The Polish Tourism Organisation (Polska Organizacja Turystyczna – POT) is one of several dozen national tourism organisations operating in the world. Our objective is the promotion of Poland as a modern attractive country offering tourists a high standard of services and appealing prices. We carry out work focused on the promotion and development of Polish tourism both at home and abroad.
We are a government agency supporting legal entities dealing with tourism.
We organise national stalls at the largest tourism fairs held both in Poland and abroad, at which the exhibitors include representatives of the industry and self-governments.
The Polish Tourism Organisation has representatives in 14 countries all over the world (Austria, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and USA). Thanks to our familiarity with the specific character of assorted countries we are able to plan our promotion campaigns by taking into consideration the nature and requirements of particular markets.
-
24 Oct 23
Partner News
Christmas all wrapped up at Poland’s dazzling marketsThere’s magic in the air in most places at Christmas but in December, Poland’s ...Read moreChristmas all wrapped up at Poland’s dazzling markets - News & announcementsThere’s magic in the air in most places at Christmas but in December, Poland’s cities have a real sparkle about them. Oozing charm all year round but they each take on a whole new look during the festive season. It’s the perfect place to visit for a short, pre-Christmas break and for celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. As Poland’s famous Christmas markets start to spring up festive cheer spreads across the old towns of these glorious cities. Just think, you could be hopping on a plane and be landing in a fairytale setting in just a couple of hours. A lovely mulled wine in your hand by teatime. Sound good? There’s no getting away from it, presents have to be bought, but, this year why not do it in style and add a few days away into the bargain? What more incentive do you need to do your Christmas shopping and treat yourself at the same time. Browsing Christmas markets is a great way to experience the atmosphere and traditions of each of these cities, and indeed of Poland. Everything takes on a whole new vibe. Twinkling lights casting a magic glow over the old town squares, the sound of carol singers - it’s a feast for the senses as the heady aroma of hot soups, gingerbread and sausages fill the air, leaving you with a warm glow inside. You’ll be feeling all Christmassy in no time! Some of the prettiest Christmas markets can be found in Poland, and as well as seeing some of Europe’s most exciting cities, you’ll be able to pick up some lovely souvenirs. Here are the top Polish cities to visit this winter… Wroclaw: Visit one of the most magical Christmas markets in Europe If you are looking for a wonderful Christmas experience somewhere different, why not try Wroclaw. The festive atmosphere at Wroclaw Christmas Market is a huge draw for overseas tourists and the locals love it too. It goes without saying there will be a cracking range of stalls selling all manner of festive goodies and delicious local delicacies that will make your taste buds tingle! Wroclaw Christmas market is a must-see. Dates: Wroclaw Christmas market runs from 24 November - 7 January For more information on Wroclaw, visit: https://www.poland.travel/en/cities/wroclaw Krakow: Experience yuletide magic in one of the oldest market squares Christmas in Poland's ancient city of Krakow has to be seen to be believed. Spellbindingly beautiful at any time of the year but when she has her Christmas sparkle on, it’s a whole new level of fabulous. In the shadow of the majestic Cloth Hall and St Mary’s Basilica, browse the cute stalls at your leisure while enjoying a cup of mulled wine or nibbling some delicious gingerbread. Krakow also has an annual tradition of hosting a nativity scene competition. Participants create colourful interpretations featuring churches and other architecture you'll find in Krakow. It's a beautifully festive display which is showcased in shops and squares around the city. A trip to this magical Polish gem will certainly leave you with long-lasting memories. Dates: Krakow Christmas market runs from 24 November - 1 January For more information on Krakow, visit: https://www.poland.travel/en/cities/krakow Gdansk: Steal a winter kiss at the Christmas market A highlight for visitors is to spend some time visiting the dazzling Christmas Market but the entire city becomes a real winter wonderland at this time of year. The Christmas market brings the wonder and magic of the season to Gdansk and is considered one of the most beautiful in Poland. If