PLACES TO VISIT IN 7 DAYS IN POLAND
Poland is an underrated gem in Eastern Europe, offering a wealth of culture and sights that are sure to captivate any traveler. Known for its affordability and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder why Poland has become more popular in recent years.
So if you haven’t added Poland to your bucket list, then you should. One week in Poland is a good amount of time, so explore some of the main sights.
While it’s impossible to explore all of Poland’s wonders in just one week, I’ve put together an itinerary that will give you a taste of the country’s highlights, without feeling overwhelmed. Discover the best places to visit, where to stay, tips on how to get around, and more.
Get ready for an exciting and stress-free journey Poland itinerary!
TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR ONE-WEEK IN POLAND ITINERARY
Welcome to the land of captivating history, breathtaking scenery, and pierogis! While it’s impossible to explore all of Poland’s wonders in just one week, I’ve put together an itinerary that will give you a taste of the country’s highlights.
From the colorful streets of Warsaw to the lovely Baltic Sea – get ready to find out how to spend your time with this one-week in Poland itinerary.
Find out:
- Best Time to Visit Poland for One Week
- How to Get Around in 7 Days in Poland
- Where to Stay in Poland for One Week
- More Poland Travel Tips
- Places to Visit in One week s Poland
Let´s start with the travel tips for your Poland trip!
Best Time to Visit Poland
People flock to Europe mostly in July and August. But I don’t think it is actually the best time to visit Europe. Like the rest of Europe, Poland gets quite busy (especially the tourist hotspots), and it might even get quite hot.
Here in Central / Eastern Europe, we can never really rely on the weather. It can be rainy in the summer months but nice and warm in spring and autumn.
Thus, I don’t like to promise you nice weather. But, in general, I think May and June or September and early October are the best months to visit Poland.
Also, I visited Warsaw in the winter – and loved it. Sunny days, beautiful Christmas Markets in December, and a lot of festive decorations. This could be another good time of year to visit Poland.
How to Arrive in Poland
Poland has several international airports. For this itinerary, you could fly into Warsaw, Wroclaw, or Gdansk (and getting to the city center by bus is quite easy and affordable).
If you arrive by train from other parts of Europe, you can also start in any city as they are well connected to other parts of Europe (also from Berlin).
How to Get Around Poland
Though Poland is one of the largest countries in Europe, you can easily get around by public transportation. I got around mostly by train while in Poland and loved it.
Of course, you could also rent a car and explore Poland at your own pace. But, whether you drive or take the train, the cities are quite spread out, and you need to plan in enough travel time.
- Public transportation is extensive and reliable and prices for trains are reasonable.
- While there are buses, I recommend trains for longer distances. However, buses are often even cheaper (though much slower).
- However, I also enjoy taking trains because, even though the views are not always scenic, you can see more of the country than if you fly or drive yourself.
- Also, within the cities mentioned on this Poland itinerary, it is easy to get around on foot. By public transportation, a car is not really needed (not needed at all, actually).
While I do not see a need to rent a car, you can find the best rental deals here.
Accommodations
Accommodations in Poland offer, from a German perspective, great value for the money.
You will find Airbnbs, hostels to mid-range hotels, and luxury hotels in the places mentioned in this itinerary. I stayed in hostels and mid-range hotels and always felt I got great value for my money.
However, if you travel during the high season, I advise booking in advance to get the best deals. You should get good deals in the shoulder season even if you don’t book very far in advance. I have added recommendations for each place below.
What to Eat in Poland
Poland has an interesting cuisine. However, if you are health conscious or don’t eat (many) animal products, Polish cuisine can be challenging.
It includes a lot of meat, fatty foods, and dairy products. Life expectancy in Poland is one of the lowest in Europe, and the cuisine surely doesn’t help. However, more and more restaurants pop up and are vegan or offer vegan dishes and more healthy food in general.
Often, prices in those restaurants are higher than in regular restaurants (especially when it is organic food). Still, luckily, there are different cuisines, so most people can find something they like. And even though it is more expensive, it is still affordable compared to countries in Western Europe.
Is Poland Expensive?
- Poland is – compared to Western or Central Europe – very affordable, and you get a lot for your money.
- And while Poland is quite modern, you can’t pay everywhere by card. Restaurants and tourist attractions often do accept credit card payments, but not always. So, always have some cash with you (especially if you tip room service) and change some of your money in Zloty.
What to Pack for Your Poland Itinerary
Polish people, especially women, do like to dress up! So, you don’t go wrong if you like to dress up, too. However, since the cities mentioned here also have cobbled-stoned streets, I suggest wearing comfy shoes that allow you to walk easily.
Dress in layers – the weather can change quickly (at any time of the year). Check out my winter packing guide or check out my summer packing guide if you visit in the summer.
