19-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Poland
Poland is a backpacker's paradise, offering a perfect blend of poignant history, vibrant nightlife, and stunning natural landscapes without the price tag of Western Europe. By utilizing 'Bar Mleczny' (Milk Bars) for food and the extensive PKP train network, you can experience the best of the country for less than $23 a day.
This 19-day epic journey takes you from the reconstructed streets of Warsaw to the medieval charm of Krakow, up into the rugged Tatra mountains, through the 'Venice of Poland' in Wroclaw, and finally to the amber-filled streets of Gdansk on the Baltic coast.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Warsaw, Poland - Arrival & Old Town Basics
Arrival at Chopin Airport
Touch down in the capital and take the S2 or S3 SKM train into the city center for a fraction of the cost of a taxi.
Warsaw Old Town (Stare Miasto)
Wander through the meticulously reconstructed UNESCO World Heritage site, focusing on the Royal Castle exterior and the Mermaid Statue.
Saxon Garden & Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Watch the changing of the guard every hour at this free and solemn public monument.
Dinner at Bar Mleczny Familijny
Eat like a local at a traditional Milk Bar. Try Pierogi or Bigos (hunter's stew) for just a few dollars.
Day 2: Warsaw, Poland - History & Vistula Views
Warsaw Uprising Museum
Learn about the city's resistance during WWII. Entrance is free on certain days (usually Sundays), so check ahead.
University of Warsaw Library Garden
Visit one of the largest roof gardens in Europe for free, offering panoramic views of the Vistula River.
Praga District Walk
Cross the river to see the more authentic, gritty side of Warsaw where many original pre-war buildings still stand.
Vistula River Boulevards
Join local students on the riverbank steps for a sunset drink (legal in specific zones) and cheap street snacks.
Day 3: Warsaw to Krakow, Poland - Royal Transit
Morning Train to Krakow
Board a PKP Intercity train. Booking 2-4 weeks in advance can save you up to 30% on the ticket price.
Check-in at Greg & Tom Hostel
Drop your bags at one of the world's most famous social hostels, known for free dinners and a great vibe.
Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)
Explore Europe's largest medieval square, including the exterior of the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica.
Planty Park Stroll
Walk the green belt that encircles the Old Town, occupying the space where the city walls once stood.
Day 4: Krakow, Poland - Jewish Heritage & Kazimierz
Kazimierz District
Explore the Jewish Quarter’s history, visit the Remuh Cemetery (small fee) or simply admire the unique synagogues from outside.
Zapiekanka at Plac Nowy
Eat a 'Zapiekanka'—a long open-faced toasted baguette. It is Krakow’s quintessential and cheapest street food.
Ghetto Heroes Square
Visit Podgórze to see the 33 empty chairs memorializing the Krakow Ghetto residents.
Evening at Alchemia
Visit this candlelit bar in Kazimierz for the atmosphere; many nights feature free or low-cost jazz/folk sessions.
Day 5: Krakow, Poland - Wawel & Riverside
Wawel Royal Castle
Walk the castle grounds for free. While the interior rooms cost money, the courtyard and views over the river are spectacular and cost nothing.
The Wawel Dragon (Smok Wawelski)
Wait for the fire-breathing dragon statue at the foot of the hill—a free spectacle every 10 minutes.
Schindler’s Factory Museum
Located in the actual factory, this museum is essential. Note: Mondays often offer free entry, but you must book tickets weeks ahead.
Milk Bar Dinner at Pod Temidą
Enjoy a massive plate of pierogi for under 15 PLN in the heart of the tourist district.
Day 6: Krakow, Poland - Auschwitz-Birkenau Day Trip
Local Bus to Oświęcim
Take a local bus from the MDA station (cheaper than a tour) to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
Auschwitz I & II Guided Tour
While the site is a somber necessity, entry is free if you visit without a guide during specific early or late hours (reservation still required).
Return to Krakow
Reflect on the day's journey while taking the bus back to the city center.
Quiet Evening at Liban Quarry
For those with energy, this nearby nature spot is where parts of Schindler's List were filmed; it's free and eerie.
