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Poland guide

Central Poland

Warsaw

The capital of Poland, Warsaw, is located on the banks of the Vistula in the central part of the country. It is the largest city in Poland (about 1.8 million inhabitants), the Sejm and the Senate, the President and the Government work here, it is an important economic, scientific and cultural center, the largest railway junction of international importance and an important tourist center. On the left bank is the historical center of Warsaw - the Old Town, where almost all monuments of history and architecture are concentrated, and on the right bank, in Prague - industrial enterprises and residential areas. During the fierce battles of the Second World War, the city was completely destroyed, but its historical part was restored by hard-working Poles in its original form.

Warsaw Old Town(Stare Miasto, Starowka, XIII century) is included in the UNESCO list of monuments of international importance. Literally filled with medieval stone houses and surrounded by fragments of old fortress walls with a moat and a watchtower (Barbican), the Old Town is a kind of "visiting card" of Poland. Within the boundaries of the Old City there are several more temples and monastic complexes created in the 14th-18th centuries, which store outstanding works of art and monuments of national culture. Castle Square is the beginning royal tract, stretching to Lazienki, the former country royal residence. Along the Royal Route, which consists, in fact, of the streets Krakowskie Przemieście, Nowy Swiat and Aleja Ujazdowske. Many architectural monuments have been preserved.
AT Sredmestie it is worth visiting Jozef Pilsudski Square with the arcade of the once beautiful Saxon Palace and the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Saxon Park, Molière Street lined with rich mansions, the National Theater, Jerusalem Alleys, the monument to the Heroes of the Ghetto, one of the largest Defilad Square in Europe and the pompous Palace of Culture and Science ( 234 m high, 1955) with the famous Millennium Clock. The Palace building now houses branches of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw University, as well as the Museum of Technology, the Zoological and several theaters - Drama, Studio and Lyalka (Doll).

A little further south, Wilanow, another royal residence is located - the magnificent palace and park complex of Jan III Sobieski in the Baroque style (second half of the 17th century). The royal residence is surrounded by two parks - one in a mixed Italian-French style, the other in English.
60 km. located west of Warsaw Zhelyazova Will, in which Fryderyk Chopin was born in 1810. A beautiful estate (restored in 1926), surrounded by a park with an extensive collection of trees and shrubs brought from different parts of Poland, is now the composer's house-museum. The museum hosts Sunday "Chopin concerts", held from spring to late autumn.

Torun

This is the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, as well as a large medieval Hanseatic city and one of the residences of the Crusader Knights. One of the largest complexes of Gothic buildings in Poland, listed by UNESCO in the list of monuments of international importance, has been preserved here.

Lodz

Located 130 km. from Warsaw - the second largest city in the country. Since the 19th century large textile factories, workers' quarters, mansions of manufacturers and palaces surrounded by parks have been preserved here, forming the largest architectural complex in Poland in the Art Nouveau style.

Poznan

The capital of Wielkopolska, a historical region where the Polish state was created more than a thousand years ago. Currently, Poznan is one of the most important industrial, commercial, cultural, scientific and tourist centers of the country. The historical center of the city is Tumsky Ostrov, on which rises the oldest temple in Poland, erected in the 10th-15th centuries. and subsequently rebuilt in the Gothic style, as well as the Golden Chapel with tombstones of the first Polish kings - Mieszko I and Boleslav the Brave. 20 km. southeast of Poznan is the town of Kornik with a majestic 19th-century castle, which now houses a museum with a collection of antique furniture, paintings and historical items. The building is surrounded by one of the largest dendrological parks in Poland with more than 2,500 species of trees and shrubs.

Gniezno

The first historical capital of Poland, the center of the "Piast Road", connecting places associated with the beginning of the formation of the ancient Polish state. The Polish coat of arms was born here, the process of unification of the Slavic tribes began and the country's first bishopric was formed. The main attraction of the city is the "Royal Hill" or "Lech Hill", with an old Catholic church, first built on this site in 970 and subsequently rebuilt several times.

Wroclaw

One of the oldest Polish cities on the Odra River, the largest industrial, commercial, scientific, cultural and tourist center in the southwestern part of the country. The oldest part of the city is Ostrow-Tumski, on which in the IX-X centuries. a fortress was built to protect the crossing over the river (the trade route connecting Rus' with the West passed through Wroclaw). During the Second World War, the old part of the city was almost destroyed, but now all the old buildings have been carefully restored and are of great interest. On the other side of the Odra, the city itself is located, built around the market and the majestic Town Hall (XIII century, now the Historical Museum and the Museum of Medal Art work here). The market is surrounded by old stone houses. It is worth visiting the baroque complex of the University of Wroclaw with its famous Leopoldinsky Hall (XVIII century).

