Cześć! Poland is an underrated country in Central Europe often overlooked by travelers. And it shouldn’t be! It offers a captivating blend of rich history, modernity, and diverse landscapes from mighty mountains to sandy beaches. So if you’re planning a few days-long trip to Poland and trying to figure out what to see and do, you’re in good hands! In this post, we’ll show you a ready-to-go 10-day Poland itinerary. As Poles, who know a thing or two about our country, we think it’s perfect for first-time visitors and it’ll allow you to discover the country in a nutshell.
Note. This Poland itinerary focuses on 10 full days reserved for exploration. Days of your arrival/departure aren’t included. Also, we assumed you’ll move between the cities in the mornings/evenings and fly to the airport in Warsaw. But if it happens otherwise, just change the sightseeing order. It’s a loop anyway so you won’t miss anything!
This website uses affiliate links thanks to which we may earn a commission for purchases you made at no additional cost to you. If you like the content, consider using those links to support us. Thank you!
How much time do you need in Poland?
We think the whole 10 days will give you a nice overview of Poland and a chance to see the major highlights. But there is still a lot more to explore. So for a proper tour around the country, and without rushing, we think you should consider staying for around 3-4 weeks.
In the end, the needed time will depend on the number of places you want to see. At the end of this post, we’ll give you a few recommendations on what to do if you have more time to spare in Poland.
What’s the best time to visit Poland?
In our opinion, the best time to visit Poland is late spring or early autumn – the weather is warm and sunny, there are fewer crowds, and the prices are a bit lower. Summer months will be ok too, if you have nothing against bigger crowds.
We advise against visiting Poland during the winter months. The air quality is terrible, the days are very short, and you’ll be lucky to see a ray of sun. Not fun at all!
How to move around Poland?
The fastest way of moving between all mentioned places is by car, especially since the distances between them are quite big. You can easily rent the best one for your needs through the Rental Cars website and just pick it up at the airport.
Poland is also well-connected by public transport. Between big cities, you can move fairly quickly using trains and buses. You can search for the connections that might interest you on rozklad-pkp.pl for trains, flixbus.pl for buses, and rome2rio.com for all possible options.
In the cities use jakdojade.pl to quickly find connections you might need for local buses, trams, and trains.
Poland itinerary – 10 days plan
Day 1-2: Warsaw
Your Poland itinerary starts in Warsaw, the country’s capital and one of the most popular cities among international travelers. It’s a city with a brutal history that endured the horrors of World War II and was almost completely wiped out. But over the last century, Warsaw rose from the ashes like a phoenix and became a modern and vibrant city full of life.
Nowadays, Warsaw is an interesting place where you’ll immerse in history and find a bizarre mix of modern glass skyscrapers, concrete giants, and nice medieval-style squares. Interesting museums, many green spaces, and delicious local food are there too!
What to see in Warsaw in 2 days?
2 days in Warsaw will give you enough time to see all the most important places and get a good feel of what this city is all about.
Don’t miss the Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw Old Town, Castle Square, Royal Castle, an observation deck in St. Anne’s church, Royal Route, Old Town Market Square, Barbican and City Walls, Tomb of Unknown Soldier, and Royal Łazienki Park.
You’ll also have time to visit one or two museums, like the Warsaw Uprising Museum, Museum of Life under Communism, or POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
Learn more: 25+ Things To Do In Warsaw, Poland
Where to eat in Warsaw?
For breakfast/lunch, we recommend Bułkę przez Bibułkę. For a typical Polish dinner head to Gościniec, Stara Kamienica, or Zapiecek. And for coffee, tea or something sweet choose Vita Cafe.
Where to stay in Warsaw?
We recommend choosing a place close to the Palace of Culture and Science or Warsaw Old Town. Take a look at NYX Hotel or InterContinental for a hotel with amazing views over modern skyscrapers or Hotel Belotto if you fancy a more sophisticated stay.
Recommended guided tours in Warsaw
During your time in Warsaw, you can take part in this very interesting Warsaw Old Town Highlights Walking Tour, or if you’re a foodie in this very tasty Cooking Class Of Making Polish Dumplings. If you love cars, we can recommend this Warsaw City Sightseeing Private Tour In Retro Fiat.
Day 3-5: Krakow
Your next Poland Itinerary stop is Krakow, one of the oldest cities in the country that for hundreds of years was its capital. Nowadays, it’s one of the best cities to visit in Poland that over the last few years has become somewhat of a trendy spot in Central Europe.
Krakow is best known for its pretty old town and Wawel Royal Castle – both declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also home to the mighty fire-breathing dragon, intriguing legends, fascinating culture, Europe’s largest medieval town square, the oldest Polish university, and some splendid architecture.
What to see in Krakow in 3 days?
3 days in Krakow are great to experience most of the things that the city has to offer. On one of the days, you’ll also go on a trip to visit Auschwitz for which we deliberately included 1 more day as we think it is a must-see place.
