Prepare for wonderful surprises
If you seek character, history and a truly local atmosphere, explore Poland off the beaten path. Smaller towns and lesser-known regions offer authentic experiences, stunning scenery and an ambiance you won’t find in the more touristy spots. Here are five places in Poland worth visiting — before the rest of the world discovers them!
Zamość ― Poland’s ideal city
Designed by an Italian architect as an “ideal city” in the heart of Central Europe, Zamość looks as if a piece of Renaissance Italy was transported to eastern Poland. A perfectly symmetrical market square with colorful tenements and arcades, a monumental town hall with a grand staircase resembling an opera set, and a network of streets leading to historic bastions remain off the radar of most tourists.
Świdnica and Jawor ― UNESCO wooden marvels
In Lower Silesia stand the two largest wooden churches in Europe, the Churches of Peace in Świdnica and Jawor. They are engineering masterpieces, built without the use of nails or stone, yet with extraordinary precision and scale. The surprising interiors are full of balconies, carvings, and gilded details, more reminiscent of a Baroque theatre than a Protestant church. The silence, the light filtering in, and the scent of wood create an experience that will stay with you. Also visit the charming old towns, only a 30-minute drive apart, to see how art, faith and history endure even the most challenging times.
Przemyśl — frozen in time, ready to discover
This is one of those cities that has it all — except crowds of tourists. In Przemyśl, you’ll find Austro-Hungarian architecture, cobbled streets climbing the hills, Orthodox churches, Roman Catholic churches, and a castle with panoramic views of the river valley. The city has its own rhythm: calm, local, and authentic. For dessert? The unusual Museum of Bells and Pipes — and great coffee (seriously, the cafés here are really good).
Sandomierz — enter a medieval movie set
This small town looks as if it were frozen in the Middle Ages, and in the best possible way. Sandomierz has a perfectly preserved old town, winding cobbled streets, a town hall with a clock tower, and an underground route that takes you through former merchant cellars. Surrounding it are hills, characteristic loess gorges, and the winding Vistula River.
Suwalszczyzna — open spaces and nature
If you love nature, silence, and wide open spaces, head to northeastern Poland. Suwalszczyzna is an almost wild region where you’re more likely to meet a moose than a person. Think crystal-clear lakes, dense forests, hills that resemble a Nordic landscape, and picturesque wooden villages. At the heart of the region is Wigierski National Park, which includes a monastery located on a peninsula surrounded by water and silence. It’s the perfect place for a kayak trip, a biking adventure, or simply a respite from the world.
