Attraction in Poland
Białowieża Forest
UNESCO World Heritage
Białowieża Forest, shared between Poland and Belarus and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979, is the largest remaining fragment of the primeval lowland forest that once stretched across the European plain. The Polish national park section encompasses ancient stands of oak, hornbeam, spruce, and pine where natural processes remain largely undisturbed, and the forest is home to the largest free-roaming population of European bison on the continent. Guided tours into the strictly protected zone offer rare access to old-growth woodland with trees several hundred years old.
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Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Poland
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Poland page at Yoogo.
Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN), and it is not part of the eurozone, so euros are not accepted in most shops and restaurants. Cards are widely accepted in cities, including contactless and mobile payments, though carrying some cash is useful for smaller establishments, markets, and rural areas.
Poland is considered a low-risk destination, with a homicide rate below the EU average and no significant threat of terrorism in major tourist areas. Pickpocketing can occur in busy Old Town squares and on crowded public transport, so standard precautions apply.
Poland has a well-developed rail network connecting major cities, with InterCity and Pendolino express trains running frequently between Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, and Wrocław. Within cities, trams and buses are the standard mode of public transport, with tickets available from machines at stops or via mobile apps.
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds than peak summer, and lower accommodation prices. Summer (July to August) is the warmest period and is popular for Baltic coast beaches and mountain hiking in the Tatra range, though cities can be busy.
English is spoken to a good standard in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions in major cities such as Kraków, Warsaw, and Gdańsk. In smaller towns and rural areas, English proficiency decreases, so a few basic phrases in Polish are appreciated by locals.
Poland does not require proof of any vaccination for entry. Standard travel health advice recommends being up to date with routine vaccinations, and those planning outdoor activities in forested areas during summer may wish to consult a travel health clinic about tick-borne encephalitis.
Tipping is customary but not obligatory in Poland. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving around 10 per cent is the norm for good service, paid in cash directly to the server rather than added to a card payment.
Poland has excellent 4G coverage in cities and along major routes, with 5G available in larger urban centres. International eSIMs covering Poland are widely available from providers such as Airalo, and EU roaming rules allow travellers from EU and EEA countries to use their home data allowance without additional charges.
Poles are generally formal in initial meetings, greeting with a firm handshake and using titles rather than first names until invited to do otherwise. If invited to a Polish home, it is customary to remove your shoes at the door and to bring a small gift such as flowers (in an odd number) or chocolates for the host.