Poland route: Warsaw, Gdansk, Auschwitz-Birkenau and more
Explore key Polish destinations including Warsaw, Gdansk in the north, the Mazurian Lakes region, Wawel Hill, and the historical Auschwitz-Birkenau site. This 14.3 km route connects major attractions across Poland's cultural and historical landscape.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Gdansk
- End
- Wawel Hill
- Stops
- 5
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Gdansk — City in Poland where knowing Polish words would be helpful
- Mazurian Lakes – Northern attractions
- Auschwitz-Birkenau — Concentration camp site near Krakow, described as a moving historical experience
- Warsaw — Starting point where Mark discusses things you don't do when visiting Poland
- Wawel Hill — Historic landmark in Krakow with castle and cultural significance
Useful for your trip
- Tip
- Do not refer to Poland as Eastern Europe; Poles prefer to be called Central Europeans. Poland is located in central Europe, slightly north.
- Avoid
- Do not shake hands or say goodbye over a doorway threshold. Choose to be fully inside or fully outside the door when greeting/departing.
- Tip
- Remove your shoes when entering a Polish home if you see the hosts wearing slippers or are not wearing shoes.
- Tip
- Learning a few Polish words like 'dzięki' (thank you), 'proszę' (please), or 'piwo' (beer) opens doors with locals and makes them happy.
- Save money
- Poland is extremely affordable to visit. Hotels, food, drinks, and museums are all very cheap compared to other European destinations.
- Avoid
- Do not drink alcohol in public spaces like parks. You can be arrested or fined. Drink only at restaurants and bars.
- Tip
- Always carry an ID with you. If unwilling to carry a passport, bring a driver's license and a photocopy of your passport kept at your hotel.
- Save money
- Avoid paying with large bills (50 or 100 złoty). Use them at museums or big stores to get change into smaller denominations for small purchases.
- Food
- Tipping is customary: tip 10% normally or 15% for good service. Some restaurants already include 10% on the menu.
- Food
- When paying cash, do not say 'thank you' or 'dzięki' after handing money to the server, or they will assume it's all a tip and keep it.
- Timing
- Poles value punctuality. If you'll be late to someone's home, call, text, or WhatsApp them beforehand as being late is considered rude.
- Tip
- On your first visit, focus on cities like Kraków (town square, Cloth Hall, Wawel Hill), Gdansk, and Warsaw rather than nature tourism.
Video on this route
Visit Poland - The DON'Ts of Poland