Poland holidays

Those booking holidays in Poland generally head for the cities of Warsaw and Krakow, which are grand, historic and full of charm.

Find great-value short breaks to Poland with TravelSupermarket and create lasting memories in these fascinating destinations...

Poland is located in Central Europe, where the Baltic Sea meets the continent. It has much to offer to visitors in the way of culture, natural vistas and time worn castles, as well as stark reminders of tragedies of the past. Many visitors on Poland holidays arrive with the intention of seeing the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and State Museum. The concentrations camps of Auschwitz can be reached in less than two hours by road from the southern city of Krakow – a good base if you plan to combine your city break with a journey to this haunting and memorable site.

Stay in one of the excellent hotels in Krakow and you can access the sights of the Old Town, also known as Stare Miasto. The medieval market square of Rynek Glowny should be at the top of your must-see list, with the ancient walls of Wawel Castle a close second. Car hire in Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is popular due to the myriad attractions within a two-drive of the city. Pre-book car hire after you have booked your holiday in Poland and you can collect your vehicle upon arrival at Krakow Airport (KRK; also known as John Paul II International Airport Krakow–Balice).

The Polish capital of Warsaw is also the country’s the largest city. Sprawling along the banks of the Vistula River, it is an historic, characterful city that buzzes with activity, especially during the busy summer months. Visit the palaces and castles of Warsaw, take in the architecture of Old Town, and delve into the country’s past at the Warsaw Rising Museum. Visitors to Warsaw land at Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), named after the city’s famous composer son.

With a flight time of just two-and-a-half hours, much to see and do, and low prices for hotels, car hire and everyday essentials such as food and drink, cheap holidays to Poland are understandably popular. Find your ideal break with the TravelSupermarket price-comparison tool.

Find out when most people are booking Poland breaks with our brief guide to when to go…

The biggest demand for holidays in Poland comes during the summer months of July and August and in the festive period leading up to Christmas. Weekend breaks anytime between spring and autumn are also popular, so it is wise to book as far in advance as possible to secure your holiday at the best price.

The cities of Warsaw and Krakow experience similar weather. Summer days can be warm and pleasant when it doesn’t rain (there’s always a chance of a shower in Poland), with temperatures between 18C and 25C. Spring and autumn are mild with cool evenings, while winter chills can be biting between December and February.

From classical music and Yuletide fun to traditional dumplings, here are just three of the top annual events in Poland…

Chopin Summer Concerts in Warsaw; June-September/October: A series of piano concerts, including open-air performances at the weekend, take place in Lazienki Park to honour the life and work of Chopin. It is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the melodies of this musical maestro.

Pierogi Festival in Krakow; August: Celebrate the humble Polish dumpling during this fun, summer event. You can tuck into the savoury snacks at any time of the year, but the organisers insist that festival pierogi are the best.

Christmas Markets; November-December: Both Warsaw and Krakow host wonderfully festive Christmas markets in the weeks leading up to December 25. The square of Rynek Glowny is the place to be in Krakow (decorated glass is a speciality here), while Yuletide visitors to Warsaw should head to Old Town. Book early to secure your winter break.

There is no end to the ways you can make the most of holidays in Poland. Here are just a few ideas…

Grown-up families: Arrive in Warsaw and make a beeline for the Palace of Science and Culture – the tallest building in Poland. The terrace on the 30th floor is an excellent vantage point that offers far-reaching views.

Romance: Krakow is a romantic city, but you can add to the atmosphere by taking your cherished other half to the footbridge that spans the Vistula River (‘Wisla’ in Polish) and sealing your love with the clink of a padlock. Many couples have already added their love token to the fencing on the bridge.

Active types: The well-known ski resort of Zakopane, in the Tatra Mountains, can be reached by road from Krakow in two-and-a-half hours.

Shopping: The Christmas Markets are undeniably charming, and great for delightful little stocking fillers and handmade trinkets. But if you travel at other times of the year, the flea markets in the Krakow district of Kazimierz are an interesting alternative. You don’t have to spend a single zloty to savour the unique atmosphere.

Nightlife: Lively nights can be had in both Warsaw and Krakow, with both cities home to bars, pubs and nightclubs. Start your summer evening on an open-air terrace before dancing the night away in a club. New venues open all the time in these cities; ask a local for tips on old favourites or hip new openings.