Poland has one of the most diverse arrays of cities in Europe – from charming old towns that hark back to the prewar era, to industrial centres that are emerging as new hubs for culture and the arts.
Divided up and ruled by Prussia, Russia and Habsburg Austria at various points in its history, Poland and its urban centres reflect the diverse and at times complicated history that has shaped the nation into what it is today.
With 47 cities in Poland with a population of more than 100,000 people, there is certainly no shortage of opportunities for a city break. Whether you’re planning a food-focused trip, looking to bask in beautiful architecture and photograph Poland’s pretty pastel rowhouses, or you want to find an urban gateway to Poland’s incredible nature, there is something out there for you.
This list brings together 16 of the very best cities in Poland for travellers and what to see, do, eat and explore in each one.
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The best cities in Poland for travellers
Warsaw
Warsaw is best known as the capital and largest city of Poland – but what makes it such a fascinating place to visit is how its history is reflected in the architecture.
The city has an atmospheric old town together with communist-style buildings. In addition, Warsaw is the birthplace of both Chopin and Marie Curie.
If you’re tossing up whether to visit Warsaw or Krakow (up next on this list), keep in mind that the capital has a charming old town, too.
Warsaw suffered significantly during WWII when 85% of the city was destroyed. Whilst wandering around what is today a UNESCO-listed old city it is amazing to think that not that long ago, the colourful houses, churches and squares were mere ruins.
After exploring the old town, visit the Fryderyk Chopin and Marie Curie museums to learn more about two of Warsaw’s most famous residents.
The final place on your list of must-visit sites is the Palace of Culture and Science. This building was a present from Stalin and its architecture will remind you of Poland’s communist past. Love it or hate it, it is the second tallest building in Warsaw. Ride the lift to the 30th floor for panoramic views out over the city.
The one restaurant to try before moving on to Warsaw’s lively bar scene is Reforma Urban.
Stay at: SleepWell Apartments Nowy Świat, stylish and affordable self-contained apartments in the city centre.
Recommended by Kristin from Scotland Less Explored
Krakow
The second-largest and most-visited of Poland’s cities, Krakow (Kraków) leads most travellers’ wish lists. Formerly the nation’s capital, Krakow’s history goes back to the 7th century when the first settlement was established on Wawel Hill. Four-hundred years later, Wawel Royal Castle and the Old Town that unfurls at its base was named as one of the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Old Krakow is a playground for lovers of history, architecture and culture. Starting from the northern end, entering through the iconic St. Florian’s Gate, travellers are led down gridded streets and curled side alleys, with gorgeous plazas and churches dripping in ornamentation at every turn. Don’t miss St. Mary’s Basilica or the Cloth Hall, Krakow’s famous 13th-century Renaissance-style market arcade.
After visiting Castle Hill – either touring some of the many separate museum rooms, or simply walking the perimeter of the castle walls and taking in the panoramic views – head to Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter.
You could quite easily spend an entire afternoon hopping between the historic cafes and cute pastry shops, rummaging through antique and vintage clothing shops, and visiting some of the many museums and synagogues dedicated to documenting the legacy of Krakow’s Jewish community.
Stay at: Fragola Apartments in the Old Town, with unparalleled views of the Cloth Hall and Rynek Glowny, Krakow’s main square.
Szczecin
Located in the very northwest of Poland, close to the Baltic Sea and the border with Germany, Szczecin isn’t a very popular city to visit. Yet it should be, as it has an interesting history and there are plenty of cool things to do in Szczecin.
The city was returned to Poland only after World War II (after almost 900 years), and even if it was severely destroyed during the war, you can still find many remnants of its German past.
Today, the centre of Szczecin is a peculiar mix of architecture, buildings that survived the war (or were rebuilt after), and modern-ish structures. The biggest attraction of the city is the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, originally from the 14th century, where you can visit the interesting museum or climb the tower to admire the panoramic view.
Fun fact: This is also where Catherine the Great, the famous 18th-century empress of Russia, was born and grew up.
Another impressive place you can’t miss in Szczecin is the Chrobry Embankment, one of the most interesting and monumental urban and architectural complexes dating from the beginning of the 20th century.
