21 Incredible Things To Do In Poland This Year

The Wawel Royal Castle's history dates back to the 11th century when it was established as a royal residence for Polish monarchs. Over time, the castle evolved into a grand complex featuring Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles.

Despite suffering damage during wars and foreign occupations, Wawel Castle has been carefully restored. Today, it functions as a museum and major cultural landmark for the Polish people.

Visitors traveling to this castle can explore the Crown Treasury and also the armory. You can also take a stroll around the Wawel Cathedral, where Polish monarchs were crowned and buried.

The Auschwitz-Birkenau camp was used as a concentration camp by the Nazis during World War II, where they committed untold atrocities against the Jewish people. 

The Auschwitz-Birkenau base was primarily divided into two parts:  Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II; the first camp held around 15000 people, whereas the second one was significantly bigger, holding up to 90000 people at one point.

If you are visiting for the first time, visitors recommend hiring a guide to explain how the Nazi camps operated or where to go next. Also, as the mass graveyard of thousands of people, the place demands the best behavior from every visitor.

The Energylandia is an amusement park in Zator, Poland, that currently houses 133 attractions that are fun for people of all ages. The park is divided into multiple zones - including Fairytale Land, Family Zone, Extreme Zone, and so on.

Adults looking for a thrilling adventure will find the Extreme Zone to be extremely exciting. This zone house some of the fastest roller-coasters that will surely pump up your adrenaline.

Among the favorites is the Aztec Swing, this famous swing can generate pressure up to 5G and reach a speed of 100km/h. Meanwhile, the kids will enjoy the Fairytale Land and the Dragon Zone.

A historical neighborhood in the heart of Warsaw, Old Town serves as a tourist hangout spot due to the many palaces, churches, and markets that are located there.

The historic center suffered brutal damage from the Nazi forces during the Second World War. After the war ended, it took more than 5 years for the locals to restore this neighborhood to its original form.

Walk across the Old Town, exploring the different historical centers and restaurants that lie in the area. The view from the bridge adjacent to the Royal Castle is spectacular and makes for a great spot for photography.

If you are a fan of the holocaust movie "Schindler's List", you might have already determined this entry on our list. The Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory was used by German businessman Oskar Schindler to employ Jewish people during World War II.

However, Schindler was abusing the people for labor; instead, the factory was a safe haven for the Jewish people where they would be protected from the horrors of the Nazi army.

Also known as the Fabryka Emalia Oskara Schindlera, the factory today operates as a museum, containing the memories of the war. The museum has become a significant place for visitors to learn about German history, especially between 1935 to 1945.

With entire sections devoted to reflecting iconic scenes from some of the best horror movies, the Lost Souls Alley will keep you scared through the entire tour. However, as the place can get pretty crowded, it can dramatically diminish the spooky effects of the establishment.

While the horror house is fun, visitors will have to follow some rules to keep the experience thrilling. For instance, using the light of a mobile phone is strictly prohibited.

Also, visitors are not allowed to touch or provoke the actors; breaking these rules can get you removed from the tour and even banned from further visits, in some cases.

Morskie Oko, translating to "Eye of the Sea", is the largest and fourth-deepest lake in the Tatra Mountains of southern Poland. Situated at an elevation of 1,395 meters above sea level, the lake spans approximately 35 hectares, with a length of about 860 meters.

The lake was possibly formed in the Ice Age, during which glaciers carved out depressions in the mountains. As these glaciers retreated, they left behind basins that filled with water.

Morskie Oko is located within the protected Tatra National Park, hence certain activities are regulated to preserve its natural beauty. Swimming, fishing, and boating are prohibited, but visitors can enjoy hiking around the lake or taking photographs of the breathtaking alpine scenery.

Located in Wieliczka, Poland, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is almost 327 meters deep at its lowest point. The mine administration hosts guided tours that are divided into two routes: the Tourist Route and the Miners Route.

The Tourist Route is the easiest of the two, allowing visitors to explore the Saline Lakes and underground chambers. The route, although not very physically demanding, will still require visitors to climb over 800 steps.

On the contrary, the Miners Route will take you through the underground salt labyrinth. The route even requires you to do some digging along the way, hence, the given name. The tourist and miners routes are completely different from each other and don't meet at any common point.

Stare Miasto, a historic center of Krakow, is one of the most well-preserved medieval districts in Europe. Encircled by Planty Park, where medieval city walls once stood, the district's main attraction is the Main Market Square, also known as Rynek Glowny.

Similarly, the place is famous for the University Quarter, where the Jagiellonian University, one of Europe’s oldest institutions, is located. Visitors are also drawn to the charming cobblestone streets lined with historic churches, museums, and cafes.

Tourists traveling to Krakow can take a walk around the district or a horse-drawn carriage ride. Famous for its nightlife, the center remains open 24 hours a day, accommodating visitors with their many services.

Considered one of Poland's most significant Gothic churches, the facility impresses visitors both architecturally and religiously. The church, constructed in the 14th century on the foundations of an earlier Romanesque church, features an impressive red brick facade and two distinct towers of different heights.

The interior of the St. Mary’s Basilica is particularly breathtaking, with the magnificent wooden altarpiece crafted by Veit Stoss in the late 15th century.

