Trip 21.09.2023   327

Travel Guide to Poland

Poland, located in Central Europe, is a country known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. For those planning to travel to Poland, this guide provides answers to questions like how to get to Poland, whether a visa is required, what currency is used in Poland, what to eat in Poland, and where to go in popular cities like Warsaw, Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia, and Krakow. Additionally, I recommend visiting Zakopane, Poland's most beautiful mountain town, for those with extra time.

How to Get to Poland?

It's possible to reach Poland from Turkey with direct flights. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and SunExpress offer direct flights from Istanbul to Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Additionally, you can reach Poland from other European cities through connecting flights.

Is a Visa Required for Poland?

Since Poland is part of the Schengen Area, Turkish citizens require a visa to visit. It's recommended to apply for a Polish visa at least 15 days in advance. The required documents for the application include a passport, biometric photo, travel health insurance, flight ticket reservation, accommodation reservation, bank account statement, and a letter stating the purpose of the trip. The visa fee is around 80 Euros.

What is the Currency in Poland?

The official currency of Poland is the Zloty (PLN). 1 Euro is approximately equal to 4.5 Zloty. Since it's challenging to find Zloty in Turkey, I recommend exchanging for Euros before your trip. You can also exchange Euro to Zloty at airports or currency exchange offices in city centers in Poland. Additionally, you can use your credit card at ATMs or for shopping in Poland.

What to Eat in Poland?

Polish cuisine offers hearty and flavorful dishes consisting of meat, potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, and spices. When you visit Poland, make sure to try the following dishes:

• Pierogi: Described as a type of dumpling, pierogi is made by stuffing dough with cheese, potatoes, meat, mushrooms, or fruit, then boiling or frying them. You can enjoy pierogi as both a main course and a dessert.

• Bigos: Known as the national dish of Poland, bigos is a stew made of sauerkraut, meat, mushrooms, and spices. You can eat it with bread or potatoes.

• Zurek: Zurek is a soup made with sourdough rye flour, and it's served with sausage, egg, and potatoes. Some places serve Zurek in a bread bowl.

• Placki Ziemniaczane: Made from grated potatoes, eggs, flour, and spices, placki ziemniaczane is a type of potato pancake. It can be topped with sour cream, mushroom sauce, or sugar.

• Oscypek: Oscypek is a type of cheese produced in the mountainous regions of Poland. It's a hard and salty cheese made from sheep's milk. You can grill oscypek or eat it with honey.

Where to Go in Poland?

Poland is a rich country with both historical and natural beauty. Here are the cities and places you must see when you visit Poland:

• Warsaw: As the capital and largest city of Poland, Warsaw was heavily damaged during World War II but has been rebuilt to regain its former glory. Places to visit in Warsaw include the Old Town Square, Royal Castle, Lazienki Park, Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw Uprising Museum, and Chopin Museum.

• Gdansk, Sopot, and Gdynia: Located on the coast of the Baltic Sea, these three cities are collectively known as Tricity. Gdansk is known for its historic buildings, colorful houses, port, and amber shops. Sopot is famous for its beaches, nightlife, and having the longest wooden pier in Europe. Gdynia, while being a modern city, is interesting for its maritime museum, aquarium, and ships.

• Krakow: One of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Poland, Krakow is a favorite among travelers due to its historical architecture, cultural richness, and lively atmosphere. Places to visit in Krakow include the Old Town Square, Wawel Castle, Wawel Cathedral, Salt Mine, Jewish Quarter, and Auschwitz Concentration Camp.

• Zakopane: Located at the foothills of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is Poland's most beautiful mountain town. Zakopane is known for winter sports, hiking trails, wooden architecture, and traditional cheese.

Things to do in Zakopane include shopping on Krupowki Street, taking a cable car to Gubalowka Peak, visiting Morskie Oko Lake, and skiing on Kasprowy Wierch Mountain.