The most important places to see in Krakow are Krakow Main Square, Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, Town Hall Tower, St. Florian’s Gate & Florianska Street, Krakow Barbican, Wawel Royal Castle, Wawel Cathedral, Dragon’s Den, Vistula River Boulevards, and Kazimierz district. For a day trip be sure to visit Auschwitz (you can also try to squeeze in Wieliczka Salt Mine).
Learn more: How To Spend 3 Days In Krakow, Poland?
Where to eat in Krakow?
For breakfast/lunch, we recommend Lajkonik – Bakery & Cafe or Cytat Café. For dinner head to Przystanek Pierogarnia, Czarna Kaczka or Nolio Restaurant. And for coffee, tea or something sweet choose Magia Cafe & Bar or Dziórawy Kocioł if you’re a Harry Potter fan. Also, be sure to visit Okrąglak to try typical Polish street food – zapiekanka.
Where to stay in Krakow?
We recommend choosing a place close to Krakow Old Town. Some of our favorites are Aparthotel Stare Miasto, Hotel Indigo, and adults-only Hotel Betmanowska.
Recommended guided tours in Krakow
In Krakow, we recommend taking part in this fascinating Jewish Quarter and Former Ghetto Tour. Do you want to feast your senses with the city’s culinary delights? Then be sure to book this Krakow Food Tasting Tour!
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning your trip to Auschwitz choose this Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup.
Day 6-7: Wroclaw
Now in your Poland itinerary, it is time for Wrocław, a city still in the shadow of other popular names. Well, actually it’s one of the major travel destinations among Polish people but is still not well known to most foreign visitors. And it’s “our city”, a city we love.
Wroclaw is a beautiful and vivid Polish city overrun and ruled by dwarfs. It’s a place where old is intertwined with new, and beautiful with shabby. If you’re into charming old towns full of history and hidden gems, amazing food, many green spaces, and some weird architecture – Wroclaw is a place for you.
What to see in Wroclaw in 2 days?
You can easily discover the most popular places in Wrocław in two days as the city is quite compact and the main attractions aren’t too far from each other.
Places you can’t miss: Wroclaw Old Town, Main Market Square, Town Hall, Salt Square, St. Mary Magdalene Church with Bridge of Penitents, St. Elizabeth’s Church with an observation deck, Mathematical Tower Of Wroclaw University, Tumski Bridge, Cathedral Island with Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Xawery Dunikowski Boulevard, and Centennial Hall.
Oh, and of course don’t forget about dwarfs hunting!
Learn more: Things To Do In Wroclaw, Poland [Guide By Locals]
Where to eat in Wroclaw?
Wroclaw is heaven for food lovers. For breakfast/lunch, we recommend Charlotte or Dinette. For dinner head to RAGU, Olio Pizza Napoletana, or Konspira. And for coffee, tea or something sweet choose Chleboteka (pistachio donuts are the best there!) or Green Caffè Nero.
We’ve already tried many restaurants and most of them are amazing – the bar is set really high. For more details about the food scene in Wroclaw and many more amazing suggestions head to the food section of our Things to do in Wroclaw post.
Where to stay in Wroclaw?
We recommend choosing a place close to Wroclaw Old Town. We think Mercure, Jungle Apartments, or AC Hotel by Marriott will be great choices!
Recommended guided tours in Wroclaw
During your time in Wroclaw, you can take part in this interesting and well-rated Wroclaw Old Town Walking Tour or if you’re a foodie this Wroclaw Food Tasting Tour might be a perfect choice for you too.
Day 8: Poznan
Poznan is a beautiful city that, like Wroclaw, is a very popular destination among Poles but is still not that popular with foreign visitors. So, if you want to visit a cool hidden gem, you should definitely include Poznan in your Poland itinerary.
It’s a big city that manages to keep a small-town feel. Poznan is colorful, beautiful, friendly, and tasty… There you’ll find a wide variety of activities – from exploring the nooks and crannies of the beautiful old town and watching the most popular goats in the country bumping their heads to tasting delicious local potato dishes and visiting interesting museums.
We love this town and it’s always a pleasure to come back. But we’ll be honest here – if you find Wroclaw or Gdańsk (your next destination) more exciting you can skip Poznan in favor of one of them. The choice is yours!
What to see in Poznan in 1 day?
You can discover the most popular places in Poznan in one day as the city is quite compact and the main attractions are close to each other. Must-haves to see in Poznan include Old Market Square, Town Hall with famous goats, Fara church, Croissant Museum, Royal Castle, Freedom Square, Imperial Castle, Adam Mickiewicz Square, and Cathedral Island.
Learn more: 15+ Things To Do In Poznan, Poland
Where to eat in Poznan?
For breakfast/lunch, we recommend Szarlotta or Lavenda Cafe & Lunch. For dinner head to Pyra Bar or Pyraland for local specialities. And for coffee, tea or something sweet choose MIEL Coffee or Różove.
Where to stay in Poznan?