Across the Odra River, you will find Lasztownia Island. It was a closed area until recently and is now being reinvented. If you are a fan of architecture, you need to see the Philharmonic building, named the most beautiful modern building in Europe in 2015.
Don’t leave Szczecin without trying pasztecik, a deep-fried dough served with various stuffings (meat or vegetarian). It’s nothing fancy, more like a local delicious snack that Szczecin is known for.
Stay at: Moxy Szczecin City for its central location and cool design.
Recommended by Kami from Kami And The Rest Of The World
Bialystok
Bialystok (Białystok) is one of the most underrated cities in Poland. It is located in the remote northeastern corner of the country, close to the border with Belarus. As a result, the city has a unique blend of Polish, Belarusian, Lithuanian, and Jewish influences.
Although far away from the tourist crowds there are enough things to do in Bialystok to make it well worth a visit.
Bialystok has a rich historical past, with roots dating back to the 14th century when it developed into a wealthy trading town. Its multicultural heritage is still reflected in its beautiful architecture, cuisine and cultural traditions.
First of all, there is the beautiful Old Market Square where you can see colourful merchant houses as well as a number of old churches. Visit the beautiful Baroque Branicki palace that is also known as the Versailles of Poland.
To learn more about the city’s recent past, visit the excellent Sibir Memorial Museum which covers the deportation of the Poles to Siberia under Soviet occupation.
Białystok’s culinary scene reflects its history and is also a fusion of Polish, Belarusian, and Lithuanian flavours. The city is known for its hearty regional dishes, such as potato pancakes and pierogi (dumplings). The best restaurant to try the local food is Babka.
Stay at: Nowy Swiat Leza for a clean and modern apartment in the centre.
Recommend by Ellis from Backpack Adventures
Poznan
Poznan (Poznań) is a lovely Polish city to visit as many of the buildings in the Old Town have been restored to their original glory, making the Old Market Square in particular very colourful and unique. The Town Hall is in the centre of the square, and at 12 noon every day, the clock tower’s goat statues butt heads.
Goats are the symbol of Poznan, and the goat sculpture in plac Kolegiacki is a popular spot for photos, especially if the goats have been dressed up in football scarves or other clothing to celebrate a particular event in the city.
The best things to do in Poznan include the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Mary Magdalene and St. Stanislaus, with its pink exterior and stunning Baroque interior. Cathedral Island is home to the Cathedral and several museums, as well as the impressive Srodka Mural, which depicts Poznan as it used to be, including colourful shops and houses, and a cat on the rooftops.
The horseshoe-shaped St Martin’s Croissant is a local speciality, and make sure you gorge on delicious Polish dumplings at Na Winklu which has a selection of baked and boiled pierogi to try.
Stay at: PURO Poznań Stare Miasto, a lovely hotel on the edge of the Old Town, walking distance to the main attractions in Poznan. It has everything you need for a fabulous stay in Poznan, including free bike hire.
Recommended by Claire from Tales of a Backpacker
Gniezno
Most foreign visitors don’t think much of this little city as they pass it on the train to Gdansk from Poznan. However, Gniezno was the first capital of the Polish nation, and is closely connected to its founding legend.
Little remains from that period apart from Gniezno Cathedral which sits atop Lech Hill and overlooks the Old Town. The cathedral and its museum are full of artefacts that will remind you of its place in history and religion – kings were crowned and buried here, and the relics of St Adalbert, the country’s patron saint, lie in a silver reliquary in front of the altar.
Gniezno is a great base to explore the historic Piast Trail that it is on. My highlight has to be the remains of a civilisation that was at least as old as the Romans in Biskupin to the north. Half of the site is a bunch of stumps scattered across the marsh, depicting how the site was discovered in 1933. The other half, though, features reconstructed wooden fortifications, watchtowers and longhouses.
The houses display panels about the story of the site, its excavation, and how Iron Age people possibly lived. In addition, there are outdoor stations where visitors can buy crafts and try their hand at making them, and one can also cruise the lake.
To Gniezno’s west is Ostrów Lednicki, where you need to take a boat to see what remains of a fortress complex from the time of Mesko I. There is also an open-air museum featuring some of the oldest Polish windmills and timbre buildings, transplanted from other villages in the region.
But most of all, I enjoyed the small town vibe of Gniezno, with a good mixture of places in the Rynek that locals and not just tourists would go to, and it feels very safe in general.
