Poland
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Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Polish landscapes, architecture and culture, which offer a rich diversity and incomparable beauty. From historic cities such as Krakow and Warsaw to the impressive natural landscapes of Masuria and the Tatra Mountains, Poland offers a wealth of photo opportunities that will delight any photography enthusiast.

Warsaw

Capital city

37.800.000

Population

Polish

Language

322.575 km²

Surface area

Welcome to the land of pierogi and kabanossi

Photo spots in Poland

Welcome to the land of historic cities and impressive natural landscapes – Poland, where photo spots invite you on a journey through the many facets of culture, history and breathtaking landscapes. From historic cities such as Krakow and Warsaw to the vibrant city life of Gdansk and the impressive natural landscapes of Masuria and the Tatra Mountains – the architecture and nature in Poland reflect a fascinating diversity that will inspire any photographer.

Explore the magnificent palaces and castles, the charming villages along the Vistula and the idyllic lakes in the country’s interior. Poland is a country full of contrasts, characterized by its rich history and cultural diversity, which enchants its visitors with every photo spot. From the small hidden gems to the vibrant cities, Poland offers an almost endless range of photo opportunities just waiting to be discovered. Get ready to be captured by the beauty of this country and start your photo journey through Poland.

Good to know

Here you will find important information for your visit to Poland or for your trip through this fascinating country in Central Europe. We’ll give you everything you need to get the most out of your stay in Poland. Let’s go on a journey of discovery together and experience the best photo spots with Fotogoals.

Regions

Poland is divided into 16 voivodeships: Lower Silesia, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Lublin, Lubusz, Łódź, Lesser Poland, Mazovia, Opole, Carpathian Foreland, Podlasie, Pomerania, Silesia, Holy Cross, Warmia-Masuria, Greater Poland and West Pomerania. These regions each offer their own unique sights and cultural highlights. From historic cities such as Krakow and Warsaw to the impressive natural landscapes of Masuria and the Tatra Mountains and the charming villages along the Vistula, Poland offers a wealth of diversity to explore.

Currency

The official currency in Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN), which is accepted as a means of payment throughout the country. The country’s largest banks include PKO Bank Polski, Bank Pekao, mBank and ING Bank Śląski. ATMs can be found in banks as well as in many public places such as shopping centers, train stations and airports, making access to cash convenient and easy.

Mobile radio

Poland has the country code +48 and the leading mobile providers are Orange Polska, T-Mobile Polska and Play. The mobile network is generally well developed and offers extensive network coverage, even in rural areas. In general, 4G LTE is readily available. 5G is largely available in urban areas.

Grocery

In Poland, most supermarkets and discount stores are open from Monday to Saturday from around 7 or 8 am until 9 or 10 pm. Some supermarkets are also open on Sundays, but with limited opening hours. The most popular retailers include Biedronka, Lidl, Aldi and Carrefour. They offer a wide selection of food and other products at affordable prices.

Transportation

There are a variety of transportation options in Poland. PKP Intercity offers an extensive train network for national and international travel. Cities have public transportation such as subways, streetcars and buses. Flixbus (PolskiBus is part of Flixbus) offers inexpensive long-distance bus connections. There are also ride-sharing services such as Uber, traditional cabs and car rental companies such as Europcar and Sixt for flexible transportation options.

Restaurant

Poland has a diverse restaurant scene that offers something for every taste and budget. In addition to traditional restaurants serving Polish cuisine, you will also find a large number of international chains and snack stands offering a wide range of dishes, from pierogi to bigos. Prices for main meals average between 5 and 15 euros. It is customary to tip about 10%.

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Poland - FAQ: Travel

Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about traveling to Poland

If you want to visit Poland, the best time to visit depends on your personal preferences and the activities you are planning. Summer (June to August) offers warm weather and is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Autumn (September to November) offers mild weather and colorful autumn landscapes, which is perfect for hiking and visiting national parks. Winter (December to February) is ideal for visiting Christmas markets and winter sports in the Tatra Mountains. In spring (March to May), nature awakens and the cities blossom, which is perfect for walks and sightseeing tours. When planning your trip, consider your personal preferences and interests to find the best time to visit Poland.

If you wish to enter Poland, the need for a visa depends on your nationality, the purpose of your stay and the intended duration. Nationals of many countries do not require a visa for short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business purposes. However, a visa may be required for longer stays or other purposes. It is important to check the current entry requirements and apply for a visa in good time if necessary.

If you are planning a vacation trip to Poland, the choice of airport depends on your destination and personal preferences. Most international flights land at major airports such as Warsaw-Chopin (WAW), Krakow (KRK), Gdansk (GDN) or Katowice (KTW). Warsaw-Chopin is the largest and busiest airport and offers a wide range of connections. All airports are well connected to the public transport network. If you have a specific destination in Poland in mind, it may make sense to choose the nearest regional airport. Find out about the various options in advance and choose the airport that best suits your travel plans.

