Looking for the best places to visit in Poland? Planning a family vacation that is enjoyable for both adults and children can be a daunting task. Poland, however, makes it easy with its mix of history, nature, and fun-filled attractions. Whether your children are history buffs, nature lovers, or adventure seekers, Poland has something to offer for everyone.
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Is Poland a Good Holiday Destination?
Poland is a great holiday destination. It is a beautiful country in Central Europe with its own colour, rich history, a huge number of sights and interesting places, cultural attractions and beautiful nature. There are so many interesting places to visit in Poland!
To plan your vacation, decide what you want to see depending on your child’s interest. There are so many exciting places to visit in Poland!
What is Poland Famous for?
Poland is famous for its memorial complexes in former concentration camps and the Schindler’s Factory Museum – sad and eerie witness of the events of World War II.
In addition, Poland is known for national parks, the landscapes of which are very diverse. The national parks are some of the best national parks in Europe.
Among the best places to visit in Poland are green mountain ranges and areas with caves and waterfalls as well as peat bogs and coastal dunes.
Best Polish Cities to Visit with Kids
Poland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, which has everything: ancient architecture, picturesque nature, rich history and hundreds of sights worth visiting.
The best cities to visit in Poland are Warsaw, Gdansk, Krakow, and many more. Be prepared for impressions because historical buildings and modern amenities coexist quite calmly here.
Among the best Polish attractions for children are the massive Malbrock Castle built by the Teutonic Knights, a large zoo in Warsaw, and amusement parks in major cities.
Krakow
For many people, Krakow is the best city in Poland. For several centuries, this city was the place of Polish kings’ coronation; there are many top things to do in Krakow.
You can visit the Jewish quarter of Krakow, The Old Town, Krakow’s main square, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, the Wawel Castle over the Old Town, and many more.
However, not all kids can spend hours exploring the various Krakow must-see places, so when you are in Krakow with children, it is worth visiting the Krakow Zoo or the Wieliczka salt mine near Krakow with a fabulous route leading to the country of gnomes.
Also, with children, you can go to the largest water park in Poland, Krakow Aqua Park, located about 5 km northeast of the city’s centre. Poland is terrific! Read more about the water parks in Poland here!
Warsaw
Warsaw is Poland’s largest city and the capital of Poland. There are plenty of beautiful places in Warsaw to see. It is better to start with the Old City, which was almost nine-tenths destroyed during the Second World War, so it’s UNESCO World Heritage Site now.
Another must-see in Warsaw is the Market Square of the Old City, surrounded by 40 tall buildings, showing a fantastic mixture of Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic and Neoclassicism.
Warsaw is one of the best cities of Poland and Europe; where besides the already mentioned places to see, there is a great royal route with impressive Royal Castle, Lazienki Palace, and Wilanow Palace.
All three objects perfectly embody the wealth and power of the Commonwealth of the Renaissance and Baroque eras, including the largest park of Warsaw – Lazienki, a perfect spot for kids to play.
Gdansk
Gdansk is in Nothern Poland, the largest Polish port, rich for famous sites in Poland.
The Old Town of Gdansk, rebuilt after the horrors of the Second World War, is an intersection of streets filled with patrician and merchant houses, and massive gates protect the land and water entrances to the Old Town.
If you want to walk around Gdansk with kids and see as many sights and monuments of the past as possible, take a walk along the Royal Route. Another Gdansk must-see place is the Church of the Virgin Mary.
This huge Gothic church was founded in the 14th century and is considered one of the three largest brick churches in the world, so it’s among the best places to visit in Poland.
On Dolgy Rynok Street, just a few steps from the Artus Court is the unofficial symbol of Gdańsk.
The Fountain of Neptune is a monument of Mannerism, cast in bronze in 1615, but it was not installed until 18 years later. Kids will love it!
Wroclaw
Wroclaw is one of the best cities in Poland to visit. It is famous for many bridges and places associated with its historical, cultural and religious past.
