Poland - Cheap Holidays from Co-op Travel

Poland Travel Guide

Travellers to Poland will be enchanted by its remarkable history of heroic resilience and tragedy, and delight in the charming character of its cities and in the natural beauty of the countryside. From romantic tales of medieval knights and battles, kings and splendid castles, to the horrors and destruction of World War II, from its determined stand against communism to today's modern outlook and booming economy, the country abounds with evidence both of a historically turbulent past and a bright future to come.It was the country most devastated by World War II in Eastern Europe, losing about a quarter of its population and almost its entire Jewish community. The aftermath of the war greatly influenced the character of the country. Former Jewish centres in the cities and the stark concentration camps where the Nazis carried out their extermination atrocities remain as the most stirring reminders of the nation's tragedies. Cities destroyed by the war had to be rebuilt from scratch and the many meticulously restored buildings and historic old towns are testimony to the pride and determination of a strong and durable nation.Warsaw, the capital, was almost totally destroyed by the war and now presents an unusual mix of beautifully restored historic buildings, communist-era concrete structures, and modern fashion and consumerism. The maritime city of Gdañsk, home to the historic garrison at Westerplatte and the legendary Lenin shipyards, was the stage for both the beginnings of the Second World War and the disintegration of Eastern European communism. But it is Krakow, the ancient royal capital, that draws the crowds, rivalling the elegance of cities like Prague and Vienna. Having largely escaped the destruction of the war it retains its charming medieval character: the Royal Castle, the grand Market Square, the old Jewish quarter and the nearby Nazi death camps of Auschwitz are all steeped in historical importance.The unspoilt Baltic coastline and the splendour of the rugged mountain ranges of the Tatras will impress outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of activities and scenery to provide a peaceful and relaxing break from the intensity of the country's history. Along with the legendary hospitality of Polish people, a sense of nationhood to which the Catholic Church is fundamental, and a strong musical and cultural sense of identity, its tourist infrastructure is flourishing and the country is experiencing a remarkable increase in the number of visitors to its shores.

Poland Travel Guide

Need To Know

Money:

The official currency is Zloty (PLN), divided into 100 groszy. Poland is essentially a 'cash country', and it is difficult to negotiate credit cards and travellers cheques in the cities, and well nigh impossible in rural areas. American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are, however, accepted in places frequented by tourists. ATMs are also beginning to proliferate in Polish cities, where the sign 'Bankomat' indicates them. Money (preferably US$ or Euros) can be exchanged in the cities and larger towns at banks, hotels or bureaux called 'kantors', which offer the best rates. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and some are open on Saturday till 1pm.

Time:

Electricity:

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. The standard two-pin European style plugs are used.

Language:

The national language is Polish. English is widely understood in tourist areas.

Health:

There are few health risks associated with travel to Poland. Those visiting forested areas are advised to seek medical advice about inoculations for tick borne encephalitis, and tick bite prevention measures due to the presence of Lyme disease. Bird flu was first discovered in northern Poland in March 2006; there is little risk to travellers, but close contact with live birds should be avoided and all egg and poultry dishes well cooked as a precaution. It is safest to drink bottled water to avoid stomach upsets. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to low-cost emergency medical treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but full health insurance cover is still advised. Medical facilities and standards of health care are good, but not many nurses or doctors speak English.

Tipping:

Tipping is not customary in Poland, but small gratuities of 10% can be offered for excellent service. In restaurants, when your money is collected, by saying 'thank you' this signals to the waiter/waitress to keep the change.

Safety:

Tourists should be alert to the risk of robbery in tourist areas in large cities in Poland, particularly in the vicinity of hotels, markets and banks. Vigilance against theft should also be exercised at central railway stations, as well as on overnight long distance trains, and when travelling on public transport between Warsaw's Frederic Chopin Airport and central Warsaw. Avoid walking alone at night. Tourist sites, areas near big hotels, money exchange facilities and ATMs are popular with thieves.

Customs:

Jay walking is an offence in Poland, which is punishable with a fine. Public drunkenness is severely viewed; police will take drunk people to drying out clinics until sober and the person will be charged for the stay, and driving after drinking alcohol is punishable by law.

