Want to Visit Eastern Europe

Poland

Duration 10 days Cost ~EUR 1,800 for two Season May-September Currency PLN (Polish Zloty) USD 1 USD = 3.59 PLN Lang Polish

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

— Gustave Flaubert

An underrated European gem with complex history, a reviving food scene, medieval cities blending with modern creativity, warm hospitality, and some of the best value on the continent.

Why I Want to Visit

Poland is at a fascinating crossroads — honoring a deeply important past while building something new. Auschwitz is essential to witness, but so is Krakow’s creative energy, handmade pierogi, and the natural beauty of the Tatra Mountains.

Planned Itinerary

Ten days to experience the breadth of what Poland offers:

Krakow (3 days) - Main Market Square, Wawel Castle, Kazimierz quarter, Wieliczka Salt Mine
Auschwitz-Birkenau (1 day) - Memorial and museum visit
Warsaw (3 days) - Rebuilt Old Town, Warsaw Uprising Museum, POLIN Museum, Praga district
Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains (2 days) - Hiking, mountain scenery, highland culture
Gdansk (1 day) - Restored waterfront, amber markets, maritime history

What I’m Most Excited About

Krakow’s Main Market Square, one of Europe’s largest medieval squares
Hiking the Tatra Mountains
Authentic pierogi, zurek soup, and oscypek smoked cheese
Warsaw’s rebuilt Old Town and its story of resurrection

Where to Eat

Zapiecek (Warsaw) — Milk bar-style Old Town restaurant with traditional comfort food. ~PLN 30-55. 📍 Maps
Starka (Krakow) — Candlelit Kazimierz cellar with old Polish recipes. ~PLN 80-140. 📍 Maps
Przystanek Pierogarnia (Krakow) — No-frills pierogi spot near Main Market Square. ~PLN 25-45. 📍 Maps
Warszawa Wschodnia (Warsaw) — Industrial-chic Praga district restaurant. ~PLN 90-160. 📍 Maps
Pierogarnia Mandu (Gdansk) — Waterfront pierogi house blending Polish and Asian traditions. ~PLN 30-50. 📍 Maps

Where to Stay

Hotel Stary ★★★★★ (Krakow) — Luxury boutique on Main Market Square with rooftop pool. ~PLN 700/night. Book
Motel One Warsaw-Chopin ★★★ (Warsaw) — Sleek budget hotel in the city center with modern rooms. ~PLN 250/night. Book
Hotel Copernicus ★★★★★ (Krakow) — Renaissance property at Wawel Castle’s foot with rooftop terrace. ~PLN 800/night. Book
Puro Hotel Gdansk ★★★★ (Gdansk) — Design hotel on Granary Island with river views. ~PLN 350/night. Book

Tours & Excursions

Krakow Old Town & Wawel Castle Walking Tour — Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica, Cloth Hall, and Wawel Castle. 2.5h, ~PLN 60. Book
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Day Trip from Krakow — Guided visit to the concentration camp memorial and museum. 7h, ~PLN 130. Book
Warsaw Food Tour: Polish Cuisine & Vodka Tasting — Pierogi, zurek, oscypek, and Polish vodka across the old town. 3h, ~PLN 180. Book
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow — Underground chambers. 4h, ~PLN 120. Book
Gdansk Old Town Walking Tour — Long Market, Neptune Fountain, St. Mary’s Church, and Solidarity Centre. 2.5h, ~PLN 55. Book