Beyond Krakow: 20 Underrated Cities in Poland Travelers Should Visit

If you ask an American planning a trip to Poland where they are heading, you will almost always hear two names: Warsaw and Krakow.

Wrocław’s colorful Market Square shows why Poland offers far more than Warsaw and Krakow.

Don't get me wrong—both are spectacular. Warsaw offers an incredible story of post-war resurrection, and Krakow is a stunning medieval masterpiece. But treating those two cities as the entirety of Poland is like visiting New York and Los Angeles and saying you’ve seen the United States.

Poland is massive, diverse, and surprisingly easy to navigate. Best of all, stepping off the typical tourist trail means fewer crowds, incredibly authentic experiences, and prices that will make your wallet very happy.

If you want to experience the true heart of this incredible country, it’s time to branch out. Let’s dive into 20 underrated cities in Poland travelers should visit on their next European adventure.

You'll Discover

Western & Northern Poland: Castles, Rivers, and Gingerbread

1. Wrocław

Wrocław’s vibrant Market Square is one of the most beautiful in Poland.

Often called the "Venice of Poland," Wrocław (pronounced vrots-wahv) is built on 12 islands connected by over 100 bridges. The city boasts a stunning, colorful Market Square (Rynek) that rivals Krakow's, minus the overwhelming crowds.

Why it’s underrated: It perfectly blends Polish, German, and Czech history. Plus, the city is famous for its hundreds of tiny bronze dwarf statues scattered everywhere—hunting them down is incredibly fun.

Practical tip: Take a 3-hour train ride here straight from Krakow. Don't leave without visiting Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island) at dusk to watch the real-life lamplighter illuminate the gas street lamps.

2. Poznań

Poznań’s Renaissance Town Hall is famous for its daily mechanical goat show.

Located halfway between Warsaw and Berlin, Poznań is a vibrant university city with an unpretentious, youthful energy.

Why it’s underrated: Poznań features one of the most beautiful Renaissance town halls in Europe. Every day at noon, crowds gather to watch two mechanical goats pop out of the clock tower and butt heads.

What to eat: You must try the Rogal świętomarciński (St. Martin's Croissant). It’s a legally protected, ridiculously delicious pastry filled with white poppy seeds, nuts, and almond paste.

3. Toruń

Toruń’s medieval streets look almost untouched by time.

Miraculously untouched by the bombings of World War II, Toruń is a genuine medieval time capsule. It also happens to be the birthplace of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus.

Why it’s underrated: While tourists flock to Krakow for medieval history, Toruń offers the same authentic red-brick Gothic architecture without the chaos.

What to eat: Gingerbread (pierniki). Toruń has been baking gingerbread since the 13th century. You can even take a workshop to bake your own traditional, spiced souvenir!

4. Szczecin

Szczecin’s unique city layout was inspired by the redesign of Paris.

Tucked away in the far northwest corner of Poland near the German border, Szczecin is a port city without a sea.

Why it’s underrated: It features a fascinating layout. French architect Georges-Eugène Haussmann (the guy who redesigned Paris) inspired Szczecin’s star-shaped roundabouts and wide, leafy boulevards.

Practical tip: Stroll along the Wały Chrobrego, an elevated promenade offering gorgeous views of the Odra River, and grab a pasztecik szczeciński (a deep-fried dough stuffed with meat or mushrooms).

5. Bydgoszcz

Mill Island in Bydgoszcz blends nature, canals, and historic granaries.

Often overshadowed by neighboring Toruń, Bydgoszcz is an absolute hidden gem for lovers of waterfront charm.

Why it’s underrated: The city centers around Mill Island (Wyspa Młyńska), a gorgeous green space surrounded by canals, historic granaries, and museums.

Practical tip: Hop on a water tram. It’s a cheap, relaxing way to see the city’s striking mix of Art Nouveau and 19th-century industrial architecture from the river.

The Baltic Coast: Tri-City and Beyond

6. Gdańsk

Gdańsk’s historic waterfront is one of the most photogenic places in Poland.

You might argue Gdańsk isn't entirely "underrated," but for American travelers, it rarely makes the cut. It absolutely should.

Why it’s underrated: Sitting on the Baltic Sea, Gdańsk looks completely different from the rest of Poland. Its tall, narrow, colorful merchant houses will make you feel like you're in Amsterdam.

