15 Reasons to Visit Poland That You NEED to Know!
Poland is a beautiful country with so much to offer, but if you need a bit of convincing to visit, then check out these 15 reasons to visit Poland that you need to know!
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Contents:
The brief history of Poland:
Poland has a long and rich history that stretches back over a thousand years. The Kingdom of Poland was established in 1025 and lasted until 1795 when it was partitioned by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. The country was re-established after World War I and became a republic in 1918.
World War II had a devastating impact on Poland. The country was invaded and occupied by Nazi Germany in 1939 and the Soviet Union in 1941. During the German occupation, more than three million Polish Jews were killed in the Holocaust, and millions of Polish citizens were deported to concentration and labour camps. The country suffered tremendous destruction during the war, sadly destroying many of its cities and infrastructure.
After World War II, Poland was annexed by the Soviet Union and became a communist state, which remained under Soviet control until 1989. During this time, Poland experienced a period of intense economic and political turmoil. In 1989, the Solidarity movement led to the re-establishment of democracy and the fall of communism in Poland.
Since then, Poland has become a member of NATO, the European Union, and the Schengen Area. Today, Poland is a thriving democracy with a growing economy and a rich cultural heritage.
Where is the most visited city in Poland?
Where is the most visited city in Poland? Krakow is the most visited city in Poland. Each year, Krakow receives more than 11 thousand tourists in its beautiful city. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, as well as its vibrant nightlife and historic architecture.
Krakow has a lot to offer visitors in terms of history, art, and culture, and Krakow is the second-largest city in Poland. It is located in the south-central part of the country. The city is filled with incredible sights and activities, such as the Old Town, the Wawel Castle and St Marys Basilica, which is one of the top European landmarks you need to visit!. There are also many museums, galleries, and parks to spend hours exploring.
Krakow is also one of the most popular destinations for students and backpackers. The city is home to many universities, and it offers a great place to study and explore. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a wide variety of bars and nightclubs – making it a popular place for stag and hen-do’s.
Reasons to Visit Poland: Is Poland Safe?
Is Poland safe? Poland is considered to be a safe country to visit, with low crime rates and a relatively low risk of terrorist attacks. According to a 2020 study by the World Justice Project, Poland was rated as having a “very strong” rule of law, tied with Hungary for the highest rating in Central Europe.
The Global Peace Index also ranks Poland as the 15th safest country in the world out of 163 countries. The country has one of the lowest homicide rates in Europe, with only 0.7 homicides per 100,000 people in 2018. Poland is also one of the lowest-risk countries for terrorism, ranking at number 143 out of 163 in the Global Terrorism Index.
15 Reasons to Visit Poland That You NEED to Know!
If you need some convincing on why you should visit Poland, check out these 15 great reasons to visit Poland!
1. The People in Poland
The people in Poland are one of the main reasons to visit Poland! Almost everyone is very friendly, even if there’s the stereotype that people in Poland “don’t smile”. Most of the people in Poland work very hard and are very family-centric.
Sometimes, some people have stated that they’ve been worried about visiting Poland, due to thinking not many people can speak English – this is completely false! Of course, not everyone speaks English in Poland, especially as lots of people who were bought up during the communist era had to learn Russian, but today, most of the younger generation can.
2. The Nature Poland Has to Offer
Poland is a beautiful country with a diverse landscape. The country is home to a variety of wildlife, including wolves, lynxes, foxes, and wild boars.
The mountainous region of the Tatra Mountains offers stunning views of the Carpathian Mountains, while the historic city of Kraków is located along the banks of the Vistula River. Poland is also home to numerous national parks, including the Białowieża Forest, which is home to the rare European bison.
The country also has numerous lakes, rivers, and forests that provide a great opportunity for hiking and other outdoor activities.
3. Poland is Filled With Tasty Food to Eat
One of the best reasons to visit Poland is the food it has to offer! Poland is known for its hearty and flavorful cuisine, and some popular dishes include Pierogi 🥟 which is a dumpling stuffed with various fillings (one of my favourites 🤭), and Bigos, a stew made with pork, beef, and cabbage.
Soups are also popular, such as barszcz, a beetroot soup, and żurek, a sour rye soup that is often complimented with an egg or some sausage.
