Europe
Poland
Europe
Poland
Updated Jan 04, 2025
Overview
Poland offers a compelling mix of old-world charm and contemporary appeal. From the Gothic spires of Kraków to Warsaw's rebuilt Old Town, history is ever-present. Visitors can explore majestic castles, sobering WWII sites, and pristine forests. The country's hearty cuisine and warm hospitality add to its allure. Don't miss Gdańsk's colorful waterfront, the serene Tatra Mountains, or the unique salt mines near Kraków. Poland's affordable prices and improving infrastructure make it an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking authentic European experiences off the usual tourist trail.
Best time to visit. Visit Poland from May to September for warm weather and outdoor festivals. June to August is peak tourist season, with higher prices. For fewer crowds and autumn colors, try September to October. Winter visitors can enjoy Christmas markets and skiing in the Tatra Mountains.
Cities
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Country stats
Population
36,620,970
38th
Land area
121,209.44 sq. mi.
69th
Highest elevation
8,205 ft
Currency
Polish złoty
Generally accepted payment methods
Mobile, Card, Cash
Total GDP
$844.623 billion
21st
GDP per capita
$23,014
45th
Year founded
966 CE
Official langauge
Polish
English speaking
Spoken in major cities
European Union
Yes
Schengen Area
Yes
Human development index
0.881
36th
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Capital
Warsaw
Website
Google Maps link
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 34°F - 25°F | 30°F - 20°F | Cloudy | 7:45 am | 4:00 pm | 12 days 1.3 in | 10 days 5.0 in | 9 mph |
| February | 37°F - 27°F | 33°F - 22°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 4:45 pm | 10 days 1.1 in | 8 days 4.0 in | 9 mph |
| March | 46°F - 34°F | 43°F - 30°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:15 am | 5:45 pm | 11 days 1.4 in | 4 days 2.0 in | 11 mph |
| April | 57°F - 41°F | 55°F - 38°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:15 am | 7:00 pm | 11 days 1.6 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 9 mph |
| May | 66°F - 50°F | 65°F - 48°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:30 am | 8:15 pm | 12 days 2.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| June | 72°F - 55°F | 72°F - 54°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:15 am | 9:00 pm | 12 days 2.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| July | 75°F - 59°F | 76°F - 58°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:30 am | 8:45 pm | 12 days 3.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| August | 75°F - 57°F | 75°F - 56°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:15 am | 8:00 pm | 11 days 2.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 66°F - 50°F | 65°F - 48°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:00 am | 6:45 pm | 10 days 2.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| October | 55°F - 41°F | 53°F - 38°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:45 am | 5:30 pm | 11 days 1.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| November | 43°F - 34°F | 40°F - 30°F | Cloudy | 7:30 am | 4:15 pm | 12 days 1.5 in | 3 days 1.0 in | 9 mph |
| December | 36°F - 27°F | 32°F - 23°F | Cloudy | 7:45 am | 3:45 pm | 13 days 1.5 in | 8 days 3.8 in | 9 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebration of the new year with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings. | Avoid travel, most businesses closed. | ||
| Easter | Varies (March or April) | Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' resurrection with special masses and family meals. | Limited services, cultural experience. | ||
| Easter Monday | Day after Easter Sunday | Extension of Easter celebrations, featuring unique water-splashing tradition. | Interesting cultural event, some closures. | ||
| Labour Day | May 1 | Workers' rights celebration with parades and political demonstrations. | Some closures, interesting local events. | ||
| Constitution Day | May 3 | Commemoration of 1791 constitution with parades, concerts, and patriotic events. | Patriotic celebrations, some closures. | ||
| Corpus Christi | 60 days after Easter | Catholic feast day with processions and flower-strewn streets in many towns. | Unique cultural experience, some closures. | ||
| Assumption of Mary | August 15 | Catholic holy day honoring Virgin Mary, with church services and pilgrimages. | Religious observances, some closures. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Day to honor deceased loved ones, with cemetery visits and candle lighting. | Solemn atmosphere, many closures. | ||
| Independence Day | November 11 | Celebration of Poland's independence with parades, concerts, and fireworks. | Patriotic events, some business closures. | ||
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Important family gathering with traditional meatless dinner and gift-giving. | Limited services, festive atmosphere. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' birth with church services and family meals. | Avoid travel, most businesses closed. | ||
| Second Day of Christmas | December 26 | Continuation of Christmas celebrations with family gatherings and relaxation. | Limited services, festive atmosphere. |
1 | Greet people with 'Dzień dobry' (good day) or 'Cześć' (hi) for informal settings. Polish people appreciate when visitors make an effort to use basic Polish phrases. |
2 | Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. It's customary to leave footwear at the entrance. Hosts often provide slippers for guests to wear inside. |
3 | Be punctual for appointments and social gatherings. Polish people value timeliness and consider it disrespectful to be late without a good reason or prior notice. |
4 | Respect religious sites. Poland is predominantly Catholic, so dress modestly when visiting churches. Remove hats and avoid loud conversations in places of worship. |
5 | Learn basic dining etiquette. Wait for the host to start eating, keep hands visible on the table, and don't refuse food or drink offers as it may be seen as impolite. |
6 | Avoid public displays of drunkenness. While drinking is common, excessive public intoxication is frowned upon. Pace yourself and know your limits when enjoying Polish vodka. |
7 | Use formal titles like 'Pan' (Mr.) or 'Pani' (Ms.) when addressing people, especially elders or in professional settings. Only use first names when invited to do so. |
8 | Be prepared for direct communication. Polish people tend to be straightforward in their speech. Don't take blunt responses personally; it's a cultural norm. |
9 | Tipping is expected in restaurants, usually 10-15% of the bill. In taxis, it's common to round up the fare. Tip hotel staff for carrying luggage or extra services. |
10 | Learn about Polish history. Many Poles are proud of their country's past and appreciate visitors who show interest in historical sites and events. |
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