Poland

1. Krakow: This historic city has witnessed it's share of turbulence in the past century, and stands testament to the Polish resilience that survived through the Second World War. However, Krakow's history spreads much beyond Nazi terrorism- dating back to the 7th century, the city has always been one of the biggest administrative capitals of Poland.

The colorful buildings, large market squares and cobbled streets define the rustic charm of the place. The enormous Market Square here dates back to the 13th century, and is the largest market Square in all of Europe. The market is also home to some of the city's biggest landmarks, including the famed Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica. Krakow is also known for its fantastic shopping streets. 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Krakow would be during the spring months, between May and September. The weather during this time remains pleasant, and the city generally remains less crowded than in summer months. 

2. Warsaw: The capital city of Poland, Warsaw stands out with its vibrant culture and heritage wonders. The Warsaw Old Town, regarded widely as the city's heart, is now a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the most striking places to visit in the city. Those desiring to explore Warsaw on foot can take a stroll along the Royal Route, the road that connects the Royal residencies of erstwhile Polish rulers. The city is not lacking green spaces as well; there are more than ninety parks scattered across Warsaw, where the Chopin concerts come to life in summer evenings. 

Best time to visit:  The best time to visit Warsaw would be during the Polish summer, roughly between June and August. Although this is Warsaw peak season, the pleasant weather during this time makes it ideal for sightseeing. 

3. Tatra Mountains: A part of the Carpathian Chain, the Polish Tatras are an adventure on their own.  In 1995, the mountains were declared a National Park and designated as UNESCO biosphere reserve. It’s deep gorges and beautiful lakes are reason enough for one to pay a visit. The alpine forests here can be found brimming with a number of shrubs and flowers throughout the year, and the occasional wildlife can be spotted here as well.

The town of Zakopane, known for its fantastic wooden architecture and cuisine, stands as the very foot and acts as a gateway to the mountains. The mountains can be a stunning hiking location, although it is frequented by skiers as well. There are several food huts dotted across the mountains that are renowned for their specialty smoked cheese.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Tatras are between May and September, when the weather remains ideal for sightseeing as well as hiking. However, skiers and snowboarders should ideally visit during the winter months.

4. Wonderful Main Market Square:  The main market square in Krakow is the city’s beating heart. One of the oldest medieval squares in the world, this open-air plaza forms an attraction in itself. Taking centre stage at the square is the Cloth Hall; built in the 14th century, the Cloth Hall can rightfully be called the first shopping mall in the world, and can still be found packed with vendors selling wood or lacework items.

Right beside it is the St. Mary’s Basilica, known to carry out Krakow’s age-old tradition of hourly bugle calls. Another prominent landmark in the Square is the Town Hall Tower, the only remaining segment of the medieval town hall, which lets tourists climb up for city views. 

Location: Rynek Glówny, 31-422 Kraków, Poland
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the market square would be between May to September when the summer tourist crowd has marginally lessened. 

5. Bialowieza Forest Reserve: One of the largest and only remaining portions of the primeval forests that once stood across the European Plains, the Bialowieza Forest Reserve possesses an unearthly Narnia-like charm. Now a UNESCO Heritage Site and biosphere reserve, the Forest is recognized as Poland’s national wealth.

The symbol of the forest is the near-declining European bison, which has been saved for extinction here. The National Park is also rich in ‘dead wood or remains of decaying trees that have been kept undisturbed to foster the growth of mushrooms and other fungi. Tourists to the Reserve can find accommodation in the many villages at the very heart of the reserve.

Location: Podlaskie Voivodeship, Poland
Best time to visit: The park remains open between April and October

6. Bieszczady Mountains: Poland’s untamed beauty shines through the Bieszczady Mountains, the mighty ranges of the Outer Carpathians that run along the country’s length. Neither the atrocities of the second world war nor the wars of the Middle Ages had any effect on the mountains, whose wilderness remains unparalleled in the region.

There are several hiking routes across the mountains, peppered with forest patches, old Churches and other historical attractions. There are some narrow railway tracks as well, taking one to different corners of the mountains. If you want a trip to the darker side, try visiting Nasiczne, one of the mountain caves that has never seen sunlight. 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the mountains would be between the months of April and October when the weather remains ideally suitable for hiking

7. Royal Castle: Dominating the streets of Old Town, the Royal Castle is one of the most historically poignant landmarks in the city. Built-in the 15th century, The Royal Castle once functioned as the residence of the Mazovian princes. The magnificent castle was nearly completely destroyed during the Second World War.

Ever since, the castle has been built from its rubble and remains what it is today- a magnificent building in 17th-century architectural styles. In 1980, the Royal Castle and its surrounding area were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Museum within the castle is one of the biggest in the city and attracts nearly 5 million visitors in a year.

Location: Plac Zamkowy 4, 00-277 Warszawa, Poland
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Castle would be during the warmer months, between April and October

8. The Vistula River Beach: Recognized as one of the most beautiful city beaches in the world, the Vistula River beach is an anomaly in the Urbanic Warsaw. The Vistula River beaches are a collection of several little beaches along the river bank. The soft golden sands here stand out jarringly against the Warsaw cityscape. One can easily find a sun lounger on rent, and whole food shakes and stalls are available in plenty. The beaches offer cycling routes along their lengths as well.

Location: Vistula River Bank, Warsaw, Poland 
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the beach would be during the summer months, between April and September. Although it is peak tourist season, the summer weather would be best suited for a beach visit.