retail therapy is on the cards, browsing the decorated stalls is a must to pick up some unique Christmas gifts. And, an ideal way to round off your market shopping is to enjoy some delicious local cuisine and an aromatic mulled wine or hot chocolate. This is definitely one for the romantics out there. Go on; steal a cheeky winter kiss under the mistletoe. Dates: Gdansk Christmas market 24 November - 23 December For more information on Gdansk, visit: https://www.poland.travel/en/cities/gdansk-and-tricity Lodz: A big long winter wonderland This isn’t so much a Christmas market square, more of a market mile! The super long Piotrkowska Street is bedecked in twinkly lights and pretty trinkets and you’ll usually find some cool music events going on too. This lively, colourful promenade is bursting with life and packed with bars, cafes, restaurants, shops and it looks magnificent at Christmas! Dates: Lodz Christmas activities run throughout December For more information visit https://www.inyourpocket.com/lodz/lodz-christmas-market_4825e Warsaw: A festive treat of shimmering light The city of Warsaw takes on a special charm as the festive season kicks in too. Wilanow Royal Garden is a spectacle of light and one of the most beautiful things to see in Warsaw at this time of year but this opens on 13 October ahead of the Christmas attractions. The Christmas market stretches along the Old Town walls, packed with pretty stalls selling handmade decorations, woollens and loads of other local specialities. Dates: 26 November - 6 January For more information visit https://warsawtour.pl/en/winter-in-warsaw-2/ How to get there? Budget flights to Poland from the UK are regularly available with Ryanair and Wizz Air. -
08 Jul 23
Expert Hub
Poland: Cities Worth DiscoveringFrom the towering Tatra Mountains to the wild Baltic Sea, Poland is filled with ...Read morePoland: Cities Worth Discovering - News & announcementsFrom the towering Tatra Mountains to the wild Baltic Sea, Poland is filled with vibrant cities known for their splendid heritage, mouthwatering cuisine and stunning architecture. Poland is home to numerous attractions and landmarks that are sure to delight visitors from all over the world. A getaway to Poland will keep everyone happy — from beach-goers and hiking fans to city break lovers. The country’s secret lies in the evident diversity between its cities, each of which is waiting to tell a unique story. It’s time to be captivated by a fantastic city break crammed with charming districts, modern city centres and bustling streets. Beautiful in its diversity. Modern-day Warsaw is a vibrant metropolis where history meets the latest technology, contemporary art and architecture. Warsaw is not only one of Poland’s major business centres, but also has a rich history, lively culture and a number of renowned universities, attracting an increasing number of tourists, students, artists and business people. Poland’s capital is full of opportunities and attractions, enabling everyone to get to know Warsaw in their own way. The city’s diversity is a perfect metaphor for the journey Poland has gone through over many centuries. Warsaw is a city of contrasts — between glittering skyscrapers and the historic Old Town; traditional Polish dishes and international cuisine and its many green zones with its urban landscape. A visit to Łazienki Park is a must during your time in Warsaw! Here, the classical architecture blends with fabulous natural gardens and animals in one unmissable attraction. A City of Hidden Gems The historic capital, Krakow, was once home to Polish kings. Now, it is one of Central Europe’s most popular spots for travellers and an important centre of art, commerce, and culture. Krakow is Poland’s second-largest city, blending an international atmosphere with a cosy vibe, in one charming, well-balanced destination. Thanks to its long history and rich cultural heritage, there are countless hidden gems throughout the city. Monuments, extraordinary attractions, a mix of architectural styles, green spaces and exceptional cuisine — Krakow has it all! It’s full of precious historical buildings, art and urban legends that offer an amazing variety of experiences and fun things to do. One of the most unforgettable of Krakow’s many attractions is Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter. This charming district is quite distinct from the rest of the city, giving it a unique and fascinating charm all of its own. The Baltic's gold star. Tricity consists of three coastal cities — Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia — that together create a single metropolitan area. With over 1,000 years of tradition and history, Gdansk contrasts with the