5 Cities to Visit In Poland

In a country slightly smaller than New Mexico, Poland has an impressive number of destinations to visit, including cities and all that is found within. Officially, there are a total of 887 towns found within the country, the largest of which is Warsaw with its 1.7 million inhabitants, while the smallest town has a population of just more than 884. Here, we take a look at five cities to visit in Poland.

Warsaw

Though 84 percent of Warsaw was leveled during World War II, Warsaw and its residents are known for hard-working tradition and sense of humor. It took them 15 years to rebuild the city, now known as a meeting place for politicians, economists and artists from around the world. Must-sees include Old Town and its Market Square, St. John’s Cathedral and King’s Castle. Be sure to follow the Royal Route, which links the three royal residences: the King’s Castle, Łazienki Palace and Park and Wilanów Palace.

Krak

The former Polish royal capital, Kraków is considered one of the most attractive spots in all of Europe, and is known for its historical monuments of culture and art; one-quarter of the country’s museums are found here. In addition, Kraków boasts festivals, theaters, cabarets, clubs, cafés, bars, wine cellars and restaurants too numerous to mention, but needless to say, it is worth taking time to get to know the city.

Colorful streets of Lublin, Poland © Neirfy | Dreamstime.com

Lublin

For centuries, Lublin has been considered a meeting place of artists, scientists, students and businesspeople. When the city was granted civic rights in 1317, it strengthened its position along the borders of Eastern and Western Europe. Today, sites to visit within Lublin include the Tower of the Trinity, with its view of Old Town spread over four hills: Czwartek, Grodzisko, Zamkowe and Staromiejskie; the Tower is a terrific place to start any visit to Lublin.

Szczecin

On the other side of Poland, northwest of Lublin, is Szczecin, the historic capital of West Pomerania, about 40 miles from the Baltic Sea. Though is had a tumultuous history by being incorporated into other countries such as Sweden and Prussia, it is all Poland today. During your visit, follow the red line to follow the tourist route that leads you to the city’s most important sights, including the Old Market, the Dukes of Pomerania Castle and the City Gates, to name a few attractions.

Opole

To the south, Opole’s layout that originates to the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries has been preserved, and is referred to as the Silesian chessboard. Be sure to check out Town Hall; it was a merchant’s house that dates back to the 13th century, though its current architecture is from 1936.