Poland.
Flight from TLV
3h 44m
Best season
מאי–ספט
Avg temp
13°
Currency
zł PLN · 1=₪0.817
Time zone
-1 שעה מול ת״א בדרך כלל
Language
פולנית
Plug
C / E · 230V
Visa
אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה של עד 90 יום בתקופה של 180 יום באזור שנגן
Safety
בטוחה בדרך כלל לתיירים; יש להיזהר מכייסים באזורים עמוסים ולהתעדכן באזהרות מסע ובהנחיות לקהילות יהודיות
Overview
🇵🇱Poland
🇵🇱Poland
Poland is far more than a heritage journey, combining elegant cities, good-value shopping, nightlife and excellent food with dramatic nature and Jewish history that resonates deeply with Israeli travelers. In Warsaw, visitors move between the rebuilt Old Town, Palace of Culture, POLIN Museum and Złote Tarasy or Westfield Arkadia; in Kraków, the Main Square and Wawel Castle pair naturally with an evening in Kazimierz. Families and couples add the Wieliczka Salt Mine or the Tatra Mountains around Zakopane, while Gdańsk brings colorful waterfront streets and access to the Baltic coast. Convenient direct flights from Tel Aviv, relatively affordable prices and Chabad services in major cities make Poland ideal for both a long weekend and a deeper trip.
Places
Islands & sub-destinations in Poland
What are you looking for?
Everything for Poland, in one place
Pick a category and dive into its dedicated page.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Poland
Each area and who it suits best.
Warsaw, City Centre and Śródmieście
Around Nowy Świat, Jerozolimskie Avenue and the Palace of Culture are the malls, bars and transport links most Israelis want, plus dependable hotels such as Novotel Warszawa Centrum. The Old Town is a short ride away, but this district feels busy and modern rather than romantic, and street-facing rooms can be noisy.
Warsaw, Old Town and Powiśle
Market Square, the Royal Castle and the Vistula boulevards create a more attractive setting, while Raffles Europejski offers a luxurious base near Krakowskie Przedmieście. Powiśle adds riverside bars and Elektrownia Powiśle in the evening, but the Old Town is more touristy and expensive, with less convenient car access.
Kraków, Stare Miasto
Staying near Rynek Główny, Floriańska Street and Wawel Castle puts you inside classic Kraków, with hotels such as Hotel Stary and H15 Luxury Palace. The illuminated streets are lovely at night and major sights are walkable, but weekend party groups create noise and rates inside the historic core are higher.
Kraków, Kazimierz
Around Plac Nowy, Szeroka Street and the Remuh Synagogue are bars, cafés and Jewish heritage sites, alongside hotels such as PURO Kraków Kazimierz. It is ideal for Israelis combining a Jewish-history tour with nightlife, but streets near the square stay noisy late and the walk to the Main Square takes about 20 minutes.
Gdańsk, Główne Miasto
Długi Street, Neptune's Fountain and the Motława waterfront form a colorful, convenient center, with Radisson Hotel & Suites directly by the water. Trains make Sopot and the beach easy to reach, but July and August are crowded, parking is costly and reaching the beach takes roughly 25–40 minutes.
Zakopane, Krupówki or Kuźnice
Near the Krupówki promenade you are close to restaurants, shops and the Gubałówka funicular; around Kuźnice, with hotels such as Hotel Belvedere nearby, access to Tatra trails and the Kasprowy Wierch cable car is better. Krupówki gets crowded and noisy in peak periods, while Kuźnice is quieter but farther from dining, and traffic from Kraków can substantially lengthen the journey.
