BEFORE YOU GO
Travel tips for Poland.
Whether it’s your first time in Poland or your fifth, a little preparation makes for a better trip. Below: the essentials we wish every solo traveller knew before they landed.
01
Getting There
- Warsaw Chopin Airport is the main international gateway with direct flights from across Europe and the UK.
- From the airport, the S2/S3 train reaches the city centre in 20-25 minutes for around 8 PLN.
- Łódź is just over an hour from Warsaw by direct train. Olsztyn is 2-2.5 hours by direct train.
02
Money & Costs
- Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN). 1 GBP ≈ 5 PLN, 1 EUR ≈ 4.3 PLN
- Card payments – including contactless and Apple/Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere
- Mid-range restaurant main: 30-60 PLN in Warsaw; 25-45 PLN in Łódź and Olsztyn
- Tipping ~10% in restaurants is appreciated but not expected
03
Safety for Solo Travellers
- Poland ranks #1 globally for solo female travellers and 25th on the Global Peace Index.
- A prepaid Polish SIM with generous data is available at any airport or kiosk for around 25 PLN.
- Bolt and Uber are widely available, regulated and affordable – use them for unfamiliar routes after dark.
- Emergency number: 112 (works in English).
04
Connectivity
- Free Wi-Fi is widely available in cafés, hotels and many public spaces.
- Central districts in all three cities are well-lit and busy into the evening.
- EU roaming applies for EU residents.
05
Language
- English is widely spoken in city centres, particularly by anyone under 40.
- A few Polish words – dzień dobry (hello), dziękuję (thank you), proszę (please) – go a long way.
- Pronunciation tip: Łódź sounds like 'Woodge’.
06
When to Go
- May to September: long days, riverside life, lakes open for swimming.
- December: Christmas markets in all three cities — atmospheric and walkable.
- Shoulder season (April, October) offers the best balance of quiet streets and pleasant weather.Tipping ~10% in restaurants is appreciated but not expected
