Poland is scarred by the atrocities of the World Wars and my visit to Auschwitz still gives me shivers, there is however more to discover in Poland than its war history.
Krakow’s old town is charming! I visited in the dead of winter when the warmth from vodka was a life-saving necessity!
In Warsaw, children slide around the ice-rinks like seals, the Christmas decorations gleam in the cobbled stone streets, and it was in this city that I discovered that hot beer is a thing!
TIME FRAME?
Krakow and Warsaw are contained, walkable cities and two to three days in each is the best length trip to aim for.
If you intend to visit Auschwitz, you should add a day to your visit to Krakow. It’s a train or bus trip from the city if you’re not booked onto a tour, and takes two to five hours to visit.
TRAVELLING POLAND?
Both Krakow and Warsaw are flat cities and on foot is the best way to explore.
The EIP (bullet) train between these two cities takes two and a half hours, and is the fastest train trip. Other train options are the EIC and IC which are air-conditioned, modern, and cheaper than the bullets.
Like most of Europe, Poland is well connected to the surrounding major European cities. There are overnight trains to Krakow from Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest and to Warsaw from Berlin.
Please visit the official Polish transport website for prices and current information.
TRAVELLING POLAND?
Both Krakow and Warsaw are flat cities and on foot is the best way to explore.
The EIP (bullet) train between these two cities takes two and a half hours, and is the fastest train trip. Other train options are the EIC and IC which are air-conditioned, modern, and cheaper than the bullets.
Like most of Europe, Poland is well connected to the surrounding major European cities. There are overnight trains to Krakow from Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest and to Warsaw from Berlin.
Please visit the official Polish transport website for prices and current information.
MY BEST ADVICE?
- Don’t be afraid to travel to Poland in winter, it is magical when dusted in white! It’s also much quieter, and some days it felt like I had the city to myself!
- Try Poland’s famous vodka, referred to as ‘little water’! Don’t shot it, copy the locals who sip their drinks, and eat salty and fatty foods to prevent that dreaded hangover!
- The currency in Poland is called the zloty (zl, PLN), and very few restaurants and hotels accept euro or US Dollars. Always avoid changing your money at money exchange places in airports, as the rates are usually much worse. I always pay with my card when I first land in an airport and withdraw cash once I am in the town centre for the best rates.
DID YOU KNOW?
NEED MORE ADVICE? KEEP READING…
So who am I…? Hi! My name is India.
I am a nomadic Australian who has wandered the world full time exploring over 60 countries and 5/7 continents.
After ten years on the road, I have launched my own website – Travelling Notebook – to share the knowledge I have gained on the road and the images I have collected over the years with fellow adventurers. Keep reading…
I am a freelance travel writer, photography and videographer, based in London. If you need specific travel advice or would like to collaborate please send an email my way!
Always say yes to adventure!
x India