Practical tip: Visit the Museum of the Second World War. It is arguably one of the most immersive and moving historical museums in the world. Afterward, shop for Baltic amber on the picturesque Mariacka Street.

7. Sopot

The famous Sopot Pier is the longest wooden pier in Europe.

Sandwiched right next to Gdańsk is Sopot, Poland’s premier seaside resort town.

Why it’s underrated: Americans don't usually associate Poland with beach vacations. Sopot offers wide, white-sand beaches, swanky beach clubs, and an incredibly fun nightlife scene.

Practical tip: Walk down the Sopot Pier (Molo). At over 1,600 feet, it’s the longest wooden pier in Europe. Grab a waffle with whipped cream and fruit (a Polish seaside staple) while you stroll.

8. Gdynia

Gdynia is known for its clean modernist architecture and seaside charm.

Completing the "Tri-City" area with Gdańsk and Sopot, Gdynia is the modernist, nautical sibling.

Why it’s underrated: Built almost entirely in the 1920s and 30s, Gdynia is a paradise for lovers of modernist architecture. It feels light, airy, and forward-looking.

Practical tip: Head to the Orłowo district. Here, you’ll find a smaller, quieter wooden pier and beautiful tree-lined cliffs dropping right into the Baltic Sea.

Central & Southern Poland: Mountains, Mines, and Mills

9. Łódź

Łódź transformed old textile factories into vibrant cultural spaces.

Pronounced woodge, this city was once the textile manufacturing capital of the Russian Empire. Today, it’s Poland’s answer to Brooklyn.

Why it’s underrated: Łódź is a masterpiece of urban revitalization. Huge, red-brick textile factories have been converted into trendy shopping centers (like Manufaktura), art galleries, and loft apartments.

Practical tip: Walk down Piotrkowska Street, one of the longest commercial streets in Europe. Keep an eye out for the massive, world-class street art murals painted on the sides of apartment buildings.

10. Katowice

The iconic Spodek arena symbolizes Katowice’s cultural transformation.

Much like Łódź, Katowice is shedding its gritty, coal-mining past and emerging as a hub for culture and music in the Silesia region.

Why it’s underrated: It holds a UNESCO City of Music designation. The city features a massive, spaceship-looking arena called the Spodek, alongside incredible modern architecture like the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra building.

Practical tip: Visit the Nikiszowiec neighborhood. It’s an incredibly photogenic, early 20th-century housing estate built entirely of red brick for local coal miners.

11. Zakopane

Zakopane is the gateway to Poland’s breathtaking Tatra Mountains.

To Poles, Zakopane is heavily visited. To Americans, it’s a total unknown. Nestled at the base of the spectacular Tatra Mountains, it’s the "Winter Capital of Poland."

Why it’s underrated: It offers world-class hiking, skiing, and thermal baths at a fraction of the cost of the Swiss or French Alps. Plus, the local highlander (Góral) culture is fascinating.

What to eat: You cannot leave without eating oscypek—a smoked sheep’s milk cheese, grilled on an open flame and served with cranberry jam.

12. Świdnica

The Church of Peace in Świdnica is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A small town in the southwest, Świdnica holds one of the most spectacular architectural secrets in Europe.

Why it’s underrated: It is home to the UNESCO-listed Church of Peace. Following the Thirty Years' War in the 1600s, Protestants were allowed to build this church, but only using wood, loam, and straw—and no nails.

Practical tip: The unassuming exterior hides a mind-blowing, lavishly decorated Baroque interior that can hold 7,500 people. It’s a photographer's dream.

13. Jelenia Góra

Jelenia Góra is the gateway to castles and mountain landscapes.

Nestled in the Karkonosze Mountains near the Czech border, this city is the perfect base camp for nature lovers and castle hunters.

Why it’s underrated: The area surrounding the city is known as the "Valley of Palaces and Gardens." It boasts a density of historic manors and castles that rivals the Loire Valley in France.

Practical tip: Hike up to Chojnik Castle, a stunning 14th-century ruin perched on top of a rocky hill, offering sweeping views of the mountain range.

Eastern Poland: Authentic Charm and Deep History

14. Lublin

Lublin’s Old Town offers one of the most atmospheric historic centers in Poland.

As the largest city in eastern Poland, Lublin is a vibrant academic hub that feels rugged, authentic, and completely untainted by mass tourism.