First, head to the main square of Wroclaw, where you’ll see the town hall, built in the early Gothic style in the 13th century. Then visit one of the most famous places in Poland, Wroclaw Cathedral, which dates back to 1272.
The two high 98-meter Gothic spiers of this unique cathedral are visible from afar.
Kids will love the green maze in Brochow park, the Multimedia Fountain on Pergola, and Sky Tower shopping mall Observation Deck with the city’s best view.
Poznan
Poznan is an amazing city in Poland with many beautiful things to see. Polzan must-see places include The Old Market Square, founded in 1253 and has always been the central place of city life.
Unfortunately, more than half of its buildings have not survived to this day – they were destroyed during WWII.
With the kids will be especially interesting to visit Citadel Park, which is located on the territory of the former Prussian fortress. Walk through the old town to find Srodka, an area with a great concentration of city attractions.
Lublin
Lublin is one of the famous cities in Polan, a great place to spend your holidays with children. It has a lot of exciting attractions and well-known places in Poland.
Among them are Lublin Fortress, Krakow Gate, and Trynitarska Tower, and it is worth taking your children with you to see them – so they can join the culture from an early age.
In addition, there are many interesting places in Lublin for children of one or another age group – parks, entertainment centres, swimming pools, and a water park Aqua Lublin.
In Muzeum Wsi, or Lublin Village’s open-air ethnographic museum, you can see the carefully recreated life of the historical village.
On the territory, there is a smithy, a mill, a post office, a tavern, and workshops–all this conveys a Polish town’s spirit, dipping visitors into the Middle Ages.
In addition, there is a mini zoo on the territory with goats, cows, sheep, birds, rabbits, and horses.
Krynica-Zdroj
Krynica Zdrój is one of the most popular Poland places and a large health-improving and ski resort located on the south of the country. Besides its healing mineral water, beautiful nature, and renowned ski resort, the town has a lot to offer for the families with kids.
The Park Hill with 741 m above sea level has a funicular to get there, where at the top, tourists will find a cosy cafe and an open terrace with amazing views of the area.
The kids will love the Toy Museum, which exhibits dolls from the 18th century, antique teddy bears, a railway, nutcrackers and porcelain figurines.
Lodz
Lodz is a great European city break for travellers with children and one of the best cities of Poland. It’s an old city with unique sights such as Herbst Palace Museum and Ksiezy Mlyn.
There are also many entertainment venues: an upscale Arena Laser Games Centre, Aquapark Fala, Amusement centre SALTOS Trampoline Park, and many more.
For nature lovers, the beautiful park Lagiewniki remains a favourite vacation spot. It is largely designed specifically for vacationers with children.
Those who want to visit an interesting museum should head to The Film Museum, which offers lots of colourful expositions.
More of the Best Places to Visit in Poland with Kids
You can spend a couple of days in Warsaw, visit the world heritage site of Krakow, and go skiing in Krynica-Zdroj, but there are a lot more best places to visit in Poland.
This is the charm of a family holiday in Poland. If you want, you can visit a royal castle, or feel the salty Baltic Sea breeze, or travel to other amazing cities in Poland.
There is no place for boredom. Explore Poland and its main attractions. Read about more places below.
Tatra National Park, Zakopane
The Tatra National Park is a Poland must-see. It is in the country’s south and borders the protected area of the same name in Slovakia.
Tatra Park is a single protected natural area located simultaneously in two countries, and it’s one of the best places to visit in Poland. Here you will see lakes, caves, wildlife and scenic hiking trails, as well as enjoy one of Poland’s most stunning forests.
The main office of the management is in the nearby city of Zakopane, which is also the main tourist centre of the national park. There is an entrance fee of €1.70.
Malbork Castle
Malbork Castle is the largest medieval brick castle in the world. Since 1997 has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The castle must-see monuments to the great masters of the order who lived here; a 40-meter well at the High Castle; an exhibition of ancient weapons in the fortress; and a collection of amber products.
