Poland is a fascinating country in Eastern Europe with a long and interesting history and culture. From the majestic mountains of the Tatra in the south to the breathtaking coastal towns in the north, there are many beautiful places to visit in Poland.
16 most beautiful places and towns in Poland you must visit
Today, we introduce you to the 16 most beautiful places in Poland. Of course, there are many other beautiful places and attractions in our neighboring country that deserve to be mentioned – these are just some of the highlights.
I myself was born in Poland and a large part of my family lives there. Therefore, I know the culture and the language and of course I also regularly travel within the country. If you are looking for a great (and especially rather underestimated and comparatively cheap) destination in Eastern Europe with many historical and natural attractions, then Poland should be your next must-visit destination!
1. Gdańsk (+Gdynia and Sopot)
Gdańsk is the largest city in the Polish region of Pomerania and is located on the country’s Baltic Sea coast. The city has an impressive history dating back to the 10th century. It was once an important Hanseatic city. Gdańsk, as it is called in Polish, boasts beautiful architecture and countless historical sites. Gdańsk is also a major port city today and, thanks to its picturesque coastline and surrounding sandy beaches, a popular tourist destination.
Gdynia is a smaller town to the north of Gdańsk. It was founded at the beginning of the 20th century as a shipyard town and soon developed into an important naval base for the Polish military. Today, Gdynia is also popular with tourists and offers a vibrant beach scene and many cultural attractions.
Sopot is another small town to the north of Gdańsk. It is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and is also a popular spa town. Sopot is a popular destination for international tourists and locals alike. Besides its beaches, the town is also known for its vibrant nightlife – the town is sometimes called the “Polish Riviera”.
Since all 3 cities are adjacent, they are also called the Polish Tricity, or in Polish Trójmiasto. Be sure to check out all three places, they can be wonderfully combined.
2. Poland’s Baltic Sea
The Polish Baltic Sea coast is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in Poland. Poland’s coast easily keeps up with the most beautiful Baltic Sea beaches in Germany and offers some relatively little-known locations. It stretches from Gdansk to the city of Szczecin (Stettin) in the northwest. The coastline is about 500 km long and there are many natural beaches and charming towns to visit.
Some worthwhile places on the Polish Baltic Sea:
- Kołobrzeg
- Łeba (also see Słowiński National Park)
- Międzyzdroje
- Świnoujście
- Rewal
- The Hel Peninsula
- Władysławowo
- Malbork (not directly on the Baltic Sea, but about 40 km south of the coast)
With their often quite white sandy beaches and lush vegetation, the Polish Baltic Sea coast is definitely worth a discovery. If you want to take a cheap Baltic Sea vacation, you’re in the right place. Accommodation and food cost significantly less than here.
3. Słowiński National Park (Słowiński Park Narodowy)
The Słowiński Park Narodowy is located directly on the Baltic Sea coast and is known for its beautiful landscapes and its unique ecosystem. The highlight of the national park is certainly the unique sand dunes. They sometimes remind of a desert landscape and are a unique natural spectacle.
A popular seaside resort nearby is the city of Łeba, from where you can start great tours into the sand dunes.
4. Masuria (Mazury)
The region of Masuria in northeastern Poland is one of the country’s most popular destinations. It is known for its untouched forests, crystal-clear lakes, and gentle hills. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including sailing, windsurfing, hiking, and cycling. If you’re a nature enthusiast, this place is perfect for you!
Furthermore, there are a number of charming and quaint villages in Masuria that are worth exploring. The region is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a beautiful and quiet corner of Poland to explore.
5. Wrocław
Wrocław is located in western Poland and is the fourth largest city in the country. It has about 650,000 inhabitants and hosts a number of great attractions, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Wrocław was one of the host cities for the Euro 2012 football championships and the city has developed splendidly since then.
Like in every Polish city, there is a so-called Rynek. The Grand Ring (a medieval large market square) is, so to speak, the center of the city and is surrounded by a number of historical buildings, including the imposing Gothic town hall.