Meat dishes are also popular, such as kiełbasa, a type of sausage, and kotlet schabowy, which is a pork cutlet. You’ll also find some of the tastiest hotdogs in shops such as Zabka or the petrol stations.
Lastly, Poland is also known for its delicious desserts, such as sernik, which is a type of cheesecake, and pączki, a type of doughnut filled with jam or custard.
4. It’s “Cheap”
If you’re travelling on a budget, then one of the most important reasons to visit Poland to you will probably be how affordable it is. Poland is an affordable destination for travellers and is generally cheaper than other European countries.
Accommodation, food, and transportation are all much cheaper than in other parts of Europe. You can find a decent hotel for around £30 per night, while a meal in a restaurant will cost around £8. Prices for transportation are also relatively low, with a one-way ticket on the train costing around £5.
It’s important to remember that although Poland may seem “cheap” to the average Westerner, sadly, the prices in Poland are hard to live off for the people living there. The minimum wage in Poland is around €654 per month – which is really low. This means that if you visit, it’s vital to try and spend your money with local businesses.
5. There are 17 UNESCO Heritage Sites to Visit
Poland has an impressive number of 17 amazing UNESCO World Heritage sites that are well worth a visit to go and see in person. These UNESCO World Heritage sites include the Historic Centre of Kraków, Warsaw’s Old Town, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Białowieża Forest.
The Historic Centre of Kraków is one of the most popular destinations, with its well-preserved medieval Old Town, gothic churches, and historical monuments. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is also a must-see, with its underground chambers, statues, and salt-carved sculptures. Exploring these UNESCO Heritage sites will give you a glimpse into Poland’s rich history and culture and shouldn’t be missed if you get the chance to visit.
6. It’s Rich in History
Poland has a fascinating and sometimes sad history that can be discovered through its many historical sites and monuments.
The Wawel Castle in Kraków is the former royal residence and a symbol of Polish history and culture. The city of Gdańsk is home to the beautiful Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other historical sites include the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, the stunning city of Lublin, and the Wolf’s Lair, which were the headquarters of Hitler during World War II.
Visitors can also explore the many museums and galleries scattered throughout the country, which provide insight into Polish history and culture. Oftentimes, lots of these museums and galleries are free to visit or have a certain day on which they have free entry.
7. There’s Great Nightlife!
Poland has an exciting nightlife scene, with bars, clubs, and pubs scattered throughout the country. The capital city of Warsaw is known for its vibrant nightlife, with lively bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to explore. Kraków is another popular destination for nightlife, with a variety of pubs and clubs to choose from.
The coastal city of Gdańsk is also home to a variety of bars and clubs, as well as a lively night market. No matter where you go in Poland, you can be sure to find an exciting nightlife scene that is sure to keep you entertained!
8. The Vodka!
If you love Vodka, then this will be one of the best reasons to visit Poland for you! Poland is well known for its delicious vodka, which has been a staple of the country’s culture for centuries.
Polish vodka is typically made from rye, wheat, or potatoes and is usually distilled four times to create a smooth, clean taste. Popular brands of Polish vodka include Żołądkowa Gorzka, Zubrówka, and Wyborowa.
Polish vodka is typically served chilled and is enjoyed neat or with mixers. Vodka is also used in a variety of traditional Polish dishes and cocktails, such as the zubrówka bison grass vodka martini. No matter how you enjoy it, Polish vodka is sure to be a hit!
9. There Are Plenty of Pretty Beaches
One of the reasons to visit Poland that you may not have expected is that Poland has lots of very pretty beaches! In the North of Poland, you’ll find that Poland is home to a variety of beautiful beaches along its coastline.
The beaches of the Baltic Sea offer a variety of activities, from sunbathing to swimming and sailing. The city of Świnoujście is a popular destination for beachgoers, with its long sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.
The city of Władysławowo is also known for its beaches, with plenty of space to enjoy the sun and sea. In addition, the city of Międzyzdroje and the Hel Peninsula are two other popular beach destinations in Poland.
10. Poland is Home to Many Famous People
Poland has produced a number of famous and influential people throughout its history. One of the most famous Polish people is Pope John Paul II, who was born in Wadowice and served as the leader of the Catholic Church from 1978-2005.
Other famous Poles include astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, composer Frédéric Chopin, and physicist Marie Curie.