smaller, quieter Sopot and the young port city of Gdynia, creating a perfect seaside resort with excellent cuisine. Attracting tourists from all over the world, Tricity is bustling with life throughout the whole year. It is hard to imagine Tricity without picturing Gdansk’s majestic shipyard cranes, Sopot’s Pier or Gdynia's cliffs. Each city offers different attractions, bound together by a gorgeous coastline with spectacular sunsets and countless restaurants serving fresh seafood. Tricity is also famous for amber, often called Baltic Gold, that can be found on beaches, at souvenir stands and in jewellery shops. Enjoy an unmissable coastline stroll in Tricity — the Gdynia Orłowo cliffs and Sopot’s main beach, complete with pier and fishing boats, are the ideal backdrop to your exploration. An industrial city with soul. Poland’s third-largest city became industrial settlement in 19th century and has been the centre of the country’s textile industry ever since. The city is now well-known for its unique post-industrial character. The cityscape is still influenced by this period, as looming brick factories have been transformed into trendy cultural centres, malls, museums, and apartments. What’s captivating about Lodz is the constant change that unfolds all around you. It has the ability to seamlessly transform its industrial areas into modern, alternative destinations while still maintaining their charm. The city is full of creativity and artistic expression focused on reinvention and ingenuity. Once described as “grey”, Lodz is now blossoming into a colourful city filled with street art. Lodz is a truly unique city. While you won’t find a typical Old Town, its post-industrial buildings have been transformed into popular hot spots, such as Manufaktura, EC1 or Księży Młyn. There are also plenty of alternative areas worth visiting, such as OFF Piotrowska centre. Reliving history. Located in Western Poland, Poznan is the capital of the Wielkopolska region. It is one of the oldest Polish cities, with a rich history and is famous for the country’s largest industrial fair, delicious croissants, and renowned landmarks like the Renaissance City Hall. Its Old Town is filled with colourful tenement houses along with the oldest cathedral in Poland. But there's much more to this historic city than initially meets the eye. Even though Poznan’s origins are rooted in history, it has cultivated a fresh and relaxed atmosphere with modern architecture, street art, and fine cuisine at its heart. Thanks to this, Poznan has become a fabulous combination of old and new, making sightseeing particularly interesting, as the city has plenty of stories to tell. It's a paradise for those who love history and nature, and those who are looking for a city break packed with great things to see and do. When in Poznan, head to the Old Town to visit its famous Town Hall with two mechanical goats that bump heads every day at noon! Be sure to try the traditional St. Martin’s croissant, too! Straight from a fairy-tale. Wroclaw is the capital of the Lower Silesia region and is one of the most beautiful cities in Poland. Some describe Wroclaw as “The Venice of Poland” as the Oder River breaks off into separate tributaries that run throughout the city. With over 100 bridges, small islands, a fascinating market square, picturesque green spaces and a vibrant nightlife, Wroclaw has everything needed for a truly magical getaway. It charms visitors with its unusual architecture, numerous bridges, cultural heritage and scenic boulevards, as well as many monuments and well-preserved historic buildings. Wroclaw can seem like a fairy-tale city, with its chilled vibe, hundreds of gnomes hidden around the buildings and a lighthouse-keeper walking around Ostrów Tumski. Sunset cruises on the Oder River, the picturesque Town Hall and the magical district of Ostrów Tumski with its many bridges make a stay in Wroclaw truly magical! -
10 Feb 23
Partner News
Warsaw named European Best Destination 2023Warsaw has taken the title of European Best Destination 2023, beating off stiff competition ...Read moreWarsaw named European Best Destination 2023 - News & announcementsWarsaw has taken the title of European Best Destination 2023, beating off stiff competition from 21 other cities also nominated. Votes in the competition were cast by internet users worldwide and they decided the winning city. Established in 2009, European Best Destinations is a travel website whose aim is to promote culture and tourism in Europe. Dorota Wojciechowska, Director of the Polish National Tourist Office in London said: “We are thrilled that Warsaw has got 2023 off to a flying start by being named the best European Destination. The city attracts a