Safety Tips For Female Solo Travelers
I visited Poland twice on my own and once with a group – each time was fun!
- Exercise common sense and avoid side streets – especially at night.
- Pickpocketing might be common, so keep your valuables always close to you.
- Other than that, I did feel I had to be extra careful and felt quite safe.
Even as a person who is not Polish and looks like a foreigner (racism could be a problem, but I don’t think it is in these big cities mentioned here).
PLACES TO VISIT WITH A 7-DAY ITINERARY FOR POLAND
You can start your trip in Wroclaw, Warsaw, or Gdansk, as this Poland itinerary will cover these three cities (plus Krakow at the end as an alternative city to visit).
WROCLAW (1,5 DAYS)
This one week in Poland itinerary starts in Wroclaw. I strongly suggest spending 1,5 – 2 days in this beautiful city that is also very rich in history.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR WROCLAW
Hey there, have you heard of Wrocław? Trust me, it’s a must-see destination! The old town is a charming labyrinth of quaint cobblestoned alleys that will transport you to another era.
And the central market square is simply breathtaking! You can’t help but feel like you’re in a fairytale with vibrant buildings, painted in cheerful shades of green, yellow, and pink. Did you know it’s one of the largest market squares in Europe?
Wroclaw is located in the west of Poland – on the Oder River. It is the country’s fourth-biggest city and an important industrial, commercial, and educational hub.
I actually visited it as a kind of university exchange program and loved this lively and lovely city with quite some beautiful places to explore.
It was actually the first Polish city that I had visited myself, and it somehow reminded me of my hometown of Bremen (Germany) with pretty buildings. Though many buildings were destroyed in World War II, they have been rebuilt. I can’t even imagine how this colorful city looked a few decades ago.
Most of the attractions are in the old town, so getting around on foot is the best way to explore the city. You could also use public transportation – buses and trams – to get around.
- Like Gdansk and Warsaw, it is easily reachable via train. It may be less famous and not as big as the other two, but it is still charming.
THINGS TO DO IN WROCLAW
With this Poland itinerary, you won’t get the chance to see each and every sight but it is enough time to discover the main of Wroclaw´s attractions.
- Market square
- Town hall
- Salt Square
- Witches Bridge
- Ossolineum
- Ostrow Tumski Wroclaw
- Of course, also watch out for the dwarfs in Wroclaw! Once you are there, you will know what I am talking about.
WHERE TO STAY IN WROCLAW
I think 1.5 to 2 days is a good amount of time to spend in Wroclaw before exploring more places in Poland.
WARSAW (2 DAYS)
Looking to explore more of the stunning country of Poland? You’re in luck – from the picturesque city of Wroclaw, the capital city of Warsaw is just a 4-hour train ride away! With a journey time of around four hours, you’ll have plenty of time to sit back, relax, and take in the gorgeous scenery along the way.
Plus, traveling by train means you won’t have to deal with the stress of driving – so you can sit back and enjoy the ride (or drive).
WARSAW TRAVEL TIPS
With about 1.8 million residents, Poland’s largest city is located in east-central Poland and stands on the Vistula River – and is such an underrated city.
The Warsaw Uprising in 1944 was a devastating event that left over 85% of the city’s historic center in ruins. However, the citizens of Warsaw refused to let this destruction define their city’s future. With determination and hard work, they embarked on a five-year mission to meticulously rebuild the Old Town.
Today, it stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through community resilience and dedication. From the beautifully restored churches to the grand palaces and bustling marketplace, the Old Town of Warsaw is truly a remarkable sight to behold.
You may have heard some negative things about Warsaw, but believe me when I say that this city is far from boring. I’ve heard some of my Polisch friends say Warsaw is “ugly” but after visiting myself and chatting with other travelers, I can highly recommend it.
In fact, two female travelers I met went as far as to say they preferred it to Krakow! Plus, with all the history in Warsaw, it’s definitely worth a visit. Don’t believe the rumors – give Warsaw a chance and you may be pleasantly surprised.
Looking to explore the heart of Warsaw in just two days? Say no more, my friend! I’ve got you covered with a super detailed post on how to make the most out of your time in the city center, including top museum visits and travel tips around town. From the best ways to get around, to where to lay your head at night, I’ve got you covered. Let’s make this short stay in Warsaw one to remember!
I recommend staying in or near the old town so you can explore the main sights on foot. However, you will probably need public transportation for day 2 (to see the museums). Public transportation in Warsaw is quite good, and you can rely on it – it is also quite affordable.
THINGS TO DO IN WARSAW
Here are activities you can see in 2 days in Warsaw.
- Royal Lazienki Museum and Park
- Royal Route
- Old Town Observation Tower
- Royal Castle and Castle Square
- Old Town and Old Town Square
- Chopin Museum & Concert
- Palace of Culture & Science
- Multimedia Park
- Uprising Museum
- Warsaw Ghetto
- POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
- Check out my 2-day Warsaw itinerary for more tips.