Today, there are a number of famous Polish actors, musicians, and politicians, such as actress Agnieszka Radwanska, singer Doda, and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
11. The Cities Have Lots Going On!
Poland is home to a variety of cities, each with its own unique culture and attractions. The capital city of Warsaw is one of the most popular destinations, as there are plenty of things to do in Warsaw, with its rich history, vibrant nightlife, and bustling markets – especially during Christmas time.
Other major cities include Kraków, the former royal capital, and Gdańsk, a historic port city. Other cities to explore include Wrocław, Poznań, and Lublin. No matter which city you visit in Poland, you’ll find a wealth of history, culture, and attractions to explore.
12. There Are Lots of Great Things To Do
Poland is a great destination for those looking to explore and experience a variety of activities. From visiting historical sites like the Oskar Schindler Factory in Kraków to exploring the quaint towns and villages of the countryside, there are plenty of things to do in Poland.
If you’re a theme park enthusiast, then you will be sure to love Energylandia, which has some of the best rollercoasters in Europe.
Nature lovers can explore the many national parks, while cultural enthusiasts can visit the museums and galleries of the cities. Shopping, nightlife, and culinary experiences are also popular activities, with a variety of markets, bars, and restaurants to choose from.
Additionally, there are also lots of fantastic stadiums located all around Poland, such as Stadium Slaskie in Katowice, which has plenty of sports tournaments and even concerts! No matter what your interests are, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Poland!
13. Poland Has Amazing Skiing Opportunities
Poland is a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts, with plenty of ski resorts to choose from. The ski and thermal resort of Zakopane is the most popular in the country, with its wide variety of slopes and trails. Other ski resorts to visit include Białka Tatrzańska, Szczyrk, and Karpacz.
The slopes are well-maintained and offer a variety of difficulty levels, from beginner to expert. In addition, many of the resorts offer lessons for those who want to learn how to ski or snowboard. No matter what your experience level is, you can find plenty of exciting ski runs in Poland – which makes this one of the best reasons to visit Poland if you love to go skiing!
14. Poland Has a Great Transport System
Poland has a reliable and efficient transport system, making it easy to get around the country. The main form of public transport is the train, which is the most convenient and cost-effective way to travel between cities. The train is really easy to book and navigate, making Poland a fantastic destination if you’re thinking about Interrailing.
Buses and trams are also available in almost all of the cities, and taxis are a good option for shorter journeys. For international travel, there are regular flights to most major cities in Europe, which you can get for a really good price. Overall, the transport system in Poland makes it easy to explore the country and its many attractions.
15. It is Filled With Stunning Churches
Poland is a predominantly Catholic country, with the majority of the population following the religion – in fact, 93% of people in Poland belonged to the Catholic Church in 2021.
The country is home to a number of stunning churches and cathedrals, many of which are architectural masterpieces. The Wawel Cathedral in Kraków is regarded as being one of the most impressive, as it has a Renaissance and baroque style.
Other notable churches include the Gothic St. Mary’s Basilica, the Baroque Church of Our Lady of Loreto, and the St. Florian’s Cathedral in Warsaw. In addition, Poland is home to many small churches and chapels throughout the country, and even shrines located almost everywhere – even in the countryside, which makes it easy to find a place of worship no matter where you are.
Poland FAQ
Poland is filled with plenty of beautiful architecture, lots of amazing things to do, is rich in history, is relatively affordable to visit – and has lots of tasty food to indulge in!
Poland is home to so much history to be discovered. For instance, there are 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Poland, which are amazing to see. Additionally, Poland has some of the best nature in Europe!
Poland is an excellent place to travel. There is a great train network across the country and into neighbouring countries such as Slovakia and Czechia – all at a fantastic price! Furthermore, there are lots of trams and buses to take you where you need to go.
Before going to Poland, make sure you know at least a few keywords in Polish, such as “thank you” and “hello” – it will make you seem like you appreciate the country more.
Poland is a great destination to visit all year round. In the winter months, there are beautiful Christmas Markets and snowy mountains to ski on, and the summer is great for exploring the beautiful nature parks.
15 Reasons to Visit Poland That You NEED To Know – Conclusion
Hopefully, after reading this post about reasons to visit Poland, you’ve been inspired to go and visit this beautiful country! What reasons to visit Poland did you like the most? What are your reasons to visit Poland? Feel free to contact me if you would like any more information. If you liked this post, then you might also like to have a look at these similar posts:
