Travel to Poland. Refusal to receive

Travelers should take note of information about traveling to Poland in 2019: prices, how to get a visa, how to get to Poland by car, plane, train, buses, what to see and what food to try.

Despite past ups and downs, today Poland is a country with a developed tourism infrastructure. She opens her arms wide to everyone who wants to get to know her better. And it has something to boast about: the virgin Belovezhskaya Pushcha, sharp mountain peaks and wandering sand dunes on the Baltic Sea coast, churches, Teutonic castles and much more.

How to get to Poland?

Air

The easiest way to get to Poland is by plane: from St. Petersburg and Moscow there are direct and connecting flights from LOT, Aeroflot, Austrian, Lufthansa, Easyjet, Air Baltic, etc. Travel time is 2-3 hours, and the cost varies from 8 to 11 thousand rubles there and back. Wizz Air flies cheaply (with a transfer in Budapest), the price of an air ticket is 5-8 thousand rubles.

Train

You can come to Poland by train: the Polonaise train runs daily on the Moscow-Warsaw route. A round-trip ticket costs about 230 euros. This option costs about the same as air travel, but takes much longer - 18 hours. There are also passing trains that can take you to Poland.

Bus

Buses also run to Poland - the Lux Express company invites travelers to use its services. This is a fairly inexpensive method (although air travel can cost even less), but it takes a lot of time. The cost of a one-way ticket from Moscow and St. Petersburg is from 5 thousand rubles. You can also travel by Ecolines buses. Carriers often organize profitable promotions and sales, for example, Lux Express has them - we report about such promotions in the section, as well as in ours. Subscribe to stay up to date with news.

Trip to Poland from Kaliningrad

Trips to Poland from Kaliningrad will cost residents of the city mere pennies: by bus for 500 rubles you can get to the city of Gdansk, for 750-1000 rubles - to Warsaw. From Kaliningrad you can get to Warsaw on comfortable Ecolines buses: travel time is about 8 hours, ticket cost is about 2,250 rubles in both directions. There is usually a 20% discount on round trip purchases.

Traveling to Poland by car

If you have planned a trip to Poland by car, you must present the following documents at the Polish border: a passport with a valid visa, an international driving license, a registration certificate and a green card - an international compulsory insurance policy for civil liability of vehicle owners. Sometimes a valid insurance policy and confirmation of the purpose of the trip (hotel reservation, invitation, etc.) may be required. Also, be sure to install a sign that indicates the state in which the vehicle is registered. The vehicle's lights must be in working order. Be sure to have a reflective vest, warning triangle, fire extinguisher and spare tire/repair kit. The windshield must be free of cracks. A radar detector is not permitted in a vehicle.

Rent a Car:

You can rent a car using Skyscanner Car Hire - a popular service that allows you to book the car you need online.

(photo © BiLK_Thorn / flickr.com)

Visa to travel to Poland in 2019

How to get a visa to travel to Poland in 2019? You can apply for a visa either at the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Moscow, or through the Visa Application Reception Point. In the first case, you need to fill out a visa application form on the website, otherwise the application will not be accepted.

Required documents for traveling to Poland:

  • completed visa application form;
  • international passport (valid for at least 3 months from the end of the trip) and a copy of the first page;
  • two color photographs 3.5 x 4.5;
  • visa payment (consular fee - 35 euros, service fee at reception points - 19.5 euros);
  • confirmation of accommodation reservation;
  • travel document;
  • health insurance valid in Schengen countries;
  • financial resources in the amount of at least 100 zlotys for each day of stay and confirmation of their availability: traveler's checks, account statements, etc.;
  • copy of internal passport.
  • Sample visa applications, a list of accredited travel agencies and the address of the Polish Embassy in Moscow can be found here:. On the website you will find information about the addresses of visa centers.

Accommodation while traveling. Search for hotels on Roomguru.ru - the service finds profitable offers among several booking systems. An alternative to hotels is the popular private housing rental service Airbnb. Try to find an apartment or house for your trip. It is much more comfortable and often cheaper (especially if you travel with a group or family).

