7–10 Days Poland Travel Itinerary: A Guide to the Best Cities to Visit

Updated: June 4, 2026

Poland’s rich history is undeniable, but what often goes overlooked is just how stunning this country truly is. It’s the most underrated and most affordable European country I’ve ever visited.

It’s more affordable than traveling in Portugal, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and the list goes on. I loved it so much that I hope to return during the Christmas season as soon as possible.

But for now, I’m excited to share this Poland travel itinerary that can easily be stretched into a 7-10 day trip—I personally did it in 8 days, taking you through some of the country’s most picturesque destinations.

I learned so much about Poland while planning and during this trip, so settle in, it’s going to be a long one. Or, ya know, just skim it and look at the pretty pictures. 

Poland Travel Itinerary

Poland is a country that offers a little bit of everything. This itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to experience Poland’s most beautiful cities at a relaxed pace, with a mix of iconic sights and rooftop hangs. From the heart of Gdańsk to the history of Kraków, each place has its unique charm, and by the end of your trip, you’ll certainly fall in love with Poland.

Best Cities to Visit in Poland

From experience and/or research, here is a list of the best cities we visited in Poland:

• Gdańsk- 3 days (if you have time, add a day trip to Sopot)

• Kraków- 3 days (with a day trip to Auschwitz)

• Wrocław- 2 days

My itinerary takes you on a loop through Poland, starting and ending in the port city of Gdańsk, and includes stops in Kraków and Wrocław, with an essential day trip to Auschwitz.

Whether you’re a history lover, culture enthusiast, or simply looking to explore beautiful cities, this trip will offer something for everyone. If your itinerary allows more time, I would absolutely add in Zakopane, Sopot, Poznan, and/or Warsaw.

Visit Gdańsk, Poland

Gdańsk is located at the tippy top of Northern Poland, on the Baltic Sea, and is a picturesque port city with gorgeous architecture. I mean, just look at the details on those buildings! Photos of Gdańsk piqued my interest in visiting Poland, and by the end of the trip, it had become my favorite stop. 

While exploring the city, don’t miss Mariacka Street, which is considered one of the most beautiful streets in Gdańsk. Mariacka is also known for its amber shops and cozy cafés.

During our visit, we discovered that Gdańsk is the “amber capital of the world” and that Poland is one of the largest exporters of amber. So stock up! 

When you have the energy, visit St. Mary’s Basilica and climb the 400+ steps for a beautiful city view.

I wanted to see the Main Town Hall tower, but it was closed for the season. Definitely look into it because the view is different than St. Mary’s. 

Also, make sure to check out Westerplatte, the site of the first battle of World War II.

Walk down Long Market (Długi Targ), a street lined with colorful houses and restaurants leading to the impressive Gdańsk Crane. 

And if you’re there during the summer months (May-Sept), check out 100cznia, it’s a unique dining, vintage shopping, and cultural experience within repurposed shipping containers on the former Gdańsk Shipyard grounds.

Where to Stay in Gdańsk

We stayed on the beautiful Mariacka Street at the Gotyk House. Gotyk is located in Gdańsk’s oldest apartment building, dating back to 1451.

It offers uniquely designed rooms that combine history with modern comforts. We enjoyed our stay and loved how close we were to the Old Town and all the great cafes. 

For our last night in Gdańsk before returning home, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Gdansk – City Centre by IHG. I had an annual free night thanks to my IHG credit card, and this hotel was well-located and reviewed. They also have a bar with panoramic city views.

Our Favorite Restaurants in Gdańsk

Ostro Pizza Napoletana– Good pizza and pesto bread.

Eklerownia 2.0– Amazing eclairs and right across the street from the hotel! Do not miss this place.

Kawiarnia Drukarnia– Great coffee right down the block from the hotel. Here’s my friend, Jill, at Kawiarnia, ready to start exploring Gdańsk. She and my brother-in-law joined us on this trip! 

Pomelo Bistro– Good spot for breakfast. 

Pierogarnia Stary Młyn– We had our first round of pierogi here. They were good but not yet our favorite. Stick around to read what our favorite place was.

Leń– Our favorite cafe. Solid coffee. 

Mr and Mrs Coffee– Another great cafe.

Pierogarnia Mandu– Okay, that was fast. Thanks for sticking around lol. Mandu was, hands down, our favorite pierogi place among all the places we tried in Poland. We all agreed it was the best.

Podole Wielkie– Go for a vodka tasting, learn a little history, and bring home delicious potato vodka. 

Best Gdańsk Tours to Consider

These are linked from Viator; the tours are well-reviewed and offer free cancellation. 

Gdansk Food and Sightseeing Tour– This experience is perfect for food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an authentic taste of Poland.

Gdansk: 2-hour City Sightseeing Tour LIVE GUIDED by Buggy– This tour is the best and fastest way to get to know the city of Gdańsk.