Wrocław combines in an interesting way the traditional with modern Poland. In particular, the nightlife in Wrocław is worth it, as it is a university town and you can get to know many young Poles.
6. Poznań
The city of Poznań is located in western Poland and is the capital of the province Wielkopolska. With around 540,000 inhabitants, Poznań is the fifth largest city of our neighboring country. Poznań is an important cultural center in Poland and houses several universities and museums.
The most important sights include the Poznań Cathedral, the Royal Castle, and the National Museum. Also in Poznań, you should of course explore the Grand Ring (main market or Rynek) and watch the hustle and bustle of the city from one of the bars and restaurants – especially in summer, this is always a great experience!
7. Kraków (Cracow)
Even if this phrase is probably used a bit too often: Kraków is the secret capital of Poland! And for me, it’s the most beautiful city in the country, making it an absolute must-visit. Kraków is the second-largest city in the country and is known for its many historical attractions, including of course the Wawel Castle and St. Mary’s Basilica. Wawel Castle is one of the most important attractions in the country, as the most famous Polish kings and personalities are buried there. Especially for Poles from all over the country, this is a place you absolutely have to visit in your lifetime. We recommend a tour, which you can book here.
By the way, Kraków, like Wrocław, is also home to many students, which means that there’s always something going on in the vibrant nightlife of the city. The city’s flair is simply unique and as you walk through the historical streets and alleys, you’ll understand what I mean. In short: definitely go!
8. Wieliczka Salt Mine (Kopalnia Soli Wieliczka)
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is located in southern Poland (about 13 kilometers from Kraków) and is one of the oldest salt mines in the world. The mine was first opened in the 13th century and has been in operation since then. It’s a huge labyrinth of tunnels and chambers and is said to be haunted by the spirits of the miners who lost their lives there. The Poles are indeed very superstitious.
Wieliczka consists of nine levels, reaching down to a depth of 327 meters below the earth’s surface. In the 700-year history of the mine, about 2.4 million tons of rock salt were extracted. The mine is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a popular tourist destination especially also for locals. Wieliczka produced salt until 2007, when the last rock salt deposit was mined.
9. Zakopane and the High Tatra (Tatry)
Zakopane is a picturesque town located in the mountain region of the High Tatra in southern Poland. It’s a popular tourist destination, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. I have been there several times myself – both in summer and in winter for skiing.
The highest mountain in the region is Rysy, standing tall at 2501 meters. Other notable peaks include Giewont (1894 meters) and Kasprowy Wierch (1987 meters). You can reach the summit of Kasprowy Wierch by cable car if you’re not particularly fond of hiking.
The area offers a range of impressive hiking trails and ski resorts for winter sports enthusiasts. Zakopane is also known for its traditional wooden architecture and vibrant nightlife. In my opinion, one of the most beautiful places in the Tatra is the lake Morskie Oko (translated as Sea Eye), where I often went as a child. A picturesque scenario surrounded by mountains and an absolute must-visit in the High Tatra!
10. Białowieża National Park (Białowieski Park Narodowy)
Białowieża National Park is located in northeastern Poland. It is home to a variety of animals, including bison, elk, deer, and wild boar. The bison are particularly impressive. The park is also known for its beautiful forests, which are the last remaining primeval forests in Europe. Visitors to the park can hike, cycle, and bird-watch here. There are adventurous hiking and cycling trails as well as boat tours on the Biebrza River.
11. Warsaw (Warszawa)
Warsaw is the capital of Poland and a fascinating city full of history and culture. The city has a population of about 1.8 million people and is located on the banks of the Vistula (Wisła) River.
One of the most famous sights in Warsaw is the Royal Castle of Warsaw. Another architectural landmark of the city is the Palace of Culture, a Soviet skyscraper from the 1950s that still plays an important role in the city’s cultural life today. The modernity of Warsaw today is demonstrated by the highest skyscraper in the EU – the Varso Tower.