Beyond its architectural splendor, the church is an important place of worship and pilgrimage. As the symbol of Poland’s Catholic heritage, the church plays a central role in Krakow's religious life.

The Rynek of Wroclaw, or Wroclaw Market Square, is the central and most iconic part of the city in southwestern Poland. As one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, it serves as the cultural hub and social heart of Wrocław.

The square is surrounded by beautifully restored townhouses, cafes, and historical landmarks, all of which keep visitors busy and engaged.

Getting to Wroclaw’s Rynek is convenient, as the city is well connected by train, bus, and air. The main railway station Wroclaw Glowny is only about a 20-minute walk from the square.

Short for World of My All Inspirations, WOMAI operates as a science and sensory center in Pawia 34, Krakow. Situated near the city center, it is hard for tourists to miss.

The museum possesses two main exhibitions: Into the Light and Into the Darkness. The former is an interactive exhibition that ignites a passion for science by revealing the secrets of the world around us.

Visitors can engage with phenomena related to Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Cognitive Science.

On the other hand, Into the Darkness offers visitors completely dark spaces, which they must navigate relying solely on their senses of touch, hearing, smell, and taste. Guided by individuals who are blind, this experience provides insight into the daily lives of those without sight.

Krakow houses unique dwarf sculptures, locally called krasnale, that are scattered throughout the city. The tradition began in 2005, and since then, the number of dwarfs has grown significantly.

Estimates suggest there are now over 600 of these sculptures all over the city The dwarfs have become an integral part of Wrocław's identity, attracting both locals and tourists; each sculpture often reflects the character of its location or the business sponsoring it.

While the original sculptures are permanent fixtures, visitors interested in taking home a piece home e can find miniature replicas in local shops.

The science center is a premier destination for science enthusiasts, with its wide gallery of over 400 interactive exhibits across six interdisciplinary sections. Fun for kids and adults alike, the center is primarily designed for self-guided exploration.

However, visitors also have the option to participate in group activities like workshops, lectures, and events tailored for schools and groups. As a popular scientific destination, the Copernicus Science Center contributes to increased interest in science and technology, among the local Polish people.

Zlote Tarasy is surely one of the most popular tourist spots in Warsaw, attracting more than 2.1 million customers every year. The data doesn't include the casual visitors who don't shop at the mall.

Whether you're a foodie, a fashion enthusiast, or merely a silent observer, the place has something for everyone. The complex, with over 200 shops, is ideal to spend a slow day touring the different sectors and businesses established there.

The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork was constructed in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights. Covering an area of over 52 acres, this is Europe's largest fortress by land area.

As a visitor, you can explore its extensive grounds - including the High Castle, Middle Castle, and the Grand Master's Palace. Similarly, the castle houses a museum featuring medieval artifacts and weaponry along with detailed exhibits on its storied past.

Throughout the year, the castle hosts various events and reenactments to entertain its visitors. But, make sure to book in advance, as the tickets get sold pretty fast.

The museum is dedicated to preserving the thousand-year history of Jews in Poland. Through its comprehensive exhibitions, the museum honors Jewish heritage by displaying artifacts that reflect the cultural and social contributions of Polish Jews throughout the centuries.

The museum's Core Exhibition is a chronological journey through Jewish history in Poland, divided into several galleries. These include sections on the medieval period, the flourishing of Jewish culture in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the challenges faced during the partitions of Poland, and the devastation of the Holocaust.

Kazimierz, sitting just south of Krakow's Old Town, is a former Jewish district. Established in the 14th century, it soon became a center Jewish life for over 500 years. This legacy was sadly disrupted during World War II, but the district remains a testament to the spirit of the Polish Jews.

Today, you can have an exclusive experience, exploring the numerous historical sites. The Old Synagogue, Poland's oldest, now serves as a museum detailing the history and culture of Kraków's Jewish community.

Nearby, the Remuh Synagogue and its adjacent cemetery provide insights into centuries-old traditions.

Officially known as the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslaus, this historic Gothic cathedral impressed visitors with its architectural beauty and cultural significance.

The church has been the coronation site of Polish monarchs for centuries, making a big impact on Polish society.

Traveling to the Wawel Cathedral, you're sure to be mesmerized by the Royal Tombs that hold the remains of Polish kings, national heroes, and poets.

Similarly, the Sigismund Bell, one of the largest bells in Poland, is housed in the cathedral's tower and is traditionally rung on significant national and religious occasions.

The Stained Glass Museum in Krakow organizes historic workshops that allow guests to observe artisans at work in their authentic environment. The museum's blend of exhibition spaces and active studio has been a success among visitors, who can watch the men work in a traditional environment.

About getting there, the museum is situated near the city center and can be reached from all over the city. For those preferring to walk, it's a pleasant stroll from the Main Market Square, taking approximately 15-20 minutes. 

Established in 1964, the Polish Aviation Museum sits on the grounds of the former Krakow-Rakowice-Czyzyny Airport.

The museum's extensive collection boasts over 200 aircraft, including airplanes, helicopters, and gliders, attracting millions of visitors every year.

Similarly, notable exhibits feature rare and unique machines from various eras, such as World War I biplanes, World War II fighters, and Cold War jets.

Meanwhile, the open-air exhibition area allows visitors to explore larger aircraft up close, while indoor displays provide detailed information on aviation technology.