Southern Poland

Krakow

The former capital of Poland and one of the most beautiful European cities, "the cradle of the old Commonwealth". Known since the 10th century, it was part of the Hansa, was the residence of the Polish kings, but the real heyday of Krakow falls on the 15th-17th centuries, when it was the capital of the then largest state in Europe.
In line old town, located in the ring of Planty parks, several hundred of the most valuable architectural monuments have been preserved, and the Krakow Old Town (with Wawel, Kazimierz and Strad districts) in 1978 was included by UNESCO in the list of the twelve most valuable monuments of world cultural heritage.
All roads in Krakow lead to the market- the main square of the city and the largest market square in Europe (4 thousand sq. m.), surrounded by stone houses and palaces. In the center of the square are the former mallsCloth merged into one Renaissance building. The city center is located on Wawel- a high fortress hill on the banks of the Vistula, surrounded by fortress walls and densely built up with historical buildings, temples and the royal palace. The old walls, although partially rebuilt, are perfectly preserved.
The old city is surrounded boulevards - Planty, arranged on the site of the destroyed medieval fortifications, which previously numbered about fifty gates and towers. Within the Plant are interesting Florian Gate, the oldest buildings Jagiellonian University, the building of the former city arsenal, temples and monasteries, as well as the largest watchtower in Europe barbican tower.
Deserves special attention quarter Kazimierz- the medieval capital of the Jewish diaspora throughout Europe, as well as a major religious, scientific and cultural center.

Wieliczka

10 km. southeast of Krakow is the famous Wieliczka with its ancient salt mine, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Underground workings are located on nine levels and are interconnected by tunnels with a total length of more than 250 km, and this labyrinth is growing every year, as the mines are operating. The miners who worked in them turned the empty workings into amazing temples, underground chapels(St. Anthony, St. Kingi, etc.), grottoes and long underground galleries, decorated with sculptures and bas-reliefs made of salt. In 1964, an underground sanatorium was opened in Wieliczka, where asthma is treated, and around the mines there are many churches and a "mine castle".

40 km. west of Krakow is a pilgrimage shrine - Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, which is second only to Czestochowa in terms of the number of pilgrims. The monastery complex (XVII century) with an area of ​​more than 300 hectares is famous for its bvrocco church with the icon of the Mother of God with the Child, as well as for its chapels (more than 40), located by analogy with Jerusalem.

10 km. west of Krakow is a small town Wadowice, in which Karol Wojtylla, now known as Pope John Paul II, was born and spent his childhood (the house-museum is located in his house). On the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland is located Oytsovsky National Park from one of the most picturesque tourist routes of the country - "Eagle's Nest Road".

Czestochowa

The cult and religious center of the country and one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in Europe. The history of the city is closely connected with the history of the Pauline Monastery on Yasna Góra (1382) and the miraculous icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary or the Black Madonna kept in it. For many centuries, written by the Evangelist Luke, the image is revered as miraculous and is a religious shrine in Poland. The miraculous icon, a symbol of worship and the purpose of pilgrimage, is located in the chapel (XV century), adjoining the Yasnogurskaya basilica from the north. The icon is opened at certain hours during the day and during religious celebrations, and every evening a bell ringing is heard from Yasna Gura, which calls the faithful to a common prayer on the field near the monastery.

Zakopane

At the foot of the Polish Tatras in the south of the country is the "winter capital" of Poland - Zakopane. More than 60 km have been created at altitudes from 850 to 1120 m. well-prepared slopes of varying difficulty, a network of lifts, many attractions, museums and national park Tatras with an area of ​​211.6 sq. km. For mountaineering and trekking, trails have been laid to the peaks of Giewont, Gubalowka, Kasprowy Verkh, Kopa Kondrachka, Malolachnyak, Chemnyak, etc.

Eagle's Nest Road

One of the most picturesque tourist routes Poland. In the hills along the border with Silesia, King Casimir the Great built a chain of fortified castles that protected Krakow from the unpredictable ambitions of the Bohemian King John of Luxembourg. These watchtowers on the rocks were nicknamed "Eagle's Nests". From each such outpost, two neighboring ones are viewed, with the aim of quickly alerting neighboring fortifications by means of a medieval telegraph, light signals. From the Wawel fortress, the signal went to Oytsovskaya, from there to Peskov Rock, and so on. From a strategic point of view, the fortress in Sandy Rock is impregnable: it is located on a mountain and is surrounded on three sides by powerful rocks. Since 1377, the noble family of Saffrons lived in the castle, which, in turn, received it from King Ludwig of Hungary as compensation for an insult inflicted on a family member by one of the royal soldiers. In the XVI century. Hieronymus Shafranets, secretary of Sigismund the Old, rebuilt the old wooden fortifications, and as a result of work that lasted almost forty years, a palace appeared that was not inferior to Dutch and Italian models. It is considered the most beautiful manor house in Poland dating back to the 16th century. and is called the small Wawel. In these picturesque places, gorges and serpentines, rocky peaks of mountains and caves adjoin each other. Of the caves, the most popular is a 250-meter grotto called Loketka.

Northern Poland

Gdansk

One of the most ancient cities in the country, which today consists of three independent cities - Gdansk itself, Sopot and Gdynia (Tri-city).

