Tourism In Poland Statistics 2025: Why Travelers Keep Falling for Poland

 

Why is Poland so famous for tourism? That might be because it’s home to the world’s biggest castle complex, the oldest restaurant in Europe (Piwnica Swidnicka) and a capital city that was completely destroyed and then rebuilt due to World War II.

But it’s so much more than this. It’s full of history, stunning landscapes, wildlife and delicious food, as well as some absolutely stunning architecture that will stun even seasoned travelers.

If you want to learn more about the country where it’s contested, along with Russia, to be the birthplace of vodka, keep on reading!

Poland Tourism Growth: Key Statistics and Trends

Statista projects that Poland's tourism revenue will reach US$9.7 billion by 2025, with growth expected to continue, reaching US$11.52 billion by 2029, reflecting a robust recovery and consistent expansion.

Does Poland have a lot of tourism?

We can see this in how many tourists visit Poland each year:

• 2019: 21,158,200

• 2020: 8,418,000

• 2021: 9,722,100

• 2022: 15,947,700

• 2023: 18,986,700

While numbers have yet to reach pre-pandemic levels, Poland still receives many tourists each year, ranking 18th in the world for tourist arrivals. With a population of 38,140,910, this means that around 1 in 3 people you see in Poland are tourists.

Who visits Poland the most?

Tourism in Poland statistics by country for 2023 look like this:

• Germany: 6,028,500

• Ukraine: 4,076,900

• United Kingdom: 978,100

• Belarus: 695,600

• United States: 543,400

But where are all these people going and what is the number one tourist attraction in Poland?

That title belongs to Krakow, with over 9 million tourists in 2023, followed by Lublin, Warsaw, earning the title of European Best Destination 2023, Wroclaw and then Zakopane.

Based on statistics from Worldometer, Warsaw, the capital of Poland, leads in population with 1,702,139 residents, followed by Łódź with 768,755 and Kraków with 755,050.

Now that you know a little more about tourism statistics in Poland, let’s go where to go when there to get you excited!

Top Tourist Attractions in Poland: Must-Visit Places

So, what is Poland most known for?

Poland offers a mix of rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore ancient cities, medieval castles and scenic national parks.

Here's a guide to some of Poland's top destinations:

• Warsaw: Poland’s capital, rebuilt after WWII, offers a mix of historic sites and modern attractions. The reconstructed Old Town, filled with Baroque and Renaissance architecture, contrasts with museums like the WWII Warsaw Uprising Museum and the National Museum. Stroll down Krakowskie Przedmiescie to explore elegant streets and charming cafes.
• Krakow: One of Poland's oldest cities, Krakow is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Highlights include the Wawel Castle and Kazimierz, the old Jewish Quarter, both UNESCO sites. The city's 28 museums, including the Rynek Underground Museum and Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory, provide deep insights into Krakow's history.
• Tatra Mountains: For outdoor enthusiasts, the Tatra Mountains offer over 270 km of hiking trails, waterfalls and Poland’s highest peak, Rysy. Nearby Zakopane, a charming town at the foot of the Tatras, provides a perfect base for exploring this beautiful region.
• Wroclaw: A city with a complex history, Wroclaw is home to a massive 13th-century Market Square, St. Elizabeth's Church and over 600 whimsical dwarf statues scattered across town.
• Bialowieza Forest: This UNESCO-listed primeval forest, on the border with Belarus, is one of Europe's last remaining untouched wilderness areas. It’s home to bison and hundreds of bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife lovers.
• Gdansk: A beautiful Baltic port city, Gdansk boasts a stunning Old Town with landmarks like St. Mary's Church and Wisloujscie Fortress. Its WWII Museum offers an in-depth look at the conflict’s impact on Poland.
• Wieliczka Salt Mine: Located near Krakow, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fascinating underground labyrinth of salt sculptures, chambers and lakes. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the mine’s history and see St. Kinga’s Chapel, carved entirely out of salt.
• Auschwitz: The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is a deeply moving site, preserving the history of the Holocaust. Guided tours are available to help visitors understand the historical significance of this tragic chapter.
• Ojcow: Ojcow village leads to Ojcow National Park, Poland’s smallest national park, known for its limestone cliffs, caves and two river valleys. The park is famous for its 500 species of butterflies and is part of the Trail of the Eagle's Nests, a 163-kilometer hiking trail connecting castles and watchtowers. Two small museums enrich the experience for visitors.
• Zalipie: Zalipie is a picturesque village renowned for its colorful folk art. For over a century, locals have adorned homes, barns and even churches with flower paintings. The cultural heart of the village is the House of the Women Painters, alongside the Felicja Curyłowa Farmstead Museum, dedicated to the tradition.