Sunset on the Shipyard and Old Town Evening Cruise– Besides the shipyard, see Old Town, including maritime gems such as the medieval crane, Ołowianka Island and Granary Island.

Visit Kraków, Poland

After two days in Gdańsk, head south to beautiful Kraków, the historic used-to-be capital of Poland.

You can either fly (about 1 hour) or take the train (around 6 hours) for this leg of the trip. Poland is a lot larger than I realized.

Typically, when I travel by train in Europe, I can get to another city in a few hours, but Poland is pretty spread out.  

Kraków is a magnetic city with many layers, from its royal past to its dark WWII history. It offers a blend of art, culture, and charm with its lively square and historical landmarks.

The city also has a thriving nightlife scene. And so many incredible food options! Make sure to plan your own “pierogi and pączki donut” crawl through Poland to find all your favorites.

Start by exploring Kraków’s Old Town (Rynek Główny). One of Europe’s largest medieval town squares, it’s home to another St. Mary’s Basilica, where you can catch the hourly trumpet call from the tower.

You can visit Wawel Castle, one of Poland’s most important landmarks. You can explore the royal chambers and enjoy panoramic city views from the castle’s towers. I didn’t get to do this, but it’s on the list for next time.

Kraków also has the Schindler’s Factory Museum and various filming locations from Schindler’s List. And if you’re looking for more nature, stroll through Planty Park, a green belt surrounding the Old Town.

Do not miss the Kazimierz District, the historic Jewish quarter, filled with synagogues, art galleries, vintage shops and cafes–all within walking distance from the old town.

Where to Stay in Kraków

Our Kraków stay was my favorite. Apartamenty Bracka 6 is in a great location (near the old town), has spotless and large rooms, and excellent ratings! Some rooms have balconies, which is always a perk.

Our Favorite Restaurants in Kraków

Wódka Cafe Bar- Definitely stop here to get a flight of vodka! 

Pierwszy Stopień- They have a beautiful space with great dinner and drinks.

Przystanek – Pierogarnia- Yummy pierogi. 

Mirror Bistro- Again, with the yummy pierogis. We also enjoyed Polish beer and wine here.

Pączkarni Manufaktura- Pączki donuts, enough said. So good.

Knitted Coffee- Good coffee, very little seating, but a cute street to sit and people watch. 

Camelot Cafe- This adorable restaurant has a window seat option that plops you up on a display window. We got lucky that the table was open when we arrived. Our breakfast here was also delicious.

Szał Cafe- This cafe/bar is nothing fancy as far as drinks/food goes, but the view is excellent. We just had a glass of wine here.

Zapiekanki Piecyk- What was my favorite Polish dish, you ask? I think it’s a tie between Mandu pierogis in Gdańsk and this zapiekanka.

OH MY GOODNESS. Please don’t miss trying zapiekanka, a local Polish-style pizza baguette. You’ll find many stalls in the Kazimierz District; we went with Piecyk because it was the best-reviewed.

I ordered the one named “from the chef” with no mushrooms and added basil sauce.

Rumour Cocktail Bar- We stopped here at the last minute one night, and it quickly became one of our favorite bars in the world!

The service was great, the bartenders were artists, and the drinks were presented in creative ways we had never seen before.

B.O.H.O Coffee & Bar- I loved the interiors here and had a delicious rose latte. 

Best Kraków Tours to Consider

Krakow to Zakopane and Thermal Hot Bath Day Trip with Transfer– Soak up the views of the Tatra Mountains on this bestselling Zakopane day trip.

Krakow Food Tasting Tour with Delicious Poland– Visit several local favorites to sample traditional foods.

Wieliczka Salt Mine: Guided Tour from Krakow– Discover the expansive, underground salt mine at Wieliczka on this guided excursion from Krakow. 

Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau

No trip to Poland is complete without visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau, Nazi Germany’s largest concentration camp and one of the most significant historical sites in Europe.

We chose and recommend this tour: Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Ticket and Hotel Pickup. This day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau is located about 1.5 hours outside of Kraków.

It’s a sobering and educational experience where you’ll learn about the horrors of the Holocaust and the history of the concentration camp. I won’t lie; walking through those grounds felt heavy. The exhibits were all dedicated to some of the most tragic events in human history. 

The visit can be emotionally intense, but it felt necessary and important. I recommend that anyone visiting Poland make time for this experience. It’s not one that can be ignored.

“There is no way to understand postwar Europe and the world without an in-depth confrontation between our idea of mankind and the remains of Auschwitz.” -auschwitz.org

Visit Wrocław, Poland

Due to our limited time, we could only visit three cities in Poland. We had to choose between Wrocław (pronounced vrot·swaaf) and the capital city, Warsaw.

Warsaw seemed more modern, and that wasn’t the vibe we were going for. So we decided on Wrocław. Give me old, charming architecture any day. However, if you do go to Warsaw, they have a cool-sounding vodka museum to check out. 