Stay at: Dobry Browar Apartments for its convenient location in the Old Town, smartly appointed rooms and the craft brewery downstairs, which is also my restaurant recommendation after you’d had your fill of milk bar staples. There are both food and beer options that would suit those looking for something familiar (burgers and pilsners) and also the adventurous (different steaks tartare and barrel-aged porters).
Recommended by Nicholas from Rambling Feet
Gorlice
The city of Gorlice, located in southeastern Poland, might be on the small side with its 30,000 inhabitants. However, it packs a lot into a small area and has witnessed some very important moments in history.
The most famous recent event is the Battle of Gorlice, also known as the Gorlice–Tarnów offensive, which took place outside the city in 1914 and forced Russia to retreat during WWI.
In the Gorlice area, crude oil has been a subject of exploration since the 16th century when it started seeping from the ground. The kerosene oil lamp was invented in Gorlice, and the city takes great pride in this invention. Thanks to that, Gorlice is referred to as the ‘City of Light’, and there are numerous corresponding monuments and a yearly light show, typically held at the end of September, to celebrate.
When visiting Gorlice, make sure to explore the city centre, climb to the top of the city hall tower, and then venture out to explore more of the area.
Pay a visit to the Magdalena Mine just outside the city to learn more about oil mining. There are numerous wooden churches in the area, such as the one in Owczary. You can also visit the cemeteries of fallen soldiers from World War I, with Cemetery No. 123 being the largest and even a UNESCO site.
Plus, if you’re interested in the unique Lemko culture in this part of Poland (and also Slovakia and Ukraine), stop by the village of Losie for the lovely open-air museum. My personal favourite place is Gorlicka Golgota, a great sunset spot with a chapel. It’s simply picture-perfect.
For a satisfying meal, visit the restaurant U Polki i Allana, which focuses on traditional meals with a modern twist.
Stay at: Dark Pub Hotelik, a highly-rated accommodation option right in the centre of Gorlice. In the same building, partially underground, there is a great traditional restaurant.
Recommended by Veronika from Travel Geekery
Katowice
Katowice might lack the pretty pastel row houses and cafe-fringed squares that Poland is synonymous with. But this industrial city in the south, the capital of the Silesian Voivodeship, is both beautiful and fascinating in its own way.
Coal mining is what first put Katowice on the map, and precipitated the city’s boom in the mid 19th century. At the industry’s peak more than 50 mines were working in the wider Katowice area, including several in the very heart of the city centre.
As Poland has transitioned to green energy, these mines have gradually been sunsetted. Katowice has quite brilliantly repurposed several of the old mining shafts, turning them into museums and cultural spaces.
Must-sees in Katowice include the Culture Centre, which is set inside an old mine, and the Wilson Shaft Gallery. The latter is located in Nikiszowiec, one of several historic districts in Katowice that was purpose-built to house miners and their families. The charming red brick architecture is a photographer’s paradise.
Market Square and downtown Katowice has a cluster of modernist buildings, all well sign-posted with descriptive plaques, interspersed with historical monuments such as the you General Education Liceum. Some of the best restaurants in Katowice are located here, dishing up hearty Rolada, Silesian potato dumplings, and other regional delicacies.
The Spodek, a UFO-shaped entertainment venue, the imposing Silesian Insurgents’ Monument, and the mammoth Superjednostka, one of Poland’s largest residential buildings, all vye for your attention.
Stay at: Hornigold w Zielonej Kamienicy, for simple but homely apartment rooms close to the railway station.
Gdansk, one of the most beautiful Polish cities
Often overlooked by tourists, the historic Gdansk (Gdańsk) is one of the top cities in Poland where you can soak in the Polish culture, cuisine, and charm.
The main attraction is Gdansk Old Town as it is one of the most historic city centres in Europe. This is where the striking monument of Puerta Dorada or the Golden Gate stands. Home to attractions such as the Amber Museum, the Polish Maritime Museum and the Long Waterfront, Gdansk Old Town is brimming with things to do. Piwnica Rajców, located in the cellar of Artus Court in Gdansk’s old town, is highly recommended for its Polish Craft Beer.
