Poland is a fascinating country that's often overlooked by travelers. It's not as well-known as its neighbors, but it has plenty to offer whether you're interested in history, culture, or just want to see some beautiful cities and natural landscapes. Here are my picks for places to visit in Poland:
Krakow
Krakow is one of Poland's largest cities, with a population of over 700,000 people. Located in southern Poland and at the heart of Europe's old continent, it has been an important city for centuries.
The city's rich history began in the 10th century when King Casimir I built his castle here. The town quickly grew into a center for trade and culture throughout its early years until it was destroyed by Mongol invaders during The Black Death pandemic (1349-1351). In 1457 Krakow was refounded by King Kazimierz Jagiellończyk as "Cracovia" (Latinized from Polish Kraków). After this point on there were many advancements in science and technology which helped bring about modern society as we know it today--including but not limited to: astronomy; medicine; botany; zoology; physics; chemistry et cetera.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
The Wieliczka Salt Mine, located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Krakow, is the oldest operating salt mine in the world. It was created by King Kazimierz III Wielki in 13th century. The main attraction of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is its underground cathedral carved out of natural rock salt by miners over centuries.
The mine has been open to tourists since 1874 and remains popular with visitors today due to its impressive architecture and unique atmosphere (which can be experienced at various levels within the mine).
Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital of Poland, and it's also the largest city in the country. It has a long and rich history that dates back to medieval times when it was home to kings and queens. Today, Warsaw is a modern city with many museums, galleries and churches; but you can still find green spaces like parks where you can enjoy some peace and quiet.
Warsaw is also a great place for shopping, eating and drinking. You'll find many shops and cafes in the city center selling local goods and food. The best places to eat include Old Town with its many restaurants serving traditional Polish cuisine.
There are many things to do in Warsaw, including visiting the Palace of Culture and Science—a skyscraper that was built by the Soviets after World War II. It's one of the tallest buildings in Poland and has an observation deck on its roof that offers spectacular views over Warsaw. You can also take a tour of old Warsaw and see its many churches, as well as visit other parts of the city such as Ochota and Mokotów.
Gdansk
Gdansk is a beautiful city located on the Baltic Sea, with a rich history and culture. The city has been home to many important events in Polish history, including the Solidarity movement that led to the fall of communism in 1989. Gdansk's architecture reflects its past as well as its current status as an important port city: you can find examples of Gothic and Baroque styles throughout the city center--and if you're lucky enough, there might even be some contemporary architecture mixed in among them!
Gdansk also has a thriving art scene; every year during July and August (when it's warm enough), residents flock to beaches like Sopot Beach or Gdynia Beach for all kinds of music festivals including Rock For People or Open'er Festival (which just happens to be Europe's biggest).
Wroclaw
Wroclaw is a city in western Poland, at the heart of Europe. It's known for its beautiful architecture and rich culture; it's also one of Poland's most cosmopolitan cities. Wroclaw has been home to many cultures throughout history--from the Celts and Slavs to Germans, Austrians and Czechs--and this multiculturalism is reflected in its architecture as well as its cuisine (which includes traditional Polish dishes). The city has been named European Capital of Culture 2016/17 by UNESCO, so now is as good a time as any to visit!
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is a town in southern Poland that's famous for its basilica and pilgrimage site. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 18th century, and it was added to the list in 1978.
The basilica itself can be found on top of a hill overlooking the town below; its design is influenced by Italian architecture with Baroque elements such as ornate decorations and statues lining its facades. Inside, there are several chapels where pilgrims come to pray for various reasons--for example, some people pray for help finding jobs or healing from illness while others may simply want to visit loved ones who have passed away here (it's customary for Polish people).
Poland is a great country to visit, with so much to see and do! The city of Warsaw has plenty of museums and monuments to explore, while Krakow offers beautiful architecture and a rich history. If you're looking for something more outdoorsy, perhaps consider checking out one of Poland's many lakeside resorts or national parks like Szczawnica or Pieniny Mountains.