Center-stage for much of Europe's conflicted history, modern Poland is a nation that remembers its past while looking forward to the future. Marked by vast, fertile flatlands (perfect terrain for the ingredients that make up the hearty local cuisine), Poland boasts plenty of wide-open space virtually devoid of crowds. City breakers will have plenty to do, too – urban centers like Kraków and Gdańsk reflect the country's age-old history and polished contemporary edge.
Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the Polish embassy website in your country of departure.
There aren’t any specific vaccine requirements needed for Poland. However, as advice can often change, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.
Poland tends to experience a diverse climate with four distinct seasons. Winters (December to February) here are cold and often temperatures here drop below freezing — particularly on the Baltic Coast and in the mountains. Spring (March to May) sees a mix of rain and sunshine, with temperatures floating around 10 to 18°C (50 to 64.4°F). Summer (June to August) reaches highs of around 30°C at its peak, though you can expect a fair amount of rainfall in the form of thunderstorms. Finally, Autumn (September to November) brings cooler temperatures which float around 19°C (66.2°F).
The best time to visit Hungary is during the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. This makes it ideal for sightseeing and enjoying outdoor activities without the crowds. Summer offers the best weather, and Winter (December to February) is a good time to come if you’re looking for festive markets.
While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers.
Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour programme, and an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3 to €5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service. Ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30 to €40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.
Internet access in Germany is generally pretty good, and you’ll find free Wi-Fi in most public places like restaurants, hotels, hostels, libraries, parks, train stations and cafés. You should be aware that if you’re using data on your phone from outside the EU, you may be subject to roaming charges.
Yes, there are plenty of ATMs in Poland, commonly referred to as ‘bankomaty’. You’ll find them in cities, towns, and even smaller villages. Major banks like PKO Bank Polski, Bank Pekao, and mBank have extensive ATM networks.
In larger cities, ATMs are readily available in shopping centres, supermarkets, and train stations. However, if you’re travelling to more rural areas, it’s a good idea to withdraw cash in advance, as ATMs might be less frequent. Check with your bank as there may be significant withdrawal fees.
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.
Poland’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights is complex and varies significantly across different regions and communities. While larger cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk tend to be more accepting and have active LGBTQ+ communities, the overall national climate can be challenging. It’s best to be discreet while you’re here — particularly in rural communities.
As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.
While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.
The official language of Poland is Polish. It’s spoken by the vast majority of the population and is used in all official and public communications. In addition, German, Ukrainian, Belarusian, Romani, Kashubian and English are all spoken here too.
In general, yes — tap water is safe to drink in Poland. However, you should be aware that in older buildings, the pipes may make the water taste slightly funny so you may prefer to drink bottled water instead. If you’re going to drink the tap water, we recommend you bring a reusable water bottle for environmental reasons as there are numerous filling stations.
Yes, Poland is generally considered a safe country for both travellers and residents. However, like any destination in the world, it’s important to stay vigilant, especially in tourist areas where pickpocketing and tourist scams can occur.
G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our travel safety page.