Shopping trips to Poland

It is no secret that many people travel to Poland not only for leisure - on sales days stores offer tempting discounts on clothing from famous brands, especially in Warsaw there are many shopping centers that offer a wide range of world brands. The most popular are Blue City, Arkadia, Galeria Mokotow and Złote Tarasy.

Shopping trips to Poland are popular among residents of neighboring countries. Christmas sales in Poland begin on December 20 - discounts reach 20-50%, and after Christmas they reach 80%. However, shopping in Poland is best done in mid-January and mid-June, when most stores have total sales of old collections.

However, if you were unable to visit Poland during the discount season, do not be sad, because throughout the year there are outlets and night sales in the country. And in Bialystok, home to such giants as Auchan, Alfa and Galeria Biala, you can find everything you need. In addition, thanks to Tax Free, you can save up to 22% VAT.

Food in Poland: what to try?

In Polish cuisine, as in German, much attention is paid to cabbage and meat, which is reflected in such a famous dish as bigos - stewed cabbage with meat. Also popular are red and white borscht, zurek, rassolnik, perogi - a dish similar to dumplings, sorcerers, and dumplings. People in Poland also love desserts: sirnik, poppy seed pie, charlotte, mazurka.

Poles consume no less beer than their German neighbors (maybe even more). Poland, like Poland, is famous for its ancient beer traditions - the foamy drink was known in the country already in the tenth century. The variety of beers in Poland is impressive. To taste Polish beer, we recommend visiting one of the many beer festivals held in Poland, for example, Chmielaki Krasnostawskie.

In addition to beer, other alcoholic drinks are common in Poland: vodka, various liqueurs (Zubrowka, Starka) and fruit liqueurs, honey, gzaniec.

Food prices in Poland are reasonable, but they naturally fluctuate depending on the status of the restaurant. You can eat very inexpensively in the so-called milk bars, where prices are often three or even four times lower than restaurant prices. These bars are popular among the local population as they offer traditional dishes.

By the way, two Polish cities - Warsaw and Krakow - are included in the top ten according to the Price of Travel portal. In turn, Poland is one of the five.

(photo © warcuy / flickr.com)

Trip to Poland: what to see?

No matter how trivial it may sound, Poland is rich in historical and architectural monuments, and due to the glacier, which either advanced or retreated again, the country has a bizarre topography. What should you pay attention to when traveling to Poland?

Warsaw

In Warsaw, the historical center which was rebuilt after the Second World War, you should visit the cozy Old Town: Palace Square with the Royal Castle, St. Yana and the Church of the Jesuit Fathers, Market Square, where the smallest street of the capital - Kamenny Skhodki - begins. Don’t forget about Krakow Przedmieście, Lazienki, the Royal Route and the Palace on the Water.

Outside the Old Town, unfortunately, you will be disappointed: being the center of the country, the city is moving forward by leaps and bounds, so skyscrapers rise here and there, and due to Soviet influence in the city you will find many dull high-rise buildings.

Krakow is by far the most visited city by tourists in Poland. And no wonder: there are so many churches, monasteries and chapels concentrated here! And Soviet development barely touched the city, so nothing will cloud your view. A must-see is Kazimierz, the Wawel architectural complex and, of course, the Old Town, where you will find a lot of interesting things, as well as the Market Square with the Sukiennice shopping arcade.

(photo © Around the World in 480 Days / flickr.com)

Lodz

Lodz, an industrial city, now attracts tourists with the beautiful facades of merchant and factory houses adjacent to industrial buildings. The city is rightfully considered a cultural center: the world-famous School of Cinematography is located here.

Lublin

Lublin, which is not as popular as Krakow and Warsaw, nevertheless has something to see: the authentic Old Town is not inferior to Krakow's. Many people also like this city because of the lack of crowds of tourists. Speaking about Lublin, it is difficult to forget about the sad glory of Majdanek - the death camp, which was located on the outskirts of the city. Now it houses a memorial.

Other cities in Poland

Wroclaw, this Polish Venice, is remarkable with more than 200 bridges. With a mixture of Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture, the city has no shortage of tourists.

In cities such as Malbork, Paczkow, Frombork, Ujazd, buildings that belonged to the knights of the Teutonic Order were preserved, and there was a whole defensive complex around Krakow.