lot of overseas visitors who fall in love with the city year after year. I'm pretty sure that this title comes as no surprise to anyone who has been to Warsaw at least once in their lifetime!” She added: “I want to sincerely thank everybody who took the time to vote for Warsaw and would also like to say congratulations to all of the other wonderful cities who were nominated” Warsaw’s rich tourism appeal is evident. The city boasts a fascinating history, modern museums and art galleries, a packed calendar of cultural events, great culinary experiences and beautiful green spaces. Above all, Warsaw stands out as an exceptionally open, safe and hospitable city. The capital was the only Polish city nominated in the European Best Destination 2023 competition, and therefore represented the entire country in the battle for the prestigious title. The win is welcome news and will enable Warsaw to rebuild its international tourist traffic after the losses of the Coronavirus pandemic, and exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine. -
27 Sep 22
Partner News
Discover a winter wonderland at Poland’s dazzling Christmas MarketsOne of the most magical things about winter in Europe is the Christmas markets ...Read moreDiscover a winter wonderland at Poland’s dazzling Christmas Markets - News & announcementsOne of the most magical things about winter in Europe is the Christmas markets and Poland is no exception. Browsing Christmas markets is a great way to experience the atmosphere and traditions of each of these cities and get set for the most wonderful time of the year. Here are the three best ones to visit. Wroclaw Visit one of the most magical Christmas markets in Europe this winter. Are you looking for a wonderful Christmas experience somewhere new? Head to the city of Wroclaw, and you'll find one of Europe's most atmospheric settings. The Christmas Market in Wroclaw will be taking place in four main areas: The Market Square, Salt Square (Plac Solny), Świdnicka Street and Oławska Street. The festive atmosphere at Wroclaw Christmas Market is a huge draw for overseas tourists and the locals love it too. Visitors can experience the fairytale forest, gnomes, and much more. Additionally, there are Christmas-themed rides and parades for everyone to enjoy. It goes without saying there will be a wide range of stalls offering a tempting array of festive goodies and local delicacies. A tasty treat that visitors must sample is the famous Oscypek- a traditional smoked cheese you won't find anywhere else. Dates: The Christmas market runs from November 18th- December 31st 2022. For more information on Wroclaw, visit: https://www.poland.travel/en/cities/wroclaw Krakow Experience yuletide magic in Krakow. Christmas in Poland's ancient city of Krakow has to be seen to be believed. The fairytale atmosphere attracts not only overseas visitors but also native people from all over the country and the Christmas market is a must-see. Browse the brightly-lit stalls at your leisure while enjoying a cup of mulled wine or nibble some mouth-watering gingerbread. The tempting aroma of hot kielbasa (sausage) fills the air but there’s plenty of other local food to try. The majestic Renaissance Sukiennice Cloth Hall dominates the square and is also worth a visit. There’s so much to see and do in Krakow - there’s something for everyone. To start your Christmas adventure, get your skates on at the ice rink or spend some quiet time in tranquil galleries or candlelight churches. Krakow also has an annual tradition of hosting a nativity scene competition. Participants create colourful interpretations featuring churches, or szopki, and other architecture you'll find in Krakow. It's a beautifully festive display which is showcased in shops and squares around the city. A trip to this magical Polish gem will certainly leave you with long-lasting memories. Dates: The Christmas market runs from November 25th 2022 – January 1st 2023 For more information on Krakow, visit:https://www.poland.travel/en/cities/krakow Gdansk Immerse yourself in the magic of the season with a trip to historical Gdansk. A highlight for visitors is to spend some time visiting the dazzling Christmas Market but the entire city becomes a real winter wonderland at this time of year. Visitors can enjoy an elf parade, a talking moose, the Snow Queen and her singing carollers and the chance to take a spin on the traditional carousel. If retail therapy is on the cards, browsing the decorated stalls is a must to pick up some unique Christmas gifts. And, an ideal way to round off your market shopping is to enjoy some delicious local cuisine and an aromatic mulled wine or hot chocolate. Dates: The Christmas market runs from November 20th – December 24th 2022. For more information on Gdansk, visit: https://www.poland.travel/en/cities/gdansk-and-tricity How to get there? Flights to Poland from the UK are regularly available from airports across the UK, including London Stansted, London Luton, Bristol, Leeds, Edinburgh and Aberdeen with Ryanair and Wizz Air. -
