Poland Off The Beaten Path

Gdansk has a rich and volatile history, due mostly to its position at the mouth of the Vistula River on the Baltic Sea. That has been bad news for the city’s inhabitants throughout history, but today it’s good news for visitors. With its rare blend of historic architectural styles from varied cultures, Gdansk offers reminders of Polish, Prussian, and Napoleonic rulers. While some of the city recalls Poland, other parts will remind you of Amsterdam and other port cities from the north of Europe. You’ll have a great time exploring all the various corners of the city on foot, but there’s much more to do here than just look at interesting buildings. Old Town and Westplatte are two areas you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Long Market, where you can find many local arts and crafts. And outside of the city, Malbork Castle is one of the most popular day trips. History will come alive for you here as you explore the different tours and museums on the castle grounds. Or you could go a little farther afield with a tri-city day trip including visits to Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia, all of which have a unique charm that’s even more impressive when compared with the other nearby cities.

One of Poland's oldest cities, Torun was once also one of the largest, as evidenced by its plentiful Brick Gothic, Baroque, and Mannerist architecture. Fortunately, Torun escaped World War II intact, so everything in its center is original, down to Nicolaus Copernicus' birthplace. Torun's beautifully preserved, UNESCO-listed Old Town (with its massive cathedral) is the main reason to visit. Take your time exploring the center, its medieval Gothic buildings, walls, and towers (one of which is leaning) will reward you. Be sure to check out Torun's famed, elaborate gingerbread (which naturally has its own museum, where you can learn to bake it). The city isn't just known as "The Gingerbread City" due to its characteristic red brick architecture!

Mikolajki is located near Poland's largest lake, deep within the Masurian Lake District, a harmonious mix of forests and thousands of lakes connected by a series of canals. Not surprisingly, the town itself is located on a lake by the same name, and features plenty of restaurants and cafes that follow the water. Mikolajki itself is cute, and has served as a resort town for generations, but its main draw are the endless lakes around, which can easily be explored by rental boat or kayak or even by following the lakeside paths and promenades.

Built around a royal hunting lodge, the village of Bialowieza sits in the heart of the Bialowieza Forest, on Poland's border with Belarus. This is Europe's last primeval, untamed forest, straddling the Polish-Belarusian border. Home to large herds of Europe's largest animal, the European bison, this UNESCO-listed forest also hid Soviet and Polish partisan bands during World War II. Locals take protection seriously, and visits to the most primeval portion are limited to scientific expeditions, and guided tours of up to 20 people led by official guides.

A thriving trade town during the Renaissance, Kazimierz Dolny stopped growing during the 17th century, which helped keep its charming Old Town intact and looking like it hasn't been touched in more than 400 years (even if the castle has been in ruins for nearly 500 years). Today, Kazimierz Dolny is a popular destination for Polish travelers, drawn to its film festival, architecture, and artist's colony. By World War II, Jews formed nearly half of the town's population, including many of its artists.

Warsaw, the capital of Poland and its largest city, has bounced back from the devastation of World War II, reconstructing the historic center, and earning UNESCO World Heritage status in the process. This is a bustling metropolis with a charm that’s distinct from other cities in Poland. Here you’ll find art museums and theaters galore, with lively performances and exhibitions throughout the year, as well as frequent festivals of all sorts. The culinary scene here is top-notch, with several well-respected restaurants offering classics of Polish cuisine and modern masterpieces from European gastronomy. Warsaw has distinct neighborhoods that are perfect for exploring on foot, but it’s also fun to get an appreciation for the size of the city by being chauffeured. You can explore different layers of Warsaw’s history, from World War II to its Jewish heritage and communist past. You’ll definitely want to sample the local cuisine while you explore the city, and there’s no shortage of opportunities to do so, from street stalls to fine dining. When you’re ready to go farther afield, the region surrounding Warsaw offers gorgeous lakes, castles and other notable cities and villages. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy your time in this vibrant city.