In addition to architectural delights, Poland also shines with natural attractions: the famous Bialowieza Forest, Narwiana and Biebrza national parks, the purest Masurian lakes... And on the Baltic Sea coast, travelers will find the resorts of Sopot, Busko-Zdrój, Rebal, Leba, Ustka, etc.

For those who love active recreation, Poland also has a surprise in store: Poland is framed by such massifs as the Sudeten Mountains, Beskids, Tatras, Pochlale, Gorce, Pennines and Bieszczady - there are places to ride! In a word, you don’t need to limit yourself to Zakopane - you need to explore others.

(photo © PolandMFA / flickr.com)

Introductory image source: © iwona_kellie / flickr.com.

In Poland, the bus network of the Polski Bus carrier is well developed, with which you can get to every point on our route. And what is important for your budget, the cost of the trip will not exceed €5-6, and if you plan everything in advance, there are almost always tickets for €1.

Accommodation prices in all cities on the route are approximately the same:

  • bed in a hostel - from €5
  • room in a 3* hotel - from €20 for two
  • room in a 5* hotel - from €70 for two

The easiest way to get to Poland from Ukraine is by plane. Wizz Air has cheap flights to various Polish cities, including Katowice, a city located not far from Krakow, and where our route can conveniently start.

There are also direct buses and trains from Kyiv and Lviv, or you can make the most budget route with several transfers and crossing the border on foot.

Krakow

Just a few hours and you will find yourself in the medieval - cultural capital of Poland. Its heart is the Old Town (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with the spacious Market Square, St. Mary's Church and Wawel Castle. For a long time, Krakow was the place of coronation of Polish monarchs, although the country's capital was in Warsaw - you can learn more about this on the excursion "

Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!

My interactive guide
“Poland: Undiscovered Europe” has been released!

I have been living in Warsaw for the second year now and, to be honest, for the first time in my life I feel that I have truly found my city and my country. I really want to show you the beauty of Poland too.

What kind of guide?

This is a system for people who want to travel interestingly and independently, but do not have enough time or experience to prepare for the trip.

This includes:

1) Convenient and easy-to-read description of the route with interesting points, a clear plan for each day,
2) markers on maps for smartphones (everything works without the Internet!)
3) detailed instructions on the technical side of the trip: the correct exit from the metro, the correct entrance to the building, luggage storage, purchasing a variety of tickets, etc.

I'll be honest I've been looking for something like this for a long time. To be taken care of well and efficiently, not just for show. I haven’t gone on group tours for a long time, and I don’t always have enough time to prepare for individual trips. But I also want not just a trip, but something with a twist!

We really thought of everything: we selected several hotels in which it is convenient and pleasant to stay, planned places for delicious lunches and dinners, made a plan for walks around the city and put all the necessary marks on the map... At the same time, there is no such strict schedule as with group excursions: you can arrange a long lunch for yourself or a very leisurely climb.

By the beginning of our cooperation, the publishing house Top3Travel had already created two guides on this technology: “ Gaudi. Architecture for life"(for Spain) and " Sheikh Zayed. How to create a miracle in the desert"(in the UAE). And when I saw the level of work, how detailed everything was and at the same time easily and clearly described, how clearly and competently the route was drawn up, I even doubted a little: could I do the same in Poland?

However, the eyes are afraid, but the hands do

In the summer of 2016, I thought through the route and described it and all the technical details in detail. In the fall, we completely drove through it, checked everything, and made the necessary corrections. The route is now completely ready for use.

For whom

For budget holidays for singles, couples and families of all ages. If you like to walk through beautiful cities and natural places, this is the ideal route for you.

Type of journey

A truly personalized journey. You will have detailed instructions and an exact route in your smartphone, accessible without the Internet. At the same time, you will do just fine without knowing English or Polish, you will always see where you are, and you will definitely not get lost.

Budget

So that you understand the budget: All three transfers between cities, including one for 7 hours, will cost you 10-20 euros per person (depending on the date of purchase). The hotels we recommend cost $40-60 per room per night. Along the route, we have planned several lunches in tasty, but very inexpensive places where locals go - a full lunch with meat for one here costs 5-7 euros. And you can spend the money saved on a water park, museum or gifts for loved ones.

