Must-Do Experiences in Poland

This post is Part 3 in my Poland series. If you want the full backstory of why Poland became such a meaningful destination for my family, start with Part 1: Why Poland Should Be On Your Midlife Travel List. For a more personal look at our journey, check out Part 2: Poland Travel Diary: A Journey of Family, Food, and Forever Memories.

Our recent trip gave us unprecedented insight into its diverse landscapes and vibrant cities. From the historic streets of Kraków to the poignant memorials of Auschwitz, Poland left a lasting impression.

Here are my Must-Do-Experiences in Poland—and a few tips if you’re planning a trip of your own.

1. Must-Do Experiences in Poland : Captivating Kraków

Kraków swept me off my feet with its cobblestones, horse-drawn carriages, and vibrant Old Town square. Wawel Castle, the fire-breathing dragon statue, and the trumpet call at St. Mary’s Basilica are absolute musts.

Kraków Main Market Square, a must-do experience in Poland

 Travel Tip: Book your Kraków guided walking tour in advance—local guides bring so much history (and hidden legends) to life. Also, search for centrally located stays on Booking.com—being within walking distance makes all the difference.

1. Must-Do Experiences in Poland: Historical Significance of Auschwitz

Visiting Auschwitz was heavy, heartbreaking, and absolutely necessary. History became real in a way no book ever could.

A solemn Auschwitz memorial, one of Poland’s must-do historical experiences

💡 Travel Tip: Reserve your Auschwitz tour early—tickets often sell out weeks in advance.

1. Must-Do Experiences in Poland: The Majestic Wieliczka Salt Mine

Just a short journey from Kraków lies the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through its vast underground chambers carved entirely from salt left us awestruck.

The intricate salt chandeliers and stunning sculptures, including a life-sized figure of Pope John Paul II, were highlights, showcasing the artistry of this unique site.

Wieliczka Salt Mine chandeliers and sculptures, Poland travel highlight

 Travel Tip: Book your Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour in advance. A guided tour is essential as it not only provides insight into the mine's history but also ensures you don't miss any hidden treasures. Wear comfortable shoes, as the mine involves quite a bit of walking!

1. Must-Do Experiences in Poland: Exploring Warsaw’s Resilience

Warsaw is a city that beautifully combines the old and the new. It’s astonishing to see how this city has rebuilt itself after the devastation of World War II. The rebuilt Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, where colorful buildings line cobbled streets.

One of the highlights in Warsaw the Wilanów Royal Palace, often called the “Polish Versailles,”which was home to Poland's kings.

Then we headed on over to the Polish Vodka Museum. Through interactive exhibits, we learned how vodka has shaped Poland’s history and traditions. The best part? A guided tasting where we sampled three classic Polish vodkas (wheat, rye, and potato). No surprise here: I’m team potato 🥔.

💡 Travel Tip: You can book a combined Wilanów Royal Palace + Polish Vodka Museum Tour experience to save time and money—it’s the perfect way to see two sides of Warsaw in one day.

1. Must-Do Experiences in Poland: Delicious Polish Cuisine

One of the joys of visiting Poland was indulging in its rich culinary tradition. From pierogi (Polish dumplings) to bigos (hunter's stew) and everything in between, we savored each bite.

Street Food Adventures

Street food is prevalent in many cities, especially in Kraków. We couldn’t resist trying zapiekanka, a popular Polish street food made with a half baguette topped with cheese, mushrooms, and other tasty ingredients.

Traditional Polish pierogi with toppings, a must-try food experience in Poland

 Travel Tip: The best way to experience it all is on a Polish Food Tour. In just one afternoon, you can sample pierogi, soups, breads, and sweets while learning the stories behind them.

If you fall in love with Polish flavors, bring some home. Try a Polish cookbook or a pierogi press to recreate the magic in your own kitchen.

Traveling Tips for a Smooth Journey

As with any travel adventure, a few tips can help enhance your experience. First, consider purchasing a Polish sim card upon arrival for easy navigation and communication. Download essential apps, including maps and translation tools.

Also, make sure to bring comfortable shoes, as you will likely do a lot of walking, especially in historic cities with cobblestone streets. Lastly, learning a few basic Polish phrases can go a long way in connecting with locals and enhancing your experience.

One of the biggest surprises was how much I loved Poland’s trains. They gave us time to relax, watch the countryside roll by, and see the country from a whole new perspective.

Travel Tip: Get a Eurail Pass if you’re planning multiple cities—it makes exploring Poland (and Europe) stress-free.

Final Thoughts on Poland

Poland offers something for every traveler, from history buffs and nature lovers to foodies and culture enthusiasts. Each city we visited told its own unique story, making our trip rich and diverse.

As you plan your own adventure, consider adding Poland to your travel bucket list. The experiences we gathered from this trip will last a lifetime, and we encourage you to explore its beauty and resilience yourself.

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A picturesque landscape showcasing Poland's natural beauty.

If you’d like to read more about our personal journey—why Poland mattered so deeply to our family, and how we honored Krzys during this trip—you can find my Poland Travel Diary here →  Poland Travel Diary: A Journey of Family, Food, and Forever Memories.

✈️ Plan Your Own Trip to Poland

Here are a few resources that made our trip easier (and can help you too):

🏡 Find unique stays on Booking.com

🚆 Explore Europe stress-free with a Eurail pass

📖 Bring Polish flavors home with a Polish cookbook

🥟 Make pierogi from scratch with a Pierogi Press

🎒 Travel light with a carry-on backpack

⛏️ Discover underground wonders on the Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour 

 🏰 Experience history and culture with the Wilanów Royal Palace + Polish Vodka Museum Tour.

I hope these highlights help you fall in love with Poland like we did. If you’ve been, what was your favorite memory? If not—what’s the first thing you’d add to your list?

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