Getaway Guide To Poland
Poland (credit: Thinkstock)
A visit to Poland will offer you historic sites, mouthwatering cuisine, breathtaking landscapes and plenty of unique places to stay. There are so many things to see, do and experience in Poland — the only trouble you may have is determining which thing was your favorite. Do not forget about this country when planning your next vacation. You may be surprised as to what you experience, and will find yourself wanting to go back again.
Poland is not commonly put on the top of a traveler's vacation wish list. However, this travel destination should not be overlooked. Especially when trying to find a destination that offers everything from amazing food to unique culture and historic sites to lots of European charm. There is such a diversity of cities and towns scattered throughout Poland that you will always be exploring something new and exciting.
In addition to the many sites you will want to see while in Poland, you are sure to be impressed by the beautiful countryside. Many central areas of Poland are filled with lush forest filled with flora and fauna. These forests hide trails that lead to lakes where you will find luxurious mansions and historic castles on the shore or up on a hillside. Plus, the mountains to the south and seaside to the north offer a variety of landscapes you can enjoy throughout your travels.
The different holiday seasons are the perfect times to visit Poland. City centers light up with bright lights and decorations and the air is filled with music from live performances. The Christmas and Easter markets in Warsaw, Krakow and other major cities in the country are also worth the visit. During these holidays you are sure to come home with lots of food, souvenirs and other holiday goodies.
Best Times To Go
The weather in this country offers four distinct seasons that you can enjoy. The months of June through September are the most popular months to visit and offer lots of summer events and beautiful warm weather. It does get cold in the winter months, but with snow in the mountains you will find plenty of winter sports to participate in. Fall and spring are ideal times to visit, offering a lot of outdoor activities and cultural events across the country.
Those looking to save money will want to visit during the spring and the fall seasons. During this time, costs of travel, including airfare and hotels, are less expensive than other times of the year.
Many of the cities throughout Poland offer excellent public transportation options, including bus, tram and trolleybus. These are available in most major cities throughout the country, and Warsaw is one city that also offers a metro. Timetables, routes and other schedule information is available at all stops. Each city it different, so make sure to check the schedule and fees available for the specific city or cities you plan to visit during your travels.
Taxis are available throughout Poland and do not cost too much to use. Taxis can be hailed from the street or you can hire one by phone. Just make sure to carry smaller bills with you. This will ensure you are able to pay the exact fare, because most drivers do not give change in an effort to get more money. This is a decent option if you choose not to rent a car while in Poland.
You will also be able to travel long distances between the different cities by train. The train network is very extensive, offering service to most cities with some extensions to the smaller towns. However, many of the train schedules to the smaller cities has recently been cut back, so when looking to go to smaller town it might be best to rely on the buses.
There are several airlines that fly in and out of Poland. Major airports in Poland include Warsaw-Chopin Airport, John Paul II International Airport, Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport and Katowice International Airport. There are other large airports located across the country and many more private and municipal airports throughout Poland.
Must-See Sites
You will be amazed by everything the cities and towns have to offer. However, it is the sites that are found in the areas in between the major cities that tend to be the most exciting. These out-of-the-way sites, combined with the opportunity to see the sites in the bigger towns and cities, create a long list of must-see sites throughout Poland. Some essential must-visit sites in Poland include:
Poland has a diverse collection of accommodation options for travelers. You will find everything from quiet boutique-style hotels to busy hostels and family-friendly resorts to budget-friendly hotels. In fact, there are many accommodation options located in historic buildings and districts found throughout Poland. Here are some of the more popular places to stay while in Poland:
Polish restaurants offer travelers and locals seasonal foods that are created specific to the region where the fresh vegetables and ingredients are harvested from. While in Poland, you are sure to find everything from fish dishes to pastries and local to international cuisine options. Popular restaurants in Poland include:
