Guía de viaje de Polonia: consejos esenciales

1. What are the top attractions in Krakow?
Top attractions in Krakow include Wawel Castle, the Main Market Square, and St. Mary’s Basilica with its famous wooden altarpiece. Visit the historic Jewish quarter, Kazimierz, and the Schindler’s Factory Museum. A day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and the Wieliczka Salt Mine is also a must.

2. What is the best time to visit Poland?
The best time to visit Poland is spring (May to June) or autumn (September to October) for mild weather and fewer crowds, ideal for exploring cities like Warsaw and Krakow. Summer (July to August) is great for outdoor activities in the Tatra Mountains, while winter (December to February) offers Christmas markets and skiing in Zakopane.

3. Do I need a visa to travel to Poland?
Poland is part of the EU and Schengen Area. EU citizens don’t need a visa. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Others may need a Schengen visa—check with the Polish embassy for specific requirements.

4. What are the best things to do in Warsaw?
In Warsaw, explore the Old Town, a UNESCO site, and the Royal Castle. Visit the Palace of Culture and Science, the Warsaw Uprising Museum, and the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Stroll along the Vistula River or relax in Łazienki Park with its Chopin Monument.

5. Is Poland expensive to travel to?
Poland is relatively affordable compared to Western Europe. Daily costs average $50–$90 per person for accommodation, food, and transport. A mid-range trip can cost $600–$1,000 for a week. Cities like Warsaw and Krakow are pricier, but smaller towns like Lublin or Toruń offer budget-friendly options.

6. What are traditional Polish foods to try?
Try pierogi (dumplings with fillings like meat, cheese, or mushrooms), bigos (hunter’s stew with sauerkraut and meat), and żurek (sour rye soup with sausage). For dessert, enjoy pączki (filled doughnuts) or sernik (Polish cheesecake). Pair your meal with a glass of vodka or a local beer like Żywiec.

7. What are the best outdoor activities in Poland?
Popular activities include hiking in the Tatra Mountains, skiing in Zakopane, and kayaking on the Masurian Lakes. Explore the Białowieża Forest to spot European bison, or cycle along the Baltic coast in Gdańsk. The Bieszczady Mountains are great for off-the-grid hiking and stargazing.

8. What are the best historical sites in Poland?
Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, a sobering WWII memorial, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO site with underground chapels. Explore Malbork Castle, the largest brick castle in the world, and the medieval town of Toruń, birthplace of Copernicus. The Gdańsk Shipyard, linked to the Solidarity movement, is also significant.

9. What are the best festivals in Poland?
Top festivals include the Krakow Film Festival (May), the Wianki Festival in Krakow (June) with floating wreaths on the Vistula, and the Woodstock Festival Poland (July) for music lovers. The Christmas markets in Wrocław and Krakow (December) and the Pierogi Festival in Krakow (August) are also highlights.

10. How can I travel around Poland?
Poland has an efficient train network, with PKP trains connecting Warsaw, Krakow, Gdańsk, and Wrocław. Buses like FlixBus are affordable for smaller towns. Renting a car is ideal for exploring rural areas like the Masurian Lakes or Tatra Mountains. In cities, trams and metro (in Warsaw) are convenient and cheap.