Want to Visit Eastern Europe

Poland

Duration 10 days 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.. 📍 Maps
Starka (Krakow) — Candlelit Kazimierz cellar with old Polish recipes.. 📍 Maps
Przystanek Pierogarnia (Krakow) — No-frills pierogi spot near Main Market Square.. 📍 Maps
Warszawa Wschodnia (Warsaw) — Industrial-chic Praga district restaurant.. 📍 Maps
Pierogarnia Mandu (Gdansk) — Waterfront pierogi house blending Polish and Asian traditions.. 📍 Maps

Where to Stay

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

Tours & Excursions

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