It is also worth climbing the highest tower to view the surroundings from 45 meters. The Malbork Castle is one of the most visited attractions in Poland, while the Malbork is the capital of the knights in Poland.
There is an entrance fee of two types, depending on what you would like to see.
Zakopane
Zakopane is a well-known city in Poland, an excellent place for a family holiday, and a famous ski resort. Here you will find many trails of varying difficulty, including children’s trails, designed for children from 3 to 16 years old.
Off the slopes there are also many places of interest for families such as the Teddy Bear Museum where you can see teddy bears of all sizes and types.
The boys should enjoy an excursion to one of the best attractions in Poland – the museum of wagons and locomotives. It is located about an hour’s drive from the city, in the town of Chabowka. Especially good in this open-air museum during the summer months.
Torun
Torun is another muse see in Poland. The city’s historical centre is included in the List of UNESCO World Heritage. Unlike Warsaw or Gdansk, Torun was not destroyed during the war and has come down to us in its ancient medieval splendour.
Among the most exciting places to visit is Nicolaus Copernicus House, the great astronomer. Another great attraction is the Gingerbread Museum which is located not far from the house of Copernicus.
It was Torun that for many years supplied gingerbread to the royal table, and now tourists are happy to take them to their countries.
If you have time, go to a master class on making gingerbread.
Wawel Castle
The Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow is an important symbol of Poland. Many ups and downs experienced this complex over the centuries of its existence.
For example, after the invasion of Napoleon in 1815, Krakow was defeated and became a separate free city that did not belong to any country.
Here you can visit the cathedral house, the Royal Castle, the royal kitchen, the Rotunda of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and many more important and compelling sights. The entrance prices vary depending on what exactly you want to visit.
Focarium Stacji
The Baltic seal nursery is a research centre located in the city of Hele. The nursery is part of the Marine Station, managed by the Institute of Oceanography of the University of Gdansk.
The seal nursery is engaged in conserving and reviving grey seals in the southern part of the Baltic Sea. The centre consists of three pools for breeding seals, several small pools where patients need rehabilitation are placed, and an educational and laboratory complex.
The nursery welcomes visitors all year round, and holds educational events about the problems of the Baltic Sea and its marine life. The Focarium has an entrance fee.
Bialystok
Bialystok is located on the banks of the Byala River, about 60 km from the border with Belarus. This city offers many places to visit for families with kids. Branicki Palace, Market Square Kosciuszko, and the Linden Street.
This street was named after various historical figures such as Josef Pilsudski, Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin before it became it got its current name in the 1990s. For kids, there are attractions such as Cybersowa VR saloon or Magic VR, which all fans of virtual reality will like.
Children from 3 to 6 years old will have fun at Fabryka Misia. Here they can dance with a bear, eat cottage cheese sweets, blow bubbles, climb a structure with a monkey grove, play slot machines, ride a carousel, and jump on a trampoline. And at this time, adults can drink something.
Kielce
Kielce is an ancient city located in the very centre of Poland, 170 km south of the country’s capital Warsaw and is one of the best places to visit in Poland.
The main attractions of Kielce are the bishops’ palace, the city market, the ancient cathedral, and the town hall. Especially worth noting is the picturesque place at the foot of the Swietokrzysz Mountains, in which the city is located – beautiful valleys, mineral springs and many hiking trails.
Additionally, there are Binkowski Waterpark and Botanical Garden which kids will highly appreciate.
Inwald Amusement Park
Miniature Park Inwałd Swiat Marzen is a perfect place for any family tourist in Poland. It is located 60 km from Krakow and 80 km from Katowice.
The main entertainment here is a visit to the Dream World miniature park, one of Poland’s best attractions.
Here your children will be able to make an unusual trip to several countries at once: Greece, Australia, Italy, China, Mexico, France, and Germany, getting acquainted with the miniature architectural monuments characteristic of each of them.
