The Best of Poland

Gdańsk Old Town

Gdańsk Old Town is the historic center of Gdańsk, and is recognized as one of the oldest parts of the city
The Old Town features an array of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque, reflecting its historical and cultural significance
It is known for its red-brick churches and ornate merchant houses that once belonged to wealthy traders

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov

The Main Square (or Rynek Główny) in Kraków is one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe
It is located in the center of Kraków's historic Old Town, surrounded by historic townhouses, churches, cafés, museums, and shops
A key feature of the main square is Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), a central landmark dating back to the Renaissance, that houses various shops and a museum
Another notable attraction is St. Mary's Basilica, which is a Gothic church known for its impressive altarpiece and the famous trumpet signal played every hour
The remnants of the former Town Hall offer panoramic views of the square

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov

Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory is a historical site located in Kraków
Originally established as a metal item and enamelware factory, it gained notoriety during World War II when Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist, used it as a refuge for over 1,000 Jewish workers
By employing them, he effectively saved them from the Holocaust, providing a safe haven amidst the Nazi occupation
Today, the factory houses a museum that features a permanent exhibition titled "Kraków under Nazi Occupation 1939-1945," which details the experiences of the Jewish community

The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum is a significant memorial and museum located in Oświęcim, on the site of the former Nazi German concentration and extermination camp known as Auschwitz
Established in 1947, the museum serves to honor the memory of the victims of the Holocaust and educate visitors about the atrocities committed during World War II
It includes preserved remnants of the camp, such as gas chambers, crematoria, and barracks, alongside exhibitions that document the history of the camp and the experiences of its prisoners
The museum plays a crucial role in Holocaust education and remembrance

Best time to visit: June-Aug

Old Town Warsaw (Stare Miasto) is the historical center of Poland's capital, renowned for its history and architecture
It is the oldest part of Warsaw, featuring numerous historic buildings primarily from the 17th and 18th centuries, such as the Royal Castle, city walls, and St. John's Cathedral
The area features colorful tenement houses, and a bustling market square
Visitors can enjoy various attractions, including historical museums, art galleries, and cafes

Best time to visit: June-Aug

Łazienki Park, (Park Łazienkowski), is the largest park in Warsaw, located in the city center, and characterized by its landscaped gardens, walking paths, and large lake
It is renowned for its gardens and historical buildings, which were mainly established in the 17th century
The park was originally designed as a royal residence and has since evolved into a public park
The park features several notable structures, including Palace on the Water, which is situated on an island within the park; the Chopin Monument, which is a statue dedicated to the composer Frédéric Chopin; and the Roman Theatre, an open-air theatre that hosts performances and events

The Wieliczka Salt Mine (Kopalnia soli Wieliczka) is a historic salt mine located in the town of Wieliczka
It is one of the oldest salt mines in the world, with mining activities dating back to the 13th century
The mine was a significant source of salt, which played a crucial role in the economy of Poland over the centuries
Today, it attracts visitors to explore its intricate tunnels, chambers, and chapels carved from salt