Poland

Capital Warsaw

Population 38,437,239

Area 312,679 km2

Key factsTourismWeatherTransportSafetySmoking & Alcohol

Key facts

Poland is a country located in Central Europe. It is bordered by Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the east, and Russian Federation (Kaliningrad Oblast) and Lithuania to the north.

As of 2024, the population of Poland is approximately 38.4 million people. The country has a relatively high population density, with about 124 people per square kilometer. The majority of the population is concentrated in urban areas, with over 60% of the population living in cities and towns. The capital and largest city of Poland is Warsaw, which is home to over 1.7 million people. Other major cities in Poland include Krakow, Lodz, Wroclaw, and Poznan.

In the EF English Competency Index (EF EPI), which assesses the language proficiency of non-native speaking countries, Poland was ranked 16th out of 100 countries in 2021.

The national currency in Poland is Polish złoty (PLN). The złoty (zł) is subdivided into 100 grosz (gr).

Polish
Banknotes

zł10zł20zł50zł100zł200zł500

Polish
Coins

1gr2gr5gr10gr20gr50grzł1zł2zł5

Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com, Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.

Ookla® Speedtest The average fixed internet speed in Poland is 242.6 Mbps and mobile is 110.35 Mbs.The global average is 187.01 Mbps and 128.37 Mbps respectively.

ATM Density When compared to the world average, Poland has more ATMs.66.82 ATMs per 100,000 people.The global average is 39.49.

SIM Registration In order to purchase a SIM card in Poland, a passport or ID is required as identification.

Socket types

There are 2 socket types used in Poland. Type C is a popular socket type throughout Europe (except the United Kingdom), Russia, and certain Asian countries.

Type C 230 V, 50 Hz  Type E 230 V, 50 Hz  

The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).

Public holidays

In the year 2024, Poland will celebrate 13 national public holidays. The next one Constitution Day will take place on May 3.

 Show the complete list of holidays
Date Holiday name
January 1, 2024 New Year’s DayNowy Rok
January 6, 2024 EpiphanyŚwięto Trzech Króli
March 31, 2024Moving holiday Easter SundayWielkanoc
April 1, 2024Moving holiday Easter MondayDrugi Dzień Wielkanocy
May 1, 2024 May DayŚwięto Pracy
May 3, 2024 Constitution DayŚwięto Narodowe Trzeciego Maja
May 19, 2024Moving holiday PentecostZielone Świątki
May 30, 2024Moving holiday Corpus ChristiBoże Ciało
August 15, 2024 Assumption DayWniebowzięcie Najświętszej Maryi Panny
November 1, 2024 All Saints’ DayWszystkich Świętych
November 11, 2024 Independence DayNarodowe Święto Niepodległości
December 25, 2024 Christmas DayBoże Narodzenie
December 26, 2024 St. Stephen’s DayDrugi Dzień Bożego Narodzenia
Warsaw
Warsaw, capital of Poland
Gdańsk (Old Town)
Gdańsk (Old Town)
Kraków
Kraków (main square)
Tatry
Tatry monutains
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Tourism

There are several reasons why tourists visit Poland, including the country’s rich history and cultural heritage, diverse natural landscapes, and vibrant cities. One of the main attractions for tourists in Poland is the country’s numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, which include the historic center of Kraków, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the castles of the Teutonic Order in Malbork and Toruń, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. These sites offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about and experience some of the most significant events and cultural achievements in Poland’s history.

In addition to its cultural heritage, Poland also boasts a number of stunning national parks and nature reserves, such as the Białowieża National Park, the Tatras National Park, and the Pieniny National Park. These parks offer visitors the chance to experience the beauty of Poland’s natural landscapes and to participate in a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing, and skiing.

Finally, Poland’s cities are also popular with tourists. The capital city, Warsaw, is home to a number of cultural and historical attractions, including the Royal Castle, the Old Town, and the Łazienki Palace. Kraków, the former capital of Poland, is also a popular destination, with its stunning architecture and rich cultural history. Other popular cities in Poland include Gdańsk, Wrocław, and Poznań, each of which offers its own unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities.

What hotel chains are present in Poland?

There are Mariott hotels in 2 cities: Sopot and Warsaw.

The Hilton hotel chain operates in Poland.

The IHG hotel chain operates in Poland.

The Best Western hotel chain operates in Poland.

There are Radisson hotels in 12 cities.

The Accor hotel chain operates in Poland.

Local delicacies and must-try foods and drinks in Poland

Poland is known for its rich and diverse culinary tradition, and there are many delicious foods and drinks to try when visiting the country. Here are some local delicacies and must-try foods in Poland:

  1. Pierogi:
    Pierogi are small dumplings filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings, such as meat, cheese, potatoes, sauerkraut, or fruit. They are a popular and versatile dish that can be found in many restaurants and street food stalls throughout the country.
  2. Kielbasa:
    Kielbasa is a type of sausage that is made from pork, beef, or lamb and seasoned with a variety of spices. It is a popular snack or main course in Poland, and is often served with mustard or horseradish as a condiment.
  3. Bigos:
    Bigos is a hearty stew made from a mixture of meats, sauerkraut, and vegetables. It is a popular dish during the colder months and is often served with boiled potatoes or bread.
  4. Żurek:
    This is a sour soup made with fermented rye flour and served with sausage, potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs. It is a traditional dish in Poland and is often served during Easter.
  5. Placki ziemniaczane:
    Placki ziemniaczane, or potato pancakes, are a popular side dish in Poland. They are made from grated potatoes that are mixed with flour and egg, and are often served with sour cream or applesauce.
  6. Kremówka:
    Kremówka is a popular pastry in Poland that consists of a layer of vanilla-flavored custard topped with a layer of whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar.

