Mini Travel Guide: Poland

It’s twice as large as Central Park in New York and four times larger than Hyde Park in London. We call it the “green lungs of Silesia.” You can do just about anything there: planetarium, stadium, amusement park, ZOO, shooting range, swimming-pool, rose-garden, tennis courts. You can also bike or roller skate. Off course, if you just want to lie in the sun, you can do that, too!

These are the highest mountains in Poland, they’re located between Poland and Slovakia. There’s a huge, gorgeous lake called Morskie Oko and amazing views.

Mazury

We called this place “Land Of The Greatest Lakes” and it’s true. Here you’ll can find the biggest lake in Poland and 17 other lakes as well.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

This is a UNESCO World Heritage List. Built in thirteenth century, the deepest level is 327 meters. The most interesting thing is an underground lake and real underground city with a church!

Wrocław

This city was host to the UEFA EURO 2012, the World Games in 2017 and it will be the European Capital of Culture in 2016.  Wrocław also has a huge number of bridges (fifth place in Europe and ten on the world), it’s hard to see them all, but you can try.  There are also many small dwarfs figures throughout the city. Tourists love to try to find and photograph them all!

Must do in Poland

Rent a bike and see street art in Katowice

Once a year we have Katowice Street Art Festival. Artists from all over the world come to Upper Silesia. You can rent a bike, grab your camera, and go to see great graffiti.

Drink beer in the one of Polish old towns

Polish towns are beautiful by day, but also by night. Especially old towns in Kraków, Poznań, Wrocław and Toruń. It’s a good place to relax during sightseeing.

Go to The Harvest Festival

It’s an annual celebration that occurs around the time of the main harvest of any given region. The main entertainment is eating regional food and dancing. Harvest Festival is a good way to learn about the local customs and traditions. Try to travel by tram around Upper Silesia

Must Eat in Poland

Toruń gingerbread

Traditional polish gingerbread produced since Middle Ages in the city of Toruń.

Oscypek

Smoked cheese made of salted sheep milk, exclusively in the Tatra Mountains region of Poland.

Krupniok

Traditional blood sausage, made of kasha and mixture of  pig’s blood and offal. I know how it sounds, but it’s really delicious! Krupniok may be eaten cold, but usually it’s grilled or fried with some onions and served with potato and sauerkraut.

Bread

Look for a bakery and try Polish bread. It’s the best on the world!

Cultural Tips for Traveling in Poland

Look out! In south (Upper Silesia), west (Greater Poland) and north (Kashubia) we have our specific languages – different kinds of dialects. Sometimes even people from different parts of Poland can’t understand each other! Off course many people speak both Polish and English. We’re very open-minded and helpful, so don’t be afraid to ask for help or directions!

Travel on the Cheap in Poland

The best way is travel is by bus called PKS or train called PKP. It’s a good way to see the real Poland, small towns, and different people. You can also hear Polish language and maybe try to speak a little bit. Choose public transport in the city – it’s also cheap.

Thanks so much for sharing, Iza! Do any of you have Polish travel tips to share?

P.S. Did you know I have an entire Pinterest board devoted to European travel destinations? And one for travel tips?