Life hasn’t been easy for the citizens of Poland, and the country has been continually destroyed and invaded over the centuries, suffering hugely during World War II. Today, however, the country is a combination of incredible architecture and interesting cultural activities to intrigue even the most well-travelled among us.
Here are the top places to visit in Poland:
Krakow
Krakow was once a seventh-century village and is now considered to be Poland’s second most important city. If you’ve ever seen Schindler’s List, the movie is about the Krakow Ghetto and Oskar Schindler’s determination to save residents from certain death. Check out Schindler’s Factory, an interactive museum covering the Nazi occupation.
Wawel Royal Castle is a must-visit, and contains the Crown Treasury and Armoury, Royal Private Apartments, State Rooms, Exhibition of Oriental Art and Lost Wawel. Underneath the market square you’ll find Rynek underground, which is a route that wanders through medieval market stalls, complete with holograms and other audiovisual attractions.
Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital of Poland, and was founded in the 12th century. The city was basically destroyed during World War II, but is now a thriving cultural and historical centre, with a restored Old Town. This is where Frderyk Chopin lived, and visitors should take a historical tour (you can even see the city in a Nysa Van), check out the Copernicus Science Centre, the Museum of the History of Polish Jews, visit a milk bar for lunch, browse clothes inspired by communism, and see the Warsaw uprising Museum.
Wroclaw
This is the largest city in western Poland, and while it’s one of the country’s lesser-known cities, it’s well worth a visit due to its impressive architecture. Some of the main attractions include the grand Old Town Hall, the bustling market square, Elizabeths Church, and the Oder River.
Auschwitz
Visiting Auschwitz is unlikely to be a fun experience, however thousands of visitors flock every year to pay their respects and better understand the history and terror of the Jews during World War II. There are frequent buses and minivans from Krakow to the camp, along with guided tours- you can book these both within Krakow and also from Auschwitz itself. While photography is allowed within the camps, it’s crucial to be respectful (no smiling selfies), and there are certain places where you’ll be asked not to take photos.
Tatra National Park
If you’re craving some scenic beauty, be sure to head to Tatra National Park. The Park was established in 1954 and is made up of huge rock formations, meadows and forests, along with 650 caves waiting to be explored. There are also more than 30 lakes to choose from, and if you visit during the warmer moths, you’ll be able to go hiking along more than 270km of trails.
Poznan
Poznan is known as the academic centre of Poland, and it’s where you’ll find the third largest university in the country. There are many international events in the city, and you can stroll the Royal-Imperial Route which has be designed specifically for tourists.
