Poland Itinerary 10 Days: How I Spent 10 Days In Poland
If you’re considering exploring central Europe this summer, this 10-day Poland itinerary is perfect for you.
To help you plan your trip to Poland, I’ve put together this guide based on how I spent 10 days on my second trip to the country. The route starts in the north and ends in the south of the country, and I think it will work great for most people. It has the perfect balance of sightseeing and nature, without feeling like you’re spending your entire vacation just moving around.
Poland might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of Euro summer destinations, but I’ve spent 2 summers in Poland and absolutely loved it. Let’s get into it!
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Poland Itinerary 10 Days – My Experience
I followed this itinerary on my second trip to Poland. The first time I visited the country, I spent a week in Poland, and during the trip, I learned about some places I really wanted to come back to. Perks of staying in hostels, I’d say. So I did!
I feel like 10 days is the perfect time to spend in Poland if you want to explore at a relaxed pace, while still seeing all the main highlights. My first trip to Poland was a solo trip, but this time I was traveling with a friend, so we could stay in nicer accommodations.
I didn’t rent a car in Poland, and honestly didn’t feel like I needed it. I even got to visit the mountains in the south and go on 2 hikes by public transport.
Trains and buses work great for travel between cities in Poland, but you might want to book in advance on busy weekends. I missed a bus from Gdansk to Warsaw, and had to take a train that was already sold out, so I spent 3 hours sitting on the floor. Don’t recommend it.
Also, don’t forget your student ID if you’re a student. I got quite a few discounted museum tickets with mine!
My 10 Day Poland Itinerary
I started my trip from Gdansk in the north of the country, and ended in Katowice in the south. To be completely honest, I don’t think Katowice is that nice, but I found a cheap flight home from there. Alternatively, you can also fly home from Krakow. The final day is flexible, so you can adapt it as it works best for you.
Day 1-2 Gdansk
I started my trip with 2 days in Gdansk, and I think it’s the best place to fly into for this itinerary, so you don’t have to go back.
On the first day, you’ll focus on the city center and the historic part of the city. I joined a free walking tour, and it was very interesting to learn more about the history of the city and its role in the Second World War. Even if you don’t join a tour, it’s easy to see all the tourist attractions by walking.
On the second day, I rented a city bike and biked to the coast. Most people don’t even consider that Gdansk is a coastal town, but it is a popular summer destination among the locals. You can totally take a tram to the coast, but I really enjoyed biking.
I loved free walking tours in Poland, and I highly recommend reserving your spot for one (it’s free!) 📑🚶♀️
Where To Stay In Gdansk?
I stayed a bit outside of the city center, close to the European Solidarity Centre, and I could still walk to the city center. There was also a tram nearby in case we didn’t feel like walking. Ideally, I’d recommend staying around the Old Town.
- TOP Pick: Hotel Hanza (it doesn’t get better than this when it comes to location)
- Mid-Range Option: Motlawa Apartments
- Budget Pick: MILESTONE by Tribera (I stayed here, and it was a good budget-friendly option)
Day 3-4 Warsaw
I honestly think Warsaw is one of Europe’s most underrated capitals. The first time I traveled here, I was so impressed by the city because I had no expectations. I was told it was just a big central European city, but that doesn’t do Warsaw justice.
With 2 days in Warsaw, you’ll have enough time to stroll the cobbled streets of the historic center, visit the Royal Castle, and explore the rugged Praga neighborhood.
One of my favorite activities in Warsaw was the walking tours, as you can see, they’re very popular in Poland, and I joined them in each city I visited. It’s quite chilling to see the ancient borders of the Jewish ghetto, and it makes you think about how real and recent that part of history was.
Where To Stay In Warsaw?
Funnily enough, I stayed in the same area of Warsaw during both of my trips, so you’d think it’s my favorite neighborhood. While I do love the modern city center and I could easily walk everywhere, ideally, I’d stay closer to the Old Town.
- TOP Pick: La Belle Epoque (I love this part of the city for cafes and restaurants)
- Mid-Range Option: Moxy Warsaw Praga
- Budget Pick: Oki Doki OLD TOWN
Day 5-6 Krakow
With 3 full days in Krakow, you have enough time to explore the Old Town at a relaxed pace and take a day trip to Wroclaw and even see the concentration camp.
Personally, I spent the full 2 days in Krakow, and I don’t think it was too much. I joined two free walking tours, the first one was Medieval times themed, and the second one was Second World War themed. Both were very informative, and I enjoyed learning more about the history of the city.
Despite visiting Krakow twice, I haven’t seen the Auschwitz concentration camp yet. I know it’s an important historical place, but you can’t just spontaneously decide you want to go there. Entry tickets sell days in advance in high season, so I highly recommend you book early if you want to see it.
If you want to visit the Auschwitz concentration camp, you must get your tickets early as they sell out days in advance! 🎟️
Where To Stay In Krakow?
I stayed in 3 different places in Krakow throughout the years, all of them on the west side just outside the Old Town. The city center of Krakow is quite compact, so everything was within walking distance. Don’t worry if Old Town is not in the budget!
- TOP Pick: Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem
- Mid-Range Option: Amber Boutique Hotel
- Budget Pick: No.23 Premium Aparthotel (I stayed here and loved it!)
