Poland, the heart of Central Europe, offers Indian travelers a perfect blend of medieval charm, wartime history, and natural beauty. From the fairy-tale old towns of Kraków and Gdańsk to the somber history of Auschwitz and the stunning Tatra Mountains, Poland provides diverse experiences at prices more affordable than Western Europe.
This guide provides Indian travelers with essential information about visiting Poland - from Schengen visa requirements and flight options to the best places to stay, eat, and explore in this historically rich country.
Why Poland is a Great Destination for Indian Tourists
- Rich History: Medieval castles, Jewish heritage sites, and WWII history
- Affordable Europe: Lower costs than Western European destinations
- Stunning Architecture: Beautiful old towns and Gothic/Renaissance buildings
- Natural Beauty: Tatra Mountains, Baltic Sea coast, and primeval forests
- Indian Community: Growing Indian population with restaurants in major cities
- Central Location: Easy access to Germany, Czechia and other EU countries
How to Travel from India to Poland
Flight Options
Several airlines connect India to Poland with one-stop options:
- Major Airlines: Lufthansa (via Frankfurt), Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha)
- Main Airports: Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), Kraków John Paul II Airport (KRK)
- Flight Duration: 10-14 hours including layover
Travel Tip: Consider flying into Warsaw and out from Kraków to optimize your itinerary.
Approximate Flight Duration & Cost
| Route |
Duration |
Cost (Round-trip) |
| Delhi/Mumbai to Warsaw |
10–14 hours (including layover) |
₹35,000–₹65,000 (varies by season) |
Best Time to Visit Poland
| Season |
Months |
Pros & Cons |
| Peak (Summer) |
June–August |
Warm weather, festivals, but crowded |
| Shoulder |
May, September |
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds |
| Winter |
December–February |
Christmas markets, skiing, but very cold |
Festivals to Experience:
- Pierogi Festival (August): Kraków's celebration of Polish dumplings
- Wianki (June): Midsummer night festival in Kraków
- Christmas Markets (Dec): Magical markets in major cities
Poland Travel Budget for Indian Tourists
Poland offers good value compared to Western Europe. Here's a rough estimate per person:
| Expense |
Budget (₹) |
Mid-Range (₹) |
Luxury (₹) |
| Accommodation (per night) |
₹2,500–₹4,000 (Hostels/guesthouses) |
₹5,000–₹8,000 (3–4 star hotels) |
₹12,000+ (5-star hotels) |
| Food (per day) |
₹800–₹1,500 (Milk bars/local eateries) |
₹2,000–₹3,500 (Restaurants) |
₹5,000+ (Fine dining) |
| Transport (local) |
₹300–₹800 (Public transport) |
₹1,500–₹2,500 (Taxis/intercity trains) |
₹4,000+ (Private transfers) |
| Attractions (per day) |
₹500–₹1,500 (Free walking tours, churches) |
₹2,000–₹4,000 (Museums, guided tours) |
₹6,000+ (Private guides) |
Total Estimated Cost for 10 Days:
- Budget Traveler: ₹80,000–₹1,20,000
- Mid-Range Traveler: ₹1,50,000–₹2,00,000
- Luxury Traveler: ₹3,00,000+
Where to Stay in Poland
1. Warsaw (Capital City)
- Budget: Oki Doki Old Town Hostel (₹3,500/night)
- Mid-Range: Hotel Bristol (₹8,000/night)
- Luxury: Raffles Europejski Warsaw (₹15,000/night)
2. Kraków (Cultural Heart)
- Budget: Greg & Tom Beer House Hostel (₹3,000/night)
- Mid-Range: Hotel Stary (₹9,000/night)
- Luxury: Hotel Copernicus (₹14,000/night)
3. Gdańsk (Baltic Coast)
- Mid-Range: Hotel Hanza (₹7,000/night)
- Luxury: Hotel Gdańsk Boutique (₹12,000/night)
Top Attractions & Must-Do Activities
- Warsaw Old Town: Beautifully reconstructed after WWII
- Auschwitz-Birkenau: Powerful Holocaust memorial site
- Wieliczka Salt Mine: UNESCO-listed underground wonder
- Tatra Mountains: Stunning hikes around Zakopane
- Wrocław Dwarves: Hunt for hundreds of tiny bronze statues
- Malbork Castle: World's largest brick castle
- Polish Cuisine: Try pierogi, żurek, and bigos
- Vodka Tasting: Sample Poland's national drink
Polish Food Guide for Indians
Polish cuisine is hearty with meat, potatoes and dairy. Vegetarian options are limited but available:
- Pierogi: Dumplings (try ruskie - potato/cheese filling)
- Żurek: Sour rye soup (often with sausage but veg versions exist)
- Placki ziemniaczane: Potato pancakes (vegetarian)
- Bigos: Hunter's stew (non-veg)
- Oscypek: Smoked sheep cheese (vegetarian)
- Indian Food: Several Indian restaurants in Warsaw and Kraków
Tip: Look for "bar mleczny" (milk bars) - cheap cafeteria-style eateries with simple Polish food.
Visa Requirements for Indian Travelers
Do Indians Need a Visa for Poland?
✅ Yes, Poland is part of the Schengen visa system.
Types of Visas
- Schengen Tourist Visa: Allows travel in Poland and other Schengen countries (max 90 days)
How to Apply
- Application: Submit at VFS Global centers in India
- Processing Time: 15-30 days (apply well in advance)
Required Documents
- ✔ Passport (3 months validity beyond stay + 2 blank pages)
- ✔ Completed application form
- ✔ 2 passport photos
- ✔ Travel insurance (€30,000 coverage)
- ✔ Flight itinerary
- ✔ Hotel reservations
- ✔ Bank statements (₹1 lakh+ balance)
- ✔ Employment proof/leave letter
Visa Fees
Schengen Visa: €80 (approx ₹7,200) for adults
Important: If visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply at the embassy of your main destination.
Important: If you need help with your Poland Visa application, please visit our website and fill out the assistance form. (👉
www.executivevisaservices.in)
FAQs for Indian Travelers
1. Is Poland safe for Indian tourists?
Very safe with low crime rates. Standard precautions against pickpockets in tourist areas apply.
2. What's the currency in Poland?
Polish Złoty (PLN). 1 PLN ≈ ₹20 (check current rates). Cards widely accepted.
3. Do people speak English in Poland?
English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger people. Learn basic Polish phrases for rural areas.
4. How to dress for Polish weather?
Layers are essential. Summers are warm (20-30°C) but winters can be very cold (-10°C or lower).
5. Is Poland expensive for Indians?
More affordable than Western Europe. Budget travelers can manage with ₹3,000-₹4,000 per day.
6. How many days are enough for Poland?
7-10 days for highlights, 2 weeks for comprehensive tour including smaller towns.
Final Thoughts: Why Poland Should Be Your Next Destination
Poland offers Indian travelers an ideal introduction to Europe with its rich history, beautiful cities, and reasonable prices. From the medieval charm of Kraków to the moving history of Warsaw's reconstruction and the natural beauty of the Tatra Mountains, Poland provides diverse experiences that rival more famous (and more expensive) Western European destinations.
With this comprehensive guide, you're now equipped to plan your Polish adventure. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, nature, or just experiencing authentic Central European culture, Poland promises unforgettable memories for Indian travelers.