When it comes to drinks, Poland is known for its vodka, which is a popular spirit that is often served neat or as part of a cocktail. The country is also home to a variety of local beers, which are popular for their distinctive flavors and high quality.

What fast food chains are present in Poland?

The McDonald’s chain operates in Poland.

The KFC chain operates in Poland.

The Burger King chain operates in Poland.

The Subway chain operates in Poland.

The Domino’s Pizza chain operates in Poland.

The Starbucks chain operates in Poland.

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Weather

What is the climate like in Poland?

The climate of Poland is temperate and varies depending on the region. The country has four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, rainy summers.

In general, the western and northern regions of Poland have a cooler, more maritime climate, with temperatures ranging from -5 to 15 degrees Celsius in the winter and 15 to 25 degrees Celsius in the summer. The eastern and southern regions of the country have a warmer, more continental climate, with temperatures ranging from -10 to 5 degrees Celsius in the winter and 20 to 30 degrees Celsius in the summer.

Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in the summer months. The country also experiences occasional extreme weather events, such as storms, flooding, and heatwaves.

Overall, the climate in Poland is quite diverse, with different regions experiencing different weather patterns and temperatures. It is always a good idea to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately when traveling to different parts of the country.

When is the best time to visit Poland?

In general, the peak tourist season in Poland is from May to September, when the weather is warm and dry and there are a wide variety of festivals and events to attend. During this time, you can expect to find a wide range of accommodation and transportation options, as well as plenty of cultural and recreational activities to enjoy.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds and enjoy more reasonable prices, you may want to consider visiting Poland during the shoulder seasons of April, October, and November. These months offer a mix of pleasant weather and lower tourist numbers, making them a good time to visit if you want to experience the country in a more relaxed and authentic way.

What is the weather like in Warsaw?

Today the sun in Warsaw, rises at 5:02 AM and sets at 8:03 PM. The climate of Warsaw may be categorized as a Marine west coast (Cfb), according to Koppen’s classification system.

ThursdayMay 2OvercastLow: 12.4°C (54.32°F)High: 25.4°C (77.72°F)
FridayMay 3OvercastLow: 14°C (57.2°F)High: 26.9°C (80.42°F)
SaturdayMay 4OvercastLow: 13.1°C (55.58°F)High: 25.3°C (77.54°F)
SundayMay 5OvercastLow: 14.4°C (57.92°F)High: 26.3°C (79.34°F)
MondayMay 6ThunderstormLow: 15.4°C (59.72°F)High: 22.9°C (73.22°F)
TuesdayMay 7Rain showersLow: 14.3°C (57.74°F)High: 19.5°C (67.1°F)

Weather data for Warsaw (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com

Transport

How easy is it to get around Poland by train?

Poland has a well-developed rail and motorway network that connects the major cities and regions of the country. The rail network in Poland is operated by the national railway company, PKP. It covers a total of 19,400 kilometers of track and serves over 2,000 stations. The rail network is divided into several different types of lines, including high-speed intercity lines, regional lines, and local lines.

PKP also operates a number of international trains that connect Poland to other countries in Europe, including Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

How easy is it to get around Poland by car?

The motorway network in Poland is operated by the national motorway company, GDDKiA. It consists of over 2,000 kilometers of motorways and expressways, and serves as an important transportation corridor for both passenger and freight traffic. The motorway network connects the major cities and regions of the country, and is an important part of the trans-European transportation network.

There are also a number of national and regional roads in Poland, which provide additional connectivity between the different parts of the country.

Railways There are passenger trains , and some of them are high-speed trains.

Subway Systems The subway system is available in Warsaw.

Taxi Apps Uber is available in 27 cities. Bolt is available in 39 cities.

Car Rental Avis , Sixt , Hertz are all available in Poland.

Road Connectivity Index (2016)  With a score of 5.7, Poland is placed 34th out of 129 nations.

Driving Side In Poland traffic is right-handed.

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Safety

Theft Occurrence Rate  260.00 thefts per 100,000 people in 2020.The global average is 544.

Road Traffic Casualties 9.40 deaths per 100,000 people in 2019.The global average is 16.74.

Travel Advisory Level (U.S. DoS)  Level 1: Exercise normal precautions. 

Emergency phones in Poland

997 Police
998 Ambulance
998 Fire police

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Smoking & Alcohol

Smoking ban Smoking is prohibited in all public places excluding entertainment and restaurants. Local limitations may apply in some areas.

Cananbis legality Recreational usage is prohibited, but medical use is legal.

You are not entitled to a duty-free allowance for tobacco or alcohol if you are under the age of 17.

Alcohol allowance

Travellers from EU countries:

  • 90L of still wine (60L of sparkling wine)
  • 110L of beer
  • 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22%
  • 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.

Travellers from non-EU countries:

  • 4L of wine
  • 16L of beer
  • 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume

Tobacco allowance

Travellers from EU countries:

  • 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco

Travellers from non-EU countries:

Your tobacco allowance is determined on your form of transportation.

If you are travelling by air or sea:

  • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

If you are NOT travelling by air or sea:

  • 40 cigarettes or 20 cigarillos or 10 cigars or 50g of tobacco
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