WHERE TO STAY IN WARSAW
GDANKSK (2-3 DAYS)
Looking for another must-see destination in Poland? Look no further than the enchanting city of Gdańsk! While it may take some time to make the journey from Warsaw, trust us when we say that it is a trip you won’t regret.
With its rich history and stunning architecture, Gdańsk is an absolute must-visit for any traveler looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Poland. Trust me – your one-week Poland itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a stop in this magical city.
GDANSK TRAVEL TIPS
Welcome to Gdańsk – a quaint city that boasts breathtaking sights and charming architecture. Though not as large as Warsaw, Gdańsk is a hidden gem in Europe that you wouldn’t want to miss. This city has a rich history, and it was even the first attacked by Germany during WWII.
Visit Westerplatte, where the war started, to pay your respects. Despite being demolished during the war, Gdańsk’s main street was reconstructed with attention to detail and now shines brighter than ever before.
Discover the beauty beyond Long Lane in Gdańsk! Two days will allow you to uncover even more hidden gems this city has to offer. Despite its war-torn past, Gdańsk still proudly boasts a rich history that you can experience through its many historical sights. Don’t settle for just one highlight when you can experience them all!
Welcome to Gdańsk, a city with plenty of sights to see and attractions to explore! The good news is that most of the must-visit spots are just a short walk away from each other. So, you can put on your comfy shoes and enjoy a leisurely stroll while taking in the beauty of the place.
Although Gdańsk is stunning, you may not need to stay here for too long. You can comfortably fill two days exploring the city. But, if you’re someone who loves to discover every nook and cranny, then you can stretch your stay to know everything that this place has to offer.
However, if you’re planning on visiting Westerplatte or Sopot (and the beautiful Baltic Sea),, you may need to add an extra day and need to take a boat or train ride. Trust me, it’s worth it! These two destinations are perfect for spending a fun-filled day, admiring scenic views and soaking up the local culture.
THINGS TO DO IN GDANSK
- Long Street/Dluga Street and Long Market
- Main Town Hall
- Fountain of Neptune
- Long Riverfront (Dlugie Pobrezeze)
- The Crane
- Mariacka Street
- St. Mary Church
- World War II Museum
- Westerplatte
- Sopot: For some time at the beach – even in the colder months – I highly suggest visiting the Baltic Sea, which you can easily reach from Gdańsk.
Check out my 2-day Gdansk itinerary to find out more.
- 3 days is a good amount if you‘d like to spend more time at the beach, but the Baltic Sea is not like the Mediterranean Sea – the water is colder.
WHERE TO STAY IN GDANSK
KRAKOW (1,5 Days)
As mentioned, I have yet to visit Krakow myself. I have heard many great things about the city. Still, on my recent trip to Poland, I actually heard a couple of solo female travelers saying they liked Warsaw better than Krakow as it is less touristy and has more attractions and places to visit.
Either way, Krakow, the second biggest city in Poland, is much closer to Warsaw and Wroclaw than Gdansk. If the ride all the way up to the north of Poland does bother you, then you might consider visiting Krakow instead of Gdansk. Personally, I absolutely loved Gdansk and am more than happy I did not miss out on it.
So, it is up to you if you want to skip Gdansk and head to Krakow instead and spend 2 days there. I suggest visiting Gdansk.
Extra: Auschwitz (1 Day)
One main reason that I would suggest visiting Krakow over Warsaw is the proximity to Auschwitz. Auschwitz was the biggest concentration camp in Europe. It was a complex of over 40 concentration and extermination camps operated by Nazi Germany – more than 1.1 million people were killed during World War II.
It is now open to visitors. People can learn about the horror and how the people, including women and children, were murdered.
I once visited a concentration camp, and I can say this: it is intense. While I haven’t visited Auschwitz (yet), I am sure it is not easy to digest. But Poland and its people were some of the most affected by World War II, and though it is also about beautiful cities and towns, it is also about history, especially about World War II.
You could visit easily from Krakow, but even from Warsaw, as a day trip.
CONCLUSION: ONE WEEK IN POLAND ITINERARY
A one week Poland itinerary should definitely include visits to Warsaw, Wroclaw, and Gdańsk. These destinations offer plenty of sights to see and attractions, including colorful and historic buildings and fantastic architecture.
Also, you´ll learn a lot about Polish and European history that will make your trip memorable. So, don’t hesitate any longer – go ahead and book your next Polish adventure!
I hope this one week in Poland itinerary has helped you find out about the best places to visit and see – in quite a short amount of time. 7 days in Poland is surely not enough to see the main sights and places, but this itinerary allows you to see a lot while not getting stressed (at least I hope so).
