Poland Round Trip

Poland survived some pretty rough times over the last centuries. However, the Polish spirit has never been broken. Today this country successfully combines medieval architecture with lively cultural life that meets the needs of modernism. Now a proud, independent country is ready to fulfill its role in modern history. Tourists in Poland discover what’s so special about the country, from scenic landscapes and fantastic historical sites to amazing cuisine and super-friendly people. If you’re looking for a cheap, yet adventurous and exciting trip, then you could check out what Poland has to offer and why people simply love it. Follow our round trip guide for the best time in this charming eastern European country!

Wrocław

Considered, in a way, a more manageable version of Kraków, with all its cultural benefits and entertainment, Wrocław is the capital of Lower Silesia which has absorbed Bohemian, Austrian and Prussian influences over the centuries. The city’s main symbol is the magnificent market square known as Rynek, but it’s not the only thing this city is special for. Wrocław is located on the Odra River, together with its 12 islands, 130 bridges and riverside parks, which make it idyllic for walks and picnics. Lovers of Gothic architecture will be especially thrilled by the beautifully preserved Cathedral island. Another must-see is the city’s Opera, one of the biggest and most important ones in Poland. All that adds to the magnificent architecture and vibrant colors, which make Wrocław one of the prettiest destinations in the country.

Accommodation: Wigwam Hostel (€4), Dreams (€4,50), Corner Hostel (€5), Absynt Hostel (€6), Amnezja Hostel (€6), Dspot Hostel (€7), Bemma (€7), Wroclow (€7), Locomotive (€8)

Food: La Maddalena, Grape, Targowa, Piec Na Szewskiej, Pierogarnia Stary Młyn, Masala Grill & Bar, Kurna Chata, Pizzeria Margherita, Szajnochy 11, Vivere Italiano

Get to Wrocław:

• • Plane: You can reach the city of Wrocław by the Wroclaw airport.

• Bus: Budapest – Wroclaw, Amsterdam – Wroclaw, Prague – Wroclaw, Berlin – Wroclaw, Bratislava – Wroclaw,

Kraków

Kraków is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Located on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region, the city dates all the way back to the 7th century. For decades it has been one of the most important centers of Polish cultural, academic and artistic life. Former Polish capital (until the 16th century) has some Unesco World Heritage Sites as well, as the Old Town was included to already listed Kraków’s Historic Centre in 1978. If you believe in legends, then hear this one – Kraków was founded on the defeat of a dragon, which permeates its attractive streets and squares until this day. While you’re there, make sure to visit the Wawel Castle and the aforementioned Old Town which contains lovely churches, impressive museums and Europe’s largest market square, Rynek Główny. Another good site to visit is the former Jewish quarter, Kazimierz.

Accommodation: NH Hostel (€5), Art Hostel (€5), Hostel Lwowska26 (€6), Submarine (€6), Royal Castle Center (€6), Hostel Motion (€7), Pillows Party (€7)

Food: Starka Restaurant, Milkbar Tomasza, Fab Fusion, Cyrano de Bergerac, Youmiko Sushi, Moaburger, Vegab, Zielona Kuchnia, Restauracja Bianca

From Wrocław to Kraków:

• Bus: There are 5 departures a day on the route Wroclaw – Krakow. The journey takes 4 hours and one-way ticket is €5.

Łódź

Poland’s third-biggest city has been an industrial city for centuries. However, in the 19th century, it gained enormous wealth on the back of its massive textile mills. But it didn’t last for long due to the Great Depression followed by the tragic German occupation and the communist regime at the end. So, by 1990 the city was an industrial ruin, which has stayed in the shadow of the more popular Polish cities like Kraków and Warsaw. Still, there are many fascinating things to see in this city, whether you prefer shopping, chilling in the parks or learning more about Łódź’s history. Today Łódź is also known for the famous film school and its graduates – R. Polanski, K. Zanussi, K. Kieślowski and J. Machulski. While you’re in the city, make sure to walk along Piotrkowska street, the longest commercial street in the country and probably the most eclectic one.

Accommodation: Łódzki Pałacyk – Pokoje hostelowe (€7), GoHostel (€9), Hostel Flamingo Centrum (€9), Music Hostel (€11), Cynamon Hostel (€11), Apartament Rock And Sea (€16)

Food: Revelo, Senoritas, Affogato, Złoty Imbir, Otwarte Drzwi, Ato Sushi, Klub Spadkobierców, Lokal, Soplicowo, Szpulka, Tavern Pepe Verde

From Kraków to Łódź:

• Bus: There are 4 departures a day on the route from Kraków to Łódź. The journey is 5 hours long and costs €7,50 per direction.

