Things to see and do Poland

Timetable

Establishments generally have seasonal opening hours. They open and close earlier between October and May. Many open-air sites close entirely in October and only open in spring. Certain public holidays, particularly the week between Christmas, New Year's Eve and Easter, should be avoided.

To be booked

It's not essential to book your tours in advance. However, for travellers who like to plan ahead and optimize their stay, it is entirely possible to do so. Major museums and attractions usually have brand-new, translated websites with online ticketing.

Budget & Tips

The vast majority of museums have a free day during the week. On this day, it's impossible to book a ticket, and the crowds are huge.
Krakow, Gdańsk and Warsaw all have tourist passes that offer discounts on visits, partner restaurants and other useful perks. This can be a great option if you want to multiply your cultural visits.

Main events

One of the events not to be missed is European Museum Night. Poland, like its European neighbors, takes part in this event. It usually takes place in May and attracts thousands of visitors. Major cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, Gdańsk, Wrocław and Poznań actively participate in this event, offering special exhibitions, workshops, performances and other cultural activities throughout the evening and night. Of course, you can also enjoy special installations in smaller towns.

Guided tours

Professional guides are legion in the country, are inexpensive and add real value to a visit. Polish culture and history are often unfamiliar to foreigners, and these guides provide just the right context. You'll also find many free tours (which should be booked in advance). These free tours are themed and take place in groups, accompanied by a guide. Note that a tip is generally requested at the end, and some guides have card readers for payments, but it's advisable to give cash to avoid abuse.

Smokers

In Poland, the legal age for buying and consuming cigarettes is 18. Cigarettes are available for purchase in tobacconists (known as kiosks or kiosks ruch), as well as in supermarkets and specialist stores. Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public places, including restaurants, bars, public transport, stations, airports and offices.

The possession, purchase and sale of narcotics are strictly forbidden in Poland. Polish drug laws are strict, and penalties for possession or trafficking can be very severe. We strongly advise against buying, consuming or transporting narcotics during your stay. Note, however, that CBD is legal in Poland, as long as it is derived from industrial hemp and contains no more than 0.2% THC.