09 Jun 22
Partner News
Summer Breaks in the Beautiful Cities of PolandWith spring behind us, it’s time to pack your bags and head to some ...Read moreSummer Breaks in the Beautiful Cities of Poland - News & announcementsWith spring behind us, it’s time to pack your bags and head to some of Poland's city pearls for the perfect summer break. With Poland’s incredible architecture, gastronomy and rich culture, no matter which city you choose to visit, you are bound to enjoy a refreshing trip. Travel to the traditional cities of Krakow, Warsaw and Gdansk, or explore the lesser known but equally fantastic cities of Wrocław and Katowice. During summertime the Polish weather is warm and comfortable with plenty of fresh produce and beautiful scenery, making it one of the best destinations in Europe. Summer in Poland, is there anything better? Discover Polish culture in the Historic Centre of Krakow, a UNESCO World Heritage Site As Poland’s former royal capital, Krakow is a bustling city offering mediaeval pomp and pageantry fused with modern-day fun. It is a must visit if travelling to Poland. Its history spans over the 1000 years of Krakow's existence, offering you plenty of historical and cultural things to do. Make sure to visit the Wawel Royal Castle and its Cathedral as well as the old Jewish District, Kazimierz, which has become a trendy hub with the latest bars and restaurants. Explore the small cobblestone streets, grand royal palaces and soaring spires of ancient churches near the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town district whilst munching on delicious, traditional Polish dumplings known as pierogi. If you are travelling to Krakow in August, make sure to visit the world renowned Pierogi Festival taking place in Maly Rynek Square! https://www.poland.travel/en/cities/krakow A summer getaway to Poland’s cultural oasis of Warsaw Discover the beauty, culture and history of Poland’s capital city Warsaw. With hidden rooftops and urban beaches, Warsaw is the perfect city to visit this summer with its combination of green spaces and diverse cultural offering. Home to 90 different parks, enjoy the stillness of nature and relax in the sunshine before exploring Warsaw’s world famous UNESCO-listed Old Town. If you desire breathtaking views, the city’s University of Warsaw Library has one of Europe’s largest rooftop gardens and it is accessible to the public to take in a 360-view of the city’s skyline. For authentic bars and quirky museums, travel to the Praga district and explore the lesser known parts of this iconic city. https://www.poland.travel/en/cities/warsaw-2 River cruises, galleries and nightlife in colourful Wrocław Known as one of the most picturesque cities in Poland and home to a thriving cultural scene, Wrocław offers a perfect city experience with all it has to offer. With over a millennia of history, culture and influences from its neighbouring countries, the options of museums, galleries and architecture are endless. A visit to the National Museum or Academy of Fine Arts is a must if you wish to delve into the culture and storied history of the city or climb up to the top of St. Elizabeth’s Church for magical views from above. If you would rather see the city from below, travel on the Oder river and see the six islands nestled between the different districts of Wrocław. Make sure to stop by one of the numerous beer gardens along the river for a refreshing traditional Polish beer. Nightowls are also spoiled for choice as the Polish love their nightlife - from smaller romantic corners to bigger and impressive clubs keeping you up from sundown to sunrise. https://www.poland.travel/en/cities/wroclaw Embark on a musical adventure in Katowice The capital city of the Silesian region offers well-maintained parks, squares and buzzing music for the active and curious traveller. As Katowice is located centrally with excellent transport connections, it is well worth a visit during any trip to Poland. In recent years Katowice has transformed from a city with a rich mining history to a UNESCO Creative City of Music. Since being declared a City of Music in 2016, the city’s music scene has continued to grow with classical music at the NOSPR Concert Hall, Katofonia on Mielęckiego streets to jazz and blues clubs spread throughout the city. For those looking to discover another side to Katowice’s musical offering, don’t miss