Although Poland had suffered a lot during the Second World War, the country was able to bounce back and slowly but steadily pulled itself out of its dire straits. Today, it's not only the sixth largest economy in the EU but is also the only country that has a stable GDP and, as a result, Polish people enjoy a high-income economy and a high quality of life.
With this dizzying economic improvement, one might think that Poland has become as modernized as the West. While this is true in many cases, the country has surprisingly retained its rich culture and traditions and proudly showcases its history through many monuments. It also has maintained its natural attractions and has become known for its beautiful beaches, mountains, and lakes. So, if you want to spend your vacation in a place where the past meets the present, you won't go wrong with going to Poland.
Places to visit in Poland
There are lots of places you can check out when you travel to Poland, so you only have to choose those that pique your interest. You can check out the capital Warsaw, where you can observe a wide range of architectural styles and learn more about the country's history through the numerous museums. You can also visit Krakow, which houses the Royal Road (the place where most Polish kings where crowned) as well as towering churches, ancient synagogues, and the largest market square in Europe.
Don't forget to check out Poland's 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 54 historical monuments! Exploring them is a great way to learn more about the country's past and appreciate its cultural wealth.
Things to do in Poland
- Go on a cycling trip. You can take the route between the Kampinoski Forest to Zegrzynski Bay or opt to cycle through the Poznanski Loop, which winds around Wielkopolska (also known as Greater Poland).
- Take a hike up the Sudety Mountains, where you'll get to see a range of caves and castles as well as different kinds of wildlife. You can also explore the walking trails in Zakopane or even climb the Tatra Mountains.
- Enjoy a skiing adventure at Zakopane, where you can zoom down the tallest slope known as Kasprowy Peak. You can also head off to Beskidy Mountains or the Sudety Mountains to go skiing and snowboarding.
Top attractions in Poland
- Wawel Castle - Considered to be a symbol of the Polish national identity, Wawel Castle was ransacked in the 19th century by foreign invaders but has recovered its original beauty through careful restoration work. It's currently a museum and holds five interesting sections including the Crown Treasury & Armory and the Exhibition of Oriental Art.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine - The mine is composed of numerous tunnels (the deepest lies almost 330 meters beneath the ground) that stretch around 300 kilometers long. Take a guided tour to explore the mine's chambers, statues, and altarpieces that are hand-carved from salt blocks.
- Malbork Castle - It's one of the most stunning castles in the country and is considered to be the biggest brick Gothic castle around the world. Built in the early 1400s by the German Teutonic Knights, it offers night tours to those who want to trek through the castle's medieval walls during nighttime as well as light-and-sound tours and historical pageants.
Poland sightseeing tours and activities
These are some of the sightseeing and activities you can do in Poland. If you've decided to spend your vacation in this Eastern European country, get in touch with us here at La Vacanza and let us help you plan your trip.