal in late summer (though July–August sees crowds). Winter (December–February) is cold but comes with famous Christmas markets in Kraków and Gdańsk, plus ski resorts in Zakopane.
Warsaw's key museums and the Old Town are enjoyable year-round, but note that August brings domestic holidays with some businesses closed. The long weekends around 1 May and 15 August are busy travel periods.
Eating and drinking
Polish food is hearty and comforting: pierogi (dumplings), bigos (hunter's stew), żurek (sour-rye soup), and the placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes). "Milk bars" (bar mleczny), family-run canteens from the socialist era, still serve affordable traditional plates and are an experience in themselves.
Polish beers, especially the pils-style lagers, are excellent value, and the vodka tradition is real — served chilled and neat among friends. There's a strong café culture in Kraków and Warsaw. Tipping 10% in restaurants is standard, and rounding up works for drinks.
Money and local customs
Poland uses the złoty (PLN), with around 4 złoty to the euro. Cards are accepted in cities, but cash is still expected in many smaller restaurants, markets and rural areas — keep some notes in your pocket.
Poles greet with "dzień dobry" (good day) and switch to first names only when invited; "proszę" (please) opens most requests. A handshake with eye contact matters. Keep your passport at hand, as accommodation registers guests, and avoid comparing Poland with "Eastern Europe" — Poles describe their country as Central European.
Compare hotels, cover your trip and stay connected.
- Capital
- Warsaw
- Currency
- Polish Złoty (PLN)
- Languages
- Polish
- Calling code
- +48
- Internet TLD
- pl
Entry requirements
Check who can enter →See which passports travel visa-free or need a visa to enter Poland.
Which nationalities can enter Poland?
Current visa status for tourism for the origins we cover, with links to the detailed requirements.
Airports (2)
All airports →Cities (2)
All cities →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Poland?
For the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina and Australia currently enter Poland visa-free for tourism. Entry rules depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, so check the current requirements for your own nationality with our entry requirements tool.
What is the capital of Poland?
Warsaw is the capital of Poland, and the country sits in Europe.
What currency is used in Poland?
You pay with Polish Złoty (PLN) in Poland. Exchange rates move day to day, so check the current rate before you change money or use your card abroad.
Which languages do people speak in Poland?
The languages we list for Poland are Polish. A couple of greetings in the local language go a long way when you travel, even in cities where another language is widely used.
What is the international dialling code for Poland?
The dialling code for Poland is +48 — keep the plus sign when you save the number.
Which airports serve Poland?
We cover 2 airports for Poland, including Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK), Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW).
Which cities in Poland do you cover?
Our guide lists 2 cities for Poland: Warsaw (capital) and Kraków.