Poland travel guide
Poland is a country of well-preserved medieval squares, rebuilt old towns and mountains, and a history that is easy to read in its streets. Walk the huge market square in Kraków, see the reconstructed old town in Warsaw, taste pierogi in a milk bar and hike beneath the Tatra peaks. Kraków and Warsaw are the natural pairing, with Gdańsk on the Baltic coast offering merchant houses, amber and the story of Solidarity. Wrocław and Poznań are lively cities with colourful squares, Toruń has a Gothic old town and gingerbread, and Zakopane is the base for mountain walking and skiing. The best time to visit Poland is May to September for city sightseeing and hiking, with December for Christmas markets and winter for skiing in the Tatras. It suits history lovers, city-breakers and walkers who want a lot of character in a compact trip, with good trains between the main cities. Plan your itinerary city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Warsaw.
Before you go to Poland
- Currency
- PLN zł
- Emergency number
- 112 / 997
- Plug type
- Type C, E
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe
- Tipping
- Optional
- Bargaining
- Not expected
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard
- ATM fees
- Usually free at bank ATMs; avoid Euronet
Cities in Poland
- Kraków Poland's royal capital and cultural crown jewel — the only major Polish city to survive WWII largely intact. The Main Market Square (Rynek…
- Warsaw Poland's capital and beating heart — a city of extraordinary resilience that was 85% destroyed in WWII and then rebuilt, brick by brick,…
- Gdańsk The Baltic's most beautiful city — a Hanseatic trading port of painted Baroque townhouses, amber markets, and the birthplace of the…
- Wrocław Poland's most underrated major city — a stunning island-hopping destination of 12 islands and 100+ bridges on the Oder River, a Market…
- Zakopane Poland's mountain capital — a Górale (highlander) resort town nestled beneath the dramatic Tatra peaks at 800 m altitude. The Tatra…
- Poznań The cradle of Poland — this is where the Polish state was founded in 966 CE and where the first Piast dynasty kings were crowned at nearby…
- Toruń A perfectly preserved Gothic city that never fell to WWII bombs — Toruń's entire medieval Old Town is UNESCO World Heritage–listed and one…
Frequently asked questions about Poland
- What currency is used in Poland?
- The currency in Poland is the Polish Zloty (zł). zł1 is about ₹24.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Poland?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard. Typical ATM fees: Usually free at bank ATMs; avoid Euronet. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Poland?
- Tipping in Poland: optional. Typically about 10% in restaurants.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Poland?
- Tap water is safe.
- What plug type does Poland use?
- Poland uses Type C, E plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Poland?
- Emergency: 112. Police: 997. Ambulance: 999. Tourist helpline: +48 22 278 77 77.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Poland?
- SIM and eSIM available in Poland.
- What is the capital of Poland?
- The capital of Poland is Warsaw. Time there: IST - 3 h 30 min.