The thousand-year history of the city of Gdansk is evidenced by numerous sights of the city, among which the Cisterian Cathedral in Oliva (XII century) with one of the best organ in Europe (1788), the Franciscan monastery (1514), which now houses the National museum, the historical complex of the Gdansk "Starowka", the "Royal Road" from Dluga and Dlugy streets, the medieval Town Hall 81 m high with the Museum of History, the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Maryatsky, 1343-1505), the Polish Maritime Museum, the stock exchange building ( 1379) and the Old City.

Sopot

Sopot - one of the most prestigious resorts on the Baltic coast. Here, the longest half-kilometer pier in Europe, the comfortable complex of the Northern Baths, the famous Forest Opera (1909), which hosts the International Song Festival, the two-kilometer strip of the Northern Park and the main street of the city - Bohateruv Monte Cassino, are of interest here.

Gdynia

Gdynia is one of the largest ports on the Baltic Sea. Since the city is relatively young, there are practically no ancient monuments here, but there are many museums - the Naval Museum, the Oceanographic Museum with a marine aquarium, the Museum of the City, the Maritime Museum with a department on the warship "Blyskawica" from the Second World War and a real sailboat, also turned into museum.

Szczecin

An ancient trading city at the mouth of the river. Odra, one of the centers of the medieval Hansa, as well as the ancient capital of the Pomeranian principality. A series of resorts stretches around Szczecin - Swinoujscie, Miedzyzdroje, Kolobrzeg, etc. Attention is drawn to the Old Town, the castle of the Pomeranian princes (XIV century, today the Opera and Operetta Theater, theater and exhibition halls are located here), the National Museum, the Gothic Town Hall (now Historical Museum of Szczecin). 60 km. North of Szczecin lies the town of Kamen Pomorski, which houses a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with a unique 17th-century organ. - venue for annual festivals of organ and chamber music.

Eastern Poland

Lublin

One of the oldest cities in the country with a rich history, known since the 10th century and located a little away from the main tourist routes of the country. Particularly interesting here are the old winding streets, medieval fortifications and towers, the Holy Trinity Chapel (1418) and the Lublin Castle (XIII-XIX centuries), which now houses a wonderful museum. Old Lublin is quite small. Several quarters, a trio of old Catholic churches, a central square and a slightly distant Lublin Castle on a hill. To the south-east of Lublin lies a sad monument of history - the second largest concentration "death camp" in Europe, Majdanek, in which more than 360 thousand prisoners died. This is the second largest (after Auschwitz-Birkenau) Nazi concentration camp. 360 thousand people died here, and if it were not for the arrival of the Soviet army, the local flayers would have brought this camp to the first place in terms of the number of those killed. After the war, an exciting and tragic monument was erected at the southern end of the camp - a huge dome, under which the ashes of innocent victims rest. And the first thing you will see when you get off the trolleybus is a giant stone monument near the main road. From here you have an overview of the entire camp and there are always fresh flowers here.

Zamość

A lovely small town included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. All of its attractions can be easily reached on foot. The most interesting are the Rinok Velky ("big market") square, surrounded by Italian-style artisan houses, the remains of old fortifications - the Rotunda (1831), Koets, New and Old Lviv Gates (1820), the City Hall (XVI century. ), the Zamoyski Palace (1585), the house "Under the Angel" ("At the Spouses", 1634, now - the Museum of Historical Paintings), St. Thomas Cathedral (1598) and the Ordinatskaya Chapel, the old arsenal (1583 ., now - the Museum of Ancient Weapons), the building of the former Academy (1648), a summer theater, a synagogue (1620, now a public library), as well as a memorial to the victims of the Second World War. Zamość has not changed much since the 16th century, when the streets were paved with staggered slabs designed by the Italian architect Bernardo Morando.

Pages: 224 pages

Binding: Paperback

The guidebooks of the world famous Berlitz company are valued for their quality, accuracy and simplicity. Packed with information and color-coded for quick retrieval, they provide a comprehensive description of history, culture and traditions. different countries, allow you to independently explore the sights, make purchases and get acquainted with the local cuisine. continuous line, interesting places and amazing discoveries will make your trip with this guide to Poland bright and unforgettable.

additional characteristics
Pages: 108 pages
Format: 120x195
Binding: Paperback

Warsaw is a phoenix from the ashes, the Polish capital keeps memories of seven centuries of its history. Krakow - isn't it the capital? Ancient Krakow, the architectural gem of Poland, was and still is a city of artists, students and intellectuals. Gdansk - from the Teutonic Order to "Solidarity" The city and sights restored after the war are waiting for guests, and sellers of amber are waiting for buyers. Coast of the Baltic Sea: between Szczecin and Gdansk, tourists admire not only the beaches. Masuria: three thousand lakes The Masurian Lake District, the "green lungs" of Poland, is a paradise for hiking, water sports. The unexplored southeast Peace and quiet of national parks, lively winter resort of Zakopane, treasures of architecture: Southeast Poland is truly diverse. In the west of the country, business and strict Poznan, cozy small towns, the beauty of the landscape and architectural monuments await tourists.

additional characteristics
Pages: 216 pages
Format: 60x80/16 (200x145mm)
Binding: Paperback

"Poland. Through towns and villages" - a practical guide to one of the largest countries in Eastern Europe. It describes in detail how to get a Polish visa, how to get into the country from the territory of Russia, as well as from Belarus and Ukraine. The book provides detailed instructions for using Polish trains and public transport. With the help of this guide, you will be able to find your way around cafes and shops, quickly find the tourist site you need, and even speak Polish with the locals. Particular emphasis is placed on the cultural differences between Poles and Russians, which our traveler going to Poland needs to know. The descriptions of individual cities in the country include, among other things, a complete list of all existing museums.