Level of detail

You will receive several files and video instructions. You will know exactly which excursions and trips are worth purchasing online before your trip, and what can be purchased on the spot. You will see a clear plan for all days and a separate, very detailed plan for each day. At the same time, everything is read as you go, step by step - it turns out very convenient. Here are some screenshots.


Route

Warsaw (2 nights)
Krakow (2 or 3 nights)
Zakopane (recommended from 4 nights)
There is something to do everywhere, both in winter and in summer!

Detailed program

The first day. Evening in Warsaw. View of the city from above

You will visit a small but very interesting museum, which is almost not in guidebooks, have lunch at a popular restaurant serving Polish cuisine, look at the city from a height of 114 meters and stroll along an evening pedestrian street. By the way, Warsaw is not only an old, but also a very modern city, which you will also see.

Second day. Heart of Warsaw

You will stroll along the most beautiful streets of the city, find out how the Old Town of Warsaw differs so much from other similar ones, look at the embankment, and in the warm season - at the Botanical Garden on the roof of the library - the real highlight of the city. And again we will tell you where to eat and relax.

Day three. Moving and walking around Krakow

The Poles themselves call Krakow the soul of Poland. This is where the largest central square in all of Europe is located. And a couple of years ago, the Dungeons were opened to tourists - with a unique multimedia museum and an unusual atmosphere inside. Who hasn't been under the central square yet - be sure to visit it!

Day four. Royal Castle in Krakow and Wieliczka Salt Mine

Get ready - a day full of emotions and impressions awaits you! You will be able to see not only the Royal Chambers, but also the Armory and the Treasury, see a place as significant for Poland as the Kremlin for Russia, look into the Dragon Cave... In the afternoon we will have a trip to Wieliczka - to the grandiose underground halls, which simply impossible to miss!

Bonus day in Krakow

If you decide to stay in Krakow for an extra day, you can use our additional tips and take a walk through the artistic quarter of Kazimierz, see the largest aviation museum in Poland (there are about 150 pieces of equipment!) and visit the Schindler Factory museum.

Day five. Transfer to Zakopane and walk around the city

And again, we have described everything in detail for you: departure platform, arrival, check-in options, marked useful points in the city on the map... On this day we will walk along the cozy streets of this resort town, admire the houses that are more than 100 years old and climb the mountain Gubałówka, where there are some rather unusual attractions

Day six. Climbing Kasprowy Wierch Mountain

My favorite day! You will see gorgeous landscapes, breathe in the mountain air and clear your head of garbage! It is impossible to describe, you just have to see it! There are several options for ascent and descent, all of which are described in the guide, and you can easily find the one that best suits your physical fitness.

Day seven. Walk to Lake Morske Oko

This mountain lake is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Unreal color water, picturesque stones and trees around, peace and tranquility... What’s nice is that the road to it is very simple, although quite long (2-3 hours one way). However, there is always the opportunity to get there by horse-drawn carriage. A wonderful walk along the forest awaits you, and then along the lake.

Well, in my opinion, it’s time to plan a winter, maybe even a New Year’s trip to some pleasant and suitable place. Those who can hardly endure winter and cold are probably already packing their suitcases for the warm countries of Southeast Asia or Latin America. Others are looking forward to seeing European cities turn into a fairy tale during the Christmas holidays or to take off their skis at one of the ski resorts. And I propose to combine the last two desires and do it in Poland.

Last time we sorted things out: we looked for answers to the main questions related to tickets, hotels and other preliminary steps that are taken when planning an independent trip. Today we will do the same with Poland and try to find answers to specific questions:

1. Why Poland?
2. How to get there?
3. Where to stay?
4. How to get a visa?
5. How much will the trip cost?

Let's get started (=

1. Where exactly in Poland and why?

I suggest Krakow + Zakopane. And not only in winter, but also in summer. Because Krakow is the most majestic and worthy city in Poland with a rich historical and cultural heritage, and Zakopane is the Polish ski capital, and in the warm season it is simply a wonderful spiritual place, because the mountains are magnificent in any season. This does not mean that other cities are not worthy of attention, I am also extremely interested in the northern Polish Tricity (Gdynia, Gdansk and Sopot), but in winter it is not very comfortable there, and besides, it is a bit far away, Krakow and Zakopane are the very south of the country. Well, if you ask yourself why Poland? Yes, simply because you definitely need to visit this country at least once. I'm sure she won't disappoint you.

