Things to do in Poland

If you’re wondering what to do in Poland that involves a spot of sun and some relaxation, head to Sopot. This is Poland’s trendiest coastal resort and even boasts Europe’s longest wooden pier at 512m long - this is where you can take boat tours from (May to September only). Otherwise, kick back on the broad stretch of golden sand and relax.

Kazimierz, a neighbourhood in Krakow, has been a significant Jewish centre since the 14th century. Today, it’s a hip, fashionable place to hang out, with colourful squares and chic cafes, intriguing synagogues and local art (both modern and old).

The Tatra mountains are some 80km long and offer breathtaking, windswept peaks up to 2500m high. The mountains are a protected national park with boulder-strewn trails and gentle streams, making it perfect hiking territory. Or if you want to cover more ground, you can also take various cycling routes through the stunning natural scenery, too. It’s a different place altogether come winter, when you should give skiing a go!

Once a European Capital of Culture, this should tell you all you need to know about Wroclaw’s beauty: mammoth Germanic churches, Flemish-style mansions and Baroque palaces. In the heart of the town is the vast Market Square and the 13th-century town hall, with some pretty spectacular, ornate facades. Check out the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice (mid-April to Sept daily 9am–5pm; Oct Tues–Sun 9am–5pm; Nov to mid-April Tues–Sun 9am–4pm; 30zł, including entrance to the National Museum), a colossal painting whose ticket price also gets you entry into the nearby National Museum.

Poznan is a city of great diversity, encompassing tranquil medieval quarters, a fine main square, dynamic business districts and an arty-bohemian subculture. Once you’ve taken in the main museums, churches and mingled in the throbbing hipster dwellings, chill out in a beer garden with a pint of piwo.

Lying 70km west of Krakow and within easy day-trip range, the concentration campsAuschwitz and Birkenauhas become synonymous with World War II and the Holocaust. The camps lie on the western fringes of Oswiecim, which is in all other respects a perfectly nondescript middlesized Polish town. There are regular buses to the main Auschwitz site from Krakow’s main bus station, or an hourly shuttle-bus service to the Birkenau section from the car park at Auschwitz.

Malbork was a fortress, built as the headquarters of the Teutonic Order in the 14th century. It’s a pretty intimidating sight over such a sleepy town; to enter, cross over the moat and in through the main gate into the courtyard. There’s also the High Castle and Castle Church that you can visit. Take an English audio-guide for a three-hour self-guided tour.

With its medieval brick churches and narrow 18th-century merchants’ houses, Gdańsk certainly looks ancient. But by 1945, the core of the city lay in ruins, and so the present buildings are almost complete reconstructions. If you’re looking for cheap holidays to Gdansk, take a look at our best deals for you.