Why Poland is a Growing Travel Destination — Events

Poland offers a wide range of festivals that highlight its rich culture, history and traditions. Whether you're into food, music or folk culture, there's something for everyone. These festivals give you a chance to immerse yourself in Polish culture while having an unforgettable time. Plan your visit around them to make the most of your trip!

Here’s a look at some of the most popular festivals:

• Pierogi Festival (Krakow) – August: Celebrate Poland’s beloved dish, pierogi, with hundreds of varieties, from traditional fillings to unique flavors like chocolate. The event also includes live music, dancing and pierogi-making contests.
• Wianki Festival (Krakow and other cities) – June: This midsummer festival celebrates pagan traditions with bonfires, wreath burning, live music and dancing. Held on the shortest night of the year, it’s a magical way to experience Polish folklore.
• St. Dominic’s Fair (Gdansk) – Summer: One of Poland’s oldest open-air markets, this fair offers antiques, handicrafts and traditional foods. It attracts thousands of visitors every year, making it a vibrant summer event.
• Pol’and’Rock Festival (Kostrzyn nad Odrą) – Summer: Europe’s largest free music festival, Pol’and’Rock draws hundreds of thousands of music fans. Featuring international artists, speakers and more, this festival near the German border is a must for music lovers.
• Jagiellonian Fair Festival (Lublin) – August: This folk culture festival transforms Lublin’s Old Town into a lively celebration of crafts, music and tradition. Visitors can enjoy workshops, concerts and exhibitions that blend old-world craftsmanship with modern influences.

Poland for Foodies: Culinary Tourism Highlights

Let’s talk about food! What food is Poland famous for?

Polish cuisine is rich, flavorful and full of traditional dishes that reflect its long history. Here are just a few of some must-try foods for visitors:

Savory Dishes:

• Pierogi: These famous Polish dumplings come with a variety of fillings like meat, cheese, potatoes and mushrooms. Sweet versions are also popular, such as raspberry-filled pierogi. 
• Bigos: Known as hunter’s stew, this hearty dish is made with pork, beef, sauerkraut, cabbage and mushrooms. It’s a staple comfort food.
• Rosol: A beloved chicken soup simmered with vegetables like carrots, celery and onions. It’s comforting and flavorful, often served on special occasions.
• Zapiekanki: A popular street food, this is Poland’s take on pizza. It starts with a baguette, topped with mushrooms, cheese, and optional additional toppings.
• Kielbasa: Poland’s famous sausage, typically made from pork and flavored with spices. It’s a versatile dish, enjoyed on its own or as part of larger meals.
• Krokiety: These are deep-fried croquettes, often filled with cheese or meat, wrapped in thin crepes.
• Kluski: A variety of potato dumplings, with Kopytka being the most popular. These dumplings closely resemble gnocchi.
• Żurek: A tangy rye soup often served with sausage and hard-boiled eggs, perfect for a wholesome meal.
• Golabki: Cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice, baked in tomato sauce. A comforting, traditional dish served at family gatherings.
• Placki Ziemniaczane: Crispy potato pancakes often served with sour cream or applesauce.

Sweet Treats:

• Pączki: Polish donuts, deep-fried and filled with jam or cream, are a delicious treat.
• Makowiec: This poppy seed cake is a traditional dessert with a unique flavor, perfect for an afternoon snack.
• Wuzetka: Otherwise known as Warsaw Cake, this is a layered dessert with chocolate sponge cake and cream, topped with ganache.

Best Time to Visit Poland: Seasonal Travel Guide

Poland experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. It ranges from oceanic near the Baltic Sea to continental as you move inland, with colder, harsher conditions in the east and south. The mountainous regions, particularly the Carpathians, experience alpine climates and heavy snowfall, experiencing up to 100 days per year of snow, making these areas popular for winter sports.

Planning your trip to Poland? These essential temperatures from Poland Weather Forecasts will help you prepare for a perfect visit.

Summer (June to August):

• Average temperatures range from 20°C to 27°C across most of the country. Inland cities, like Tarnow, can see temperatures climb to 30°C or higher. 
• Warsaw has a humid continental climate with summer highs reaching 31°C while Krakow in the south has highs of around 23°C.
• Rainfall is at its peak during summer, particularly in Krakow, where thunderstorms are common and where July and August receive 80–100mm of rain each month. Warsaw, the capital, gets about 680mm of rain annually, with June to August being the wettest months (60–70mm/month).
• Coastal regions experience cooler summer days, making them ideal for beach vacations.

