Poland
Poland Country Guide
Poland, a country covered in history and beauty, captures travelers with its enchanting scenery. From its urban hubs to its picturesque landscapes and rich culture, Poland is an unforgettable experience. But it's not just the stunning landscapes that make Poland beautiful. It's the people, the culture, and the traditions that truly make this country shine. So, you just need to find a place to stay in Poland. Worry not, because Bookperfect is here to save your day with its real-time update system which shows all available hotels in Poland. From luxury to budget hotels in Poland, all accommodation options will be in front of you just with several clicks. But before that, here’s what to know about Poland.
Capital of Poland
The capital of Poland is Warsaw which is located in the east-central part of the country. Warsaw is a significant city with a rich history, a blend of historical buildings, and modern urban architecture, attracting millions of tourists annually.
Poland Flag
The flag of Poland consists of two horizontal stripes of equal width: white on top and red on the bottom. This design was officially adopted on August 1, 1919, as a simple horizontal bicolor of white over red. The choice of these colors is not definitively known.
Where is Poland?
Poland is a country located in the very center of Europe. It borders the Baltic Sea and Russia to the north, Germany to the west, Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, and Ukraine, Belarus, and Lithuania to the east. Poland is the seventh-largest country on the European continent, with a total area of 312,679 km² (120,728 sq mi).
Time Zone of Poland
Poland is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is UTC+1. During Daylight Saving Time (DST), Poland observes Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2. DST in Poland typically begins on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October
Languages Spoken in Poland
The official language of Poland is Polish, which is spoken by 98% of the population. However, there are also numerous minority languages spoken in Poland:
Language | Approximate Speakers |
Silesian | 520,000 |
Kushubian | 108,000 |
English | 100,000 |
German | 96,000 |
Belarusian | 26,000 |
Ukrainian | 24,000 |
Russian | 20,000 |
Romanian | 14,000 |
French & Italian | 10,000 |
Rusyn & Lithuanian | 6,000 |
Hungarian & Vietnamese | 3,500 |
What Currency Does Poland Use?
The official currency of Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN). The złoty is divided into 100 grosz (gr) and is the most traded currency in Central and Eastern Europe, ranking 21st most-traded in the foreign exchange market.
Is Poland Expensive To Visit?
Poland, in general, is considered an affordable destination for tourists, especially when compared to other popular European cities. However, the cost of travel can vary significantly depending on the specific location and activities chosen. For example, Kraków, one of the most popular destinations in Poland, is often advertised as a budget-friendly destination, but it can be more expensive than other cities in Poland.
In terms of accommodation, hostels in Kraków start at around €12-15 per night while private rooms go for approximately €30 per night. Self-catering apartments in the city center range from €50-70 per night, which can be a cost-effective option for groups traveling together. Mid-range hotels in Kraków typically cost around €60 per night for a room in a centrally located place with good reviews.
Food and drink in Poland are generally inexpensive, especially when choosing local options. A meal in a restaurant in Kraków's Old Town ranges from 35-45 PLN for an entrée at a typical restaurant, with alcoholic drinks ranging from 15-40 PLN which are around $10. Local alcohol, such as vodka, is generally cheaper than imported international options.
Transportation in Poland is relatively affordable, with local transportation costs averaging around $4 per person per day.
Population of Poland
As of 2024, Poland’s population is around 37 million. The population of Poland is neither increasing drastically nor decreasing dramatically. It’s stable with a small annual increase.
Safety of Poland
Poland is generally considered a safe country for travelers, with no major safety or security concerns. However, visitors should always be cautious in crowded areas, particularly in the popular tourist areas.
Also, unofficial taxi drivers often overcharge and have been known to attack passengers. It is best to avoid using unofficial taxis and use official taxis with the name and telephone number of the taxi company on the door and top of the taxi, and a rate card on the window of the vehicle.
Strange Laws in Poland
Here is the list of all the weird laws in Poland:
- Animal-Related Laws
- Excessive barking from dogs can lead to criminal charges.
- Walking a goldfish without proper authorization is illegal.
- Driving while wearing a bear is prohibited
- Transportation Laws
- Rewinding a car’s odometer is not illegal, but profiting from is.
- Tractors are allowed to drive on freeways.
- Food and Beverage Laws
- Ketchup is restricted in certain public establishments.
- Harvesting protected or rare species of mushrooms can result in penalties.
- Family Laws
- Women have three months to change their name back after a divorce, with a fee and justification required after that period.
- Custody rules for sick children can lead to one parent not seeing the child for an extended period.
- Other laws
- Certain emoticons are prohibited in commercial communications
- Stealing an umbrella can lead to criminal charges
- Alcohol sales are prohibited within 50m of a church
- The Polish flag has a specific shade of red and orientation rules
- The Polish coat of arms is protected by law, with ambiguity surrounding its use
Poland Religion
In Poland, the predominant religion is Christianity, with Roman Catholicism being the most widely practiced faith. Approximately 90% of the Polish population identifies as Roman Catholic. Despite the overwhelming Catholic majority, Poland is also home to other Christian denominations such as Eastern Orthodox, Protestants (mainly Evangelical-Augsburg), and smaller religious groups like Jehovah's Witnesses. Furthermore, there are communities of Muslims, Jews, and other religious minorities in Poland, contributing to the country's religious diversity.
Must-See Poland Attractions
Poland is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a wide variety of attractions for visitors. Here are some must-see attractions in Poland:
- Krakow's Rynek Glowny Central Square: The largest medieval town square in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.
- Państwowe Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau: A former Nazi concentration camp and a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.
- Wawel Royal Castle: A historic castle in Krakow, offering a glimpse into the royal past of Poland.
- Malbork Castle: A medieval castle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in Malbork.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine: A historic salt mine and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located near Krakow.
- Gingerbread Museum: A museum dedicated to the history and production of gingerbread, a traditional Polish pastry in Torun.
- Masurian Lakeland: The region of lakes and forests in northeastern Poland, offering opportunities for hiking, boating, and fishing.
- Wolf's Lair: A former military headquarters of Adolf Hitler, located in the Masurian Lakeland.
- Schindler's Factory: A museum in Krakow dedicated to the story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved the lives of over a thousand Jews during the Holocaust.
- Białowieża National Park: A primeval forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in eastern Poland.
- Olszanica: A small village in southeastern Poland, known for its beautiful landscapes and traditional architecture.
- Zalipie: A village known for its colorful and decorative folk art.
- Łódź: A city with a rich industrial history, known for its textile industry and its Jewish heritage.
- Warsaw: The capital city of Poland, offering a mix of historic and modern attractions, such as the Royal Castle, the Palace of Culture and Science, and the Warsaw Uprising Museum.
- Bieszczady Mountains: A mountain range in southeastern Poland, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching.
Best Cities in Poland
Here’s your fast Poland city guide depending on where city you are planning to visit:
City | Best for | Top Attractions |
Krakow | History Lovers | Wawel Castle Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum St. Mary's Basilica Wieliczka Salt Mine |
Warsaw | Culture Enthusiasts | Warsaw Old Town Royal Castle Łazienki Park POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Palace of Culture and Science |
Gdansk | Maritime Enjoyers | Old Town St. Mary's Church Westerplatte European Solidarity Centre Sopot Beach |
Wroclaw | Architecture Admirers | Market Square (Rynek) Wroclaw Cathedral Ostrow Tumski (Cathedral Island) Panorama of Raclawice Battle Centennial Hall (Hala Stulecia) |
Poznan | Foodies & Gourmets | Old Town Square (Stary Rynek) Poznan Cathedral Imperial Castle Croissant Museum Malta Lake |
Best Hotels in Poland
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