The Ultimate Poland Travel Guide
If you’re looking for the perfect travel destination this summer, I recommend adding a trip to Poland to the itinerary. Just over a two-hour flight from London, the country boasts vibrant towns, historic museums, and stunning city views. From the capital city of Warsaw to the bustling cultural city of Kraków and the picturesque city of Wrocław, here is your definitive guide to three iconic Polish cities.
Warsaw
Warsaw, the capital city of Poland, is located in the east-central region of the country and is home to countless museums, theatres, and shops. This dynamic, cultural city is rich with historical landmarks and vibrant architecture worth paying a visit.
What to eat
Stary Dom
Experience an atmosphere of old Warsaw with wooden interiors, ambient lighting, and classic decor at Stary Dom. Located slightly off the beaten tourist path on Puławska Street, expect to dine on traditional Polish dishes focused on high-quality ingredients, like beef carpaccio and dumplings.
Where: Puławska 104/106, 02-620 Warszawa, Poland
Website: restauracjastarydom.pl
Epoka
Recognized in the Michelin Guide 2026, Epoka tells the story of traditional Polish cuisine, blending elegance and luxury with ease. The menu draws on historical cookbooks to reflect Poland’s diversity and rich culture with high-quality ingredients from local farms.
Where: Ossolińskich 3, 00-072 Warszawa, Poland
Website: epoka.restaurant
What to experience
The Royal Castle
For history and architecture lovers, the Royal Castle is a must-visit. Located in Castle Square in Warsaw, the building serves as a monument to Polish independence — the Castle was destroyed by German forces in 1944 and was rebuilt decades later on the wave of a great social upheaval. Don’t miss the stunning Baroque architecture and the Lanckoroński Gallery, an art gallery with over 600 exhibits.
Where: plac Zamkowy 4, 00-277 Warszawa, Poland
Website: www.zamek-krolewski.pl
Royal Baths
In the centre of Warsaw, the Royal Baths span 76 hectares and feature picturesque gardens from the 18th and 19th centuries. Take in panoramic views of the grounds; the focal point being the breathtaking Palace on the Isle, a Neoclassical jewel that appears to float seamlessly on the calm waters of a mirror-like lake.
After a stroll through the gardens, spend the afternoon admiring artwork at the Royal Łazienki Museum or the Museum of Hunting and Horsemanship, both located on the estate.
Where: Agrykola 1, 00-460 Warszawa, Poland
Website: www.lazienki-krolewskie.pl
Where to stay
Raffles Europejski Warsaw
Occupying a 19th-century building right on the historic Royal Route, this grand dame hotel blends its storied heritage with ultra-slick modern luxury. The 5-star hotel neighbors the magnificent Old Town and sits steps from the Polish National Opera and the Presidential Palace.
The hotel also offers an immersive art gallery home to 500 artworks, a spa with soothing treatment rooms, and a state-of-the-art upstream indoor pool.
Where: Krakowskie Przedmieście 13, 00-071 Warszawa, Poland
Website: www.raffles.com
Hotel H15 Boutique
H15 Boutique sits in the heart of Warsaw and provides guests with modern design and comfort. The building itself is a fascinating piece of history; a beautifully restored 19th-century tenement house that has served as everything from a secret pre-WWI Polish independence hideout to a pre-war Soviet embassy.
Where: Poznańska 15, 00-680 Warszawa, Poland
Website: www.hotelh15boutique.pl
Kraków
As one of the few major Polish cities to emerge from World War II with its historic core entirely intact, Kraków stands as the majestic, living storybook of Poland’s golden age. The second-largest city is known for its cultural and architectural legacy, and also features the first restaurant in Poland to earn two Michelin stars.
What to eat
Pod Aniołami
For an atmospheric dinner steeped in Polish history and medieval allure, head straight to Pod Aniołami in Kraków. Housed in a 13th-century Gothic cellar, the restaurant is renowned for Old Polish specialties such as its marinated meats, roasted over an open beechwood fire in a traditional grill oven.
Menu highlights include Shepard-Style mountain trout, pierogi, and duck fillet with apples and marjoram.
Where: Grodzka 35, 31-001 Kraków, Poland
Website: www.podaniolami.pl
For an atmospheric dinner steeped in Polish history and medieval allure, head straight to Pod Aniołami in Kraków.
Bottiglieria 1881
The first restaurant in Poland to earn two Michelin Stars, Bottiglieria 1881 showcases fresh, seasonal ingredients for exceptional flavour and quality.
Expect to choose between two multi-course, conceptual dining experiences, “The Complete Experience” and “Introduction.”
Where: Bocheńska 5, 31-061 Kraków, Poland
Website: 1881.com.pl
What to experience
Rynek Główny
Rynek Główny, Europe’s largest market square, is a must-see spot if you are traveling to Kraków. Carve out an afternoon to stroll along the historic city square and take in sights like the iconic St. Mary’s Basilica and the Town Hall Tower.
Wander underneath the square to take a guided tour of the Rynek Underground Museum, a subterranean history and archaeology museum, to learn about the city’s medieval past.