When you are in Warsaw, you should definitely visit the Łazienki Park, which is characterized by its beautiful gardens, lakes, and palaces. The Warsaw Uprising, a significant moment in Polish history, is depicted in the Warsaw Uprising Museum and is also worth a visit.
Overall, Warsaw offers a mix of history, culture, and modern urbanity, making it a great travel destination – at least for a few days or as a stopover.
12. Zamość
Zamość is a city in the southeast of Poland. It is located on the edge of the Roztocze region and the Lublin Uplands. The city has just over 100,000 inhabitants and spans an area of 145 square kilometers. Zamość was founded in 1580 by Tomasz Zamoyski and quickly developed into one of the most important cities in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The well-preserved Renaissance architecture and the historical city center make the city an interesting (albeit relatively unknown) destination.
13. Giant Mountains National Park (Karkonoski Park Narodowy)
Karkonoski Park Narodowy is a beautiful park in southwest Poland. It is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes and dense forests. The park also hosts many beautiful hiking trails, several ski slopes, and a few picturesque villages. Visitors can spend days exploring the many attractions of the park or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. In addition to its natural beauty, the national park also houses a number of cultural attractions, including two medieval castles.
14. Bieszczady
The Bieszczady is a mountain range in the southeast of Poland. The highest peak of the mountain range is Tarnica, which is 1346 meters above sea level. There are numerous hiking trails and places worth visiting, including: Połonina Wetlińska, Połonina Caryńska and Hala Lipowska.
15. Pieniny (Pienins)
The Pieniny are a mountain range in Poland, stretching along the Slovak border along the Dunajec Gorge. This breathtaking landscape offers numerous opportunities for hiking, climbing, and skiing in winter. What I can also recommend is a ride on the Dunajec River (Spływ Dunajcem) on a traditional wooden boat. You can easily book a tour in advance, but it can also be organized on site without any problems.
The Pieniny also offer a spectacular view of the Tatra Mountains and the Pieniny National Park (Pieninski Park Narodowy). A highlight of the mountains is the famous Dunajec Gorge, which you can explore on a boat trip. Here you can expect an unforgettable landscape, characterized by steep rocks and clear, blue water. If you love nature, adventure and breathtaking views, you should definitely visit the Pieniny!
16. Auschwitz (Oświęcim)
To call this place among the Poland most beautiful places is somewhat misplaced. Because Auschwitz has nothing to do with beauty in the slightest. Nevertheless, we believe this place should be mentioned here and everyone should learn something about this dark spot.
Auschwitz-Birkenau, located in the southern Polish town of Oświęcim, is the most famous of all the Nazi concentration camps and a sad piece of European history. Here during the Holocaust, most people were murdered. In total, over 1.1 million people were murdered in Auschwitz-Birkenau, most of them Jews. The concentration camp was opened in 1940 and soon became one of the main sites for the mass extermination of Jews. In 1941, the gas Zyklon B was used for the first time in Auschwitz-Birkenau to kill the prisoners, and in 1943 the majority of Jews in Europe were killed in this concentration camp.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp remained in operation until 1945, when it was liberated by the Allies. Today it is a museum and memorial to those who lost their lives there during the Holocaust.
Auschwitz is located near Krakow (see point 7) and can be visited from there as a day trip. We recommend a tour, which you can book here. If you are traveling by car, a trip on your own with Google Maps works wonderfully.
Have you ever been to Poland? What are the most beautiful places in Poland and which ones would you rather skip? Write us a comment.
Photos: Photo 1 (Gdansk by night): TR STOK/shutterstock.com – Photo 2 (Sopot): aksenovden/shutterstock.com – Photo 4 (Dunes): R_Szatkowski/shutterstock.com – Photo 6 (Poznan): marketa1982/shutterstock.com – Photo 8 (Morskie Oko & Rysy): zedspider/shutterstock.com – Photo 9 (Warsaw skyline): Lukasz Pawel Szczepanski/shutterstock.com – Photo 10 (Bieszczady): CameraCraft/shutterstock.com – Photo 11 (Dunajec): Fotystory.pl/shutterstock.com
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