17 Famous Landmarks in Poland You Need to Visit

1. Auschwitz-Birkenau 

By Aimee from Our Salt Souls

Auschwitz-Birkenau located in southern Poland, around an hour’s drive from Krakow, is a solemn reminder of one of humanity’s darkest times. When heading to Auschwitz-Birkenau which is situated on the outskirts of the city, it’s advisable to opt for a day tour.

A day tour will usually include a guided tour through Auschwitz as well as an afternoon tour of the salt mines. If you do a full day tour there is a small family-run restaurant called ‘Dzień Dobry’ Pierogarnia that was our favourite place to eat during our time in Krakow.

Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau are best visited during the spring or fall to avoid the summer crowds while still experiencing moderate weather. However, if you visit in the winter you are able to experience the harshest of conditions which the prisoners here would have had to experience. 

Please remember when heading to Auschwitz-Birkenau that this is not only a historical landmark but also a memorial for all the souls laid to rest here, so please be respectful during your visit. 

When you are planning your trip, consider spending Christmas in Krakow, a city steeped in tradition and festive charm. This allows you to be able to enjoy the festive cheer after exploring some of history’s darkest days. 

​​2. Morskie Oko Lake

By Paulina from the UK Every Day

Morskie Oko is a famous landmark located in the Tatra Mountains of Poland. It is a beautiful glacial lake known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings. The best way to get to Morskie Oko is by hiking through the Tatra National Park, which offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys along the way. 

In addition to the natural beauty of Morskie Oko, visitors can also explore the nearby mountain huts and enjoy traditional Polish cuisine. The area is known for its delicious regional dishes, which are perfect for refueling after a day of hiking. 

There is an entry fee for the Tatra National Park, which is required to access the lake. It is recommended to visit Morskie Oko during the summer months when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Additionally, visitors should be prepared for a moderate hike to reach the lake, so comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing are essential. 

3. Poznan Old Town

By Ali from Berlin Travel Tips

Poznan is a small city in western Poland, and the old town is really worth visiting. Start at the market square where you’ll see lots of beautiful and colorful buildings. The most famous landmark here is the Old Town Hall building. It dates back to 1253 when the city was founded, although it has been rebuilt, and its current form was completed in the mid-1500s. When the clock on the Old Town Hall building strikes noon, mechanical goats pop out and fight. It’s fun to see, so plan on getting there a few minutes before noon to catch it.

Of course, there are many other things to see in Poznan. Some of the colorful buildings on the market square used to be things like an old cloth hall, a guard house that is now a museum, a weighing house that is now used for events, and several others that are now restaurants, shops, and museums. As you’re walking around the old town, look down occasionally and you can see markers on the ground where the old city walls used to be.

You can visit Poznan as a day trip from Berlin since it’s about 3 hours away. It’s also 2.5 hours from Warsaw or 5-5.5 hours from Krakow by train. From the Poznan train station, take tram 5 to Wrocławska or tram 8 to Pl. Wielkopolski to reach the Old Town.

4. Wrocław Old Town

By Sonia from Happy Little Traveler

Wrocław is a captivating Polish city overrun and ruled by hundreds of cute little dwarfs. It’s a city where old intertwined with new, and beautiful with shabby. There are countless great things to do in Wrocław, but one that definitely can’t be missed is visiting Wroclaw’s old town.

It’s not a very large area, mainly surrounding Main Market Square (which is one of the oldest market squares in Europe). Wroclaw old town is filled with beautiful buildings, restaurants serving delicious food, street artists, and cozy cafes. It’s always full of life!

There you’ll find points of interest like Town Hall, St. Mary Magdalene Church with Bridge of Penitents, Salt Square, Four Denominations District, Neon Side Gallery, or Mathematical Tower. Oh, and many Wrocław dwarfs are there so keep your eyes wide open!

You can explore the charms of Wroclaw old town all day and all night, and you don’t need to pay anything to do that (besides visiting some paid attractions, if you fancy). To get to know the area pretty well, reserve at least a few hours, around 5-6 should be enough.

Wherever you’ll be staying in Wroclaw, the easiest way of getting to Wroclaw old town is by city buses or trams. There are plenty of them and they run frequently.

6. Wieliczka Salt Mine

By Kristin from Scotland Less Explored

Wieliczka Salt Mine is located in the small town of Wieliczka, close to Krakow. To get there from Krakow you can either take a guided tour or travel by bus or train. Taking public transport is straightforward and bus 304 departs close to the Krakow central railway station.

The salt mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Poland’s most iconic attractions. On entering the mine you will find a labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, and caverns carved out of salt. The highlight is the Chapel of St Kinga with sculptures, an altar and chandeliers all made out of salt.