Poland: Culture Smart!
Author: Greg Allen
Translator: M. Rutkovskaya
Languages: Russian
Publisher: AST, Astrel
Series: Gen. Traditions. culture
ISBN 978-5-17-048822-3, 978-5-271-18893-0, 1-85733-367-5; 2008

additional characteristics
Pages: 160 pages
Format: 70x90/32 (113x165 mm)
Binding: Paperback

An exciting story about the culture and social life of Poland will help you make the most of your trip - whether business or leisure - the maximum pleasure and rewarding experience. You will read: About the system of values ​​and priorities of the Poles; About the history and structure of the country; About beliefs, customs and traditions; About the everyday life of the Poles; About what should be avoided so as not to offend the owners; About hospitality, food and drink; How to give and receive gifts; About business relations; About language and communication.

The official currency of Poland is the Polish zloty, abbreviated as PLN. Former rulers of the Polish state are depicted on paper banknotes. In the course there are still coins - pennies. One hundred groszy is one zloty.

In shops and other institutions in Poland, as a rule, only zlotys are accepted. And although in some places it happened to hear offers to pay in euros or dollars in the absence of zlotys, the so-called exchange rate turned out to be so sky-high that any desire immediately disappeared. Therefore, if you are planning to spend your vacation in Poland or buy something while passing through Poland, take care of purchasing a certain amount of Polish currency in advance. Zloty can be bought both at home and in Poland at exchange offices (they are called "Kantor" there). You have to be pretty careful with this though. I'll explain why.

On the territory of Poland, you can find a huge number of small exchange offices, the course of which is set by the owners themselves. And sometimes it is very different from the official one. In addition, in large tourist centers often resort to various tricks to confuse the buyer and "weld" even more. So, for example, on the scoreboard with the rate, the zeros after the decimal point can be shifted, or the cost of the commission for the operation can be signed in small print at the bottom. On personal experience I was convinced that the exchange of currency for zlotys in Poland must be approached with all rigor. So, I will note a couple of nuances that can save you from unnecessary expenses and deceit during the exchange.

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Weather map of Poland:

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The cost of rest in Gdansk. August 2019.

tour cost

All prices in Poland are in zlotys, but to make it easier to navigate, I quote all prices in euros. We went by car, the cost of gasoline in Poland is 1.21 euros per 1 liter. We rented an apartment through Booking for 200 euros in the city center for two for 5 days. We went to the beach by car, left it near Reagan Park in a free parking lot, then walked for 10 minutes. Near the rest of the beaches there are no free parking lots.

We went on a pirate boat at Westerplatte. The price of the boat is 10 euros per person in both directions. It turned out to be a romantic trip - 30 minutes one way, we walked there for an hour, but this is not enough, you need to take a return ticket at least 2 hours later.

We visited Oliva Park and the church in it, where they listened to an amazing concert of organ music - for free. We went to Sopot to the water park - we took a ticket for 3 hours for 27 euros for two, to Gdynia to the Oceanarium - 11 euros for two.

Food and products

Food in Poland is relatively inexpensive: smoked sausage - 4 euros per kg, pork for chops at a discount bought for 0.9 euros, chicken legs - 0.8. In the cafe "U Dzika" in the city center they took soup in bread - for 7 euros for two. In the "Baltic Gallery" in the food court you can buy fish for 1.8 euros per person and for the same amount of side dish - you can take just a little bit of anything that fits on a plate.

Souvenirs and other goods

We bought clothes in Fashionhouse - discounts are not in all stores, but where they were - the prices are very good: a blouse for 11 euros, jeans for women - for 10, a stylish handbag - for 15. Magnets - 1-2 euros, small vases - 2 Euro.

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Holiday experience in October

Cold autumn on the coast of the Baltic Sea is very uncomfortable: a terrible wind, cold and rainy.

Why is it better to relax in August?

In August, most likely, the sea warms up here at least a little. Although, according to local residents, sometimes even in May they swim in the Baltic Sea. In early October, strong winds begin here. Being outside is very uncomfortable.

What to take with you on vacation?

In October, you can’t do without an umbrella and a raincoat on vacation. It will not be superfluous to grab a hat. In early October, the gusts of wind were so strong that they closed the local attraction - a pier that goes far into the sea.

Where is the best place to stay?

