By Adrian Grycuk -wikimedia

10 Best cities to visit in Poland 


 

Poland is a Central European country with a population of 37.9 million people, the seventh largest population in Europe. 

Poland had a devastating time during the World War II, it suffered vast destruction but rose to be one of the most fascinating places to Visit in Europe. 

It has fairy like old towns, cobbled streets and beautiful architecture, and imposing Gothic churches. 

The culinary scene of this city can be experienced in its phenomenal restaurants and has electric nightlife clubs spread over every corner of the country. 

The country’s landscape is painted with beautiful mountains and lovely seaside resorts adding more fun activities to to-do lists. 

The country is famously known for its myriad creativity of potato dishes such as dish pierogi and potatoes, pork loin kotlet schabowy cutlet, sour cucumber soup and mushroom soup.

Here are the best cities to visit in Poland.

1. Warsaw

By Lukaszmalkiewicz.pl -wikimedia

This is the cpital city of Poland and the largest city. Its metropolis is along the Vistula River in east-central Poland.

Warsaw was destroyed to the ground during World War II and it took a lot of effort to build it to its current glory.

The city offers a mix of architectural designs from Gothic churches, interesting museums, to modern buildings that can be found amongst the old grey communist buildings.

It has lovely parks and different neighborhoods for recreation activities or just walks. The many restaurants, bars and clubs in the city offer affordable meal and drinks.

A great view of the city can be experienced from the top of the imposing Palace of Culture and Science that rises above the tiny buildings below.

2. Krakow

By Maatex – wikimedia

This is the second oldest and largest city in Poland. It is n the south bordering the Czech Republic.  

It is well known for its well-preserved medieval old town center and Jewish quarter where its synagogues still stands. The Auschwitz is a favorite of many tourists.

The old town is lined by planty Park and ruins of the medieval walls. 

At the main plaza, Rynek Glówny, is where the Cloth hall, an ancient European trading center and the 14th century St. Mary’s Basilica Gothic church are. The square is the biggest in Europe. 

The city was a former royal capital and the Wawel Castle is one of the places to visit amongst other fantastic museums and historical sites. 

The city has plenty of restaurants and  bars to dine at, with endless options of nightlife places that gives a different polish adventure.

3. Wroclaw

Wroclaw is the fourth largest city in Poland with active art and culture scenes, there are many festivals and events that happen in the city annually.

This charming city has diverse influence resulting from the unique look and culture of the city.  It has borrowed its influence from Austria, Bohemia, and Prussia. 

The city’s architecture reflects it past and proof of other European influence like the Rynek market square.

Wrocław is along Odra river and has many bridges and beautiful parks along the river banks, perfect for relaxing. 

Ostrow Tumski is a place worth visiting, the island dates back to the 9th century. The Gothic St. John Baptist cathedral on the island was rebuilt after World War II and Holy Cross church.

The Archdiocese Museum is one of  the oldest historical museum that has been around for over 100 years. It exhibits sacral art, which has great historical and artistic value. 

Other exhibits in the museum include Henrykowska Book from 13th-14th century that has the first sentence written in Polish.

4. Sopot

Wikimedia

This is a popular seaside resort that attracts the affluent societies to its stylish villas, classy restaurants and lively nightlife. 

Sopot started off  as a fishing village and is now an overdeveloped seafront that hides the artifacts of the past that can be found hidden around the city.

This city has beautiful beaches along the Baltic Sea. It is a favorite spot for many during the summer as many vacationers go to enjoy the pleasures Sopot has to offer.

5. Lublin

Lublin got heavily bombed during World War II and the proof of the dark  past can be seen through the post-war communist era buildings in the city. There are nice modern houses in the city too.

This is the largest city in the southeast of Poland. It has a number of cultural heritages that attracts tourists along with plenty of bars, restaurants, cafés and night clubs.

The old town in Lublin displays a beautiful contrast of the past and present with plenty of eateries.

It used to be referred to as the ‘Jewish Oxford’ because it was a successful Jewish center of learning. 

Some ruins of the Jewish past can still be found in the city despite WWII nightmare that halted the cultural heritage. One popular delicacy in the city is the onion cake.

It is a city that flourishes as a center of culture and higher learning. It was chosen as the seat of the Crown Tribunal in 1578.

6. Kielce

Kielce is a city in south central Poland with a population of 195,774 people. 

Its most valued structure is the Polish manor house known as Dworek. It is from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth age and has been well maintained since then.

Another architectural attraction in the city is the palace of the Kraków Bishops which dates back to the 17th century. It used to be  the summer house for the Bishops of Krakow.

The palace houses the national museum that contains elaborate and important collection of Polish paintings.

This city has a number of churches that are worth a visit. The Kiecle cathedral was built in the 12th century and destroyed in the 13th century.

The church has undergone several renovations since and is well maintained.

 There are regular masses that are held religiously in the church a practice from the 18th century.

7. Zakopane

Zakopane city is on the lower slopes of the Tatra mountains, Poland’s most popular mountain resort a haven for outdoor lovers.  

The city is famous for its hiking and skiing activities during the summer and the winter. 

Its lovely wooden villas found around the city provide cozy accommodation while its beautiful landscape adds to the charm of the city. 

This city’s magnificent features was the source of inspiration the  many artists, poets, writers and painters.

8. Bialystok

This is the largest city in podlaise and borders Belarus. Its proximity to Belarus has given rise to a mix of cultures from both countries within its borders.

Bialystok started off as the textile industry boomed leading to the creation of Esperanto born from its diverse languages and culture. 

There are few historical sites that resulted from the holocaust due to the destruction of the city by the nazis.

Sites to visit in this city include: Branickis’ Palace, Warszawska street, Jewish Heritage Trail in Białystok.

9. Gdynia

Gdynia is a port city on the Baltic Sea famous for its modernist architecture  and the city museum that showcases local history.

The WWII ship ORP Blyskawica together with the tall ship Dar Pomorza from 1909 are now museums in the city anchored on the southern pier. 

The Kościuszki Square has a unique fountain as its center leading to the waterfront. The city’s aquarium is home to sharks and piranhas. 

Its very long seashores and promenades  offer an ideal experience at the waterfronts and the attractive beaches, 

This is the second largest Polish port with great nightlife and restaurants.

10. Lodz

This is the third largest city in Poland. The city has an industrial past that was influenced by the German occupation and communist rule. 

The renovation of the city’s streets and buildings has led to rise of shopping malls and business centers amongst the ruins of the past. 

There are hidden gems in the city that are spread in the old industrial warehouses. 

There are sites with Jewish heritage and history, monuments and cemetery, reminders of the once growing Jewish population in the city. 

 

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