The salt mine is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. There are guided tours in English every 30 minutes at the weekend and every hour during the week. The entry fee is 122 zloty per person. There are two different types of ticket – the tourist route and the miner’s route. First-time visitors should choose the tourist route which includes all the highlights.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the salt mine. By buying online in advance you can pick the exact time of your tour. During the summer, unless you book a ticket online, you may experience a wait for a space on a tour.

7. Warsaw’s Old Town

By Rebecca from Veggies Abroad

Warsaw’s Old Town stands as a cherished landmark in Poland, revered for its rich history, architectural beauty, and cultural significance. Despite being reconstructed after its near-total destruction during World War II, the Old Town retains its timeless charm, transporting visitors back in time to the city’s medieval roots. Most people don’t even realize that the entire town has been reconstructed!

There is so much to see and enjoy in Warsaw’s Old Town, from enjoying Gothic architecture to hanging out in charming cafes and everything in between. To get a great view of the main square, head to the Bell Tower of St Anne’s Church. The small church has a viewing platform that provides a bird’s eye view of the colorful town. In addition to views, if you’re interested in learning more about the reconstruction and history of the city, head to the Warsaw Museum. 

Afterward, you’ll find plenty of restaurants to visit that serve plenty of traditional Polish cuisine, including some of Warsaw’s best vegan options!

9. Royal Łazienki Museum, Warsaw

By Maria of Map and Camera

The Royal Łazienki is a museum complex and a favorite place of relaxation for the citizens of Warsaw. The main building is the Palace on the Island, which was the summer residence of the last Polish king, Stanislaw August. Today the palace houses the Royal Picture Gallery. It is located in a large park, where you can also find an orangery, a court theater, an amphitheater, and another palace. The Old Orangery houses the Royal Sculpture Gallery with copies of famous sculptures from the ancient world. The Royal Theater is one of the few remaining 18th-century court theaters in Europe.

From spring to late fall, the gardens are in bloom and home to squirrels, peacocks, ducks, and swans. Try to time your visit to the Royal Łazienki Museum with one of the famous Chopin concerts. They take place every Sunday at 12:00 and 16:00 from May 14 to September 24. You can just sit on the grass and enjoy the music.

The Royal Łazienki Museum is conveniently located less than 2.5 km from the city center. It can be reached by car or public bus. The gardens are open every day from 6.00 to 20.00.

10. Palace of Culture, Warsaw

By Katie & Tom from Trekking The Dream

Dominating the city’s skyline with its towering spire and Gothic style, Warsaw’s Palace of Culture has to be one of Poland’s most instantly recognisable buildings. This ‘must-see’ destination is situated in the heart of the Polish capital and is easily reachable by public transport, with the Centrum metro station only a few minutes’ walk away.

From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic city views, with fantastic photo opportunities in every direction.

Built in the 1950s as a “gift” from the Soviet Union, the Palace of Culture and Science houses theatres, museums, an observation deck and even a cinema! Enjoy the grand architecture and intricate details as you explore the cultural and entertainment offerings.

Entrance fees may apply to certain exhibitions or activities, including the observation deck. The main foyer does offer free access, and to avoid crowds, plan your visit for a weekday or early morning. Whether you’re interested in history and architecture, or simply want to soak in the cityscape, the Palace of Culture and Science embodies Warsaw’s rich history and symbolises resilience and cultural identity.

11. Eagles Nests Landscape Park

By Joanna from Over Here

The Landscape Park of the Eagles’ Nests is located in southern Poland, near Kraków. This area is famous for its diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity and stunning Jurassic formations. Limestone rock formations, karst valleys, and caves are among the distinctive features of the local nature. A unique attraction within the landscape park is the medieval strongholds, known as the Eagle’s Nests, named so due to their location on rocky elevations.

One of the largest fortresses in Europe, Ogrodzieniec Castle in Podzamcze, is situated within the park. The entry to the Ogrodzieniec Castle is paid. Other well-known structures include strongholds in Mirów, Bobolice, Morsko, and Smoleń. The list of local landmarks is further enriched by smaller fortifications, palaces, and intriguing religious sites, including fortified monasteries and churches.

The easiest way to get to Eagles Nests’ Landscape Park is to travel by car. If you’re staying in Kraków, you may also travel there by bus. There are shuttles every day from Kraków Central Bus Station.

Remember to wear comfortable clothes and sports shoes as Eagles Nests Landscape Park is a hilly region.

12. St. Mary’s Basilica, Krakow

By Taylor from Culture Craving Couple

Constructed in the 13th century, The UNESCO World Heritage site St. Mary’s Basilica is the second most important church in Krakow after the Wawel Cathedral making it a must-visit. You will find this beautiful, gothic-style Basilica just adjacent to the main market square (Rynek Glówny), and the best way to get there is simply by walking through the market square – you won’t miss the red-bricked Basilica! 