We lived on the seashore in Sopot. We rented an apartment from local residents. By the way, there are very few housing with a sea view. A few hotels are just on a fairly long sandy coast. You can settle in the center of Sopot. There is a beautiful crooked house here. I would love to live in such an unusual place

What to do at the resort?

Rest in Sopot is calm: you can walk along the coast, along the pier, leaving several hundred meters into the sea, ride a bicycle through the forest. Near Oliva there is an excellent zoo. We went there on foot, but you can also take the tram.

You should definitely go to the Old Town in Gdansk. The local architecture is very similar to the Dutch one. I was personally very impressed by the old wooden crane - a crane for unloading ships.

North of Sopot there is an excellent National Park with real sand dunes. We were unlucky with the weather, but we planned to get there.

Not far from Sopot there are huge supermarkets - outlets (Bershka, Auchan and others). We plunged into shopping after visiting the zoo. It's very close geographically.

Where can you eat?

I highly recommend the cafe "Mestyansky Pivovar" almost in the very center of Sopot. Here is excellent cuisine, local beer, wonderful interior. There is usually live music in the evenings. The menu includes both meat and local fish. You can save money by ordering the menu of the day. Its composition is usually written at the entrance to the cafe with chalk on a blackboard or check with the waiter.

About the quality of food and service

Needless to say, the portions here are very large. Basically we ordered one serving for two. The waiters and, in general, the service was impressive: the weather is bad outside, but the cafe is warm and cozy, delicious food and attentive waiters.

Entertainment

The most accessible entertainment in Sopot in autumn is a pier that goes into the sea. In the summer it is paid entertainment. And in autumn, from September 15, you can walk freely along the pier.

Pros of rest in Sopot

The coast of the Baltic Sea in Poland consists of three cities that are very close to each other: Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia. There is a historical center in Gdansk, in Sopot sand beach, in Gdynia there are wonderful historical ships and the National Park with dunes. Therefore, a ten-day vacation here will be varied and exciting. Entertainment prices are affordable. Even in bad weather, the sea inspired me. Let the cold, northern, Baltic Sea is not like other seas. And it's worth seeing.

ROYAL ROAD - an ancient route along which the main attractions of the city are located. In the old days, ambassadors and monarchs entered it, and today tourists who want to see Krakow in all its splendor willingly use it. This route is most suitable for those who are just starting to get acquainted with the city.

During this tour you will learn:

Why does St. Mary's Church have unequal towers?

What is the connection between the monument to Adam Mickiewicz and final exams?

Why does the city have a cult of pigeons?

Where is one of the most touching monuments in the world located?

Why is one of the Wawel Towers called "Chicken Stack"

How old was the smallest monarch to be crowned in the Cathedral?

The tour starts at Jan Matejko Square, then goes around the medieval...

Welcome to one of the most colorful districts of Krakow, formerly a separate city founded by King Casimir the Great! This original place is certainly worth a visit and feel how cleverly Judaism and Christianity, East and West are intertwined here. Kazimierz, like Krakow, has a great many ancient legends and wonderful stories, which I will be happy to share with everyone. During this tour you will learn:

What is a mezuzah?

Why are Kazimierz synagogues low and squat?

Who gave the names Grandfather and Baba to the bells of the church of the Body of the Lord?

How did the spirits save the synagogue and the Remus cemetery?

Where is the most atmospheric courtyard of Kazimierz located?

The route starts on Shirokaya Street, goes around the Remu Cemetery, goes to Novaya Ploshchad, then to Volnitsa Square, and...

Russian travelers and tourists undeservedly deprive Poland of attention. They say: “a chicken is not a bird, and Poland is not a foreign country” or “Poland is a country in which there is no rainbow.” Meanwhile, it has changed a lot over the past two decades. Poland is steadily moving westward, but at the same time retains its Slavic and Eastern European roots. To paraphrase the catchphrase, we can say that Poland is "native abroad", where you will feel at home.

How to get there

Regular direct flights to Warsaw are operated by Aeroflot and LOT Polish Airlines. The ticket price is usually 12-18 thousand rubles, the travel time is 1 hour 40 minutes. You can also fly with a transfer in Minsk or Riga. From Ukraine, Hungary, Germany and other countries, you can get to Poland by low-cost airlines, as well as by bus. Low-cost airlines (except Wizz Air) land at Modlin Airport, 100 kilometers from Warsaw.

The Polonaise branded train runs regularly from the Belorussky railway station: travel time is about 17 hours, ticket prices start from 180 euros.
Inexpensive can be reached by bus with a transfer in Minsk; each ticket (to Minsk and Warsaw) in this case must be purchased separately. There is also a direct bus service, but you have to go for a day.

The journey by car takes about 15 hours, the length of the journey from Moscow is approximately 1260 kilometers.

Visa

Schengen. You can submit documents through the visa center or directly to the embassy by pre-registration on the website. Confirmation of payment of 50% of the cost of the hotel is required; if you are traveling from Poland to another Schengen country, accommodation must be paid in full.

Poland - relatively inexpensive country; to confirm the funds in the account, you will need to have an amount of PLN 100 per day.