P23, an all night techno club located in an old Drzwi porcelain factory on the outskirts of the city. https://www.poland.travel/en/cities/katowice Experience a Baltic coast gem in the amber city Gdansk For those looking to combine city and coastal experiences, look no further than the picturesque city of Gdansk. Gdansk is one of the most culturally and historically significant cities in Europe and is home to unique culture as well as a burgeoning culinary and beer scene. Gdansk is packed with character wherever you go, from the lively and colourful Długi Targ to the peaceful waterfront of the Motlawa River Embankment, there is something for everyone in this hidden gem of a city. Just a short journey away from Gdansk is the Polish Riviera of Sopot. Wander along the tree-lined seafront, discover white sandy beaches without the usual crowds of summer and take in the refreshing Baltic sea air along the wooden pier, the longest in Europe. Another short journey away, you will visit the charming seaside city of Gdynia where you will get an authentic taste of the region with delicious, freshly caught seafood whilst enjoying breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea. -
11 Mar 22
Partner News
Interactive Map Of Gothic Castles in PolandAnyone interested in medieval castles and Teutonic Order’s military fortifications is in for a ...Read moreInteractive Map Of Gothic Castles in Poland - News & announcementsAnyone interested in medieval castles and Teutonic Order’s military fortifications is in for a treat with this new interactive map of gothic castles of northeastern Poland. The application not only maps Order’s major strongholds in the territory of the former Prussia from the beginning of the 15th century but also renders a detailed 3-D bird’s eye view model of the selected castle. In this way, the map enables you to virtually visit more than 21 castles, some of which are currently located in the cross-border region of Poland and Russia. They include: Człuchów, Bytów, Lębork, Gniew, Kwidzyn, Nowe, Malbork, Sztum, Działdowo, Nidzica, Ostróda, Olsztyn, Lidzbark Warmiński, Giżycko, Kętrzyn, Ryn, Bałga, Pokarmin, Królewiec, Ragneta, Lochstedt. The castle models were created according to available historical and archaeological records and designs. The map is part of the “Polish Gothic Castles” project and can be found here https://zamkigotyckie.org.pl/3d/en/. Paweł Moszczyński is the author and the creator of all the digital models. -
11 Mar 22
Partner News
Springtime In Poland21 March marks the beginning of calendar spring. It’s a time when everything reawakens, ...Read moreSpringtime In Poland - News & announcements21 March marks the beginning of calendar spring. It’s a time when everything reawakens, a favourite season of the year people look forward to. It is also a good time to visit Poland and explore Polish customs and traditions. Travelling in our country in the spring, you’ll be passing yellow meadows and fields full of blossoming dandelions and rapeseed. Roadside willows burst with the fresh greenery of young leaves. Those spring-clad Polish roads will take you to fascinating places connected with local customs and often unique traditions. The most important of these is... Polish hospitality! You can experience it especially in the Polish countryside, where, apart from well-organised and well-equipped agritourism farms, you will find beautiful landscapes, a cultural and culinary wealth of different regions and a multitude of traditional and local products. The same roads will also take you to natural sights: 23 national parks and more than 120 landscape parks, a number of botanical and show gardens, while large cities will offer you city parks for leisure and recreation. The first day of calendar spring is special; one could even say: filled with mysticism. It combines old and present-day customs. One of the most popular traditions, whose roots are in pagan Slavic beliefs, is the Drowning of Marzanna. Marzanna is a straw effigy, often decorated with ribbons, beads or other ornaments, symbolising the Slavic goddess of winter and death. Tossing it into the water, sometimes after setting it on fire, is supposed to end winter and bring the long-awaited warmer and more pleasant weather as well as good crops later in the year. Spring is also the season of Easter with its colourful events and traditional rituals. It can be a great idea to travel around Poland, participate in interesting religious events and celebrations related to the Easter holiday and Holy Week, and at the same time learn about local culture. Easter markets and fairs, colourful processions on Palm Sunday and competitions for the nicest or tallest Easter palm, Easter festivals, egg painting