To the uninitiated tourist, many cities in Poland may seem the same. They do have architectural similarities, but each has its own atmosphere and characteristics. Some of them were more fortunate, the Second World War was tangential. Others were badly damaged and rebuilt from scratch, albeit according to old projects. The two poles of this story are Krakow, which has become an architectural museum, and Warsaw, where there are many copies of old buildings on the streets. Traditionally, churches from different centuries of founding are adorned in Polish cities. But the light did not converge on religion and architecture. The country also has enough interesting natural areas, such as Olsztyn, as well as resorts: ski, beach and medical.
Main tourist cities of Poland
List of the most interesting cities for cultural tourism.
Krakow
The city's charm is based on its architecture. The Second World War did not harm him as much as the capital or other ancient settlements. Up to a quarter of all iconic museum funds in Poland are concentrated here. Walking along the cobbled streets is a great pastime for tourists. Along the way, you can quickly get acquainted with the Market Square, the Palace of the Bishops, the city park called Planty.
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Warsaw
The Polish capital dates back to 1300. Since the city was captured by the Nazis, many cultural and architectural monuments were lost. After the war, the historic center and some other areas were restored, but with changes. The Royal Palace on the Castle Square, the Palace on the Water, surrounded by a zoo, the National Museum, the Botanical Garden on the roof of the library, azienki Park are must-see places.
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Gdansk
The largest port in Poland. Supervises the ferry to Sweden on a permanent basis. Tourists are also invited for sailing excursions, for example, to Szymbark, where there is a house built with the roof down. The historical part of Gdansk will appeal to architecture lovers. A walk along the Royal Route will enhance the experience. The Archaeological Museum offers interactive programs. And in the Maryack Basilica they give concerts of organ music.
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Wroclaw
It is also called the “city of 12 islands”. The location on the Odra and the large number of canals made the area quite unusual. 117 bridges add color to it. And all this with a fairly dense building. In addition to architecture, tourists are attracted by the 33-hectare zoo, the Royal Palace dating from the 18th century, and the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice, previously located in Lviv.
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Poznan
One of the oldest Polish cities continues to develop and has held the bar for centuries. Nowadays it combines industrial and tourist directions. The old market is remarkable in itself, and the Town Hall located within it has now become a historical museum. You can immerse yourself in the past by visiting the Monastery of Discalced Carmelites, the Church of St. Wojciech or the Golden Chapel.
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Zakopane
Also referred to as the "winter capital of Poland". A full-fledged winter resort for fans of outdoor activities. For skiers and snowboarders there are trails with a total length of 60 km. Routes for climbing the nearby mountain peaks have been organized. But Zakopane is not limited to this: museums and attractions operate within the city. The highlight of the area is the Tatra National Park, which covers an area of more than 21 thousand hectares.
Torun
The historical part of the homeland of Nicolaus Copernicus is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The architectural monuments were not damaged during the Second World War. Among them, the Curve Tower, erected in the XIII century, attracts especially attention. The degree of its slope is greater than that of the Pisa. Even in matters of national cuisine, it has its own attraction - Torun gingerbread. They often depict views of the city.
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Lublin
It has been known since the X century. Although located away from the main tourist routes, it is rich in attractions. Some of them have been given new life as containers for museum collections. This was done with the Lublin Castle and the Krakow Gate. The religious heritage is represented, among other things, by the Holy Trinity Chapel and the Lublin Cathedral. And the local Catholic university is the oldest private university in the country.
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Katowice
It stands out among other Polish cities with relatively modern buildings. Most of the buildings here are no older than the century before last. At the same time, absolutely all architectural styles can be found on the streets. Auschwitz is located 30 km from the city. Those who like to taste national cuisine should postpone their visit to Katowice until May. On the 28th, the city hosts a festival of a special type of sausage called Kashanki.
Lodz
Its size is second only to Warsaw and Krakow. The guests of the city first of all inspect the numerous palaces, some of which are devoted to museum collections, the Kindermann villa and the architectural ensemble "Ksienzi Mlyn". Lodz took shape in the past as an industrial center, so there are plenty of factories here. A walk through the local botanical garden will complement your impressions of the city.
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Czestochowa
Pilgrimage center of the country. Jasna Góra Monastery welcomes guests not only from Poland. The reason for this popularity is the miraculous icon called the "Black Madonna". It was written by the Evangelist Luke, and now the icon is the main shrine of the whole country. Access to it is open on holidays and at certain times. Nearby are the Knights' Hall and a treasury filled with gifts that people bring to the icon.
Sopot
One of the summer capitals of Poland. It is considered a safe resort in every sense. There are no analogues in the Baltic Sea, if you compare all the indicators. The beaches are clean and equipped to the maximum. The coast is divided into two parts by a pier half a kilometer long. This is both a promenade and a sea taxi stand. Another interesting place is the Forest Opera, an open-air theater that has existed for 100 years.
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Szczecin
Founded at the mouth of the Horde. Interesting for its history, primarily the Old Town. Nearby are theaters and exhibition grounds that host museum collections from all over the world. There are countless architectural and historical sights in Szczecin. That only is the Gothic Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, the Diocesan Museum, which occupied the Cathedral of St. Jacob, the carved "Fountain with Eagles" and "Maiden Tower".
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Zlotoryya
The name was given in honor of the industry popular in the past - gold mining. Basalt is mined here now. In many ways, the city's beauty reminds tourists of the key development areas of Zlotoryja. For example, a mining museum is open, or you can visit the Aurelia mine. From the more "traditional" sights, one can single out the Church of St. Mary and the walls that defended the settlement in the XIV century.