Currency

Polish zloty (PLN), from 16 to 20 rubles depending on the ruble exchange rate.

Movement

Poland has both a state-owned, slower rail carrier and Intercity trains, tickets for which can be bought online at the link. Tickets are sold at the box office before the poisoning, the controller on the train sells them already with a fine. Express trains run to Krakow and Gdansk.

The most budgetary way to travel around Poland and even in neighboring countries is PolskiBus buses (tickets are also bought on the site, sometimes even at a price of 1 zloty). There are also Eurolines, Lux Express and other carriers.
Flights in Poland are operated by the Ryanair low-cost airline (tickets usually cost from PLN 40) from Modlin Airport.

On the Jakdojade.pl website and in the Moovit application, you can see the best way to get from point A to point B within the same city (only in large cities).

Accommodation

In the major cities of Poland there are hotels, hostels and apartments for every taste and budget, and the difference between the center and more remote areas can be significant. Therefore, always see the passage - public transport works well, there are no traffic jams here. In Warsaw, for example, the cheapest housing will be in the area called Prague and located on the right bank of the Vistula (the main attractions and more prosperous areas are located on the left); however, there is a metro, and the center can also be reached by tram in 10-15 minutes.

In smaller towns, the choice of accommodation is not so great, and it can often turn out that where you have arrived, there is only one hotel, and even that one is expensive and very shabby.

Food

If you want to try traditional Polish cuisine, go to canteens, not fancy tourist restaurants. Locals dine in the so-called milk bars (bar mleczny, or mleczarnia). And although the most popular dining room - Mleczarnia Jerozolimska (a sign with a cow) - is, in fact, a chain, you can’t call it home cooking otherwise. The prices there are more than democratic.

Poles, like all Slavs, love to eat well and thoroughly. Polish cuisine is similar to Russian, Ukrainian and Lithuanian. The most famous soups are tomato (zupa pomidorowa), zhurek, hlodnik (cold borscht), brine, Ukrainian borscht. Second courses are usually meat, with a side dish of cabbage or buckwheat porridge: bigos (stewed cabbage with meat), polendvitsa (smoked fillet tenderloin). There are many potato dishes: platzki (pancakes), pyzy and kopytka, as well as the so-called pies with different fillings: Russian pies (vareniki with potatoes), meat pies (large dumplings), pierogi s serem - dumplings with cottage cheese.

You can usually eat in the center until 21-23 hours, when establishments close their kitchens. A later dinner or early breakfast is usually a kebab (in Warsaw there is even a Kebab King chain with delivery) or french fries with a variety of sauces - frytka. It is sold in special stalls.

The drinks

Traditional non-alcoholic drinks - kvass, compote, fruit drink. Alcoholic - vodka and beer. There are so-called colored and flavored types of vodka, they are sold both in bottles in stores and served in bars (the most famous are Sobieski and Lubelskaya).

Bars also usually drink draft beer, as well as draft cider, which began to be made from an overabundance of apples that are no longer on the Russian market. If desired, syrup can be added to the beer. Bars are often called kafe fajka, which means a hookah bar. Bistro format bars are very popular - where you can quickly drink a shot and move on; one chain of such bars is simply and clearly called "Vodka and Beer Drinking Room" (Pjalnia). They crowd the counter with very little seating, and all drinks cost 4 zloty, or 1 euro. Craft beer bars are very popular in large cities.

Routes

Poland is divided into so-called voivodeships. The most touristic cities are Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Poznan and Wroclaw. Are popular ski resorts, as well as the beaches of Sopot.

Poland has a rather dramatic history: it was often divided between stronger neighboring countries, and once it completely disappeared from the map for 123 years. Poland as a sovereign state was reborn in the 20th century, but survived the capture (according to some opinions, even two). Historically, different peoples lived on the territory of Poland, during the period of strong statehood, the Commonwealth (the united state of Poland and Lithuania) itself conquered foreign lands - this was reflected in the heterogeneity of the regions of modern Poland. Therefore, if you want to get an idea of ​​the country as a whole, go for a few days to a major city in each of the conditional areas highlighted in this article. From there, you can drive to smaller towns on a day trip. It is quite possible that it will turn out cheaper this way (see Accommodation).

Warsaw and surroundings

The capital of Poland, of course, deserves special attention. It was almost completely destroyed in 1944 (except for the right bank of the Vistula), it was restored within 20 years. The old city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a unique example of reconstruction on this scale.
The historical (and most touristy) part is called the Old Town (Stare Miasto, colloquial Starówka). If you came to the capital for a short time, start from it and then take a walk along the main route - the Royal Route - where the main historical buildings are located (including the university and the Church of the Holy Cross).

Interesting fact: The church houses the heart of Frederic Chopin. On his deathbed, he asked to bury his heart in Poland. The heart was secretly, past the Russian border guards, transported to Warsaw and immured in a church. While the body of the great composer rests in the Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris, his heart will forever belong to Poland.

Old city

Old city

From the Castle Square, walk along the streets of Krakowskie Przemiescie, Nowy Świat and Ujazdowskie alley to the largest and most famous Łazienki park. The road itself stretches further and ends at the residence of King Jan III Sobieski in Wilanów.

