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Taking its name from the Polanie tribe who inhabited this land in the 6th century, Poland is true borderlands territory. Bordered by Germany to the west, Poland’s eastern frontier is shared, in part, with Belarus, the country oft dubbed “Europe’s last dictatorship”. Go a little further north, and you’ll find yourself within touching distance of Russia.
Polish history is complex. Intriguingly so. Starting life as a loosely organised duchy, Poland has been an absolute monarchy, an independent republic and seen life under German, Soviet and Slovak occupation. Unlike its neighbors to the east, Poland was never a part of the Soviet Union. Not officially, that is. For 42 years as an Eastern Bloc country, Poland was heavily influenced by Moscow.
Poland’s natural landscape is just about as diverse as it’s history, too. Our 7 day Poland itinerary takes you from the rugged peaks of the Carpathians to the crystal clear waters of the Baltic. Along the way, we’ll pass through cities where old towns from centuries past fade into modern skyscrapers, discover a culture steeped in tradition and uncover a cuisine whose influences reflect Poland’s intriguing past.
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7 Day Poland Itinerary: FAQ and the Practicalities
Getting to Poland
Our 7 day Poland itinerary is based upon starting in Krakow and ending in Gdansk. Of course, you can do it in reverse, or add on a few days either side to see even more of this captivating country. Krakow and Gdansk are not only highlights of any visit to Poland, but serve as international gateways.
Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK) is the second busiest hub in the country. It’s very well connected to destinations across Europe along with serving a number of flights from the Middle East and the United States.
When the inevitable happens and you reach the end of your Polish adventure, Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport (GDN) has flights to destinations all over Europe. If you’re traveling from further afield, a quick transfer in Warsaw is your connection to the rest of the world.
Why Not Warsaw?
Flying into Warsaw Chopin (WAW), Poland’s busiest and best connected airport, is no bad idea. The reason our 7 day Poland itinerary neither starts nor ends in the capital is purely geographical. Warsaw is, more-or-less, in the center of the country. This means you’d be losing precious travel time working your way around all the amazing cities we’ve included.
If you don’t fancy making a transfer in Warsaw, express trains and intercity buses run frequently between the city and Krakow and Gdansk. For those who aren’t a fan of changing hotels during your travels, a great alternative to this 7 day Poland itinerary is to base yourself in Warsaw and explore Poland on day trips.
Getting Around
Driving is a great way to get around Poland. The road network is extensive and well maintained, with fast, modern toll roads connecting major cities. If you’ve haven’t brought, or hired, a car, you’ll still be able to enjoy all the destinations included in our 7 day Poland itinerary. Polish public transport is excellent; we’ve included some helpful tips on the best way to get between locations.
Ultimate 7 Day Poland Itinerary
Day 1: Krakow
Krakow is proof that history is often made by accident. From 1320 to 1611, Krakow served as Poland’s capital. In 1595, Wawel Castle- King Zygmunt III’s official residence- was badly damaged by fire; the result, so legend has it, of an alchemy experiment gone wrong. Although Zygmunt had the castle rebuilt, at the same time he decided to relocate his court to Warsaw which, in 1611, he made capital.
It’s at that very castle that our 7 day Poland itinerary begins. You’ll definitely want to book your place on a guided tour to get a behind the scenes view of the royal apartments and underground tombs. Spend the rest of your morning in Krakow exploring the UNESCO-listed old town, Stare Miasto. Protected by a 3km long fortified wall complete with no less than 46 towers, the best way to discover the old town is on a sightseeing tour.
Conclude your tour in time for lunch in the main square, rather anticlimactically called Main Square. Restaurant Wierzynek, housed in a 14th century royal residence decked out with coats of armour and sabers is the ideal place for your first taste of Poland.
No trip to Krakow is complete without exploring the history of Kazimierz, Krakow’s former Jewish Quarter. Today, the area is full of cute boutiques and little cafes. However, once upon a time this was one of the most important Jewish centres in Europe. To visit without a guided tour would mean missing a core part of the fabric of what makes Krakow so special.
Spend your afternoon in Krakow exploring one of its newest, but without doubt finest, museums. Rynek Underground Museum takes you on a subterranean journey through the city’s history. With 43,000 feet of exhibition space, Rynek covers everything from 11th century burial sites to Krakow’s Jewish heritage and wartime history.
Krakow Extras
There’s only one drawback to this (or any) 7 day Poland itinerary: Poland has so much to offer, you’ll barely scratch the surface. And with two of the country’s most important sites on Krakow’s doorstep, you’ll need to choose carefully.
Wieliczka Salt Mine, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is 12km south of the city. Its 20 chambers descend some 135 meters beneath the ground and, though mining ended almost 30 years ago, the mine has been impeccably preserved. You can reach the mine by bus in around 30 minutes from the old town, but for the best experience, book a guided tour with transport included.
The second requires no introduction and none could truly do it the justice it deserves. Auschwitz, around 65km west of Krakow, is somewhere everyone ought visit once, no matter how sombre the occasion. The best way to reach the camp is to join a guided group tour from the old town. If we’re being completely honest, one really cannot visit Poland without experiencing the horrors of Auschwitz. This is a site which will stay with you for a long, long time.