Gdynia
One of the "young" cities in Poland. Developed from a fishing village after the First World War. The reason is the construction of a seaport. After defeating the Nazis, Gdynia was rebuilt practically from scratch. The streets turned out to be spacious, the architecture is dominated by Art Nouveau. Unusual excursions await tourists on the Blyskavitsa warship and the Dar Pomozha sailing ship, moored off the coast.
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Zamosc
The city center is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A characteristic feature is that outwardly Zamos is very similar to itself in the 16th century. Even the fortifications are partially preserved. The history of the Rotunda, erected in 1831, was continued during the Second World War. It became the general staff of the fascists, and its moat became the place of executions.Now a museum is based here, and memorial obelisks are installed around.
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Bydgoszcz
The location on the banks of the Vistula and Brda made the city especially picturesque. It developed from a fishing village to an important trading post. At the fish market, you can board the river trams. The trip gives a lot of impressions and cheers up. There is an observation deck on the water tower during the day. Sightseeing: Venice Bydgoszcz, Old Town, numerous churches.
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Wladyslavovo
It is located on the Hel spit, which makes it part of the list of spa towns in Poland. Life is in full swing on the coast: there are sectors for both active and relaxing holidays. Beaches from sandy to pebble. The northernmost point of the country is located within the boundaries of Wladyslawowo. Of the interesting places, it will not be superfluous to visit General Haller's House, a pink lighthouse, "Fisherman's House", which looks like a church from a distance.
Swinoujscie
One of the westernmost cities in the country. The territory includes more than 40 islands, of which only 3 have been landscaped. The main areas are located on the large islands of Volin and Uznam. Swinoujscie is a resort with mud therapy and mineral springs. In addition to procedures, tourists visit the Marine Fishery Museum, a lighthouse built in 1858, a bird sanctuary and a nature reserve located in the district.
Karpacz
People come here for the ski resort built in the Giant Mountains. In the past, gold diggers lived here, now the area is used for outdoor activities. 7 ski slopes of varying difficulty, 2 toboggan runs, non-freezing mountain waterfalls, the Vang church, built without a single nail, the “City of Cowboys” where you can ride horses and shoot are just some of the reasons to visit Karpacz.
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Bialystok
Named after the Belaya River, on the banks of which it stands. There are several popular tourist routes in the city. One of them is the “route of wooden houses”. It allows you to see several one-story buildings of the 19th-20th centuries. The main building of the city is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, located on the Market Square. The Polish Versailles, a well-preserved ancestral courtyard, is also curious.
Kolobrzeg
It is based on an old Slavic fortress. In the past, a defensive structure guarded the mouth of the Parssenta, which flows into the Baltic Sea. Now the city has turned into a resort. The local climate, even without treatment, has a beneficial effect on the body. Of the interesting places in Kolobrzeg, it is worth highlighting the Museum of Polish Weapons with its extensive exposition: from medieval chain mail to modern armored vehicles.
Rzeszow
The city can be called classic for Poland. This is confirmed by the local architecture. Excavations in the vicinity of Rzeszów suggest that fortifications existed here in the 12th century. The Lubomirski Palace is a curious object that has changed its purpose. The market square, typical of medieval towns, has acquired modern features. But its town hall has not changed throughout all 6 centuries of its existence.
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Gniezno
It has a rich history: the birth of the Polish coat of arms, the first bishopric, the unification of Slavic tribes. Most of all tourists are interested in the Lech Hill, also called the Royal Hill. Here in 970 a church was built, which was rebuilt many times in the future. The shrine is a coffin with the relics of St. Wojciech, located in the altar. You can learn more about the history of Gniezno at the Museum of the Establishment of the Polish State.
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Olsztyn
11 lakes and about 1.3 hectares of forest made the city picturesque. The ruins of the Olsztyn castle gave it a certain romanticism. Yakubovo Park was "attached" to the forest belt in 1862. There are 11 nature reserves near the city. Walking routes for every taste are laid along them. The Gothic castle in Olsztyn, the High Gate, once part of the fortifications, the Church of St. Lawrence - interesting tourist places.
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Kalish
Perhaps the oldest city in Poland, as it was mentioned in the 2nd century. During excavations in the area, artifacts from the times of the Roman conquests were found. In the post-war years, there was an active restoration of iconic structures. Among them stand out: the Basilica of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, where the icon of the Holy Family is kept, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, dated 1253, and the Franciscan monastery of the 13th century.
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Nysa
The city was often in the center of local cataclysms. Despite this, many religious buildings of the past have been perfectly preserved. This primarily concerns the cathedral. The complex was completed in the 16th century with a bell tower. There are also interesting churches, for example, the Church of the Ascension and the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin. The car named after the city also brought glory to Nysa.
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Malbork
Famous for the fortress of the Teutonic Order. It is the largest surviving Gothic defensive structure in Europe. The area is about 20 hectares. On the territory there are 3 castles, fortifications, amber museum. Night tours of the fortress give visitors an extraordinary experience. There are also interesting religious sites in the city, for example, the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Church of Christian Baptists.
Miedzyzdroje
The city was founded in 1186, and began to form as a resort in the first half of the nineteenth century. The mild climate, clean sea and sandy beach have become the basis for the development of tourist infrastructure. Rest in Miedzyzdroje is a health resort. There are mineral springs and healing mud in the area. In between procedures, you should arrange a guided tour of the Volinsky National Park.
Wieliczka
The local salt mines, which are practically no longer operating, are a real underground city. Of the 350 km of tunnels, corridors and halls, only 2 km are accessible to tourists. This is quite enough to get vivid impressions. In addition to buying souvenirs, it is worth visiting the chapel of St. Kinga - a "church of salt". There is a sanatorium on one of the levels: the peculiarities of the underground salt air help to fight allergies and asthma.
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