Year-round weather
Year-round weather in Poland
Temperature averages
Real climate dataינו
4°
-1°
Cool
פבר
5°
-1°
Cool
מרץ
11°
2°
Cool
אפר
15°
6°
Cool
מאי
20°
9°
Recommended
יונ
24°
14°
Excellent
יול
26°
16°
Excellent
אוג
26°
15°
Excellent
ספט
23°
13°
Excellent
אוק
14°
7°
Cool
נוב
6°
2°
Cool
דצמ
4°
0°
Cool
Most pleasant weather: יונ · יול · אוג · ספט
Peak season for Israelis (when everyone goes): מאי · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט. July and August are the main Israeli peak thanks to the school holiday, long days and comfortable family-touring weather, although brief showers are common. May, June and September are pleasant and less crowded, while Hanukkah draws city-break visitors to the Christmas markets.
Based on a 3-year average · measured in Poland · Open-Meteo
This week in Poland
Measured in Poland
15°
Cloudy
Next 7 days
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Things to do
Things to do in Poland
On the map
Poland on one map
Every spot travelers love — tap a pin for photos, opening hours, navigation and booking.
Suggested plan
A perfect Poland itinerary
Day by day, so you can picture the whole trip.
- 1
Day 1
Classic Warsaw
Begin before 09:00 at Castle Square, pass through the reconstructed Old Town lanes to Market Square and the Barbican, then walk along Krakowskie Przedmieście. Continue to Łazienki Park, the Palace on the Isle and the Chopin Monument; in summer, check for a free Sunday concert. Have a kosher lunch at Bekef after confirming its hours. Near sunset, ascend the Palace of Culture and Science viewing terrace, then finish at the bars around Nowy Świat or along the Vistula in summer.
- 2
Day 2
Jewish and Modern Warsaw
Spend the morning at the POLIN Museum, booking an early entry and allowing at least three hours for the exhibition. Continue to the Ghetto Heroes Monument, Próżna Street and the surviving ghetto-wall fragments on Sienna Street; for full context, prebook a Hebrew-guided tour. In the afternoon, shop at Złote Tarasy or along Marszałkowska. End at Elektrownia Powiśle or Hala Koszyki, choosing food according to your kosher requirements.
- 3
Day 3
Kraków Old Town and Wawel
Take a morning express train from Warszawa Centralna to Kraków Główny, a journey of about 2.5 hours, and leave your luggage at the hotel. Start at Rynek Główny, visit St. Mary's Basilica and the Sukiennice Cloth Hall, then follow Grodzka Street to Wawel Castle; reserve State Rooms or cathedral tickets in advance. Move into Kazimierz for lunch and seek a currently verified kosher option. In the evening, return to the illuminated Main Square or visit a bar around Plac Nowy if noise is not a concern.
- 4
Day 4
Kazimierz, Podgórze and Schindler
Begin on Szeroka Street at the Remuh Synagogue and adjacent cemetery, then continue to the Old Synagogue and Plac Nowy. Cross the Bernatek Footbridge into Podgórze, visiting Ghetto Heroes Square and the Eagle Pharmacy. Reserve Schindler's Factory well ahead because convenient time slots sell out, and allow about two hours inside. Toward evening, climb Krakus Mound for the view in good weather, then return to Kazimierz for a prebooked Chabad meal or a currently verified kosher restaurant.
- 5
Day 5
Auschwitz-Birkenau
Leave Kraków early for a reserved visit to Auschwitz I and Birkenau, approximately 1.5–2 hours each way depending on traffic. Book admission and guiding in advance through the official site or a reliable operator, carry your passport and avoid a large bag because of entry restrictions. It is an emotionally demanding day, so do not combine it with the salt mine or loud nightlife. Return to Kraków for rest and a quiet walk beside the Vistula opposite Wawel.
- 6
Day 6
The Tatras and Zakopane
Depart before 07:00 to reduce traffic to Zakopane, and begin with the Kasprowy Wierch cable car if you have reserved ahead and skies are clear. An easier family option is the Gubałówka funicular, a Tatra panorama and a descent to the Krupówki promenade. In summer, add a short walk in Kościeliska Valley; in winter, choose a ski area suited to your ability and do not assume snow is guaranteed in town itself. Return to Kraków in the evening, or stay overnight in Zakopane to avoid an exhausting day and return traffic.
Quick game
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Budget
How much does Poland cost?
Real ILS price ranges, so you know what to expect.