2. How to get there?

Most choose to travel by plane. You can fly to Krakow (with a transfer) or to the capital of Poland. Distance Warsaw - Krakow 300 km. You can overcome it by train or bus. It is also convenient to get from Krakow to Zakopane by bus or train; travel time is from two to three hours.

If you like to travel by private car, great! From Moscow to Krakow you need to cover a distance of only 1,500 km. Then, to calculate travel costs, you will need information about the cost of gasoline in the countries through which the road passes and the cost of vehicle insurance.
If you prefer a train, it would be the Polonaise, a signature train of the Russian Railways, traveling on the Moscow-Warsaw route. The drive is not very long, only 18 hours. Departure daily at 17:21.

3. Hotels in Krakow and Zakopane

Depending on your preferences, the number of nights in one and in another city may vary. If you have never been to Krakow and you are more interested in an excursion holiday, then you can only take a ride in Zakopane for a couple of days. If the main purpose of your visit is skiing, you can accordingly keep your stay in Krakow to a minimum. In Zakopane, it’s great to stay in a private mini-hotel, where you can spend your evenings like home.

4. Visa issues.

I never tire of repeating that applying for a visa on your own is not at all difficult or expensive, either in terms of material or time resources. Of course, things get more complicated if you live far from Moscow or other major centers where embassies and visa centers may be present. In this case, the cost of visa services becomes more expensive.
So, if you have carefully studied the official website of the Polish Embassy in Russia (http://wiza.polska.ru) and carefully collected the necessary package of documents, then you don’t have to worry about the entry permit; you will most likely receive a visa. At least in the case of Eastern European countries, which are still quite loyal to Russian tourists.

5. How much does all this cost?

Your budget for such a trip may consist of the following figures:

– train tickets – from 230.6 euros
Moscow-Warsaw-Moscow, in second grade.
(current tariffs on the website rzd.ru)
— — from 8,000 rubles
Moscow-Warsaw-Moscow, economy class.
— night in a hotel in Krakow — from 1,800 rubles/night
price for a double standard room in a *** hotel within walking distance of the city center.
— night in a hotel in Krakow min — from 1,000 rub./night
minimum price for a double room in a hotel of any type within relative accessibility of the center (walking/public transport).
— night in a hotel in Zakopane — from 2,000 rubles/night
price for a double standard room in a hotel ***
— consular fee — 35 euros
per person.
– equipment rental – from 20 zlotys per day
set (skis, boots and poles)
— liter of gasoline in Poland — from 5 zlotys

It does not stand out for its particularly striking beauties and attractions. The sea here is cool, the nature is dull, and the ski slopes are unlikely to attract those who are accustomed to high altitudes and difficult slopes. But travel to Poland is full of special charm and charm, because in one trip a tourist manages to become imbued with medieval history in the ancient castles of the Teutonic Order, receive medical treatment at balneological resorts, enjoy the antique wealth of a flea market in a magnificent place and think about the eternal under the canopy of hundred-year-old trees in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park .

Important points

  • A visit to Poland for citizens begins with obtaining a Schengen visa at the consulate or visa center.
  • The fine for smoking in public places in Poland is about 115 euros.
  • There are 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Poland. These include the historical center of Krakow, the royal salt mines, the castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork and the wooden churches of South.

Choosing wings

The easiest way to get to Poland is by plane, but there are also plenty of options for bus or train tours for travelers:

  • Daily flights are operated by Aeroflot and the Polish air carrier LOT. Travel time is just over 2 hours, and prices for direct flights start from $200. Air Baltic airline tickets with a transfer to - from $180 will cost a little less.
  • The direct train to Warsaw is called “Polonaise” and departs daily from the Belorussky railway station in the Russian capital. Its passengers spend 18 hours on the journey, and the price of a one-way ticket starts from $120.
  • Buses to Poland from Russia depart from the Autocity shopping center near Dynamo metro station. The journey will take about 21 hours, and the price of the trip will be from $90 one way.