Where to Stay in Krakow
As tomorrow is an easy day trip from Krakow, plan on spending two nights in the city. Not only will this save time and hassle, Krakow is a city in which you could easily spend this entire 7 day Poland itinerary without getting bored. Plus, you’ll have the chance to experience the city’s lively, student-driven nightlife scene.
Unsurprisingly, the old town is the best area to base yourself. Hotel Pod Roza is our top pick. Luxurious, without a luxury price tags, the building may date back centuries, but the rooms are modern and the spa serene. A great budget alternative, Pollera, boasts an unbeatable location. If you love old world charm, this is the place for you.
Day 2: A Day Trip to the Tatra Mountains
The second day of our 7 day Poland itinerary takes us to within touching distance of the Slovakian border. Head south from Krakow to Zakopane, Poland’s most-loved mountain city. In winter, snow sports enthusiasts flock here in their thousands, through summer, Zakopane is the place to go to escape the crowds.
Travel tip: If you’re driving, make a stop in Nowy Targ. A visit to Museum Podhalanskie to learn about the region’s history is well worth the detour.
Whilst Zakopane mainly serves as a base for those heading off into the mountains, spending a little time in the town itself is highly recommended. Be sure to pay a visit to Villa Atma. The former home of composer Karol Syzmanowski is now a museum dedicated to his life and works.
Fuel up on hearty Polish classics at Karczma Zapiecek before uncovering the art of cheesemaking at Muzeum Oscypka. Oscypek is a Tatra staple. Made from salted sheep milk, this smoked cheese isn’t made anywhere else in the world.
This afternoon, get out of Zakopane to experience the Tatras in their full glory. If you’re traveling independently, head for the main National Park car park and lose yourself amongst the trails.
Getting from Krakow to the Tatra Mountains
The get the most from your visit to the Tatra Mountains on a 7 day Poland itinerary, you’ll want to hop on a guided tour from Krakow. This full day option includes Zakopane, a cheese and vodka tasting and a visit to Chocholowskie thermal baths.
If you prefer to travel independently without a car, the best option is to take the bus. Buses depart four times per day, taking around two hours. Regular direct trains are also available, but are slightly slower and more expensive than the bus.
Day 3: Krakow to Lublin
Leaving Krakow behind, our 7 day Poland itinerary heads north. Although you can easily travel directly from Krakow to Warsaw, heading east to spend a night in Lublin enroute is always a good idea. The quickest way to reach Lublin, other than driving, is by train; the journey takes just over 4 hours. Frequent intercity buses are also available, with a travel time of around 5 hours.
Lublin may not be the first city which comes to mind when you think of Poland, but it’s arguably one of the most beautiful in the country. There’s so much to see, you could easily spend a weekend here. When you’re on a 7 day Poland itinerary, though, such time is a luxury which can’t be afforded. The good news is, one night in Lublin is just enough to tick off its finest sights.
Lublin is home to Poland’s most confronting concentration camp – Majdanek. Set within the actual city, Majdanek is not for the faint-hearted. Here, you can literally enter the gas chambers and see mounds of human ash outside the crematorium. To truly understand the history of Lublin, this is one site which cannot be missed.
Dating back to the medieval period, Lublin is brimming with history. Centuries old buildings line the cobbled streets and Lublin Castle is one of Poland’s oldest royal residences. Join a guided walking tour of the old town so you don’t miss any of the sights.
Where to Stay in Lublin
Lublin is one of the largest cities in Poland and is surprisingly spread out. To maximise sightseeing time on this 7 day Poland itinerary, pick a hotel in, or close to, the old town. Vanilla Hotel is our number one choice. One of Lublin’s newer additions, Fontana Boutique is another great pick. For a more personal, intimate experience, check out Dom Na Podwula.
If you’re looking to extend your Poland adventures, Lublin makes for an excellent base for day trips around southern Poland. From here, you can easily make day trips to gorgeous small towns and some of the most off-the-beaten-path extermination camps of the Holocaust, including Sobibor and Belzec. For more tips, don’t miss our guide to the best day trips from Lublin.
Day 4: Lublin to Warsaw
The city which stole Krakow’s premiership, Warsaw is home to over three million people. It’s always busy, but take a stroll around the old town and you’ll soon forget you’re in Poland’s economic powerhouse. The drive from Lublin takes less than two hours; for those using public transport intercity buses run several times a day. Trains are also available and are a little quicker, though the cost can be significantly higher.
Kick start your day in Warsaw with a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed old town. Highlights include the Royal Castle – the one built after the fire in Krakow’s which now serves as one of Poland’s top museums covering everything from fine art to Polish history- and the Presidential Palace. If you fancy a more in depth walking tour, this Jewish history-led tour of the Warsaw Ghetto will help explain some of the more interesting periods of Warsaw’s history.
Travel tip: As Poland’s largest city, a great way to get to grips with Warsaw is to take a trip on a Hop On, Hop Off bus tour.