Return flight from TLV
₪500-1,500 (holidays: ₪2,200+)
4–5-night package
₪1,600-3,200 per person
Mid-range hotel night
₪280-550 (per room)
Five-star hotel night
₪600-1,300 (per room)
Restaurant meal
₪45-100
Local beer
₪12-24
Coffee
₪10-18
Short taxi ride
₪15-35
Rental car per day
₪110-260 (before parking)
Guided tour
₪120-300
Daily budget per person
₪250-500 (excluding hotel)
Family, five nights
₪8,500-15,500 (including flights)
Good to know
Good to know before Poland
Getting around
From the airport
From Warsaw Chopin Airport, S2 and S30 trains reach central Warsaw in about 20–25 minutes for roughly ₪4–5, while bus 175 takes 30–45 minutes; Bolt or Uber generally costs ₪35–70 and an official taxi about ₪55–90. From Kraków-Balice, the train to Kraków Główny takes around 17 minutes and costs about ₪16–18, the bus about ₪6–7, and a Bolt or taxi to the center roughly ₪45–110 depending on demand. In Gdańsk, PKM rail reaches the city in about 30–45 minutes for ₪6–10, whereas a Bolt or taxi costs roughly ₪45–90. For Zakopane, continue from Kraków by bus or shuttle in 2–3 hours for about ₪25–80, or prebook a private transfer for approximately ₪350–600 per vehicle.
Need a car?
A car is unnecessary in Warsaw, Kraków and the Tri-City, where trains, trams, buses and Bolt are cheaper and easier than parking in historic centers. Couples and young travelers can rely fully on public transport, while families may rent only for day trips. A car helps when touring villages, the Masurian Lakes or multiple Tatra destinations, but for Zakopane itself a bus is often smarter because of traffic and parking.
Tips
Download Bolt and Uber, and check the app fare before entering a taxi waiting by a square or station. Use Jakdojade for urban route planning and tickets, and validate any paper ticket immediately after boarding. Central Warsaw, Kraków and Gdańsk have paid-parking and restricted-access zones; reserve intercity trains through PKP Intercity in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.
Kosher & Jewish
Chabad / community
Chabad Warsaw operates in the city-center area and offers prayers, prebooked Shabbat and holiday meals, and traveler assistance; verify its current address and schedule on the official site before visiting. In Kraków, Chabad operates in Kazimierz near Szeroka Street and the Jewish-quarter sites, with minyanim and reservable Shabbat meals. Gdańsk and Zakopane do not have the same permanent tourist-facing Chabad infrastructure as Warsaw and Kraków, so kosher travelers should stock up in advance.
Kosher food
In Warsaw, the kosher-certified Israeli restaurant Bekef on Hoża Street is the best-known option, while Kraków's Falafel Shelanu in Kazimierz offers kosher dining; confirm current certification and opening hours before ordering. Community shops and Chabad-linked points sometimes stock kosher goods, while large Carrefour, Auchan and Kaufland branches may carry packaged products bearing kosher symbols, although selection is inconsistent. Observant Israelis typically reserve Shabbat meals ahead, book an apartment with a kitchenette and bring staples from Israel, particularly outside Warsaw and Kraków.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance for Poland 🇵🇱
A hospital day in Poland can cost thousands. Full coverage with Hebrew support.
- Medical + hospital 24/7
- Trip cancellation
- Baggage
- Gadgets & pre-existing conditions
Currency & rates
Live rateCurrency & rates
Quick conversion at today's rate
Convert
You get
81.7
1 PLN
₪0.82
100 PLN
₪81.7
1,000 PLN
₪816.7
Source: exchangerate-api · updated Sep 13 · refreshes daily
Visa & documents
Visa & documents for Poland 🇵🇱
What you need before you fly
- אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה של עד 90 יום בתקופה של 180 יום באזור שנגן
- Passport valid 6 months
- Travel insurance, leave details for a quote
Local tips
Good to know about Poland
- 💳Pay in Polish złoty and always select PLN at card terminals or ATMs, since an offered conversion to shekels or euros is usually DCC at a poor rate.
