“It has been said that Poland is dead, exhausted, enslaved, but here is the proof of her life and triumph.”
From the freezing Baltic Sea in the north to the stunning Carpathian Mountains in the south, Poland is a country of rugged and diverse natural beauty. From its roots in the late age of antiquity, its Imperial Golden Age to its modern-day resistance behind the Iron Curtain, Poland has been a melting pot of cultures and customs, and home to some of the most liberal and innovative artists, thinkers, and scientists the world has ever seen. With the country continuing to emerge as one of the most popular destinations for tourists and travellers from within the European Union and beyond, join us at What We Reading for the best Poland travel books! From its customs and history to mapping out the best attractions and accommodations, these Poland travel guides are sure to inspire your next adventure.
The Rough Guide To Poland – Rough Guides
First up on our list of the best Poland travel books is Rough Guides’ comprehensive guide to the country. From off-the-beaten-track adventures in The Bieszczady, chilled breaks at Rynek Glowny to family-friendly activities at Slowinski National Park, The Rough Guide to Poland comes with a wealth of time-saving itineraries, practical travel tips tailored to every type of traveller, and detailed coverage to each region of this fascinating country.
The Rough Guide to Poland also comes with handy pre-departure information, the best means of navigating the country, and a visual list of all the sights and attractions any visitor doesn’t want to miss! From Warsaw to Wroclaw, this is one of the most up-to-date and essential travel companions for anyone looking to make the most of their trip to Poland.
Lonely Planet Poland – Lonely Planet
No list of the best travel books about Poland would be complete without mentioning Lonely Planet. Still, the world’s most trusted travel guide publisher, Lonely Planet Poland takes readers into the heart of the country and arms them with the most relevant advice on what to see, skip, and what hidden adventures are just waiting to be unearthed.
Helping travellers navigate everything from Gdansk’s fabled medieval lanes to the vibrant nightlife of Krakow, Lonely Planet’s Poland travel guide comes with rich cultural insights that help them unlock a richer, more rewarding experience. Complete with honest reviews on everything from food to accommodation, this travel guide on Poland even comes with a passport-sized pull-out filled with essential information on Wi-Fi, ATMs, transport, and opening hours, all of which guarantee a smooth experience while inside the country’s borders.
Only In Krakow – Duncan J.D. Smith
As we mentioned, Krakow is one of the bustling cultural capitals of Poland, and undoubtedly a must-visit for any traveller looking to experience a truly authentic Polish experience. And, in Only in Krakow, readers are taken through the rich royal heritage, astonishing architecture, and vibrant street life of the city by Duncan J.D. Smith aka—the Urban Explorer.
From ancient mounds, Europe’s biggest medieval marketplace, candlelit cellars, stained glass workshops, and mysterious monasteries, there’s no better Poland travel book for skipping past the typical tourist traps and tackling Krakow and its 100+ fascinating historic sites than Duncan J.D. Smith’s travel guide.
Rick Steves Eastern Europe – Rick Steves
Another one of the world’s most trusted travel guide writers, Rick Steves offers readers a comprehensive tour guide across Eastern Europe in his dedicated book on the region.
Whisking readers, Rick Steves takes them through the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia, utilizing decades of experience to show which sights are worth their time and money, and how to get around by car, train, bus, and boat. From Krakow’s charm, the waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes National Park, and the romantic spires in Prague, Rick leaves no stone unturned in helping readers plan the ultimate trip to Eastern Europe.
Explore Warsaw – Insight Guides
For readers looking for a Poland travel book that will help them ensure they make the most of their visit to the country’s capital city, Insight Guides has you covered with their Explore Warsaw edition.
Practical, pocket-sized, and packed with helpful insider information, Explore Warsaw features 12 of the best ready-made walking routes around the city. Featuring concise information about its landscape, food and drink, history, and entertainment, these tours are designed to help readers plan, save time, see all the must-sees and unlock some of Warsaw’s best-kept secrets. Accompanied by a full-colour map and a free ebook, it is an invaluable travel companion for discovering Poland’s capital.
Gdansk Travel Guide – Emily Sutton
Formerly known as ‘Danzig’, Gdansk has become one of the most significant cities in European history, and remains one of Poland’s most dazzling destinations. Emily Sutton arms readers with one of the most comprehensive travel guides on the city in her Gdansk Travel Guide.
Taking readers through the rich Old World cobblestone streets of the Biskupia Gorka district, the sobering but important Stutthof concentration camp to the Roads of Freedom exhibition outside the Gdansk shipyard, Sutton showcases the resilience and significance of the city and its place in history. With insider tips on where to eat and shop, the best accommodation and, crucially of all, how to fast travel around the city capturing all it has to offer, there’s no guide on Gdansk you need other than Sutton’s edition.
Kaleidoscope Of Poland: A Cultural Encyclopedia – Oscar E. Swan
Rounding off our list of the best Poland books is Oscar E. Swan’s Kaleidoscope of Poland. A sweeping narrative of the tragedy and triumphs that have enveloped the country throughout history, Kaleidoscope of Poland is a series of short articles on the events, personalities, and places that have shaped the country’s thousand-year history.
The perfect supplement to any travel guide on the country, Swan’s book helps further a reader’s understanding and appreciation of Polish culture and history. From bagels on the Bug River to the brilliance of Marie Curie, the book offers witty and colourful insights into folklore, customs, phrases, geography and so much more in its effort to capture all that has gone into Poland the proud and vibrant destination it is today.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
