Well-established Slavic country with colorful Eastern block charms, and without the tourists.
As an American in Europe, I’d say Poland is probably the first truly Slavic eastern-European country you’ll reach. It’s close enough to easily arrive from western Europe (neighbors Germany/Czech), yet far enough to maintain its own vibe and doesn’t have hordes of western tourists and foreigners like those 2.
Poland is truly a gem for me. Kind people, great food, cheaper than the rest of western Europe (but not cheap). And I love that it has a different set of tourists, mostly all European and many from further east and south of Europe…it’s kind of the international hub for them. What you get here is IMO a much more authentic eastern European vibe than Czech Republic (because of its Disneyland tourist presence with bigger old town and charmier bridges/water-points).
5-10 days would easily cover 2 to 3 cities. And give you a full range of Poland’s charms.
General tips for traveling in Poland:
- Many people in commercial places speak English.
- Public transportation – is very good, clean, and cheap to use. Bus, tram, trains, metro.
- Trains – Beware of late trains. The way Poland’s train system works…a delayed train is given lower priority so that it doesn’t make other trains late. So in theory, a train delayed only 5 minutes may actually have to wait and result in 30-mins delay. Good to know if you’re relying on train to get to the airport. 1st class trains are worth it to me, since they cost 50% than 2nd class but come with more space, free food, and working internet.
- You should try Soplica alcohol. If you meet locals, many of them make their own homemade alcohol and will offer you some. Drink it as a show of good friendship.
- There are many immigrants in Poland…they come from poorer countries like Ukraine and Belarus. I met even some from as far as Uzbekistan. And some even live in hostels…which makes for a strange situation at large cheap hostels that aren’t restricted to backpackers. They were never mean or unpleasant to me but just felt like I was staying in a jail cell with war refugees rather than a cozy room with other backpackers. Hahaha.
Safety tips:
- Poland is super safe. You don’t have crime and pickpockets like in Western Europe.
- Everywhere feels incredibly safe. Like nothing will ever happen to you.
- Safe for all people, male or female, old or young, of any race or ethnicity.
Poland cities (* = recommended, ** = must see):
- Krakow** – most charmy big city of Poland. With a big old town area and lots to see. Lots of green, water points, more beautiful things than Warsaw, also better weather than Warsaw (less cold in the winter). 3-5 days is enough. Easily walkable. 2-3 days is enough to see the old town and castle, and water areas. Extra days can be for the Jewish district.
- Wroclaw* – actually one of Poland’s bigger cities, but still feels like a beautiful small charmy town outside Krakow. Nice old town, architecture, and water points. Is considered the Venice of Poland. Can be 1-2 day trip. You actually discover more things as you spend more time.
- Poznan – another nice town but I feel more people would say Wroclaw is better. And that Poznan isn’t worth making a trip out of your way for.
- Warsaw – was destroyed during the war and therefore doesn’t look as charmy with its rebuilt modern city design. Still has some charmy parts, but overall feels more like a regular city with big streets for cars. Lower on tourism value but also nice to visit and live. Of course, nobody denies that Krakow is most definitely better for tourists. If you’re looking to buy Polish-made quality goods, Warsaw may be cheaper and easier to find them since it’s the more industrial city.
- Lodz – the cool small hip town outside Warsaw. I can’t remember if Polish people said this one was boring.
- Gdansk* – another highly recommended city to see. Super beautiful and different architecture. Different vibe as well especially since it’s set on the water.
Nearby countries:
- Germany – what can I say that hasn’t already been said? Nice country, nice places. I personally am not a fan because the vibe feels somewhat like America and not unique/exotic to me. But I highly recommend you visit if you’ve never been. See for yourself.
- Czech Republic – definitely go to Prague. It’s like the eastern European version of Rome, with many big epic buildings, and bridges. So beautiful and very popular places for foreigners to live.
- Slovakia – only went to Bratislava, and it seems like a tiny tiny Prague (from Westerner POV).
- Belarus – haven’t been.
- Ukraine – amazing country which I loved. Lviv (super cute and charmy with endless amazing restaurants) is right by Polish border and easily accessible. Kyiv is further inland but feels more epic with much more incredible architecture and places to go.
- Kaliningrad – Russian territory. I know nothing about it. From reading online, I hear it’s becoming a more and more popular place for tourism. But I guess they say this about everywhere.