When you ask foreigners, they probably name a couple of things which they associate with Poland. To name
a few:
pierogi (Polish dumplings with different kinds of stuffing like cabbage, potatoes and cottage cheese ),
John Paul II (Jan Paweł II) – a pope,
Lech Wałęsa – the first leader of NSZZ ‘Solidarność’, polish president, laurete of the Nobel Peace Prize,
Vodka – vodka is basically vodka .😉
These things are undoubtedly showcases of the country. But Poland has much more to offer to its visitors. In this article we’re going to look at some of the places worth visiting.

Warszaw

Warsaw – a city which rose like a phoenix from the ashes

  1. The capital city of Poland is located on the left and right bank of the river Vistula with the left part
    being the bigger one. During the Second World War almost 65% of the whole city was destroyed in the
    barbarian acts of the Nazi terror. Nearly 100%(!) of the Old Town was buried under the ashes. One of the
    reasons to visit Warsaw is to see how beautifully it has been rebuild and shaped throughout the last 74
    years. It has risen from the dead.
  2. Landmarks of Warsaw:
    The Old Town – the colourful rows of buldings around the main square will enrapture your heart;
    Łazienki Park – a large zone filled with greenery and charming historical buldings and monuments;
    its other name is Royal Baths Park;
    The Museum of the Warsaw Uprising – a great place to learn some of the city’s history;
    Powązki Cemetery – a large historic cemetery where famous Poles were buried;
    The University of Warsaw Library Garden – a charming garden on the roof of the building;
    The Copernicus Science Centre – a place to watch stars and planets from, do experiments, see
    scientific exhibitions, learn how things work or participate in some workshops.
Cracow

Cracow and its surroundings

  1. Cracow and its surroundings.
    Located in the south of Poland, the city can boast about its beauty and rich history.
  2. The Old Town – it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage List; a magnificent historic district where you
    can feel the spirit of the city;
    The Jewish Quarter – Kazimierz – a place where you can breathe the air of the Jewish history and
    culture;
    Wawel Royal Castle – the most popular castle in Poland;
    „Wieliczka” Salt Mine – one of the Polish Historic Monuments;
    Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum – a place of mass murders on the Jews, Poles and
    other nations by the Nazi Germans.
Bieszczady Mountains

Bieszczady Mountains

  1. Located in the south-east of Poland, a beautiful region filled with greenery, picturesque hills and rare
    species of animals like wildcats and lynxes.
  2. Orthodox churches and churches from the Unesco World Heritage Site – six stunning wooden
    temples;

Połonina Wetlińska – an alpine meadow with „Chatka Puchatka” mountain chalet;
Bieszczady History Museum – a place to learn about the past of the region;
The Museum of folk architecture in Sanok – the biggest ethnographic museum in Poland;
The Bieszczady National Park – an opportunity to see local plants and animals.

Zakopane

Zakopane and the Tatry Mountains

  1. Poles call Zakopane the winter capital of Poland. Many people spend their winter break here hiking in the
    mountains or doing sports.
  2. Krupówki – the most famous street in the city with many shops selling souvenirs, local food and
    other items;
    Gubałówka – a hill where from we can see the mountainous landscape of the surroundings;
    Wielka Krokiew – a ski jump. Ski jumping is very popular in Poland because of sportsmen like Adam
    Małysz, Kamil Stoch and Dawid Kubacki;
    Kasprowy Wierch – one of the most frequently climbed mountain top in Poland;
    Morskie Oko – an enchanting lake located in the Tatry mountains;
    Villas designed in Zakopane style architecture – buildings typical of the city.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my little selection of places worth visiting in Poland. It’s just a sample of what
to expect when preparing your trip to this European country. But maybe it’s good to start your Polish
adventure with these places? My article contains two cities and two mountain ranges which could be a great choice for travelling in winter. But not only! Poland welcomes tourists all year round.

Autor: Honorata Turczyn