If you are traveling to Poland, no special vaccinations are usually required. However, it is recommended that you keep your standard vaccinations up to date according to your home country's vaccination calendar. If you are traveling from countries with yellow fever infection areas, you may need to provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination. It is advisable to find out about current health and entry regulations before you travel and to seek medical advice if necessary.

Yes, many people in Poland speak English, especially in urban areas, tourist centers and among the younger generation. English is a widely spoken foreign language and is often learned as a second language at school. In hotels, restaurants, stores and tourist attractions, it is common for staff to speak English or at least have a basic knowledge of English in order to communicate with international visitors. If you don't speak Polish, you can usually communicate in English to find your way around and get help.

Poland - FAQ: Daily life

Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about daily life in Poland

In Poland, the voltage is 230 volts and the frequency is 50 hertz. The sockets correspond to the European type C and type E. If you come from a country that uses other plug types, you may need an adapter to connect your electronic devices. These adapters are available in most electronics stores, airports and hotels. It is recommended that you check whether you need an adapter before your trip to ensure that your electronic devices can be used without any problems.

Yes, the tap water in Poland is generally of high quality and can be drunk without hesitation. Most cities and municipalities have strict water treatment regulations to ensure that drinking water meets legal standards. However, it is common in some regions to buy bottled water, as the taste of tap water can vary. Drinking tap water is environmentally friendly and saves money during your stay in Poland.

Payment by card, especially by credit card, is widespread in Poland. In larger stores, restaurants and bars in cities or tourist regions, payment by credit card is generally accepted. However, some smaller stores or rural areas may only accept cash. It is therefore advisable to find out in advance whether payment with your credit card is possible.

American Express credit cards can sometimes cause problems as they are not accepted everywhere. Visa and Mastercard, on the other hand, work almost everywhere. All cards are usually accepted in supermarkets, as are Apple Pay and Google Pay. It is always a good idea to have both cash and a credit card with you to be prepared for all eventualities.

In Poland, you can buy alcohol in supermarkets, discount stores, petrol stations and kiosks. You can get a standard selection of alcoholic drinks almost everywhere, while a larger selection is usually only available in specialty drinks markets or in large supermarkets. The sale of alcohol is generally not limited in time, but it is advisable to find out about local regulations. The minimum age for the purchase of alcohol is 18 years.

In Poland, you can buy cigarettes and tobacco in supermarkets, kiosks, petrol stations and special tobacco stores. These products are usually kept behind the counter and must be requested from the staff. It is important to note that the sale of tobacco products is regulated and the minimum age for buying tobacco is 18. A pack of cigarettes costs around 3-4 euros on average.

In Poland, you can buy drugstore and hygiene products in supermarkets such as Biedronka and Carrefour as well as in specialized drugstores such as Rossmann and Hebe. These stores offer a wide range of products, including body care, cosmetics, household cleaners and baby care. Drugstore items are also available in pharmacies, which are widespread in most towns and communities.

Right-hand traffic prevails in Poland. Speed limits vary depending on the type of road: in urban areas the limit is usually 50 km/h, on rural roads 90 km/h and on freeways 140 km/h. Seat belts must be worn by all vehicle occupants. The blood alcohol limit is 0.02%. The use of cell phones without hands-free equipment while driving is prohibited. It is important to obey traffic signs and traffic lights and to give priority to pedestrians at crosswalks.

When visiting Poland, there are a few important things to bear in mind to ensure a smooth and pleasant stay:

  • Dress: Poland has a relaxed dress code, but it is advisable to dress appropriately in urban areas and for formal occasions. Conservative clothing should be worn in religious sites.
  • Traffic: Right-hand traffic prevails in Poland. It is important to follow the traffic rules and drive carefully. Pedestrians have priority at crosswalks.
  • Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, restaurants, bars and many public places. There are designated smoking areas which should be used.
  • Alcohol: The consumption of alcohol is permitted in Poland from the age of 18. However, it is forbidden to drink alcohol in public, except in designated areas such as licensed bars and restaurants.
  • Emergency number: The emergency number in Poland is 112. This number can be used for the police, fire department and ambulance.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory in Poland, but is appreciated in restaurants and for good service. Usually about 10% of the invoice amount is given.

Poland - FAQ: Photo

Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about photography in Poland

There are some important rules and regulations regarding photography in Poland:

  • Respect privacy: Do not photograph people without their express permission, especially in private or sensitive situations.
  • Military and government buildings: Photography of military facilities and government buildings is often restricted or prohibited.
  • Religious sites: Special care should be taken when taking photographs in churches and cathedrals. Find out in advance whether photography is permitted.
  • Commercial photography: Permission is required for commercial photography. Find out about the necessary permits in advance.