Poland is a diverse destination famed for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and this travel cost guide will help you plan the perfect trip without overspending. We've broken down average costs from past travelers, including where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, so that your trip is both affordable and unforgettable.
How much does it cost to travel to Poland?
You should plan to spend around $74 (zł301) per day on your vacation in Poland. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $27 (zł108) on meals
- $5.93 (zł24) on local transportation
- $69 (zł279) on hotels
A one week trip to Poland for two people costs, on average, $1,039 (zł4,214). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$520
zł2,107
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,039
zł4,214
-
One Month
Per person
$2,227
zł9,030
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,039
zł4,214
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,078
zł8,428
-
One Month
For a couple
$4,453
zł18,060
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Poland cost?
A one week trip to Poland usually costs around $520 (zł2,107) for one person and $1,039 (zł4,214) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Poland on average costs around $1,039 (zł4,214) for one person and $2,078 (zł8,428) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Poland will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Poland on average costs around $2,227 (zł9,030) for one person and $4,453 (zł18,060) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Poland expensive to visit?
Poland is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Poland is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Europe for its affordability. Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Poland.
Whether you're looking for luxury or traveling on a budget, Poland has an array of accommodation and activities to suit your needs. For those on a budget, hostels in Krakow, Warsaw, and Gdansk are available, but there are also luxury hotels for affluent visitors, and plenty of mid-range hotels for families and couples.
If you're worried about costs in Poland, there are ways to cut back, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $29 (zł117) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $75 (zł301) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $196 (zł792) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Poland.
For more details, see Is Poland Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Poland?
The average Poland trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Poland travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Poland cost?
Poland on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$13
(zł54)
|
$34
(zł139)
|
$92
(zł372)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$2.46
(zł9.96)
|
$5.93
(zł24)
|
$13
(zł54)
|
|
Food 2
|
$11
(zł43)
|
$27
(zł108)
|
$66
(zł266)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$3.19
(zł13)
|
$9.10
(zł37)
|
$29
(zł118)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-4
(zł5-15)
|
$3-9
(zł12-37)
|
$7-21
(zł29-87)
|
Gdansk, Poland
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget is very important. While it's easy to think of yourself as a "budget" traveler who can see everything on a shoestring, most find this style of travel quite challenging. Think about what you truly enjoy and your previous travel experiences. Are you drawn to resorts and vacation rentals, or do you like the budget-friendly environment of hostels? How important is it for you to eat in nicer restaurants? The answers to these questions will influence your overall travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit Poland for around $29 a day, but if you want to maintain any level of comfort, you should be ready to spend considerably more.
While budget travelers might manage to travel on that amount, it often means staying in hostel dormitories, eating at budget restaurants or fast food joints, using public transport or walking, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, Poland has an abundance of hostels, particularly in Krakow, Warsaw, and Gdansk.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for fun, it's common to stay in mid-range hotels, dine at well-known restaurants, and visit the big museums and attractions that charge entry fees. You won't want to miss all of the major sights and attractions. As most activities are not free, you'll be spending at least some money on your trip. Given this, a more realistic daily budget would be around $75 per person, per day.
In Poland, you'll find plenty of hotels and vacation rentals to suit your needs. If you're traveling with a partner, friends, or your kids, then hotel costs will be divided, making it easier on your budget. Family-friendly destinations like Warsaw offer hotels and restaurants with options tailored for kids. Some good places to stay are Oranska in Miedzygorze or Rezydencja Villa Nova in Jelenia Gora. If you're seeking romance in Bialka Tatrzanska, Hotel Bania Thermal & Ski is an ideal place for couples to stay. For more family- and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our hotel guide for Poland here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're seeking a deluxe vacation that includes premium service and amenities, expect to pay around $196. This budget will cover luxurious hotels, award-winning dining, extravagant tours, and private transportation, landing you in the "luxury" travel range. You might even find yourself vacationing in high-end spots like Krakow and Warsaw. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as TourRadar Adventure - offered by B Corp - Test Account.
Accommodation Budget in Poland
The range of hotel prices in Poland can be quite surprising, especially when you compare budget-friendly and luxury hotels. Peak season brings much higher prices, so consider traveling in the off-season for a more affordable experience. Booking in advance can also help with savings.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Poland for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $69 (zł279). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $34 (zł139) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Poland? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Warsaw
As a hidden gem, Warsaw offers a variety of hotel options at a range of prices. You'll find typical hotel prices from $32 in the low season to $138 during the busy peak season. If you're looking for some good options, you should check out Hotel Polonia Palace for $65 and Wawabed Bed&Breakfast starting at $61. If you stay in a hostel, you can expect to pay around $15 for a dorm bed.