Coming from Kraków, it’s a 3.5-hour train ride to Wrocław, a city known for its picturesque Old Town, stunning architecture, and quirky charm.

After checking into your hotel, head straight to Market Square (Rynek), one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. The Market Square is filled with colorful buildings and so many photo opportunities.

Explore Cathedral Island, the oldest part of Wrocław, home to the magnificent Wrocław Cathedral and cobblestone streets lined with charming buildings.

If you’re on Cathedral Island near sunset, you’ll see the very popular Lamplighter of Wrocław, a well-dressed fellow who walks around lighting the gas lamps on the island, making you feel like you’re standing in the middle of a vintage movie. 

Don’t forget to search for Wrocław’s famous dwarfs (gnomes); they have well over 600 of them. These little statues are scattered throughout the city, each with its own backstory.

You can stop at the Information Center in the Old Town to buy a map and find all the dwarfs around the city. 

My favorite one is this one. He was stuffed from overeating. 

Check out the view from the popular Bridge of Penitents, also called the Witches’ Bridge. It’s a footbridge between the two towers of Mary Magdalene church. It does get a little crowded when you’re trying to get “that shot.” 

As you can see, Wrocław is a vibrant, youthful city that’s fun for couples and families alike. It’s also one of Poland’s most walkable cities, making it ideal for exploring in a short amount of time.

Where to Stay in Wrocław

While in Wrocław, we stayed at the Herbal Hotel. It’s in the city center, just outside the old town on a beautiful street next to the popular pizza place, VaffaNapoli.

I recommend the hotel, but not the pizza. The rooms were clean and simple, and the building has a lovely winery downstairs. Do not miss it! 

Our Favorite Restaurants in Wrocław

Polish Lody- Delicious ice cream near Cathedral Island.

Jolie Brasserie Cafe- Good breakfast in the center. 

Ze Smakiem- All the yummy pierogis, please. 

El Gato Specialty Coffee Roasters- A great little cafe. The space was small, and the vibe was Spanish! 

Pijana Wiśnia- A small bar that serves and sells Polish cherry liqueur (Wisniowka). We stocked up on gifts here and a bottle to take home. 

Best Wrocław Tours to Consider

Back to Gdańsk

Your final day in Poland will bring you back to Gdańsk. The trip from Wrocław will take around 4.5 hours by train, giving you plenty of time to plan all your last-minute “must-dos” in Gdańsk.

Tips for Travel in Poland

TRAINS 

Poland has an efficient, affordable train system, making travel between cities easy and comfortable. But remember, Poland is big, and the journey is long. So plan accordingly.

Also, if you see an option to book a “Family Ticket” with an extra discount, DO NOT DO IT. This option is not for regular tourists.

We chose this option from Wrocław –> Gdańsk because there were four of us, but we learned on the train that we had chosen the wrong ticket and were almost asked to get off at the next station.

The train attendants did not speak English, and we did not speak Polish, so we had to keep going back and forth, using our phones to translate.

In the end, they allowed us to purchase the correct ticket while on board, but it was a little nerve-wracking.

If you prefer to drive, you can use this link to search over 1,000 car rental brands for the best price.

LANGUAGE 

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few Polish phrases can enrich your experience. If not, you can always use your phone as we did on the train.

SAFETY

I know there’s a war going on in neighboring countries, but I never felt unsafe in Poland. I even felt safe enough to walk around town at night. Obviously, staying near the old towns and not venturing out to unknown areas. Plus, the Polish people have been among the kindest we’ve encountered on our travels.  

CURRENCY 

Poland uses the Polish Złoty (PLN), so be sure to have some cash for smaller shops and cafes.

WEATHER 

Poland’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and check the forecast before you go. We went in late April, and besides some rain the first few days, we had pleasant weather. 

Even in the rain, Kraków still looks beautiful.

Wifi When Traveling (Europe)

I use Airalo, a digital eSIM that lets you buy data for 200+ countries in minutes. No physical SIM, no kiosks, just install before your trip and connect as soon as you land. It’s usually cheaper than roaming and way more reliable. I’ve used it across multiple trips, and it just works. → Check plans for your destination.

Quick note: Your phone needs to be unlocked (paid off) to use eSIM.

FAVORITE TRAVEL ITEMS I Actually Use

I’m not someone who overpacks or buys a bunch of stuff “just in case.” Everything I bring has to earn its spot. It has to be lightweight, practical, and carry-on-friendly. Here are a few things that have made traveling so much easier for me:

• Packing cubes → My carry-on lifesaver, plus excellent quality
• Toiletry bag → Small but holds so much
• Camera case → For long walking days
• Sony a6000 camera → Lightweight, beginner-friendly
• Compact tripod → For photos without asking strangers
• Vacuum bags → For cold-weather trips
• Mini travel iron → Works fantastically, nary a wrinkle in sight

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