Next up, pay a visit to my all time favorite Warsaw museum. The Warsaw Rising Museum documents the 1944 uprising which played a key role in ending the German occupation during World War Two. Museum Zycia w PRL is another Warsaw institution, documenting life in Warsaw under communism.
For a slightly different evening of entertainment, attending a candlelight Chopin concert is a highlight of this 7 day Poland itinerary. Warsaw’s restaurant scene is as diverse as you’d expect from a capital city, and tonight is the ideal opportunity to stray away from Polish cuisine, as delicious as it may be. Ceska is a fantastic Czech-themed beer hall, whilst Amar Beirut is a hotspot for Lebanese fusion.
Jewish Warsaw
No visit to Warsaw is complete without visiting the award-winning POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. You’ll want to allocate a solid few hours as you run through the highs and lows of Polish Jewish history in one of the most interactive and cutting-edge museums in Europe. For those interested in more of Warsaw’s unique Jewish history, don’t miss our ultimate guide to Jewish sites in Warsaw.
If you have a bit more time up your sleeve, a half-day trip to the nearby extermination camp of Treblinka is a harrowing and a rawer experience than Auschwitz.
Where to Stay in Warsaw
As you’d expect, Poland’s modern capital has more hotels than you can shake a stick at. Prices are higher here, but even so, there are still some great bargains to be had. Quirky Oki Doki in the old town is one of them. Unequivocally our favorite Warsaw hotel, Oki Doki oozes charm and is just steps from Old Town Square.
For something a little more modern, Sava Boutique on the banks of the Vistula is a great choice. The small surcharge for a river view room is worth every groszy. The Teatro Hotel is perfect for those craving a historic property without skimping on the mod-cons.
As an alternative itinerary, consider basing yourself in Warsaw and taking day trips around the country. For a complete guide to Warsaw’s best day trips, we have you covered.
Day 5: Warsaw to Torun
Following the banks of the Vistula northwards, today’s journey takes us from the birthplace of Poland’s most famous composer, to the birthplace of its most revered scientist. With a quaint, cobbled old town, former Hanseatic League city Torun was first settled in the 8th century. Intercity trains leave Warsaw every hour, taking around two hours to complete the journey.
Aside from visiting the former home of Nicolaus Copernicus, the man who developed the Heliocentric system placing the sun at the centre of the universe, in Torun’s old town, make a beeline for the Museum of Gingerbread. Pierniki has been produced here since the Middle Ages.
Once you’ve seen how it’s made and, naturally, tried a sample or two, head for Jan Olbracht microbrewery for a taste of gingerbread beer. If beer is your tipple, this beer tasting tour around some of Torun’s best pubs is guaranteed to hit the spot.
Where to Stay in Torun
Evenings in Torun are best spent admiring the twinkling lights of the old town from a Vistula cruise. Therefore, it’s best to stay as close to the old town as possible. Hotel Gromada has one of the best locations in town, though if you want a river view, Hotel Bulwar is the hotel for you. If you’d rather stay just outside the historic center, the Copernicus Hotel is in a quiet spot a short walk away from the action. It comes with a full service spa and an outdoor pool.
Day 6: Torun to Gdansk
The first stop on the penultimate day of our 7 day Poland itinerary is one of the most iconic. Gothic Malbork Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed by the Teutonic Order in the 13th century. Most trains between Torun and Gdansk make a stop in Malbork, from where it’s an easy walk to the castle.
Continuing north to the Baltic coast, spend the afternoon exploring the culture-ridden Hanseatic city of Gdansk. Grab a late lunch at riverside Gdanski Bowke. In true Pomeranian style, round off your meal with a shot of Danziger Goldwasser, a strong herbal liqueur produced in Gdansk since 1598.
Explore the old town with a guided walking tour before paying a visit to the National Maritime Museum. Gdansk has long been one of Poland’s most important port cities and shipbuilding is still a major industry here. When darkness falls, the old town doesn’t sleep. Spend the evening ambling along the banks of the Motlawa or bar hopping around the Long Market.
Where to Stay in Gdansk
As is becoming a theme of this 7 day Poland itinerary, Gdansk’s glorious old town is the place to spend your final night. Holland House Residence comes with stunning views of the Long Market, whilst Hotel Artus is full of history. For something a little more luxurious, check out Kamienica Gotyk.
Day 7: To Hel and Back
My all time favorite Polish town, Hel couldn’t not appear on this 7 day Poland itinerary. During summer months (April to September), ferries depart daily from Gdansk harbor for the two-and-a-half hour crossing to Hel. You can’t pre-book tickets, so arrive early to purchase one. During the winter, you’ll need to take the train, making a change in Gdynia. For a much smoother day trip, book a full day private tour of the Hel Peninsula with transfers from Gdansk.
Pay a visit to the seals at Hel Fokarium before having a traditional seafood lunch by the harbor. There are countless shacks selling fresh mussels or, for table service, head to Maszoperia. Spend the afternoon strolling around Nadmorski Head. The beaches are serene, but the highlight is following the Fortification Trail through woodland in search of artefacts from Hel’s naval past.
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