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Travel guide

Poland holidays: a travel guide for UK visitors

Rebuilt royal cities, a moving 20th-century history and a lively Baltic coast — Poland offers depth, value and a warm welcome on Baltic cruises and city tours.

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Why visit Poland

Poland packs a great deal of history and heart into a single country. Kraków’s vast medieval market square and royal castle survived the war intact, while Warsaw’s old town was painstakingly rebuilt brick by brick. On the Baltic coast, the handsome port city of Gdańsk — where the Solidarity movement was born — lines its river with tall, colourful merchant houses. Between the cities lie sobering, essential sites of remembrance and a landscape of forests, lakes and amber-strewn beaches. Poland rewards curiosity, and offers some of the best value in Europe for travellers arriving by ship or by tour.

Best time to visit

May to September brings the warmest, brightest weather, ideal for the old towns, the coast and outdoor sightseeing — the Baltic cruise season centres on these months. Spring and early autumn are pleasant and quieter, while winter is cold but atmospheric, with celebrated Christmas markets in Kraków and Wrocław.

Top things to do in Poland

  1. 1

    Discover Gdańsk’s harbour old town

    Poland’s great Baltic port lines the Motława river with tall, ornate merchant houses, a medieval crane and the cradle of the Solidarity movement — a rewarding, walkable city and a common Baltic cruise call.

  2. 2

    Explore Kraków’s royal heart

    Kraków’s UNESCO-listed centre, with Europe’s largest medieval market square and the hilltop Wawel Castle, came through the war unscathed and remains one of the continent’s most atmospheric cities to wander.

  3. 3

    Reflect at sites of remembrance

    From the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial near Kraków to Warsaw’s rebuilt old town and uprising museums, Poland offers some of Europe’s most moving and important places of 20th-century remembrance.

The cheapest Poland holidays right now

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Poland travel questions

When is the best time to visit Poland?
May to September is ideal, with the warmest weather and longest days for the old towns and the Baltic coast — the core of the cruise season. Spring and early autumn are quieter, while December brings famous Christmas markets.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Poland?
No. UK passport holders can visit Poland without a visa for tourism and stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
What currency does Poland use?
Poland uses the Polish Złoty (PLN), not the Euro, despite being an EU member. Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry some złoty for smaller shops, markets and rural areas.
Is Poland expensive to visit?
Poland is among the best-value destinations in Europe, with eating out, drinks and transport notably cheaper than in the west. Your money stretches a long way, even in the major cities.
Do they speak English in Poland?
English is widely spoken in cities, tourist areas and the cruise trade, particularly among younger people. A few words of Polish are appreciated, but English will serve most visitors well.
How many hours ahead is Poland compared with the UK?
Poland is one hour ahead of the UK on Central European Time, and changes its clocks for daylight saving on the same dates, so the one-hour difference applies throughout the year.
Is Poland safe for tourists?
Poland is a safe and welcoming destination with low crime. Take the usual care with valuables in busy tourist spots and on public transport, and you are very unlikely to have any trouble.
Do I need a travel adaptor for Poland?
Yes. Poland uses Type E sockets at 230V, so a standard European travel adaptor will fit your UK three-pin plugs. UK devices run happily on the local voltage.
Which Polish port do Baltic cruises visit?
Gdańsk, often via the nearby port of Gdynia, is Poland’s main Baltic cruise call, usually paired with cities such as Copenhagen, Stockholm and the Baltic capitals on a single voyage.
Can you visit Auschwitz-Birkenau from a cruise or tour?
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is near Kraków in southern Poland, so it is most easily visited on a city tour rather than from the Baltic ports. Pre-booked, timed entry is required for independent visits.

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