Business:

Poland has an interesting mix of the old and the new, and this is apparent in the business world too. Women can expect a kiss on the hand rather than a handshake from the older generation and one can expect to be warmly offered drinks during meetings; it is impolite to refuse. Although the Polish are hospitable and friendly, business is still conducted formally. Punctuality is important, dress should be formal and conservative (a suit and tie the norm) and business cards are exchanged. Use titles and first names unless otherwise indicated. English is widely spoken, though attempting some basic Polish phrases will be appreciated. Business hours in Poland are traditionally 7am to 3pm Monday to Friday, with a long lunch taken after 3pm. Western influence, however, means that hours are starting to shift to the more common 9am to 5pm.

Duty Free:

Travellers to Poland over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 250 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre wine and 1 litre spirits; cosmetics and medicines for personal use; gifts up to the value of EUR175. Travellers to Poland arriving from within the EU do not have to pay duty on 800 cigarettes or 200 cigars or 1kg smoking tobacco; 10 litres spirits, 90 litres wine and 110 litres beer. Prohibited items include birds and poultry arriving from countries infected with Avian influenza. The export of all articles of artistic, historic or cultural value are subject to special regulations.

Communications:

The international access code for Poland is +48. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)22 for Warsaw and (0)12 for Krakow. Cheap rates apply between 4pm and 6am, and on weekends. Mobile phones work throughout the country, local operators use GSM networks, which may not be compatible with some US cell phones. Internet cafes are available in most towns.

Poland Travel Guide

Poland Attractions

Chopin's House

Description:

Famous Polish composer Frederick Chopin lived just 32 miles (53km) outside of Warsaw, and his manor house has been converted into a lovely, relaxing tourist attraction. There is a leafy park surrounding the house, and an assortment of 19th-century furniture and instruments within. There are concerts hosted on Sundays in the summertime. A must-see tourist attraction in Poland for culture buffs.

Address:

Zelazowa Wola 3

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Telephone:

+(48-46) 863 33 00

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Website:

en.chopin.nifc.pl

Old Town (Starego Miasta)

Description:

The busy Old Town provides the historic focal point of Warsaw, having been rebuilt in the original 17th and 18th Century style following the almost total destruction of the city during the war. The picturesque Old Market Square (Rynek) is at the centre, surrounded by restored buildings and colourful three-storey merchant houses with Baroque and Renaissance facades, lively open-air restaurants, art stalls and the Historical Museum of Warsaw. Around the two old central water pumps, the atmosphere is a constant buzz of activity with buskers, painters and musicians providing entertainment for the milling crowds, while around the fringes the clattering of hooves signals the arrival of another traditional horse-drawn carriage. Leading from the square is a network of cobbled streets and alleyways that contain beautiful Gothic churches and former palaces of the aristocracy. The impressive Royal Castle was once the home of the Polish Kings and is now a museum displaying tapestries, period furniture, portraits and other decorative collections. The narrow streets also lead to the ramparts and watchtowers of the medieval walls surrounding the old city, providing unforgettable views of the heart of Warsaw.

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Historical Museum of Warsaw

Description:

The History Museum is one of the best of Warsaw's impressive array of museums. Its three storeys are crammed with fascinating exhibitions, covering every aspect of Warsaw's history and life from its beginnings to the present day, and there are old photographs, clippings and articles on display from everyday pre-war city life. The museum's special feature is a documentary film showing the destruction and reconstruction of the city, with footage shot by the Nazis during their calculated and systematic annihilation. The film is shown in English at 12pm, from Tuesday to Saturday. Please note that the Historical Museum of Warsaw is currently closed for renovations, but will be re-opening in 2012.

Address:

Rynek Starego Miasta (Old Town Square) 28-42

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Telephone:

(0)22 635 1625

Email:

mhw@mhw.pl

Website:

www.mhw.pl

The Royal Way

Description:

Known as the Royal Way, this two-and-a-half mile (4km) route stretches from the Royal Castle in the Old Town to the stately King's Palace at Wilanów on the outskirts of the city. It is the most important thoroughfare, bisecting the central city from north to south, and is lined with galleries, museums and historical buildings (including St Anne's Church, where the Polish princes used to swear homage to the King). Along the way are the royal gardens of Park Lazienki, one of the city's beautiful most beautiful green spaces with its lakes, peacocks and the charming 18th-century Palace Upon the Water, the royal summer residence. There is a monument to the famous Polish composer Frederic Chopin, and outdoor concerts of his classical music are held on the lawns in summer. The Royal Way ends at the splendid Wilanów Palace, the former residence of King Jan III Sobieski that was modelled on Versailles. It is now a museum containing a marvellous collection of old paintings and furniture. In the well-kept park behind the palace is the Orangery, housing an art gallery.