- 🚋Download Jakdojade for trains, metro, trams, and buses in Warsaw and Kraków, and remember to validate a paper ticket immediately after boarding.
- 🚆Book PKP Intercity trains between Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk early through the official website or app, especially the fast EIP services on weekends and holidays.
- 🏨In Warsaw, choose Śródmieście for convenience and shopping or the Old Town for atmosphere; in Kraków, pick Stare Miasto for a first visit and Kazimierz for couples and younger travelers seeking restaurants and nightlife.
- 🎟️Reserve Auschwitz-Birkenau, the POLIN Museum, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine through their official sites, as good summer time slots are rarely available at the last minute.
- 🎰Bring a physical passport and dress neatly for a licensed venue such as Casinos Poland, and avoid strip clubs whose promoters approach tourists around Kraków’s Main Market Square.
- 🍽️Rounding up or leaving about 10% for good service is customary, but state how much change you want before saying dziękuję, which can be understood as letting the server keep it.
- ✡️Kosher travelers should arrange Shabbat meals in advance with Chabad Warsaw or Chabad Kraków and carry backup food outside the major cities, where certified kosher options are limited.
- 🛡️Use Bolt or Uber rather than an unmarked or unsolicited taxi near Warszawa Centralna and Kraków Główny, check Israel’s travel advisory shortly before departure, and keep away from demonstrations.
- 🌦️Pack a light layer and rain jacket even in July, while winter calls for waterproof shoes with solid grip because icy pavements in Warsaw, Kraków, and Zakopane are more common than photogenic snow.
מאיה רוזן
Senior agent · Greece for 12 years
"Poland still surprises me every time: it begins with Warsaw’s reconstructed palaces, continues through the stone houses and bars of Kraków’s Kazimierz district, and opens into the Tatra Mountains around Zakopane. Israelis often arrive because of the country’s Jewish story, but fall for the good value, shopping along Nowy Świat, and evenings beside the Vistula beneath Wawel Castle. My favorite moment is reaching the Palace of Culture and Science rooftop viewpoint before sunset, when old and modern Warsaw fit into one frame. And when it is cold outside, nothing beats a warm bowl of potato-and-cheese pierogi after a long day on foot."
Loves
My Kraków secret is to reach the Vistula promenade on the Podgórze side at golden hour, cross the Bernatek Footbridge, and finish with a drink in Kazimierz. Do it on a weekday evening from May through September, when locals gather along the river and the area feels lively without the crowds of the Main Market Square.
Skip
I would not waste a meal at the folkloric restaurants lining Zakopane’s Krupówki Street simply because someone outside is dressed in traditional highland clothing. Walk two or three streets away and check the menu and prices first for better food and far less tourist-trap theater.
Boutique pick
In Warsaw, I would begin at 8:30 with coffee and a pastry in Śródmieście, continue to the POLIN Museum at 10:00, and at 13:00 walk from the Ghetto Heroes Monument toward the Old Town and Royal Castle. In the afternoon, I would follow Nowy Świat and Krakowskie Przedmieście, pause for shopping, and reach the Palace of Culture and Science viewpoint around 18:30. I would finish at 21:00 among the tiny courtyard bars of Pawilony or around Poznańska Street, with a kosher dinner arranged in advance if needed.
Client stories
What returning travelers say about Poland
"We started the morning among the lanes around Kraków’s Rynek Square and reached Wawel Castle toward sunset, and the city felt romantic without trying too hard. Poland surprised us with its reasonable prices, punctual trains and how easily every day filled up with memorable experiences."
Noa and Ido, Tel Aviv
Couple · 5 nights · September
"The children could not stop talking about the roller coasters at Energylandia, and the next day we all descended into the underground chambers of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. It was the perfect mix of action and storytelling, without another day of the kids simply trailing behind the adults."