9. Zalipie Village: Visiting Zalipie is a lot like visiting Tolkein’s Shire, or a village right out of Disney. The tiny village is blanketed with clusters of crooked, colorfully painted houses that appear as wildflowers from a distance. The village is best known for its folk art, a tradition that began several centuries ago when the villagers started painting their own houses. Today, the practice has taken over nearly every element of the village, owing to its vibrant, hippy charm. There are some farms and Churches in the village that one can visit. The Painter’s House is a landmark building in Zalipie.

Best time to visit: May to October would be the ideal time to visit Zalipie when the temperatures are moderate 

10. Torun: The town of Torun was built by the Teutonic Knights in the 15th century- but elsewhere. It was later removed to its current position as the earlier areas were victim to constant flooding. As a result, Torun is neatly divided into two halves- the Old Town and the New Town, with the palace of the Teutonic knights standing between the two.

The Gothic town is regarded for its splendid architecture; apart from a smattering of Churches and Towers, Torun is unique for its animal sculptures scattered around the marketplace, each telling a story or a legend of the city’s dark past. The city is also known for its gingerbread, which forms an irreplaceable part of its heritage.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Torun would be during the middle months, between June and August, when the weather here remains the best

1. Krynica Morska Beach: One of the most popular beaches in Poland, Krynica Morska remains heavily crowded during holidays. If you can arrive early, you can get a quiet spot near the water for sunbathing or relaxing.

2. Jurata Beach: This scenic beach combines great views with superb entertainment options. It’s a great place for swimming, sunbathing or even just riding a bike along the promenade. You can even try surfing at the beach here if the weather is suitable.

3. Brzezno Beach: One of the less crowded options, this Gdansk beach is ideal for those looking for quiet time by the sea. Unlike most beaches, Brzezno does not require an entry fee. The sand here is soft and clear, and there’s a lifeguard on duty during peak season. The beach has a lovely promenade as well, ideal for romantic strolls.

4. Sopot Beach: This bustling beach offers a host of fun sports to try. When in Sopot, do not miss out on the short boat trips that leave from the beach. The water here is shallow, making it a great spot for swimming even for non-swimmers and children. Sopot is also well known for its spa treatments, so keep an eye out for a beachside massage centre.

1. Warsaw: The capital of the country, Warsaw is definitively the best city in Poland from a tourist’s perspective. The historic city has much to offer, from fantastic museums to an exquisite nightlife culture. One of the best places to visit in the city would be the Warsaw Old Town; now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town has been restored to its medieval glory in the post war eras, and boasts of fantastic Gothic architectures, bustling market squares and more.

2. Krakow: At the heart of the Polish war against Nazism, Krakow’s historical importance cannot be downplayed by any other Polish city. The Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camp is the biggest attraction here, and stands testament to the turbulent history of the country. Krakow is also home to the famed medieval Market Square, the oldest such Square in all of Europe.

3. Wroclaw: One of the lesser visited cities in Poland, Wroclaw stands out with its colorful buildings and fantastic architecture. The city is home to some of the most fantastic architectural landmarks in Poland, including the UNESCO listed Centennial Hall. The Wroclaw Market Square is the largest Market Square in Poland, and is home to many fantastic buildings.

4. Torun: Built entirely in a Gothic style, Torun is one of the most impressive, albeit least visited, cities in Poland. The town was built by the Teutonic Knights, whose Castle divided the city in exactly half. The history of Torun is as interesting as its aesthetic- the city is scattered with sculptures of animals throughout its length, each telling a story about it’s past.

1. Bialowieza National Park: Recognized as the country’s oldest national Park, Bialowieza National Park sits right at the border of Belarus and Poland. Kept undisturbed for over 800 years, the Park is now a prominent area of study for biologists across the world. It is also home to some of the most fantastic species indigenous to the country, including the European bison, which was saved from extinction here.

2. Tatra National Park: Home to Poland’s highest peaks, the Tatra National Park is one of the most biodiverse regions in all of Europe. Apart from its assortment of local wildlife, the Tatra mountains offer the perfect spot for skiing and snowboarding sports. The mountains also have a stunning range of local cuisine, including the local smoked cheese.

3. Slowinski National Park: This stunning national park is known for its shifting sand dunes, changing shape with the wind. Located just by the Baltic sea, it is one of the most enchanting places to visit in Poland.

1. Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp: The largest concentration camp in Nazi Germany, Auschwitz Birkeneu is now a sight of harrowing retrospect. The Museum at the site displays an unsettling collection of photographs, documents and personal artefacts detailing the history of the prisoners at the camp. 

2. Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines: Located just outside Krakow, Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines are one of the oldest salt mine systems in the world. The impressive mine system includes several underground lakes, a chapel and impressive rock statues. 

3. Krakow Market Square: Built in the 13th century, the Krakow Market Square is one of the oldest and largest market square in the world. The first of all Heritage Sites in Poland, the Market Square is lined with some of Krakow’s most significant buildings, including the Gothic St. Mary’s Church and the medieval Cloth Hall.

4. Malbork Castle: Originally built by the Teutonic Knights as a fortress, this 13th century Castle is an architectural wonder. After the assault of the Second World War, much of the castle has been restored to its original glory, including some of the interior rooms being preserved intact. The Castle also features a Museum which displays weapons and other artefacts.

Although there is no shortage of culture or heritage when it comes to Poland, what makes this country really stand out from its European sisters is its local cuisine. Although often overshadowed by the more elite French or Italian, Polish cuisine is indisputably one of the best in the world. From the fried Pierogi to the myriad potato dishes, the country is an absolute dream for travellers looking to try new food.