Address:

Krakowski Prezedmiecie becoming Nowy wiat

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Telephone:

(+48) 801 011 779

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Website:

www.wilanow-palac.art.pl

Westerplatte

Description:

Westerplatte, situated at the entrance to the harbour and just a few kilometres from the city of Gdañsk, is where World War II broke out on 1 September 1939. The Polish garrison held out against the attack for seven days before surrendering to the German forces, and the site is now a memorial to the defenders. Sights at Westerplatte include a small museum, some of the ruins left from the shelling and a massive monument that towers above the area.

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Malbork Castle

Description:

Malbork Castle is a classic example of a medieval fortress: it is the world's largest brick castle and one of the most impressive of its kind in Europe. Invited by the Polish Royalty to help suppress the pagan tribes in the area, the Teutonic Knights built the immense castle in 1276 and slowly began to establish themselves as fearsome rulers, taking control of most of northern Poland until, after several unsuccessful attempts to rid the country of the Knights, they were defeated at the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. The medieval belief that the bigger the fortress, the more powerful those within is clearly portrayed by this immense brick stronghold, incorporating a system of multiple defence walls with gates and towers. The inner castle includes arcaded courtyards, chapels, a treasury, the Knights' Hall and an armoury. The interiors house several exhibitions, including displays on the castle's history, and collections of tapestries, coins and medals, medieval sculptures and weapons. During summer the courtyard is used as a venue for sound and light shows.

Address:

Ul. Staroscinska 1

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Telephone:

(0)55 647 0800

Email:

info@zamek.malbork.pl

Website:

www.zamek.malbork.pl

Main Market Square (Rynek Glówny)

Description:

Dating from 1257, the Central Market Square was one of the largest squares in Medieval Europe, and remains the social heart of Krakow today. Surrounded by historic buildings, museums and magnificent churches, the impressive expanse of flagstones is a hub of commercial and social activity. Flower sellers, ice-cream vendors, musicians, pigeons, students and groups of tourists fill the square. Occupying the centre of the square is the splendid medieval Cloth Hall, a covered arcade with a soaring vaulted interior where merchants once sold their wares; today, it is filled with lively market stalls. The upstairs art gallery houses a collection of 19th Century Polish paintings and sculptures. Along the outside walls of the building are elegant terrace cafes. Most famous of these is Noworolski, which was the centre of Krakow social life before the war, with Lenin a notorious regular. The cafe has now regained its reputation as the prime cake and coffee venue in the city. The most striking church on the square is St Mary's, an impressive twin-spire Gothic structure. Every hour a mournful bugle sounds from the tallest church spire in memory of the lone watchman whose trumpeted warning of an invasion was cut off mid-note by a Turkish arrow in the throat. Within is the famous carved wooden altar, a majestic piece of Gothic art.

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Wawel

Description:

Overlooking the city is Wawel, a hill topped with the fascinating architectural complex that includes Wawel Castle and beside it, the gothic Wawel Cathedral. It was here that the Polish kings of the 14th to the 17th Centuries were crowned and buried, and it lies at the heart of Polish history. The Renaissance-style Royal Castle is now a museum, and the historic interior houses an astonishing collection of treasures from the Polish monarchy, including tapestries, period furniture and paintings. Visitors can see the Royal Private Apartments, Crown Treasury, Armoury, and the State Rooms. The Royal Cathedral was the coronation and burial site of all of Poland's monarchs, many of whom are interred in the Royal Tombs. Of the many royal chapels, the golden-domed Renaissance Chapel of King Sigismund is the finest. The bell tower can be climbed for views over the city and to see the enormous 11-tonne bell housed within.

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Telephone:

(0)12 422 1697 or 422 5155 ext 291

Email:

zamek@wawel.edu.pl

Website:

www.wawel.krakow.pl

Kazimierz District and the Old Synagogue

Description:

Once a separate town and now an inner suburb of Krakow, the Kazimierz quarter was the centre of Jewish religion, culture and learning, and the home of the city's large Jewish population before the war. Badly damaged during the Nazi occupation, with most of the residents either killed or deported to the nearby Holocaust death camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau, today it has been rebuilt so visitors can admire the restored historical architecture and experience daily Jewish life. Its renewed interest was brought about by Spielberg's film Schindler's Listthat was set in Kazimierz, and the Jewish culture of the area is being livened up by art galleries, kosher restaurants and specific cultural events. The Old Synagogue is part of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow, and houses a permanent exhibition, 'Tradition and Culture of Polish Jews', where the collection of physical memories from the Kazimierz Jewish community is kept.