Warsaw

Warsaw, the Polish capital, was the final residence of the Polish royalty and the place where the 1944 uprising took place. It is the absolute center of the country, and whether you are into history, classical music, contemporary art or something else, Warsaw has what you need. Unlike most Polish cities, Warsaw isn’t centered on an old market square, it is spread across a wide area with diverse architecture, from Gothic to modern glass and steel. The city’s turbulent past is a sign of its strength, interpreted in excellent museums all around the town, from the joys of Chopin’s music to the tragedy of the Jewish ghetto. However, Warsaw is not all about the past. Its restaurant and entertainment scene is by far the best one in Poland, and you can dine well and affordably on cuisine from around the world and later enjoy in lively bars and clubs.

Accommodation: Noclegi Krokodyl (€6), The Warsaw Hostel (€6), Daddy House (€6), Press Hostel (€6), Cloud Hostel (€7), Łucka Stay (€7), Sky8Noclegi (€8), Hostel Australia (€8)

Food: Specjały Regionalne, Restauracja Polska Różana, Soul Kitchen, Stara Kamienica, Amber Room, UKI UKI, Portretowa, Dom Polski, Youmiko Vegan Sushi, N31 Restaurant&Bar

From Łódź to Warsaw:

• Bus: There are few departures a day from Łódź to Warsaw. The journey takes approximately 2,5 hours and the ticket costs €4 – €6 per direction.

Gdańsk

When you arrive in Gdańsk, you’ll feel like you got lost and ended up somewhere in Scandinavia. The city is characterized by the centuries-long tradition of maritime ebb and flow as a port city and colorful streets of clearly un-Polish architecture influenced by merchants from various nations. Gdańsk is also the place where the famous Solidarity movement started and the symbol of resistance against the People’s Republic. Together with the neighboring Gdynia and Sopot, Gdańsk forms a large metropolitan area called Trójmiasto, rich in cultural and architectural relics. You can visit the National Museum to see some precious paintings, the Gdańsk History Museum to learn about the city’s past or stop at the Artus Court and the Uphagen House. Also, you must visit the Wrzeszcz District has an atmosphere from the late 19th and early 20th century, including eclectic houses and Vienna Secession-style villas.

Accommodation: Hostel Universus (€6), Hostel4u (€7), Old Town Hostel (€7), Hostel Madeira (€7), 3City Hostel (€7), Grand Hostel (€9), Muffin Hostel (€10), Slowgate (€10)

Food: Kubicki, Gdański Bowke, Original Burger, Sempre, Restauracja Pueblo, Thai Thai, Bar Pod Rybą, Restauracja Bazar, Familia Bistro – Kuchnia Wileńska

From Warsaw to Gdańsk:

• Bus: Polski Bus operates regularly on the route from Warsaw to Gdańsk. The journey takes 5 hours and the ticket price varies, from €2 to €9.

Poznan

With a very rich history and tradition, today Poznan is a diverse and vibrant town which attracts more and more visitors. A stunning central square, thriving nightlife, fascinating museums and many attractions are just a drop in the ocean. Don’t forget the delicious cuisine and very friendly people, too. However, the must-see attractions include Mickiewicz Square, the Zamek, Franciscan Church, the National Museum and Renaissance Hall. If you’re visiting in the summer, the beautiful Malta Lake or the Citadel Park are also a good idea. The biggest hotspot is the Old Town district full of people at any time of the day, heading to many restaurants, pubs and clubs. In addition, Poznań offers many historical attractions in its center, particularly museums, and its plentiful transport links make it a great base from which to explore the quieter surrounding countryside.

Accommodation: Blooms Boutique Hostel (€7), FOLK Hostel (€8), Tey Hostel (€8), Hostel Awangarda (€8), Poco Loco (€8), Art Hostel (€9), Hostel Mango (€10)

Food: Wiejskie Jadło, Na Winklu, Tapasta, Brovaria, Zielona Weranda, Ptasie Radio, A knife fork, Pyra Bar, Bistro Szarlotta, Ratuszova

From Gdańsk to Poznan:

Bus: There are several departures a day on the route between Gdańsk and Poznan. The journey takes 5 hours and costs €4,5 per direction.