Michal and Ori, Modi'in
Family with children · 7 nights · August
"We photographed the whole Warsaw skyline from Level 27, then spent an entire evening moving between the tiny bars at Pawilony. We loved that Poland let us visit an excellent museum in the morning, shop at Złote Tarasy in the afternoon and stay out late without destroying the budget."
Daniel, Roi and Shahar, Rishon LeZion
Friends · 4 nights · June
"Our visit to Warsaw’s POLIN Museum was profound and moving, while the following day’s walk along Sopot’s long wooden pier gave us exactly the breathing space we needed. Poland became both a heritage journey and a beautiful holiday for us, and the train connection to Gdańsk was simple and comfortable."
Rachel and Yossi, Haifa
Older couple · 8 nights · May
FAQ
Common questions about Poland
Do Israelis need a visa for Poland?
Israeli passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits to Poland and the Schengen Area of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Before departure, check whether the online ETIAS authorization has taken effect, as its European launch schedule may change.
Are there direct flights to Poland, and how long is the flight?
Direct flights connect Tel Aviv with Warsaw and Kraków, with seasonal services sometimes available to Katowice or Wrocław; a nonstop flight to Poland usually takes about 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes. Warsaw suits a city break or longer itinerary, while Kraków is more convenient for Wieliczka, Auschwitz and the Tatra region.
When is the best time to visit Poland, and when is peak season?
May, June and September are the most comfortable months for Poland, combining pleasant weather with lighter crowds; peak season is July and August, particularly in Kraków, Zakopane and Sopot. December is excellent for Christmas markets in Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław, but expect cold weather and short daylight hours.
How many days should I spend in Poland?
For a focused Poland break, allow four nights in Warsaw or Kraków including one day trip, while combining both cities requires at least seven nights. An itinerary adding Wrocław, Gdańsk, Sopot or Zakopane is best planned over 10 to 14 days.
What is the easiest way to get around Poland?
PKP Intercity trains are the easiest way to travel between Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław and Gdańsk, and advance booking is advisable on weekends and in summer. Within Poland’s cities, metro, trams, Bolt and Uber work well; a rental car is most useful for Zakopane, the lake districts and rural areas.
How much does a trip to Poland cost?
A five-night trip to Poland typically costs ₪2,800–5,500 per person sharing a double room, including direct flights, a good hotel, transport, meals and attractions; prices can rise in July, August and December. Couples choosing a central four-star hotel, frequent dining out and private day trips should budget around ₪6,000–8,000 per person.
Is Poland safe for Israeli travelers?
Poland is generally considered relatively safe, but Israelis should monitor official travel advisories, avoid displaying Israeli symbols near demonstrations and watch their belongings in crowded areas such as Kraków’s Old Town and Warsaw’s Nowy Świat. At night, order Bolt or Uber rather than entering unmarked taxis outside clubs.
What are the must-see attractions in Poland?
On a first trip to Poland, do not miss Warsaw’s Old Town and POLIN Museum, Kraków’s Rynek Square and Wawel Castle, the Wieliczka Salt Mine and a respectful visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. With extra time, add Gdańsk’s Old Town and Sopot Beach, Wrocław’s dwarf trail or a day in the Tatra Mountains from Zakopane.
What is nightlife like in Poland, and are there casinos?
Poland’s strongest nightlife is in Warsaw around Nowy Świat, Pawilony, SEN and Level 27, and in Kraków around Szewska, Kazimierz and Shine Club. Legal casinos do operate, including Casino Poland at Hilton Warsaw City; entry is from age 18 with a passport, and the atmosphere is generally polished rather than Las Vegas-style.
Are kosher food and Chabad available, and who is Poland best suited to?
Chabad centers in Warsaw and Kraków provide prayers and pre-booked Shabbat meals, while Warsaw travelers can also check current availability at the kosher Besamim restaurant; outside these cities, bring suitable food supplies. Poland suits couples, heritage travelers and families thanks to Energylandia and the Copernicus Science Centre; pack layers and rainwear, add thermals in winter, and consider a rail extension to Berlin, Prague or Vienna.