25 Things You Must Try in Poland at Least Once!
From delicious traditional food and breathtaking landscapes to fascinating traditions and unforgettable festivals, Poland is full of experiences waiting to be discovered.
How many of these can you tick off your Polish bucket list?
- Taste your way through Polish cuisine. Try traditional favourites like pierogi, bigos, żurek, barszcz, oscypek, placki ziemniaczane and kotlet schabowy. Save some room for dessert! Treat yourself to sernik, kremówka, sękacz, krówki or Ptasie Mleczko.
- Eat like a local at a bar mleczny. Step into a traditional Polish milk bar for affordable, homemade-style meals. It's a delicious way to experience everyday Polish culture!
- Travel from Zakopane to Hel by train. From the mountains in the south to the Baltic coast in the north — discover just how diverse Poland can be on one epic train journey!
- Go sailing in Masuria. Explore the beautiful Masurian Lake District, famous for its sparkling lakes, picturesque scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
- Paddle through Poland's waterways. Grab a kayak or canoe and explore the rivers and canals of Suwalszczyzna or the Drawsko Lake District.
- Hit the slopes in the Tatra Mountains. Whether you're into skiing or snowboarding, Poland's mountain resorts are perfect for a winter adventure.
- Escape to the Bieszczady Mountains. Hike through stunning landscapes, enjoy breathtaking views and discover one of Poland's most peaceful mountain regions.
- Spot a European bison in Białowieża. Visit Białowieża National Park and discover the home of Europe's largest land mammal.
- See Warsaw from above. Head up to the observation terrace on the 30th floor of the Palace of Culture and Science for panoramic views of Poland's capital.
- Try windsurfing or kitesurfing on the Hel Peninsula. Experience one of Poland's most popular destinations for water sports.
- Discover life in a traditional Polish village. Explore the countryside and experience local traditions, architecture and hospitality.
- Listen to Kraków's famous trumpet call. Visit St. Mary's Basilica and listen to the Hejnał Mariacki, played every hour. Discover the fascinating legend behind its abruptly ending melody!
- Go dwarf hunting in Wrocław. Hundreds of tiny bronze dwarfs are hidden throughout the city. How many can you find?
- Cheer like a true Polish sports fan. Support Poland's national football team and learn the chant Nic się nie stało, Polacy, nic się nie stało! And don't forget ski jumping, one of Poland's favourite winter sports!
- Decorate your own Easter egg. Discover the beautiful Polish tradition of pisanki by painting, dyeing or decorating Easter eggs.
- Get ready to get soaked on Śmigus-Dyngus! Easter Monday is also known as Wet Monday in Poland. Playful water fights are part of the tradition!
- Eat a pączek (or two!) on Fat Thursday. Celebrate Tłusty Czwartek the Polish way — with delicious doughnuts!
- Celebrate the first day of spring. Discover Dzień Wagarowicza (Truancy Day), an unofficial tradition associated with the first day of spring.
- Experience a Polish music festival. Dance, sing and make unforgettable memories at festivals like Open'er Festival or Pol'and'Rock Festival.
- Discover your fortune on Andrzejki. Celebrate St. Andrew's Eve with a traditional fortune-telling game using melted wax and cold water.
- Make a splash at Suntago! Visit Suntago at Park of Poland, one of Europe's largest indoor water parks, and enjoy tropical pools, waterslides and relaxation zones.
- Cross the Polish–Slovak border on foot. Explore the Tatra Mountains and experience hiking across the border on a permitted trail.
- Discover extraordinary art in Zakopane. Visit the Władysław Hasior Gallery, where everyday objects and discarded materials are transformed into thought-provoking works of art.
- Join the Juwenalia celebrations. Experience Poland's legendary student festivals, with concerts and outdoor events organised by university communities every spring.
- Get lost in Kraków's Kazimierz district. Wander through the historic Jewish quarter, discover charming streets, explore its rich cultural heritage and enjoy its lively cafés.
Your Polish Adventure Starts Here!
Whether you're studying in Poland, visiting for the first time or already calling it home, there's always something new to discover.