10 Days Exploring throughout PolandFrom historic sites, moving museums, unique geological finds, local cafés, stunning hikes, and so much more, Poland is a jam-packed gem for any traveler. 10 days here will just scratch the surface of opportunities in this Eastern European gem. AuthorsSteller
DestinationsKrakówItinerary

Days 1-2: Gdańsk

Hotel Podewils Old Town Gdańsk
Right along the water, this charming hotel is a former baroque palace on the coast, making it a regal stay for visitors with a great location, delicious breakfasts on the property, and great service.
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Museum of Gdańsk - Main Town Hall
Home to local exhibitions, this is a great way to get oriented in Poland at the start of your trip. You can also listen to the rhythmic music that chimes every hour from the bell tower. The museum is open all week, except Tuesdays, from 10:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m., and note that admission is free on Mondays!
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Museum of the Second World War
Near one of the first locations of Nazi attacks in Poland, this museum explores the impacts of WWII through its architecture. The past: located in the museum’s basement floors. The present: is represented by the open space around the building. The future: which are the floors that rise above from the ground, are all represented.
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Basilica of st. Bridget
This stunning, ornate basilica is honored to the patron Saint Bridget. Don't miss the chilling crypt below the Basilica. Follow the ‘Kaplica św Brygidy’ sign into the basement area for the crypt.
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Old Toy Gallery
Admire old Polish toys made during the early 20th-century at this niche museum.
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Muzeum Bursztynu. Oddział Muzeum Gdańska
Gdańsk is known as the "Amber Capital of the World!" Come visit this unique Amber Museum, which explores its history and connection to the city through the amber trade, as well as its raw and refined forms!
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AMBER SOUVENIRS SHOP Pamiątki z Gdańska
Pick up an amber souvenir here to take home with you!
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Restauracja TYGLE
Known as one of the best restaurants in Gdańsk, spend one of your nights by the waterside, indulging in appetizers like beef tartare and cod skewers, as well as fine wines and craft cocktails. Perfect for sunset dining!
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Pyra Bar
Famous for their potato pancakes, this is a great spot for a snack and a soup!
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Pierogarnia Stary Młyn Gdańsk Św. Ducha
Come in and try a BAKED pierogi at this local café. You can order a whole plate with dipping sauces to share!
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Days 3-4: Warsaw

H15 Boutique Hotel
This modern boutique hotel is centrally located in the heart of Warsaw, making it a great home base for exploring the city. The rooftop patio area, spacious rooms, and friendly staff make this a solid choice!
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Royal Baths Park
For a taste of fresh air amidst the city, this park is sprawling with green space, different wildlife like squirrels and peacocks, as well as beautiful buildings. Pack a picnic for a more relaxed afternoon here!
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Museum of King Jan III's Palace at Wilanów
A bit further outside the city, a visit to the Wilanów Palace area is well worth it. You can book a ticket to visit with an audio guide ahead of time, or just spend time admiring the Baroque architecture and gardens from the exterior.
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Jewish Cemetery
Highlighting the presence of the Jewish community in Warsaw before, during, and after World War II, a visit here is a reminder of the history of this city and region. Take a guided tour for deeper insight into the architecture and historical markers of the area here.
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Muzeum Polskiej Wódki
This museum celebrates the history and creation of Polish vodka! Take a guided tour and make sure to get a tasting ticket for some snacks at the restaurant. Plus, you get an extensive tasting at the end of your visit!
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Lapidarium Jacek Kiliński
An antique shop that honestly feels more like a museum! Pop in here for a look at WWII, Soviet, local, and artisanal arts and artifacts.
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Veles Bar
When you first arrive, it might seem a bit inconspicuous, but this cool, speakeasy-style bar with a ritzy interior, wooded walls, and crystal chandeliers serves up some amazing drinks. The low-lighting atmosphere makes it the perfect chill spot to enjoy a cocktail or two.
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Epoka
This Michelin-starred, refined restaurant serves Polish cuisine with a modern twist! Their tasting menus are expensive, but definitely worth it if you want to splurge.
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Pyzy, flaki gorące!
Try the traditional Polish Flaki, which is a tripe stew, but at this restaurant, they indulgently add parmesan and meatballs to it as well. It is a favorite for curing hangovers.
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LUKULLUS | Chmielna
Come try one of the famous, Polish rum balls, also known as bajadera, at this artisanal bakery. They are especially popular around the holidays!
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GOŚCINIEC Polskie Pierogi
A popular wine bar where you can taste Polish sweet wines!
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Days 5-7: Kraków