Why it’s underrated: Its Old Town is highly atmospheric, featuring cobbled alleys, leaning historic buildings, and cozy cafes. It’s exactly what you want an old European city to feel like.

What to eat: Grab a cebularz. This local specialty is a flatbread topped with diced onions and poppy seeds. It originates from the city's rich pre-war Jewish heritage.

15. Zamość

Zamość was designed as a perfect Renaissance “ideal city.”

If you love architectural perfection, you have to visit Zamość. It’s known as the "Padua of the North."

Why it’s underrated: In the 16th century, a wealthy Polish nobleman hired an Italian architect to design a city from scratch based on the Italian Renaissance concept of the "ideal city." It remains perfectly preserved today.

Practical tip: Stand in the Great Market Square. The brightly colored Armenian tenement houses with their arched arcades make for one of the most beautiful photo spots in Poland.

16. Białystok

Branicki Palace in Białystok is often called the “Polish Versailles.”

Located near the borders of Belarus and Lithuania, Białystok is the gateway to the wild, culturally diverse Podlasie region.

Why it’s underrated: The city is home to the magnificent Branicki Palace, often referred to as the "Polish Versailles." Białystok is also the birthplace of L.L. Zamenhof, the creator of the Esperanto language.

Practical tip: Use Białystok as your base to visit the nearby Białowieża Forest—the last remaining primeval forest in Europe, where wild European bison still roam free.

17. Rzeszów

Rzeszów is a charming gateway to southeastern Poland.

Tidy, safe, and rapidly growing, Rzeszów serves as the main hub for southeastern Poland.

Why it’s underrated: It sits right at the foothills of the Bieszczady Mountains. The city itself features a beautiful, relaxed market square and a fascinating Underground Tourist Route that takes you through ancient cellars beneath the town.

Practical tip: If you rent a car, take a day trip out of Rzeszów to explore the wooden Orthodox churches scattered throughout the stunning Subcarpathian countryside.

18. Tarnów

Tarnów is often called the Pearl of the Polish Renaissance.

Sometimes called the "Pearl of the Renaissance," Tarnów is remarkably similar to Krakow but much quieter and much cheaper.

Why it’s underrated: Before WWII, half of Tarnów’s population was Jewish. Today, you can take moving walking tours through the remnants of the old Jewish quarter, including the preserved Bimah (the center of the former Old Synagogue).

Practical tip: Tarnów is also the center of Roma culture in Poland. Check out the Ethnographic Museum, which hosts a fascinating exhibit dedicated to Roma history and traditions.

19. Kielce

Kadzielnia shows how nature and history blend inside Kielce city limits.

Surrounded by the ancient Świętokrzyskie (Holy Cross) Mountains, Kielce is a dream for travelers who love geology and the outdoors.

Why it’s underrated: The city literally has nature reserves inside the city limits. Kadzielnia is a former limestone quarry turned into a nature reserve and an epic outdoor amphitheater.

Practical tip: Visit the Palace of the Kraków Bishops, a stunning 17th-century palace right in the city center that magically survived the Swedish Deluge and WWII completely intact.

20. Olsztyn

Olsztyn offers lakes, forests, and a historic castle in one destination.

Heading back north into the Warmia and Masuria regions, Olsztyn is a paradise for water lovers.

Why it’s underrated: Olsztyn has 15 lakes within its city limits. You can literally tour a 14th-century Teutonic castle in the morning and be kayaking or paddleboarding by the afternoon.

Practical tip: Nicolaus Copernicus actually lived in the Olsztyn Castle for several years. You can still see the original astronomical chart he drew on the wall of the cloister!

Practical Tips for Traveling Around Poland

Poland’s fast and affordable train system makes exploring the country easy.

Branching out to these hidden gems in Poland is easier than you might think. Here are a few quick tips to help you plan:

1) Getting Around: Poland has an excellent, highly affordable train system. Use the PKP Intercity trains to move between major hubs. For example, a high-speed Pendolino train from Warsaw to Gdańsk takes just 2.5 hours. Always book tickets directly on the official PKP Intercity website or app.

2) Currency: Poland is in the European Union, but they do not use the Euro. The currency is the Polish Złoty (PLN). This works highly in the favor of American travelers, as the exchange rate generally makes food, lodging, and transport very inexpensive compared to Western Europe.