Address:

Old Synagogue: Ulica Szeroka 24

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Telephone:

(0)12 422 0962

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Wieliczka Salt Mine

Description:

The Salt Mine at Wieliczka is a unique underground complex that has been in continuous use since its construction in the Middle Ages, and is now a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monument. The series of labyrinthine tunnels, chambers, galleries and underground lakes are spread over nine levels and reach a depth of more than 1,000ft (304m), but visitors are restricted to a tour of three levels. Following winding passageways, hand-hewn between the 17th and 19th centuries, visitors are guided to magnificently carved chapels, past salt sculptures created by previous mine workers and through huge crystalline caverns. Among the chambers is the oldest creation in the mine, the 17th-century solid salt Chapel of St Anthony. The highlight of the tour is the Blessed Kinga Chapel, dedicated to the patron saint of Polish mine workers. Everything in this huge ornate chapel is carved from salt, including the altar and chandeliers, and the walls are covered in beautiful sculptured pictures. A dark, clanking lift whisks visitors back to the surface at the end of the guided tour. The world's first subterranean therapeutic sanatorium is situated 656ft (200m) below the surface, and makes use of the saline air for the treatment of asthma. There is also a Salt-Works Museum that documents the history of the mine and the local geological formation, with primitive mining tools and machines on display.

Address:

Ul. Danilowicza 10, Wieliczka

Postcode:

Telephone:

(12) 278 7302

Email:

turystyka@kopalnia.pl

Website:

www.kopalnia.pl

Auschwitz Memorial Museum

Description:

The Auschwitz concentration camp is actually made up of three camps - Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II-Birkenau and Auschwitz III. Together the complex forms the largest cemetery in the world, preserved as a sombre memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, and commemorating the hundreds of thousands of people exterminated there by the Nazis during the Second World War. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum was established in 1947 and visitors have access to both camps and can wander freely around the structures, ruins and gas chambers, and visit the exhibits displayed in the surviving prison blocks at Auschwitz I. The hushed atmosphere is one of shock and revulsion from the moment visitors enter the barbed-wire compound through the iron gate, ironically inscribed with the words 'Arbeit Macht Frei' (Work Makes Free). The buildings contain displays of photographs and horrific piles of personal articles of the victims, including battered suitcases, and thousands of spectacles, hair and shoes collected from the bodies. The experience is vivid and disturbing, though also deeply humanising. There are general exhibitions dedicated to the Jews and their history, as well as an interesting documentary film screened in the museum's cinema. Birkenau sees far fewer tourists as it has less visitor facilities and much of the camp was destroyed by the retreating Nazis, but it is here that the sheer scale of the tragedy can be experienced, with a viewing platform to give some perspective over the vast fenced-in area stretching as far as the eye can see. Birkenau was the principal camp where the extermination of millions took place, a chillingly efficient set-up with rows of barracks and four colossal gas chambers and ovens. Purpose-built railway tracks lead through the huge gateway, terminating in the camp, by means of which victims were transported from the ghettos to the camp in crowded box-like carts, often being led straight into the gas chambers upon arrival. A trip to the Auschwitz Memorial Museum is a must for any visitor to Poland who wishes to experience some kind of sobering communion with one of the greatest atrocities in the history of the world.

Address:

Ul. Wiezniow Oswiecimia 20

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Telephone:

+48 (0)33 843 2022/844 2077

Email:

muzeum@auschwitz.org.pl

Website:

www.auschwitz.org.pl

Galicia Jewish Museum

Description:

Situated in the heart of Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter of Krakow, the Galicia Jewish Museum houses a permanent photographic exhibition, "Traces of Memory". The exhibition documents the history of the Jewish people in the villages and towns of Poland. This poignant museum also hosts a range of special events, lectures and Jewish music concerts and has a well-stocked bookshop. The Galicia Jewish Museum is often overlooked as a tourist attraction in Krakow, but is a worthwhile sight for people from all walks of life. Budget at least three hours to fully absorb the experience.