Day 7: Krakow to Zakopane, Poland - Mountain Bound
Bus to Zakopane
Take the 'Szwagropol' or 'FlixBus' for a scenic 2-hour drive into the Tatra Mountains.
Krupówki Street
Walk the main pedestrian street. Avoid the expensive restaurants and grab 'Oscypek' (grilled sheep cheese) from street stalls.
Gubałówka Hill
Instead of the funicular, hike up Gubałówka for free to see the best panoramic view of the High Tatras.
Regional Dinner
Look for a 'Karczma' (tavern) slightly off the main strip for cheaper prices on high-calorie mountain food.
Day 8: Zakopane, Poland - Morskie Oko Hike
Minibus to Palenica Białczańska
Catch a cheap local shuttle from the train station to the trailhead of the most famous lake in Poland.
Hiking to Morskie Oko
A 9km paved walk leads to the 'Eye of the Sea.' It’s a gentle incline and completely free once you enter the National Park.
Lunch with a View
Bring your own sandwiches to eat by the lake to avoid the high prices of the mountain hut.
Return Hike & Shuttle
Walk back to the car park and catch the shuttle back to Zakopane town.
Day 9: Zakopane, Poland - Valley Exploration
Dolina Kościeliska
Take a bus to this beautiful valley. It features flat walking paths and several accessible caves (bring a headlamp!).
Jaskinia Mroźna (Frosty Cave)
A small fee is required for this cave, but the limestone formations are worth the few zlotys.
Wielka Krokiew Ski Jump
Walk to the base of Poland's most famous ski jump to see where the national heroes compete.
Budget BBQ
Many hostels in Zakopane have outdoor fire pits. Buy some sausages at a local market for a cheap mountain feast.
Day 10: Zakopane to Wroclaw, Poland - The Long Haul
Morning Bus/Train to Wroclaw
This is a long travel day (5-6 hours). Use the time to catch up on journaling or photo editing.
Market Square (Rynek) Arrival
Drop your bags and head to one of the most colorful squares in Poland. It rivals Krakow but is less crowded.
Hunting for Dwarfs
Start your search for the 300+ small bronze dwarf statues scattered across the city—a fun and free activity.
Dinner at Bar Mleczny Miś
One of the cheapest and most authentic milk bars in the country. Expect to pay less than $4 for a full meal.
Day 11: Wroclaw, Poland - Islands & Cathedrals
Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island)
Visit the oldest part of the city. Cross the bridge filled with 'love locks' to see the twin-spired Cathedral.
Wroclaw University
Visit the exterior of the beautiful Baroque building. For a small fee, you can enter the Mathematical Tower for great views.
Wyspa Słodowa
Hang out on 'Malt Island,' the only place in the city where you can legally drink your own beer outdoors—a backpacker favorite.
The Lamplighter of Wroclaw
Head back to Ostrów Tumski to see the traditional lamplighter in a cape lighting the gas lamps by hand.
Day 12: Wroclaw, Poland - Modernism & Fountains
Centennial Hall
A UNESCO-listed masterpiece of reinforced concrete. The park surrounding it is free and expansive.
Wroclaw Multimedia Fountain
Located right next to Centennial Hall, catch a free water and music show (daytime shows are hourly).
Japanese Garden
A very small entrance fee allows you to enjoy this tranquil spot within Szczytnicki Park.
Neon Side Gallery
Visit this courtyard at Ruska 46 for a free outdoor exhibition of rescued neon signs from the Cold War era.
Day 13: Wroclaw to Poznan, Poland - Croissant City
Train to Poznan
A short 2-hour hop north takes you to the cradle of the Polish state.
Poznan Goats at the Town Hall
Be at the Old Market Square precisely at noon to see the two mechanical goats headbutt each other—a free Poznan tradition.
The Royal-Imperial Route
Follow this self-guided walking path that connects the most important historical sites for free.
St. Martin’s Croissant Museum
Learn about the famous local pastry. If the museum is too pricey, just buy a 'Rogal' from a local bakery for $2.
Day 14: Poznan, Poland - Citadel & Lake
Cytadela Park
A massive park built on the site of a former Prussian fortress. See the 'Unrecognized' sculptures by Magdalena Abakanowicz.