Local Transportation Budget in Poland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $5.93 (zł24) per person, per day, on local transportation in Poland. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Poland is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$5.93
zł24
In Poland, the train system is excellent, allowing you to connect to nearly all regions of the country. The ticket prices are reasonable, and the rides are both comfortable and swift. If trains don't reach your destination, regional and long-distance buses can help.
If you're in Poland, you'll find that public transportation in many destinations is quite limited unless you're visiting cities such as Warsaw. It's probably a good idea to rent a car or organize some form of transportation ahead of time, like a tour. However, this could reduce your overall trip budget.
If you're considering a visit to the countryside, you'll want to rent a car. Note that in Europe, most cars feature a manual transmission, and if you prefer an automatic, you might have to pay a premium. It's important to book ahead of time, as the lower-priced rentals tend to go quickly.
When you have a car in one of the bigger cities, make sure to check with your hotel about their parking situation in advance. You might have to pay for parking at the hotel or in a nearby public garage. Sometimes, it's more economical to park your car a bit outside of town.
Food Budget in Poland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Poland can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Poland is $27 (zł108) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$27
zł108
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Poland is around $27 (zł108) per person, with previous travelers spending from $11 to $66. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Poland are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $8
- Lunch: $4 to $13
- Dinner: $9 to $21
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Traditional Polish cuisine is hearty and filling. It often includes a meat dish, heavy sauces, and pickled vegetables. If you're at a more modern Polish restaurant then you'll likely find a more diverse selection of foods, but the general trend will remain the same. In larger cities you'll find a greater diversity of options, and vegetarians will have little trouble finding something to their liking on a menu. In smaller towns the selection is usually a little less, but vegetarian dishes are still available. For more information, read on or check out this guide that covers what to eat in Poland.
Pierogi: This is probably the most recognizable Polish dish, and also the most popular all over Eastern Europe. Pierogis (recipe) are small, semicircular dumplings that are usually stuffed with a cheese or meat mixture. They are first boiled and then fried in a butter and onion mixture. They are often served with sour cream and are an affordable food option for travelers who are hoping to keep costs down.
Bigos: Also known as Hunter's Stew, Bigos is considered to be the national dish of Poland. It's a traditional stew dish that is made with meats and vegetables which are combined with a pickled cabbage base. Every family has its own recipe for Bigos, so the dish can be as diverse as the country itself is.
Gulasz: This traditional goulash dish can be prepared as an affordable and hearty meal. It's made with large pieces of meat that are prepared in a rich broth that often includes meat stock, seasoning, vegetables, and a splash of beer. Polish Goulash is generally less spicy than the more common versions found elsewhere in Eastern Europe.
Poland is a great destination to enjoy the local food, as you'll find a variety of delicious dishes. A few of the best cities for food are Warsaw.
Warsaw
If you're a traveling foodie, you'll enjoy your time in Warsaw. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).
When dining with children, make sure to find restaurants that offer a childrens' menu. This can save you a considerable amount, as those meals are usually much cheaper. Also, remember that some restaurants might not list the kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask your waiter.
Many hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some may charge extra for it. The price and quality of breakfast can differ greatly between hotels. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you want to spend more on that hotel buffet or if a nearby bakery or café would be a more budget-friendly option.
Instead of purchasing drinks everywhere, bring a water bottle along. It's also an eco-conscious choice.
Before you head out on a tour, it's important to check which meals are included. If you have to pay for some meals yourself, it could affect your overall budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Poland. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Small-Group Online Cooking Class Polish Pierogi for $27 details
- Krakow Authentic Food Tour Poland for $102 details
- Krakow Private Traditional Polish Food Tour for $176 details
- Traditional Jewish Ashkenazi Food Tour in Krakow for $108 details
Listed below are typical food prices in Poland, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
-
Sandwich
zł4.20
-
Gingerbread
zł2.50
-
Ice Cream
zł2.60
-
Lunch for Two
zł42
-
Coffee & Sandwich
zł12
-
Dinner for Two
zł52
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Poland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Poland typically cost an average of $9.10 (zł37) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$9.10
zł37
Poland features many lesser-known destinations that aren't as overrun with tourists, giving you the chance to explore some truly authentic hidden gems. Some of the well-known locations here include .