Hotel or apartment

Polish hotels adhere to the international standardization system. In the capital, Krakow and other cities, hotel rooms with both one and five stars on the façade are available for booking. A night in a Warsaw "three ruble" will cost from 35 to 50 euros. For this money, guests are guaranteed to receive free Wi-Fi, the opportunity to park their rental car and have breakfast at the buffet. Rooms in 5* hotels in Warsaw are not cheap, and you will have to pay about 200 euros for a day’s stay in such apartments.
Krakow is ready to provide accommodation in a 3* hotel for 25-40 euros, in a “five” hotel - no less than 100 euros, but a bed in a nice hostel will be offered to a traveler for only 12-15 euros.
When traveling around Poland with a large group or family, you can save on accommodation by renting a private apartment or house. Apartments for hospitable Poles are presented in a wide variety on specialized websites, and a single room in Warsaw can cost only 15 euros, and an apartment with two bedrooms – from 40 euros.

Transport details

Public transport in Poland is represented by the metro in Warsaw, Krakow and Lodz and buses, trams and electric trains in all cities. The price of a trip on a one-time ticket is on average 0.9 euros, but within an hour after activating such a travel document, the passenger can make as many transfers as he wants. A daily ticket, valid for 24 hours after activation, will cost 3.5 euros, and a 72-hour pass will cost about 7 euros.
Taxis in Poland are available for about 0.5 euros per km or 9 euros per hour of travel.
Intercity transport in Poland consists of buses and trains, the fares of which depend on the distance and comfort of the vehicle. By express train you can get from Warsaw to Krakow in just 2.5 hours, paying about 25 euros for a ticket. A regular train travels this distance in five hours, but is half the price. The price of a bus trip from the capital to will be 2-3 euros, and by train - from 9 euros. Passengers are transported to the Wieliczka Salt Mine by minibuses departing every quarter of an hour from the Krakow Main Post Office.
Car rental in Poland is available to persons over 21 years of age. An economy class car will cost 30-40 euros per day. The driver will have to follow traffic rules thoroughly, and the parking situation in ancient cities can be very tense. Most of the old part of Krakow, for example, is given over to pedestrians and you can leave your car only on the outskirts of the city. By the way, there is a fee for leaving and entering Krakow and other Polish cities by car. The asking price is from 1 euro.

Nightingales are not fed fables

Polish cuisine is famous for its diversity, and the main dishes on the menus of local cafes and restaurants are hearty and quite impressive in size. They are based on meat and cabbage, potatoes and stewed vegetables.
The average bill for two for lunch in an inexpensive restaurant will be about 6 euros, dinner with alcohol will cost a couple 15 euros, and you can have a snack in a street cafe on the go for only 3-4 euros.

Useful details

  • When traveling to Poland by car, do not take a supply of fuel in a canister. According to Polish customs rules, you can only bring into the country the gasoline that is in the tank.
  • The price of gasoline at gas stations in Poland is a little more than 1 euro.
  • Entrance to Polish museums, castles and other attractions usually costs from 1 to 3 euros.
  • For the needs of tourists, information centers have been opened in many Polish cities. In Krakow, such an office operates at the foot of Wawel Hill.
  • On Sundays, special tourist buses operate in Lublin. They depart from the Krakow Gate and take tourists for 2-4 hours for only 1-1.5 euros. The routes have different themes, but each of them goes through the most interesting sights of the city.
  • Bring a warm jacket for a tour of the ancient Wieliczka Salt Mines. The temperature in the dungeon, even on a hot summer day, does not exceed +14°C.

The perfect trip to Poland

The climate of Poland is classified as "temperate". As it moves from north to south, it changes from maritime to continental and brings mild summers and mild winters to the country. The best time to travel to Poland for excursion purposes is late spring and early autumn, and the most comfortable time to relax on the beaches of the Baltic Sea and on the lakes is in the summer, when the air warms up to +28°C and the water up to +22°C.
The ski slopes of Polish winter resorts have been waiting for their fans since the first days of December. The mountains here are not very high, and therefore stable snow cover is established only at this time. The winter sports season continues until the end of March, but even in the midst of January, daytime temperatures rarely drop below -5°C, and therefore the whole family can ride comfortably on the Polish slopes.