MEININGER Kraków Centrum
In the heart of Kraków, this is a hostel-type stay for those looking to meet other travelers or move through Poland on a budget. The rooms are modern, clean, and airy, with freat windows overlooking the city from common spaces.
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Rynek Główny
The largest medieval square in Europe is housed here in Kraków! A great place to stroll, admire the restored architecture, and people watch in the city.
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Dragon Statue
This statue is dedicated to Smok Wawelski, the fire-breathing dragon in Polish folklore that lives in a cave beneath Wawel Hill. P.S. Stick around, the dragon breathes fire on a 10-minute interval!
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Rynek Underground Museum
Focusing on unique archaeological finds and the once medieval streets and architecture of Kraków, this museum is nestled right below the market square of the city. Visitors can admire reconstructions, original fragments, jewelry and household items, and more on a visit here.
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St. Mary's Basilica
An ornate, brick-Gothic cathedral showcasing the religious and cultural connections of Poland. Try to catch one of their hourly trumpet calls that come from the watchtower!
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Wawel Royal Castle-State Art Collection
An 11th-century, historic castle, with panoramic views, a trip to Kraków must have a stop here. Make sure to get there early to move through exhibits more quickly and ensure that you get tickets (they sell out quick!) Also, make sure to bring change for the smaller attractions as many of the machines for entry only accept coins.
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Camelot Cafe
A rustic, yet refined café in the heart of downtown that serves delicious breakfasts and coffee, as well as cocktails and mulled wine, perfect in the winter, later in the day.
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Day 8: Łódź

The Rose Passage
An alleyway full of buildings covered in mosaic mirrors which make for a one-of-a-kind art installation and photo op! Visit on a sunny day for the full effect!
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Cinema Museum in Lodz
Visit this museum to see how the Łódź film scene evolved and influences independent cinema within Poland, Europe, and beyond. It uses examples and artifacts to showcase and explain the evolution of filmmaking.
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Pierogarnia Stary Młyn Łódź
Indulge in the famous Polish pierogi at this local favorite. The meat pierogis are divine!
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The Brick Coffee Factory
Stop in here to fuel up for a day of exploration around this small, but mighty city. The coffee here will keep you going all day!
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Days 9-10: Zakopane

Tatra Chalet Krupówki 77A
A stay in downtown Zakopane, this little chalet will be a cozy stay your mountainous adventure (especially in the winter).
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Slow Tatry Boutique Resort
Get off the grid at this little mountain boutique amidst the mountainous and forested landscapes of Zakopane.
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Morskie Oko
The hike to Morskie Oko is 10 miles one way, and typically takes 6 hours roundtrip. About 30 minutes into the hike, along a paved road, there is a waterfall to admire and take a break at! The water of the lake is so clear, but you'll have to get up extra early if you want to visit in solitude. There is also a restaurant up here.
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Chochołowskie Termy
Relax your muscles after a day of hiking in these pools, and definitely make sure to use the sauna too!
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Czarny Staw pod Rysami
A total of 12.9 miles roundtrip will take you from the base up to a small mountain hut, and then up to this reflecting lake at the base of the Tatra Mountain peaks. Worth a day trip exploring this area!
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Kasprowy Wierch
Ride this gondola up through the rugged Tatra Mountains for a birds-eye view! This is the only high-mountain cableway in all of Poland, so take it all in.
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