Address:

Ul. Dajwor 18

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Telephone:

(12) 421 6842

Email:

info@galiciajewishmuseum.org

Website:

www.galiciajewishmuseum.org

Polish Poster Gallery

Description:

The Galeria Grafiki i Plakatu (Polish Poster Gallery), located in the splendid Old Town area of Warsaw, houses what is undoubtedly the finest collection of graphic art and posters in the country - and perhaps even in Eastern Europe. The Polish Poster Gallery was established in 1975, and now proudly exhibits over 5,000 posters and pieces of graphic art, all of which display some facet of Polish culture. Visitors will see theatre, music and cinema posters - as well as the pick of the lot, fantastic Polish Solidarity political posters - designed by greats such as Cieslewicz, Stasys, Gorowski and Sadowski. The posters have an iconic style, and are an interesting way to get to grips with Polish culture. The museum also has a great selection of prints for sale (about 2,000 different designs), and these make for fantastic gifts for friends and family back home.

Address:

No. 23 Old Market Square, Warsaw Old Town

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Website:

www.poster.com.pl

Piwnica pod Baranami

Description:

A visit to the Piwnica pod Baranami ('Cellar Under the Rams') - a Parisian-style cabaret house located in Krakow's Old Town district - is the shortest route tourists can take to experiencing the culture of the city, and to gaining an appreciation of its most strongly-held values and ideals. The Piwnica pod Baranami was created by Piotr Skrzynecki in 1956, in a suitably bohemian underground cellar, and soon became a haven for local artists and intellectuals; a place for them to meet, exchange ideas, and indulge in one of Poland's favourite cultural pastimes, the political cabaret. The cabaret's reputation grew throughout the latter half of the 20th Century, and soon became a symbol for the eccentricity (and indeed, the stifled talent) of the local artists of the area. The Piwnica pod Baranami still functions as a cabaret house to this day: performances are on Saturdays at 9pm and remain extremely popular, so book your ticket early. This is a highly recommended tourist activity in Poland, and a great place to begin an unforgettable Saturday night out on the town in Krakow.

Address:

Main Market Square, Krakow

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Bieszczady Mountains

Description:

While most tourists to Poland stick to the cities, and content themselves on the wonderful cultural sights that can be experienced in the Old Town areas of Warsaw and Krakow, a trip into the Polish countryside - and particularly, the southern Bieszczady Mountains - is a very worthwhile exercise. A land of snow-capped peaks, tall pine trees, vast green meadows and a rich array of native flora and fauna, the Bieszczady area is not only gorgeous, but offers plenty of well-maintained hiking trails, many of them wending their way through the UNESCO East Carpathian Biosphere Reserve. Yet, despite this natural bounty, the real reason to head to the Polish countryside is the humanity you will encounter there: the internet is awash with tourist tales of being invited to share trout barbecues with friendly local families, of stumbling across eccentric villages and towns, and of snapping photograph after photograph of rural houses that look lifted straight out of Grimm's Fairy Tales.

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Bialowieza National Park

Description:

Bialowieza National Park, located on the border between Poland and Belarus, is a heavily protected area that guards the last remnants of a primeval forest that used to cover most of Europe at the time of the last ice age. This ancient woodland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an absolutely enthralling place to visit. Visitors can take a guided tour of the forest, and feel as though they are trespassing in a land that time has forgot - the towering trees and the sweet, rich smell of the soil that has sustained life for millennia will not easily be forgotten. An additional bonus is that the Bialowieza National Park is also the last place on earth that tourists can see European bison, huge beasts that once roamed across the continent, living undisturbed in their natural habitats. An ecotourism destination of international repute, the nearby city of Bialowieza can already begun to cash in on the popularity of the National Park, as numerous luxury spa resorts have opened up, offering high-class treatments and supremely comfortable lodgings.

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Sopot

Description:

Although the idea of a beach holiday in Poland might seem about as plausible as a ski trip in the Netherlands, the wonderful town of Sopot is sure to confound these preconceptions. Although still very much a well-kept secret on the mainstream tourist scene, northern European travellers have been flocking to Sopot for many years to experience its gorgeous sandy beaches on the shore of the Baltic Sea. Primarily a beach resort and health spa town, Sopot buzzes every summer with the throng of relaxed, happy visitors on its famous wooden pier (the longest in Europe), enjoying the long sunny days and the numerous restaurants, bars and shops on offer. Sopot's relative obscurity means that it is a far cheaper option than other more established European beach holiday destinations - making it a perfect place for budget travellers or backpackers. Sopot boasts a vibrant nightlife, and even hosts the annual Sopot International Song Contest, one of the biggest of its kind in Europe. Sopot is bound to be 'discovered' sooner or later - so go now, and experience some of the best beach resorts in Europe before prices sky-rocket and the crowds become oppressive.

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Poland Travel Guide

Need To Know

Poland Attractions

Holiday Types

Services