If you come to Warsaw in the summer, take a walk in Lazienki (we warn you: this is really a very large park) and exit from the Vistula (Powiśle district). You can go to the beach or take a walk along the promenade. In the summer, life is in full swing here and DJ bars open.

Another route will take you to the most fashionable part of the city: from the park, turn onto the small Bagatela street and exit to Lublin Unii Square (plac Unii Lubelskiej) - you will recognize it from the shopping center. Go up Marshalkovskaya street towards the center. On the next Savior's Square (plac Zbawiciela, popularly known as "hipster's square") you will see a church. To the right of the square will be Mokotowska Street - one of the most beautiful (and expensive) in the city, where there are trendy cafes and bars. continuing your way along Marshalkovskaya, go to Constitution Square with buildings in a characteristic Soviet style (the parades on May 9 used to be held here), and then to the central part of the city (stops and the metro station are called Centrum). There, next to the station, is the Palace of Culture and Science - Stalin's skyscraper.

Park Lazienki

Park Lazienki

If you are lucky enough to stay in Warsaw for a few days, check out other districts (dzielnice) of the city, such as Muranów - a former Jewish quarter (ghetto during the German occupation) with an amazing multimedia museum of the history of Polish Jews (best European museum of 2016).

The right-bank part of Warsaw - Prague - was not destroyed during the war. It is generally considered an "unfortunate" and informal area, popular with artists, musicians, and young people. There are many originally designed bars and concert clubs, second-hand shops, creative cluster Soho Factory. To feel the atmosphere of Warsaw Prague, take a walk around Zobkowska (Ząbkowska) street. On the right side of the Vistula is also Warsaw's Montmartre - Saska Kępa; the main street for walking is French (Francuska).

For a day trip from Warsaw, you can go to the Wilanów manor and park, as well as to the park of the local Rublevka - Konstancin. It is easy to go to Radom, Plock or Lodz for one day.

Varashava

Area Prague

Bars and restaurants

In the Old Town in Warsaw, only tourists eat. It's expensive and not always tasty. A good restaurant with national cuisine (located in the Świętokrzyska metro area) is Czerwony Wieprsz and, oddly enough, the Zapiecek chain made for tourists. On the Warsaw Foodie website, it is easy to find a cafe or restaurant by location, cuisine, and format. Warsaw has two Michelin-starred restaurants - Atelier Amaro and Senses.
The main budget bars are concentrated in the so-called pavilions, which can be reached through the arches on the left side of Nowy Świat Street. Popular cocktail bars Bar Max, Zamieszanie, secret bars Weles , 6 cocktails , Karowa 31. Don't forget the Piw Paw chain of craft beer bars - the choice is simply huge.
Nightlife is in full swing on the club Mazowiecka (Mazowiecka) street.

Museums

The most visited museums are the National Museum (Muzeum Narodowe), the interactive Warsaw Uprising Museum (Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego) and the Frederic Chopin Museum (Muzeum Fryderyka Chopina). There is a museum of contemporary art (Muzeum Sztuki Nowoczesnej) and an art gallery "Zachęta" (Zachęta), which also exhibits works of the 20th century. Be sure to visit the Copernicus Science Center (Centrum Nauki Kopernik) and its planetarium for the whole day. Copernicus is a huge space with simulations where visitors can learn more about the world around us and the human body during the experiment. Tickets must be purchased in advance (at least a week in advance).

Copernicus Science Center

shopping

There are several large shopping centers in Warsaw. It is convenient to travel to Blue City and Reduta - they are located opposite each other (Aleje Jerozolimskie 179). Outlet Village Fashion House is located on the outskirts of the city in Piaseczno. There is a large Ptak outlet near Lodz. In Warsaw, Krakow, Poznań and Wroclaw there is a network of Factory outlets.

Garden on the roof of Warsaw University Library

Krakow: Galicia and the "ideal socialist city"

The main attractions of Krakow are located in the Old Town and Kazimierz - the Jewish quarter (market square, royal castle on the Wawel). The old town is surrounded by the Planty park, where it is pleasant to take a walk in the summer.

Cult bars (for example, cafe-club Alchemia) are located in the Kazimierz district, primarily on Józefa street - Kolanko Nº 6, Mleczarnia. Restaurants and cafes popular with locals are located on Wolnica Square (Plac Wolnica): Młynek, Restauracja Starka, Introligatornia Smaku, Nova Krova , Le Pizzette di Rebecca. Good restaurants with national cuisine in the Old Town are U Babci Maliny and Koko (they serve homemade lunches).

Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!

My interactive guide
"Poland: Unexplored Europe" is out!

I have been living in Warsaw for the second year now and, to be honest, for the first time in my life I feel that I really found my city and my country. I really want to show the beauty of Poland to you too.

What's a guidebook?

This is a system for people who want to travel in an interesting and independent way, but do not have enough time or experience to prepare for the trip.