It is known for its blue and gold interior, beautiful wooden altar, and interior murals that were designed by Poland’s leading history painter, Jan Mateko. 

Once inside the church, climbing to the top of the tower is not to be missed to see sweeping views of the whole city of Krakow. 

Visiting hours run from Monday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 6 pm and Sundays from 2 pm to 6 pm and admission is a donation of 15 PLN. It’s important to note that the visitor’s entrance is on the side of the church as the main entrance is only for those visiting for personal prayer.

14. Krakow Cloth Hall

By Taylor from Traverse with Taylor

One of the most famous landmarks in all of Poland, Cloth Hall, is a must for any Krakow itinerary. 

Smack dab in the center of Old Town Krakow, you’ll find Cloth Hall (also known as Sukiennice) standing proud. Once the epicenter of the entire town, this building has stood as the main building of Krakow since it was built in the 15th century. 

Long ago, this building was used as a market where locals could sell their goods. Now, there are still local artisans selling their wares in stalls along the inside of this magnificent building. Cloth Hall is free to visit and will take at most 30 minutes for you to explore well. 

Once you’re done exploring the inside of the Cloth Hall in Krakow, take a tour of the Rynek Underground Museum, located just underneath Cloth Hall. Or, catch a street performer or enjoy an evening meal in the square (Rynek Glowny). 

In order to visit Cloth Hall, take a train or flight into Krakow. Cloth Hall is located right in the city center, so it is walkable from most locations within Krakow.

15. Ghetto Heroes Square, Krakow, Poland

By Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

Ghetto Heroes Square in Krakow is a poignant tribute to one of the darkest periods in the city’s history. The square was the site where Jews who were rounded up from the former Jewish ghetto were gathered before being transported to concentration camps during World War II. The square is now a memorial consisting of dozens of oversized, empty chairs scattered across the open space, symbolizing the absence left by thousands of people who were forcibly deported and killed by the Nazis.

While sometimes missed on Krakow walking tours, this powerful memorial is one of the many reasons Krakow is worth visiting. It reminds us of the empty chairs left by those senselessly killed – leaving those who pause to reflect with an overwhelming sense of absence – the exact sentiment the public installation is meant to convey. 

About a 25-minute walk from Old Town Krakow’s Market Square, this free public memorial marks what was once the main entrance to the Jewish Ghetto. At the south end of the square, at Lwowska Street, a fragment of the ghetto wall remains, with a commemorative plaque honoring those whose fate was sadly decided in the square, as well as those who tried to rise up in resistance. 

16. Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, Krakow

By Faith from XYU and Beyond

The Enamel Factory is the location that depicts the story of Oskar Schindler (of Schindler’s List a film by Steven Spielberg). Oskar Schindler, who along with his wife, saved more than 1,200 Jews from the gas chambers of the Nazis by putting them to work in his factory.

This is one of the most fascinating and educational WW2 sites in Krakow. The factory is located at 4 Lipowa Street, in Zabłocie district and is easy to get to on public transport. Tours and visits must be booked ahead of time and the cost of an adult ticket is €16 Euros.

The former Factory now houses a permanent exhibition entitled Kraków under Nazi Occupation 1939-1945. The museum is set up with archives, photos, artefacts and interactive multimedia displays. The museum is not just built around Schindler’s work the wider exhibit is about the occupation of Krakow during WWII and the Nazi atrocities perpetrated there. You will find reconstructions of underground tunnels used by the Polish resistance, rooms in basements where Jews were hidden, a ghetto “home”, a prison cell and more. The museum is set up with archives, photos, artefacts and interactive multimedia displays. This is a must-see museum when visiting Krakow.

17. Second World War Museum, Gdansk

By Angela from Where Angie Wanders

The Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk might not be everyone’s choice of a place to visit in Poland, but it should be. This landmark tourist attraction is here for a good reason – the invasion of Gdansk instigated WW2 in Europe on September 1, 1939. 

Inside the architecturally stunning museum are 2000 pieces of WW2 memorabilia, from photographs to a full-size tank. What makes the museum interesting rather than dark and depressing is how the story of WW2 unfolds. Individual walk-through rooms highlight each aspect of the war, from why it started, who was involved and how it affected Poland and the rest of Europe. Vibrant graphics, original artefacts, and recorded sounds bring the museum displays to life, allowing visitors to understand more about WW2 and making the museum in Gdansk a must-visit attraction.

Walk along the River Motława waterfront and over the bridge to reach the museum. It is open from 10 am to 6 pm, and visitors can book entry time slots online. A fee of £6 allows you to see the main museum with additional fees for any individual exhibitions that may be running throughout the year.

If you are planning a winter trip to visit the Gdansk Christmas Market be sure not to miss the WW2 Museum along with other city attractions like Neptune’s Fountains, St Mary’s Basilica and Mariaka Street.