We recommend choosing a place close to Poznan Main Train Station or the Old Town. From our own experience, we can recommend Apartamenty Stare Zoo and Apartments Towarowa.
Recommended guided tours in Poznan
In Poznan, this 2-Hours Guided Walking Tour will be an amazing choice. Or if you want to include some exercise into your sightseeing, be sure to book this 3-Hour Bike Tour.
Day 9-10: Gdansk
Gdansk is the perfect ending for your Poland itinerary. It’s one of the country’s major travel destinations located on the Baltic Sea coast. Together with Sopot and Gdynia, it forms a metropolitan area called the Tricity (Trójmiasto). Gdańsk is a delightful city with a rich and turbulent history – it was here, on Westerplatte, where World War II began, and the Solidarity movement was created, that led to the fall of communism.
Nowadays, Gdansk boasts an old town full of colorful townhouses and splendid architecture, lovely riverside areas, many interesting museums where you can learn about Polish history, sandy beaches where you can relax, and many amazing restaurants serving fantastic food.
What to see in Gdansk in 2 days?
2 full days will give you enough time to see all the most popular spots in the city: Gdansk Old Town, streets: Długa & Długi Targ, Main Town Hall, Neptune’s Fountain, Artus Court, St. Mary’s Basilica with viewing terrace, Mariacka Street, Motława riverside: Długie Pobrzeże, Museum of the Second World War, Amber Museum, European Solidarity Centre, and Gdansk shipyard. You can also trade some spots in favor of a trip to nearby Sopot, Gdynia, or Malbork Castle.
Learn more: 20+ Things To Do In Gdansk, Poland
Where to eat in Gdansk?
For breakfast/lunch, we recommend Restauracja Gvara. For dinner head to Pierogarnia Stary Młyn or OSTRO Pizza Napoletana. And for coffee, tea, or something sweet Kawiarnia Drukarnia will be a great choice.
Where to stay in Gdansk?
We recommend choosing a place close to Gdansk Old Town. We can recommend Hotel Gdańsk Boutique and YOURAPART Apartments. Also, Hotel Almond Business & SPA will be a great choice if you want to relax after your tour around Poland.
Recommended guided tours in Gdansk
In Gdansk we recommend taking part in this interesting and popular Gdańsk City Sights & History Guided Walking Tour. If you love sailing, this Sunset Cruise on a Historic Polish Boat will also be a great choice! And if you’d like to explore all cities in Tricity check out this 3 Cities Private Full-Day Tour.
Explore local attractions
Poland itinerary when you have 10+ days
Here are some suggestions of more places to add to Poland’s itinerary, if you have more than 10 days to spare. And of course, you can always include more days to whatever city/cities caught your eye the most. We believe that Wroclaw, Krakow, and Gdansk may deserve more of your time if you find them interesting.
Other cities/towns/natural sites not mentioned or only briefly mentioned earlier include:
- Zakopane & Tatra Mountains – spectacular views, picturesque hiking routes, traditional houses, unique regional food, hot springs, folk costumes, and more await there. It’s a great detour idea while in Krakow.
- Sopot – a small and trendy seaside town with a long wooden pier, award-winning sandy beaches, and many wellness centers. Perfect for a half-day trip from Gdańsk.
- Gdynia – a city known for being home to some beautiful traditional sailing ships and the oldest preserved military destroyer in the world now serving as museums. Perfect for a half-day trip from Gdańsk.
- Malbork Castle – one of the most popular day trips from Gdansk. It’s the largest castle in the world measured by land area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a true architectural masterpiece.
- Toruń – a town famous for its beautifully preserved medieval old town (named a UNESCO World Heritage Site), being the birthplace of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, and delicious traditional gingerbread. It’s a nice stop between Poznan and Gdansk.
- Łódź is a city of contrasts and Poland’s unique, off-beaten-track destination. It once was the center of textile manufacturing and nowadays boasts revitalized spaces like Manufaktura shopping mall (former factory) or Piotrkowska Street. Perfect for a day trip from Warsaw.
- Masuria, or Mazury in Polish, is best known as the land of the thousand lakes. It’s a breathtaking region that captivates nature and watersports lovers alike. There you’ll find 2000+ lakes, lush forests, charming towns, and some historic landmarks. Closest cities are Warsaw and Gdansk.
10 Days Poland itinerary – Summing up
That’s it, ready to use the 10-day Poland itinerary. A journey through diverse cities, interesting landmarks, tasty cuisine, and natural beauty awaits! This itinerary showcases the best of what the country has to offer – Poland in a nutshell and at your fingertips! We think it’s a great plan for first-time visitors who can spend only about 10 days in Poland. It’s definitely not enough for everything the country offers, but good enough to start. Of course feel free to modify it to your needs, and have an unforgettable time!
Book now: 12 Day Private Tour of Poland with Hotels
![Things To Do In Wroclaw, Poland [Guide By Locals]](https://happylittletraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Wroclaw-Town-Hall-on-main-market-square-300x200.jpg)