Gdansk is dotted with different points of interest. The Museum of the Second World War will introduce you to the turbulent history of Poland. St. Mary’s Church is where you can explore one of the world’s biggest Gothic brick buildings.
Visit the former military area of Westerplatte where the Battle of Westerplatte happened, marking the start of the Second World War. Spend some time in the heart of nature at Oliwski Park. This 10-hectare French-style garden is worth adding to your Gdansk itinerary.
Stay at: Puro Gdansk Stare Miasto, located in the heart of Old Town.
Recommended by Lavina from Continent Hop
Wroclaw
Wroclaw (Wrocław) is a very charming, vivid city in Poland famous for its colourful tenement houses. Although it’s the third biggest Polish city, it’s still very cosy with many green spaces. Wroclaw is a place where the old is intertwined with new, both beautiful and shabby.
An interesting fact about Wroclaw is that it only became part of Poland again in 1945. Before that, for 610 years, it was part of various countries including the Kingdom of Bohemia, the Kingdom of Hungary, the Habsburg Monarchy of Austria, the Kingdom of Prussia, and Germany.
There are so many great things to do in Wrocław, from hunting for dwarfs, to strolling Wroclaw’s main square, visiting the Sky Tower for amazing city views, chilling at Neon Side Gallery, visiting Ostrow Tumski (Cathedral Island), and chasing after unique street art.
Wroclaw is also a heaven for foodies, with a great selection of restaurants, pubs and cafes. Some of the best are VaffaNapoli, Ragu Pracownia Makaronu, and Folgujemy.
Stay at: Ibis Styles Wroclaw Centrum, a not-too-expensive option for a stay in the city centre. It is located in a great spot near bus and tram stops, around 15 minutes on foot from the old town.
Recommended by Sonia from Happy Little Traveler
Torun
Torun (Toruń), an old university town, is located in northern Poland between Gdansk and Warsaw on the banks of Vistula river. It is a city with rich history and tradition going back to medieval times.
Torun Old Town is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, hence the best way to explore is by wandering the labyrinth of small streets. It is the birthplace of the world-famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, which is why his statue and house (Dom Kopernika) is located here. To learn more about his studies and life, as well as his contributions to modern astronomy, visit the Torun Observatory (Planetarium).
Torun has plenty of Gothic buildings, including the impressive Cathedral of St. John and two monumental churches: the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin and St Jacob’s. Visiting these gems of Gothic architecture is like walking back in time.
Like many Gothic towns, Torun was once protected by high city walls. Today there are still reminders of them around town, with several city gates as well as the remains of Teutonic Castle and Torun’s own Gothic Leaning Tower.
Travellers will also be interested in visiting the Explorer’s Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.
There are plenty of restaurants serving Polish cuisine in Torun – we recommend Kuranty and Pierogarnia Stary Torun (for Polish dumplings).
Stay at: Hotel Spichrz to step back in time in the 18th century granaries and former burgher tenement houses.
Recommended by Ela & Beata from Stunning Outdoors
Lodz
We visited Lodz (Łódź) on our sabbatical around Europe and found a city that has a great history producing textiles, but is now reinventing itself with a young and exciting arts scene. It reminded me in many ways of Manchester in the UK.
To see the best of both worlds, visit the Manufaktura complex, an old five-storey spinning mill that now houses museums, art galleries, shops, and restaurants. If you’re into history, specifically visit the Lodz Textile Museum where you can explore the evolution of the area’s cloth trade.
Piotrkowska Street is a must-see. Europe’s longest pedestrian street, it is lined with historic buildings, trendy boutiques, cafes, and bars. The Museum of Art showcases contemporary and modern art, while the Museum of Cinematography highlights Lodz’s heritage on film.
For dining, try Anatewka, a Jewish restaurant that serves traditional dishes including Challah.
Stay at: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s Lodz, a boutique hotel with a heritage ambiance housed in a former textile mill inside the Manufaktura complex.
Recommended by Ben from The Sabbatical Guide
Lublin
Lublin, located in eastern Poland, is a city rich in history that bears the imprint of its diverse past in its architecture, cuisine, and people. The city served as a significant centre of Jewish life and culture before World War II, and its Old Town is one of Poland’s most beautiful architectural displays.