3) Language: Polish is notoriously difficult to pronounce (don't let all those Zs and Ws scare you). However, younger generations and people in the hospitality industry speak excellent English. Still, learning to say Dzień dobry (Jane doh-bree / Good morning) and Dziękuję (Jane-koo-yeh / Thank you) will win you massive smiles from the locals.

4) Safety: Poland is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in Europe. Violent crime is incredibly rare, and as a traveler, your biggest worry will likely just be standard big-city pickpockets (though even that is uncommon).

Final Thoughts: Ready to See the Real Poland?

Beyond Warsaw and Krakow, Poland is filled with incredible hidden destinations.

Warsaw and Krakow are amazing introductions to Poland, but they are just the first chapter of a very thick, fascinating book.

Whether you are hunting for gnomes in Wrocław, eating fresh croissants in Poznań, wandering the industrial lofts of Łódź, or breathing in the sea air in Sopot, these underrated cities in Poland offer an authentic, rich European experience without the massive tourist crowds.

Treat yourself to a longer itinerary. Add two or three of these hidden gems to your next trip, and you will quickly see why Poland is one of the most spectacular, underrated travel destinations in all of Europe.

Have you ever visited any of these cities, or are you planning a trip to Poland soon? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to help you perfect your itinerary!

FAQS About 20 Underrated Cities in Poland Travelers Should Visit

Q1. What is the most underrated city in Poland?

A: While it depends on your travel style, Wrocław and Poznań consistently rank as the best underrated cities in Poland. Wrocław offers a stunning, bridge-filled layout and whimsical dwarf statues, while Poznań features gorgeous Renaissance architecture and a fun, youthful energy—both with a fraction of Krakow's crowds.

Q2. Is Poland cheap for American tourists?

A: Yes, Poland is incredibly affordable compared to Western European destinations. Because Poland uses the Polish Złoty (PLN) instead of the Euro, US dollars go much further here. You can enjoy boutique hotels, fantastic dining, and first-class train tickets for significantly less than you would pay in cities like Paris or Rome.

Q3. How many days do you need to visit Poland?

A: To see beyond just the typical tourist spots, plan for 10 to 14 days in Poland. This gives you enough time to experience the main hubs like Warsaw or Krakow, plus two or three hidden gems like Gdańsk, Zakopane, or Łódź, without feeling rushed.

Q4. Do people speak English in Poland?

A: Yes, finding English speakers is very easy in Poland, especially in cities and tourist areas. The majority of younger Poles, as well as those working in hotels, restaurants, and transit stations, speak excellent English. While learning a basic Dzień dobry (Good morning) is polite, you won't struggle to communicate.

Q5. Is Poland safe to travel to right now?

A: Yes. Poland is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in Europe for travelers. Violent crime is exceptionally rare, and city streets are generally very safe to walk at night. As with any international trip, simply use standard common sense and watch out for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.

Q6. What is the best month to visit Poland?

A: The best times to visit Poland are during the shoulder seasons: May through June, and September through October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, the summer crowds are gone, and prices drop. December is also a magical time to visit if you want to experience authentic Polish Christmas markets.

Q7. What are the best hidden gems in Poland for nature lovers?

A: If you want to escape the city, head south to Zakopane for world-class hiking in the spectacular Tatra Mountains. If you prefer the water, visit Olsztyn in the north, which features 15 lakes right inside the city limits. For wildlife, Białystok is the perfect gateway to see wild European bison in the ancient Białowieża Forest.

Q8. How do you get around Poland?

A: The easiest and most efficient way to travel around Poland is by train. The national rail network, operated by PKP Intercity, is modern, comfortable, and very cheap. High-speed Pendolino trains connect major cities like Warsaw, Gdańsk, and Krakow, usually getting you to your destination in under three hours.

Q9. Which city in Poland has the best food?

A: Every region in Poland has a unique specialty. While Warsaw offers great fine dining, food lovers should visit Poznań for the legally protected St. Martin’s croissants, Toruń to bake traditional 13th-century gingerbread, and the mountain town of Zakopane for oscypek (grilled, smoked sheep’s cheese).

Q10. Can you go to the beach in Poland?

A: Absolutely! Americans don't often associate Poland with beaches, but the Baltic Coast in northern Poland is gorgeous. Sopot is the country's premier seaside resort town, featuring wide, white-sand beaches, great seafood restaurants, and the longest wooden pier in Europe.