Ostrów Tumski (Poznan)
Visit the Poznan Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Poland, where the first kings are buried.
Malta Lake
Walk around the man-made lake. It's a great spot for people-watching or a cheap outdoor workout.
Dinner at Bar Mleczny Apetyt
Enjoy huge portions of traditional Polish food for students' prices.
Day 15: Poznan to Gdansk, Poland - Heading North
Train to Gdansk
Travel to the Baltic coast. This route takes you through the heart of the Polish countryside.
Neptune’s Fountain & Long Market
Walk the Royal Way of Gdansk. The architecture here is influenced by Dutch and German styles, making it unique in Poland.
Zuraw Crane
Admire the massive medieval port crane—the largest of its kind in Europe (exterior viewing is free).
Sunset at Motława River
Find a spot on the docks to watch the tour boats pass by as the lights of the city flicker on.
Day 16: Gdansk, Poland - Solidarity & Amber
European Solidarity Centre
Visit the monument to the fallen shipyard workers for free. The museum itself is excellent, but walking the shipyard grounds is equally moving.
St. Mary’s Church
Visit the largest brick church in the world. Entry is free, though there is a small fee to climb the tower.
Mariacka Street
Gdansk’s most beautiful street, famous for amber jewelry. Window shopping is free, and the gargoyle water-spouts are a sight to see.
Dinner at Bar Mleczny Neptun
A classic milk bar right on the main tourist thoroughfare—unbeatable value for the location.
Day 17: Gdansk, Poland - Sopot Beach Day
SKM Train to Sopot
The local commuter train (SKM) is extremely cheap and takes you to the spa town of Sopot in 20 minutes.
Monciak Street & Crooked House
Walk the pedestrian zone and snap a photo of the 'Krzywy Domek' (Crooked House) for free.
Sopot Pier (Molo)
While there is a fee in summer, walking the beach next to the pier is always free and offers the same Baltic breeze.
Forest Opera
Walk up into the hills to see the unique outdoor amphitheater set in the woods.
Day 18: Gdansk, Poland - Gdynia or Westerplatte
Westerplatte Ferry
Take a water tram (very cheap) to the site where WWII began. The massive monument and ruins are free to explore.
Gdynia Modernism
Alternatively, take the SKM train to Gdynia to see its unique 1930s architecture and the Dar Pomorza ship (exterior).
Orłowo Cliff
A hidden gem between Gdynia and Sopot. It’s a beautiful, natural cliff walk with zero entry fees.
Last Polish Pierogi Feast
Find a 'Pierogarnia' slightly away from the Long Market for your final budget-friendly Polish meal.
Day 19: Gdansk, Poland - Departure
Last Minute Souvenirs
Grab some traditional Polish gingerbread or a small piece of amber from the riverside stalls.
Oliwa Park & Cathedral
Visit this stunning park on your way to the airport. If you're lucky, you can catch a free organ demonstration in the Cathedral.
Train to Gdansk Airport
The PKM train connects the city center directly to the terminal for just a few zlotys.
Departure
End of your 19-day Polish odyssey.
Best Time to Visit Poland
The best time for budget backpackers to visit Poland is during the shoulder seasons: May to June or September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant for hiking in Zakopane or walking the cities, but the crowds are thinner and hostel prices are at their most competitive. Winter (December to February) is freezing but offers the cheapest accommodation and magical Christmas markets in Krakow and Wroclaw.
Currency & Money
Poland uses the Polish Złoty (PLN). While Poland is part of the EU, it does not use the Euro. Card payments are accepted almost everywhere, from high-end boutiques to small street stalls. However, always carry some cash for small milk bars or local buses in mountain regions. Tipping is appreciated (around 10%) but not mandatory. Always choose 'Charge in local currency' when using ATMs to avoid bad exchange rates.
Getting Around Poland
Intercity travel is best done via the PKP Intercity train network—book early on their website to get the 'Promo' tickets. For even cheaper travel, FlixBus covers almost every city. Within cities, use the 'Jakdojade' app to buy tram and bus tickets on your phone. Most Polish cities are very walkable, especially the historic centers which are often pedestrianized.