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Poland. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Bike Tour in Krakow for $92 details
- Historic Krakow : Old Town & Wawel Castle Walking tour for $5 details
- Warsaw for WWII Buffs - private tour with hotel pickup for $129 details
- Treblinka Death Camp 6 Hour Private Tour from Warsaw for $188 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Poland, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
Nightlife Budget in Poland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $6.11 (zł25) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Poland per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$6.11
zł25
Poland is a highly sought-after spot for nightlife, drawing visitors from across the globe to enjoy its vibrant scene. Some of the top nightlife destinations are Warsaw.
Warsaw
If partying is a priority while you're traveling, then you'll want to visit Warsaw. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.
While enjoying the local nightlife is part of the adventure, limiting drinks can help stretch your travel funds.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Poland. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Pub Crawl Unlimited Drinks then 5 Best Clubs in Krakow with VIP for $28 details
- Hoppy tours - Krakow brewery tour for $56 details
- Polish Wine Tasting - not only polish vodka is awesome for $64 details
- Krakow Animals Pub Crawl with Free Alcohol +4 Clubs/Bars for $25 details
Below are some common prices for alcohol and nightlife in Poland, based on actual traveler experiences. While these numbers offer an idea of what you might spend, your costs will vary depending on how often you drink and the amount you order. If you're aiming to save money, cutting back on alcohol is a great way to lower your travel expenses.
-
A Couple Beers
zł13
-
Vodka
zł54
Travel Costs Last Updated: Feb 28, 2024
Traveling in Poland
Wroclaw, Poland
Poland is a large country in Eastern Europe that borders the Baltic Sea. It is known for its beautiful countryside and brutal history which culminates during World War II. But despite this turbulent history, Poland is a wonderful place to visit for its culture, history, castles, and museums. Furthermore, it also has some surprisingly nice landscapes and wonderful rural areas. In the countryside you'll find organic farms, unspoiled landscape, and quaint villages that offer a glimpse back in time.
The two most visited cities in the country are Krakow and Warsaw. While Krakow is perhaps the more interesting, Warsaw has a lovely old town, some great parks, and nice architecture that are well worth the trip.
Poland remains a more affordable travel destination than many European countries, but even so, prices have been on the rise in recent years. If you're hoping to keep your costs down it is best to travel outside of the peak season, find discount hotel rates, and cater your own meals whenever possible. Business hotels and mid-range hotels can be reasonably priced. Hostels are abundant in Poland's main cities if you're the type of traveler that would enjoy the experience. Hotels are often more affordable on weekends when business travelers are less frequent. Business-oriented hotels are often much nicer than many of the other comparable options in the city.
Traditional food options are generally reasonably priced, but can be touristy in the old town areas. If you eat outside of the old town, you'll miss some of the country's wonderful atmosphere, but save yourself a few dollars. It's up to you to determine what your priorities are, and exactly what your budget allows. See the Food section below for more details about the types of food in Poland.
Transportation in Poland is relatively easy to navigate, buses are often cheaper than trains, but trains are more enjoyable and comfortable. Usually, your best bet is to travel by train between major cities and by bus if you're visiting a smaller town that is less popular with travelers.
At A Glance
- If you happen to be in Poland on a religious holiday, particularly Catholic holidays, it will be difficult to find places that are open. These holidays are strongly observed and most shopping areas, restaurants, and stores will be closed or at a minimum, have significantly reduced hours.
- Like elsewhere in Europe, you will find some good, discount airlines that fly into the country. If you're short on time or happen to find a particularly good deal, this can be a great way to reach the country.
- There are many affordable ways to make your way into Poland. It is well connected by bus and train lines to nearby countries.
- Many of the towns throughout the country hold weekly, traditional markets. These are similar to farmers markets that you will find in other parts of the world. You can pick up all kinds of local produce, meats, or cheeses. They're also a great place to get a feel for the town and its general atmosphere.
- Check out a milk bar which is a very cheap dining option. They were created by the communist regime as a way to get cheap food to the masses but today they have become more difficult to find. If you do manage to find one you'll have a very unique experience that will let you interact with all types of people.
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Top Tourist Attractions
Krakow: Often referred to as Poland's cultural capital, Krakow has a beautiful old town, impressive architecture, and countless museums and events. It's probably the most visited city in Poland, attracting tourists from all over the world at any time of year.
Bialowieza National Park: Near the border with Belarus, this national park has some of the last primeval forest in Europe. It is also a World Heritage Site. You can explore some areas of the park on your own, but for many protected areas it is required that you take a guided tour. There is also a hotel and restaurant within the park for your convenience.
Malbork Castle: Built in 1406 in northern Poland, this is one of the most stunning castles in the country. It is build in the style of medieval fortresses and is the largest fortress in the world when measured by surface area. It is also the largest brick building in all of Europe.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.