Winter (December to February):

• In the north, temperatures average around 3°C during winter. 
• The capital, Warsaw, has average lows of -5°C while Krakow is colder year round, with January the coldest month with lows of -7°C.
• In the south, especially in mountain regions, temperatures can drop to -8°C or lower.
• Snowfall lasts for 40–60 days in most areas, with longer durations in the mountains. These regions transform into popular winter sports destinations.
• Winds from the east bring extremely cold conditions, especially to the eastern and southern parts of Poland.
• In winter, most of the precipitation falls as snow, particularly in the mountains.

Best Time to Visit:

• Summer (June–August) is the most popular time for tourists, with long, sunny days and pleasant temperatures. Tourists in Poland in this season will enjoy sightseeing, hiking and enjoying Poland's natural beauty.
• For winter sports enthusiasts, the snowy months (December to February) are perfect, especially in the Carpathian Mountains.
• If you're after a white Christmas, Poland's winter landscapes won’t disappoint, particularly in the southern regions.

Best Way to Get Around in Poland

Transportation in Poland is efficient and well-organized, offering various options for getting around. This guide should help you explore Poland efficiently, no matter how you choose to travel!

• Trains: The best option for intercity travel as trains are affordable, convenient and usually on time. Choose from InterCity (IC), Express InterCity (EIC), Express InterCity Premium (EIP), TLK and POLREGIO. Buy tickets online, at the station or through machines in major cities, and keep in mind that first-class is quieter, cleaner and less crowded, reducing the chance of theft.
• Buses: Buses are useful when traveling to the mountains, lake districts or smaller towns that trains don’t reach. Regional and private bus lines serve all parts of the country and in some cases, buses are quicker than trains, such as traveling from Krakow to Zakopane.
• Local Public Transport: Cities like Warsaw, Krakow and Gdansk have buses, trams and (in Warsaw) the metro provides excellent coverage. Tickets can be bought from kiosks, vending machines or onboard (in some cases). Be sure to validate your ticket! Avoid rush hours to miss the crowds and you can use the Jakdojade app to find routes, timetables and stops across all major cities.
• Plane: LOT, the national airline, operates regular flights between key cities, including Warsaw, Krakow and Gdansk.
• Car Travel: Driving allows you to explore more remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads and traffic. Polish drivers are known for being fast, so drive defensively. Headlights must be on at all times, seatbelts are required and children under 12 need special car seats.
• Cycling: Though bike paths are available, cycling in cities can be tricky due to heavy traffic. City bike rentals are available in many areas with NextBikes, with the first 20 minutes free.
• Ride-Sharing: Use Bolt, Uber or Blablacar to save money and avoid hailing taxis directly from airports or train stations, as they are often overpriced.

Tip: Consider 24 or 48-hour passes for unlimited bus, tram or metro travel.

Planning Your Trip to Poland: Practical Travel Tips

When traveling to a new country, being well-prepared can make all the difference in your experience, however, to ensure a smooth visit, it's helpful to know a few key tips about local customs, transportation and etiquette.

Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate Poland like a pro and make the most of your trip.

Dos:

• Learn Basic Polish: Knowing simple phrases like Dzień Dobry (Good morning) and Dziękuję (Thank you) is appreciated. Most young people speak English, so ask them for help if needed.
• Plan for Seasonal Daylight: In winter, begin your activities early as the sun sets around 4 PM. In summer, take advantage of the long daylight hours and enjoy the warm, extended evenings.
• Currency Exchange: Avoid airport exchange counters. Look for Kantor Cent in cities for the best rates.
• Respect Geography: Don’t refer to Poland as Eastern Europe – it’s seen as part of Central or Western Europe.

Don'ts:

• Hands in Pockets: Avoid keeping your hands in your pockets while speaking to others – it's considered rude.
• Jaywalking: Follow traffic rules strictly; jaywalking can lead to fines.
• Avoid Confrontation: Steer clear of drunk individuals late at night, especially in city centers or near clubs and respect noise regulations after 10pm or neighbors might call the police.
• Double-check Public Transport Tickets: Ensure you're using the right ticket for the correct bus or train line to avoid fines.

The Future of Tourism in Poland

Poland is integrating sustainable practices in tourism, with eco-friendly hotels adopting renewable energy and water-saving techniques. Cities like Warsaw and Krakow promote bike-sharing and electric vehicles, while efficient trains provide greener long-distance travel options.

National parks, such as Bialowieza Forest, focus on biodiversity conservation with strict guidelines. Cultural heritage sites like Wawel Castle are sustainably maintained and agrotourism offers visitors authentic rural experiences while supporting local economies.

Poland is committed to sustainable tourism, emphasizing environmental conservation and cultural heritage. With a strong tourism budget in place, Poland is focusing on attracting travelers looking for authentic and eco-friendly experiences.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve learned a little about tourism in Poland and why you should definitely start looking into booking a trip here. If you need some help planning, how about booking a private tour or private guide? They can truly be the highlights of your trip!