Where: Rynek Główny, 31-422 Kraków, Poland
Website: krakow.pl
Carve out an afternoon to stroll along the historic city square and take in sights like the iconic St. Mary’s Basilica and the Town Hall Tower.
Wawel Castle
For a rainy day, immerse yourself in Poland’s rich history at Wawel Castle. Perched on a limestone bluff overlooking the gorgeous Vistula River, this sprawling fortress was the home of Polish kings for centuries. For the best experience, book a guided tour and explore grand chambers packed with Renaissance and Baroque artwork and artifacts.
Where: Wawel 5, 31-001 Kraków, Poland
Website: wawel.krakow.pl
Where to stay
Hotel Copernicus
Hotel Copernicus is located on Krakow’s oldest street. Inside, expect Renaissance frescoes, exposed stone walls, and heavy drapery paired with modern marble bathrooms. The standout features are tucked away in the basement: the old Gothic cellars have been converted into an atmospheric indoor pool and spa. Upstairs, the Michelin-recommended restaurant serves up modern Polish dishes under a retractable glass roof, making it a great spot for a long dinner after a day of exploring the city.
Where: Kanonicza 16, 31-002 Kraków, Poland
Website: copernicus.hotel.com.pl
PURO Kraków Stare Miasto
PURO, conveniently located just minutes away from the market square, offers a refined yet playful stay in the heart of the city. Take advantage of the central location with free guided tours and bike rentals, or stay in and enjoy amenities like the hotel’s stylish bistro serving up street-food-inspired contemporary cuisine.
Where: Ogrodowa 10, 31-155 Kraków, Poland
Website: purohotels.com
Wrocław
Wrocław, Poland’s fourth-largest city, is affectionately referred to as the ‘city of gnomes,’ due to the number of gnome figurines placed about the city. The charming tradition began in 2001 when a gnome monument was placed in the city to commemorate the Polish anti-communist movement, and in the following years, smaller gnomes were placed throughout the city. Today, around 600 of them line the streets.
What to eat
Piwnica Świdnicka
This historic spot dates back to 1273 and serves up freshly brewed beer and traditional cuisine with a modern twist. Opt for local classics like a massive beer-marinated pork knuckle or a wild boar sausage, or lighter, seasonal updates, like fresh trout rillettes and regional cheese boards.
This historic spot dates back to 1273 and serves up freshly brewed beer and traditional cuisine with a modern twist.
Where: Rynek Ratusz 1A, 50-106 Wrocław
Website: piwnicaswidnicka.pl
La Maddalena
Enjoy stunning views of the Odra River and the University of Wrocław within an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. The Mediterranean-inspired fine dining menu focuses on seasonality and presentation — expect perfectly seared scallops, fresh handmade pastas, and exceptional cuts of meat.
Where: Pomorska Street 1, 50-215 Wroclaw
Website: lamaddalena.pl
What to experience
Bridge of Penitents
To experience the most gorgeous views of the market square, climb the nearly 250 winding steps up to the top of St. Mary Magdalene’s Church to the Bridge of Penitents, also known as Witches’ Bridge because of the two witch gnomes perched on top.
Wondering where the bridge gets its nickname from? There is a Polish legend that in the 15th century, women accused of witchcraft were forced to walk across the bridge; those who successfully made it across were deemed witches and burned at the stake. Legends aside, the stunning panoramic views at the top are more than worth the walk up.
Where: Szewska 10, 50-529 Wrocław, Poland
Centennial Hall
For fans of the iconic Hunger Games franchise, Centennial Hall is instantly recognisable as the Tenth arena from The Ballads of Songbirds and Snakes.
If you’re not a Hunger Games fan, though, the landmark is still a lovely way to spend a leisurely afternoon. Take a stroll through the surrounding walkways and soak up the sun at the picturesque fountain.
Where: Wystawowa 1, 51-618 Wrocław, Poland
Website: whc.unesco.org
Where to stay
The Bridge
Nestled in the tranquil, cobblestone heart of Ostrów Tumski—Wrocław’s oldest and most atmospheric district—this hotel seamlessly connects a thousand years of history with contemporary five-star luxury.
After a busy day shopping and exploring the market square and Centennial Hall, relax and unwind in the wellness area to enjoy spa treatments, saunas, and tailored facial treatments.
Where: Plac Katedralny 8, 50-329 Wrocław, Poland
Website: thebridgewroclaw.pl
Hotel Altus Palace
Hotel Altus Palace, tucked away on the edge of Wrocław’s historic Old Town, offers a majestic step back into the gilded age of the 19th century. Operating out of the beautifully restored Leipziger Palace, this five-star boutique hotel seamlessly blends grand architectural heritage with modern luxury.
In 2025, Altus was awarded a double Michelin recommendation – for both the hotel and the Wierzbowa 15 restaurant, which fuses European cuisine with Polish accents.
Where: Wierzbowa 15, 50-056 Wrocław, Poland
Website: www.hotelaltuspalace.pl