Day 7 Wroclaw Day Trip
I visited Wroclaw twice, because I think it’s truly one of the most underrated cities in Poland. While most people wonder whether they should visit Krakow or Warsaw, they skip this absolute gem.
The city center is quite compact, and you can see most tourist attractions in Wroclaw on a day trip from Krakow. Some of the highlights are Old Town Hall, the viewing platform of St Elisabeth Church, and countless dwarf statues dotted around the city.
While I did spend a night in Wroclaw on my first trip because I was going to Prague the next day, I don’t think it’s necessary to do it when following this 10-day Poland itinerary.
Day 8-9 Zakopane
It’s time for the highlight of my trip. I was so sad when I didn’t have time to visit Zakopane on my first trip to Poland, so I made it a mission to spend at least 2 full days here this time around.
I took a bus from Krakow to Zakopane, and I was in this beautiful mountain town in about 3 hours. I’ve been told there’s also a train, but the bus worked perfectly for me, and I would recommend it.
With two days in Zakopane, I think you can easily do two hikes, and maybe squeeze in a spa moment.
The first day, you’ll hike or take a funicular to the top of Gubałówka mountain. I must admit I took a funicular up and down, but it’s totally possible to walk. There are quite a few activities to do once you’re up, and the view is incredible. I also saw the cutest alpacas and sheep roaming freely. Be warned, though, it is very touristy.
The second day is the day to hike the famous Morskie Oko hike. You can totally do it by public transport, as buses depart from the city center every 15 minutes. I have an in-depth Morskie Oko hike guide if you want to know more!
Where To Stay In Zakopane?
I didn’t have a car, so I wanted to stay in the city center of Zakopane. It did limit my options, because I feel like there were some truly incredible properties outside of the city. But don’t worry if you’re traveling around Poland by public transport, I loved my accommodation in the city center too!
- TOP Pick: Aparthotel Cristina
- Mid-Range Option: Nova Hill
- Budget Pick: Apartamenty i Pokoje Krupówki Tuż Tuż (I stayed here, and it was great!)
Day 10 Katowice
On my final day in Poland, I took a Flixbus directly from Zakopane to Katowice. I must be honest, Katowice wasn’t really on my priority list when it came to places to visit in Poland, but I found a cheap flight home from there, so I thought, why not.
Honestly, sometimes you find the best spots when you least expect them! That being said, I don’t think Katowice is worth visiting for more than a day. I visited a museum and walked around the city center, and that took me about 3 hours. The highlight of the city was probably the vegan ramen place, where I had a fantastic lunch.
At the same time, the city is affordable, walkable, and a good place to spend a couple of hours before leaving Poland.
Where To Stay In Katowice?
I spent just one night in Katowice, and thought that the city center was the best place to stay. There’s not that much to do in the city, and being close to all the tourist attractions and food was great.
- TOP Pick: Butikowky Hotel M23
- Mid-Range Option: Mercure Katowice Centrum
- Budget Pick: SAVOY Mariacka Apartments (we stayed here and loved the location!)
Planning A Trip To Poland
Now that your itinerary is sorted, here are some tips and tricks that will help you with the logistics of your trip.
How To Get Around Poland
You don’t need to rent a car to follow this itinerary. I did this entire trip by public transport, and the only time I even considered it might be nice to have a car was when I was in Zakopane.
In my experience, there’s not much difference between trains and buses in Poland besides the price. Sure, trains are always a bit more comfortable, but I found travel times quite similar. I mostly took Flixbus buses; they’re cheap, reliable, and get the job done.
To be fair, prices are not that different if you book in advance, and I highly recommend booking in advance if you can. I booked all my tickets online, and it works great; you simply show your ticket to the controller if needed.
It’s also good to know that when it says that a train is sold out, that just means they sold all seats. You can still buy a ticket, but you’ll have to stand or sit on the floor as I did.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Poland
Both times I visited Poland were during the summer, and I think Poland is a fantastic European summer destination. I know, it’s not as flashy as Greece or France, but that’s part of its charm.
Most people won’t think of Poland when they think of European summer, which means that it’s not nearly as touristy as coastal countries. While it is not the cheapest country in Europe, I still found Poland fairly affordable compared to prices in
The most popular season to visit Poland is late spring and early autumn, because many Polish towns make for great weekend getaways.
10 Days In Poland Cost
I already told you that I found Poland fairly affordable, but what does that actually mean? Basically, it’s cheaper than France, where I live, but that doesn’t make it a cheap travel destination.
On average, I spent about 50€ per day for my trip to Poland.
Overall, I found prices in Poland slightly lower than those in France for cafes, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Groceries were also slightly cheaper compared to France, but I wouldn’t say the difference was dramatic.
The main difference was the price of accommodation. I stayed in some amazing hotels for under 100€ per night in the high season in Europe. To put it in perspective, the same type of accommodation would cost over 150€ in France and most other European countries.
So, if you’re wondering how much to budget for 10 days in Poland, here’s a rough overview:
- Accommodation: € 20-80 per night (hostels for budget travelers, hotels or apartments for mid-range)
- Getting Around: € 10-20 for long-distance buses and trains
- Food & Drinks: €20-40 per day (budget eats vs. sit-down meals)
- Activities: €0-20 per day (honestly, most things to do in Poland are free)
Don’t know what to pack for this trip? Check out my packing guide for summer in Europe!