When travelling to Lublin, remember that the city is very walkable, so pack comfortable shoes. English is not widely spoken among the older population, but younger locals and staff in tourist areas usually have a good command of the language. It is a good idea to learn the basics however, such as how to say good morning in Polish and other greetings.
A visit to Lublin Castle, an impressive medieval fortress with a museum showcasing local art and history, is a must. Lublin’s Old Town is a maze of cobblestone streets and vibrant buildings. Be sure to visit the Krakowska Gate, an iconic symbol of the city.
Outside the city, a visit to the Majdanek Concentration Camp Museum is a moving and powerful experience. For anyone not able to make it to Auschwitz, Majdanek equally showcases the atrocities committed during WWII.
Back in the city, Mandragora is a recommended spot for Jewish-Polish cuisine. Try their traditional dishes such as pierogi in a cosy setting.
Stay at: Hotel Alter, a 5-star hotel located in the centre of town that is accessible to the main sites while also being comfortable and cosy.
Recommended by Diana from Travels in Poland
Kielce, one of the best cities in Poland for nature lovers
A city for nature lovers, Kielce in Southern Poland is not large, but its proximity to several nature reserves makes it the ideal base for hiking, canoeing and caving. The city itself is worthy of a few days of your time: Thanks to its compact size, visiting most of the interesting attractions is possible on foot or city bike.
Be sure to plan a visit to Castle Hill. The palace and cathedral located there are very impressive. A walk around Market Square and Sienkiewicza Street is another obligatory activity. This is the perfect place to grab a meal at one of the outdoor cafes.
Kielce is most famous for its geological attractions. Around the city you will find as many as five nature reserves. Be sure to plan a visit to at least one. Staying with the geological theme, you must also visit the Geo Education Centre, where you will set off into the fascinating world of the prehistoric sea.
You will find many restaurants in the city. If this is your first visit to Poland, be sure to try pierogi.
Kielce is located within the Swietokrzyskie UNESCO Geopark. A short distance from the centre you will find castles, caves (e.g. Paradise Cave), bicycle and canoe trails, and many other interesting outdoor activities.
Stay at: The Grand Hotel, located right next to the pedestrian zone within easy reach of the centre.
Recommended by Jakub from tymrazem
Olsztyn
Located on the Lyna River and set amongst some of the country’s most picturesque countryside, Olsztyn might be small and relatively unknown compared to more popular destinations in Poland. But it is still worth a visit. This historic city and capital of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship has a long backstory as one of the most important settlements in the region.
Highlights of a visit to Olsztyn include the Gothic Olsztyn Castle and the St. James Pro-cathedral, which dates back to the 14th century. Discover the city’s connection to Nicolaus Copernicus at the Warmia Chapter Castle, which is not just a museum, but also serves as a venue for art exhibitions, films, concerts, and other cultural events.
Don’t miss a walk through the picturesque medieval Old Town that is the city’s centre of social and cultural life. Adventurous travellers will enjoy exploring the abundance of nearby outdoor activities that include hiking, biking, and boat tours on the lakes in the area.
Despite being a small city, Olsztyn offers easy access to Poland’s other major cities and more equally cheap destinations in Europe.
Stay at: Przystań Hotel & Spa for its beautiful location on the shores of Lake Ukiel.
Recommended by Rai from A Rai of Light
Czestochowa
Located in Silesia between Lodz and Katowice, Czestochowa (Częstochowa) is another Polish city with a rich history and culture. Between 1815 and WWI, the area was controlled by Russia. Therefore, some of Czestochowa’s culture and traditions are linked to the Russian Empire.
Czestochowa city is known for the famous Pauline Monastery of Jasna Gora. Founded in 1382 by thePauline Monks who came from Hungary following the invasion of Wladyslaw, the monastery has huge cultural and religious significance. It has been a destination for pilgrims for decades. Follow in their footsteps and climb the 519 steps to the top of the tower – the tallest tower church in Poland.
History buffs should not miss Ratusz Town Hall. It contains an exhibit dedicated to the former Polish President, Lech Kaczynski, who died in a plane crash in 2010. The display includes books, paintings, medals and glassware that belonged to the leader.
Stay at: Apartamenty Nowa Kamienica for all the convenience of an apartment hotel with excellent amenities in a central location.
Recommended by Ossama from Awesome Traveler
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