This includes:

1) Convenient and easy to read description of the route with interesting things, a clear plan for every day,
2) marks on the maps for a smartphone (everything works without the Internet!)
3) detailed instructions on the technical side of the trip: the right exit from the metro, the right entrance to the building, luggage storage, buying a variety of tickets, etc.

I'll be honest I have been looking for something like this for a long time. To take care of me, well and efficiently, not just for show. I don't go on group tours for a long time, and there is not always enough time to prepare for individual trips. But you still want not just a trip, but something with a twist!

We really thought of everything: we picked up several hotels where it is convenient and pleasant to stay, planned places for delicious lunches and dinners, made a plan for walking around the city and put all the necessary marks on the map ... At the same time, there is no such rigid schedule as with group excursions: you can arrange yourself a long lunch or a very slow climb.

By the beginning of our cooperation, Top3Travel publishing house had already created two guidebooks on this technology: “ Gaudi. Architecture for life" (in Spain) and " Sheikh Zayed. How to create a miracle in the desert"(in the UAE). And when I saw the level of work, how detailed everything is in them and at the same time it is easily and clearly described, how the route is clearly and competently drawn up, I even doubted a little: could I do the same in Poland?

However, the eyes are afraid, but the hands do

In the summer of 2016, I thought over the route and described it in detail and all the technical details. In the fall, we completely drove through it, checked everything, made the necessary changes. Now the route is completely ready for use.

For whom

For budget holidays for singles, couples and families of all ages. If you like to walk around beautiful cities and natural places - this is the ideal route for you.

Type of journey

A real personal journey. You will have the most detailed instructions and the exact route in your smartphone, accessible without the Internet. At the same time, you will perfectly manage without knowing English or Polish, you will always see where you are, and you will definitely not get lost.

Budget

To understand budgeting: Everybody three transfers between cities, including one for 7 hours, will cost you 10-20 euros per person (depending on the date of purchase). The hotels we recommend cost $40-60 per room per night. Along the route, we have planned several lunches in tasty, but very inexpensive places where locals go - a full meal with meat for one here costs 5-7 euros. And you can spend the saved money on a water park, a museum or gifts for loved ones.

level of detail

You will receive several files and video instructions. You will know exactly which excursions and transfers are worth buying online before the trip, and what can be purchased on the spot. You will see a clear plan for all days and a very detailed plan for each day separately. At the same time, everything is read along the way, step by step - it turns out very convenient. Here are some screenshots.

Route

Warsaw (2 nights)
Krakow (2 or 3 nights)
Zakopane (recommended from 4 nights)
Everywhere there is something to do in winter and summer!

Detailed program

The first day. Evening in Warsaw. View of the city from above

You will visit a small but very interesting museum, which is almost not found in guidebooks, have lunch in a popular Polish restaurant, look at the city from a height of 114 meters and walk along the evening pedestrian street. By the way, Warsaw is not only an old, but also a very modern city, which you will also see.

Second day. Heart of Warsaw

You will walk along the most beautiful streets of the city, find out what makes the Old Town of Warsaw so different from other similar ones, take a look at the embankment, and in the warm season — at the Botanical Garden on the roof of the library — the real highlight of the city. And again we will tell you where to eat and relax.

Day three. Moving and walking around Krakow

The Poles themselves call Krakow the soul of Poland. It is here that the largest central square in all of Europe is located. And a couple of years ago, the Dungeons were opened for tourists - with a unique multimedia museum and an unusual atmosphere inside. Who has not yet been under the central square - be sure to visit!

Day four. Royal Castle in Krakow and Salt Mines in Wieliczka

Get ready for a day full of emotions and impressions! You will be able to see not only the Royal Chambers, but also the Armory and the Treasury, see a place that is as significant for Poland as the Kremlin is for Russia, look into the Dragon Cave ... In the afternoon we will have a trip to Wieliczka - to the grandiose underground halls that are simply impossible to miss!

Bonus day in Krakow

If you decide to stay in Krakow for another day, you can use our additional tips and walk around the Kazimierz artistic quarter, see the largest aviation museum in Poland (there are about 150 pieces of equipment!) and visit the Schindler Factory Museum.

Day five. Transfer to Zakopane and a walk around the city

And again, we have described everything in detail for you: the platform of departure, arrival, check-in options, marked useful points in the city on the map ... On this day, we will walk along the cozy streets of this resort town, admire the houses that are more than 100 years old and climb the mountain Gubalowka, where there are some rather unusual entertainments

Day six. Climbing Kasprowy Wierch

My favorite day! You will see gorgeous landscapes, breathe in the mountain air and clear your head of garbage! It's impossible to describe, you just have to see it! There are several options for ascent and descent, all of which are described in the guide, and you can easily find the one that best suits your physical fitness.

Day seven. Walk to Morske Oko Lake

This mountain lake is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. Unreal color water, picturesque stones and trees around, silence and tranquility ... What is nice is that the road to it is very simple, although quite long (2-3 hours one way). However, there is always the opportunity to get there by horse-drawn carriage. You will have a chic walk along the forest, and after - along the lake.