The Top Five Things to Do In Poland

Poland is the new trending tourist place in Europe for reasons one too many. Firstly it is on everyone’s budget and secondly it is not over crowded. It is huge, which means there is a lot for everyone to do. It is also slowly becoming the party central in Krakow and is climbing spots in the backpacker’s circuit.
The architecture and food are exquisite and every building looks like it came out of a story book. And we mean EVERY building.

There are a few things to do in poland that everyone who goes there should definitely do:
 

1. First stop: Krakow

There is a reason most people make this their only stop. It is one of the most anticipated cities and central and eastern Europe. Krakow is a UN Heritage Site, with buildings aging back to hundreds of years. It is also the hub of authentic bar culture. Krakow holds the most number of bars per capita and that is good news for students and drink enthusiasts. It is also cheap in terms of living and getting around the city is very easy.
 

2. Wieliczka Salt Mines

You wouldn’t believe this place attracts over a million people every year. It is an actual salts mine that has been turned into a tourist attraction. A small elevator takes you down where you spend the entire day digging and exploring beautiful findings. It is an easy day trip from Krakow, so it is not very far. The mine was in continuous operation from the 13th century to 2007, before it was opened to public. You can see statues and chapels and an entire Cathedral carved out from the rocks inside.
 

3. Sand dunes

What? Yes, we did a double take too, but there is a part in Poland that looks just like the Sahara. It is not all frozen. The Slowinski National Park in Northern Poland is an excellent place for the adventurous sort. You can take beach like photos and trek in forests. There are rest houses and campsites for those who want to stay back for a little longer.
 

4. Visit castles that will blow you away

The largest brick castle in Gdansk, known as the Malbork Castle is a sight to behold. No matter how old you are, you cannot control your excitement at seeing these buildings that have survived wars back in their time. The most visited castle is Wawel in Krakow and there are many others all over the country. Some are easily accessible and not very far and some are a little out of the way. The best are the ones that need some traveling to reach them as you can get them to yourselves for the entire day.
 

5. Have beautifully carved cheese

Oscypek is smokes, salted sheep’s cheese made exclusively in the Tatra Mountains in Southern Poland. This cheese is so intricately carved that you almost feel bad trying to eat it, but you will have a lot of it once you start. It makes for an excellent backpack snack and definitely one of the things you need to try in Poland.