Poland's 20th century was one of Europe's most traumatic — partition, Nazi occupation, the Holocaust, Soviet domination — and yet the country has emerged with one of the continent's most dynamic economies and a travel culture that is only beginning to be explored by international visitors. Kraków's medieval old town is one of the best-preserved in Europe and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978; Warsaw's old town, entirely rebuilt from rubble after World War II, is a remarkable act of cultural reconstruction.
Poland's 20th century was one of Europe's most traumatic — partition, Nazi occupation, the Holocaust, Soviet domination — and yet the country has emerged with one of the continent's most dynamic economies and a travel culture that is only beginning to be explored by international visitors. Kraków's medieval old town is one of the best-preserved in Europe and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978; Warsaw's old town, entirely rebuilt from rubble after World War II, is a remarkable act of cultural reconstruction.
The Polish landscape ranges from the Baltic coast to the Tatra Mountains on the southern border (shared with Slovakia), with the Mazury lake district and the Białowieża primeval forest in between. Polish food — pierogi, żurek, bigos, żubrówka — is substantial and underrated. The country is excellent value for money, and Poles are among Europe's most welcoming hosts.