In the park, you’ll see the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Great Wall of China. There are options to buy tickets online or on the spot.
Czocha Castle, Lesna town
Czocha Castle is an ancient defensive building, built-in 1241-1247 on the banks of the Lesna river, on the site where a large wooden courtyard with stone and wooden fortifications used to be.
It is currently a hotel, but still is a perfect place to visit in Poland with kids, whether you stay here to live or just come to visit.
According to legend, ghosts live here, and ancient treasures are hidden. Besides the mystics, you can appreciate the architecture of one of the most beautiful buildings in Poland and feel its unique atmosphere.
List of Cities in Poland (A-Z)
The list of beautiful and major cities in Poland, which are rich in interesting sights, may not be as extensive as in the countries of Western Europe, but this country is the right place for an inquisitive traveller.
At least 10 Polish cities boast picturesque architecture and historical sights worth visiting solo and with kids.
· Bialystok
· Bydgoszcz
· Gdansk
· Gdynia
· Gniezno
· Hel
· Kartuzy
· Katowice
· Krakow
· Lublin
· Olsztyn
· Poznan
· Sopot
· Szczecin
· Torun
· Warsaw
· Wroclaw
· Zakopane
Poland with Kids Travel Tips
Travelling with kids can be a rewarding but challenging experience. Poland is a family-friendly destination with many attractions suitable for children. However, it’s always good to be prepared and have some tips in mind to make the journey smoother and more enjoyable for the whole family.
Here are some travel tips for parents travelling with kids to Poland:
- Pack Snacks: Kids can get hungry at any time, and while Poland has a lot of delicious food to offer, it’s always a good idea to have some snacks on hand for when hunger strikes.
- Use Public Transport: Poland has an excellent public transportation system. It is not only economical but also a convenient way to travel around with kids.
- Learn Basic Polish Phrases: While many people in Poland speak English, especially in the tourist areas, it’s always helpful to know a few basic Polish phrases.
- Carry a First Aid Kit: It’s always advisable to carry a basic first aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications.
- Stay in Family-Friendly Accommodation: Make sure to book accommodations that are family-friendly. Many hotels and hostels in Poland offer family rooms and have facilities for children.
- Plan Your Itinerary: While it’s great to be spontaneous, it’s also important to have a rough plan of the places you want to visit and the activities you want to do. This will help you make the most of your time in Poland and ensure that you and your kids have a memorable experience.
FAQ’s
The most known 5 cities in Poland are Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan, Gdansk and Lodz.
Warsaw is the main city of Poland, one of the most beautiful European capitals that everyone should visit at least once in their life.
The capital of Poland, Warsaw, is the best place to go on holiday in Poland. It was almost destroyed in 1944, except for the right bank of the Vistula, but was restored within 20 years. The old city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a unique example of reconstruction on this scale.
Wroclaw Zoo; Inwałd Miniature Park, near Krakow; Warsaw Copernicus Science Centre; salt mine “Wieliczka” near Krakow; and Lublin Village open-air Museum are the best places in Poland to visit with kids.
Wawel Royal Castle, with a beautiful courtyard and an amazing panorama of the Vistula river, is Krakow’s main attraction and is the nicest place in Poland.
Warsaw Old Town Market Square and the Malbork Castle are two major landmarks in Poland. The Old Town Market Square is one of the most beautiful squares in Warsaw, with beautiful architecture, street musicians, artists, small shops, and cosy restaurants, which create a unique atmosphere of medieval Europe. Malbork is a masterpiece of the defensive architecture of the late Middle Ages.
Discover More of Poland
Sylvie Simpson is the founder of European Cities with Kids. For the past 6 years, she has been travelling all over Europe whenever she has the chance, both solo, for work and with her daughter. Sylvie is on a mission to help people make the most of city breaks in Europe with kids and helps over 50,000 readers per month plan and make the most of their trips in Europe with kids.