workshops and events associated with Easter Monday, known here as “Śmigus-Dyngus”, are beautiful Polish traditions, which are also part and parcel of Europe’s Christian roots. Take, for example, Palm Sunday in Łyse. This locality, situated in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, is famous for the world’s tallest Easter palm and its Palm Sunday celebrations following the traditions of the Kurpie region. The festivities are accompanied by an Easter market with the regional final of the competition for the most beautiful palms, exhibitions and performances of folk ensembles. Similarly, in Lipnica Murowana, a small town in the Małopolskie Voivodeship, just an hour away from Kraków, every year a special event is held on Palm Sunday: the Lipnica Palm and Artistic Handicraft Competition. Among the various categories there’s the one that made the competition famous: choosing the tallest palm – and they can stand over 30 metres tall! Easter festivities have a very special character in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska with its Mannerist Architectural and Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park, which were entered on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The calvary paths that stretch over 6 square kilometres and are about 5 kilometres long blend into the hills surrounding the town, and thus are reminiscent of the sacred places in Jerusalem. The paths are part of the Kalwaria Zebrzydowska Sanctuary, not only one of the most often visited pilgrimage sites in Poland but also one of the most interesting complexes combining landscape and architecture in Europe. During the Holy Week, impressive Passion plays are staged here. Kraków, Wawel, Spring Kraków, Old Market, Easter eggs Lipnica Murowana, the Lipnica Palm and Artistic Handicraft Competition Tatry, crocuses Gdańsk, the Sobieszewo Island, tulips In contrast to centuries-old traditions, an entirely new spring custom was born in Poland in 1990 with the restoration of the national holiday on 3 May, namely... outdoor barbecues. Combined with Labour Day celebrated on 1st May, 3rd May Constitution Day very often ends up being part of a so-called “long weekend”, during which in every corner of Poland – in allotments, meadows, gardens and places specially designated for grilling – you can pick up the characteristic smell of barbecued sausages and other meats, usually enjoyed among family and friends. Spring motivates us to be active. During this time, we like to be surrounded by nature. Vegetation waking up to life, birdsong coming from trees and shrubs, and an explosion of fresh colours in the green areas around us – all these things make us want to spend more time outside. A perfect idea for a spring getaway or even just a walk could be the scenic parks and gardens in Polish cities – both in the great metropolitan areas such as Warsaw, Łódź, Kraków, Wrocław, Poznań or Gdańsk, and the smaller ones. Indeed, there is plenty to choose from... We have typical city parks, such as the largest one in Poland, located in Bydgoszcz, the Myślęcinek Forest Park for Culture and Leisure. A special kind of city park is a Japanese style garden. The most famous Japanese garden in Poland is located in Wrocław’s Szczytnicki Park, near the Centennial Hall. In addition to city parks, you can also look for signs of spring in parks and gardens belonging to castles, palaces and manors. They are located not only in large cities but also in smaller towns and rural areas. For example, the Łazienki Park in Warsaw is one of the most beautiful parks of our capital and one of Europe’s finest park-and-palace complexes. Some of the larger parks of this kind include the Palace and Park Complex in Łańcut, the Palace and Complex in Pszczyna, the Wilanów Park in Warsaw, the Branicki Palace Gardens in Białystok, and the most famous romantic English style park – Arkadia Park in Nieborów. In this category of parks and gardens, the Valley of Palaces and Gardens in Lower Silesia occupies a special place. It is here, at the foot of the Karkonosze Mountains, that you will find a unique complex of 30 beautiful residences, accompanied by extensive landscape parks with old tree stands and varied garden architecture. Talking about beautiful green areas to see in Poland, one shouldn’t forget the Mużakowski Park, or Muskauer Park, situated on both sides of the Polish-German border and added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. It is the largest English style park in both Poland and Germany. Spring in Poland is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for interesting trips, excursions in nature, visits to places of great beauty and learning about local traditions and customs.