Poland sits in Central Europe, stretching from the Baltic Sea in the north to mountains in the south. It shares borders with Germany to the west, Lithuania and Russia to the northeast, and several other countries along the east and south. Its landscape is a mix—flat plains in the center and north, and hilly or mountainous areas in the south. The coastline along the Baltic Sea is known for sandy beaches and coastal ridges. Inland, there are thousands of lakes, especially in the northeast, and big rivers like the Vistula and Oder cut across the land. The weather is temperate. Summers are warm, winters moderately cold. Rain tends to fall more during the summer months, and winters are becoming drier over time. Poland has deep roots in European history. It became a kingdom in 1025, later forming a powerful union with Lithuania. The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was once one of Europe’s biggest states, with a unique political system. Poland's fortunes shifted in the late 18th century, when its neighbors carved it up, erasing it from maps for over a century. It re-emerged after World War I, only to be invaded at the start of World War II—a conflict that brought devastation and the horrors of the Holocaust. After the war, Poland fell under Soviet influence, but by 1989, it was the first Eastern Bloc country to shake off communism, thanks largely to the Solidarity movement. Today, Poland is a democratic country with a population of over 38 million. Warsaw, the capital, is the largest city. Others like Kraków, Gdańsk, and Wrocław are known for historic centers and vibrant culture. The economy is strong, with Poland being one of the larger economies in the European Union. Nature lovers come for places like the Tatra Mountains or the ancient Białowieża Forest, home to Europe’s largest land mammal—the European bison. There are 23 national parks, and over 17 sites are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage locations, from medieval town squares to the haunting Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial. Culturally, Poland has a rich tradition of music, literature, and art. Composer Frédéric Chopin and novelist Joseph Conrad both came from here. More recently, Poland’s fantasy literature, like Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher series, has found global fame. Polish cuisine is hearty, with dishes like pierogi (dumplings), bigos (a cabbage and meat stew), and żurek (sour rye soup). Vodka has its roots here, but beer and wine are also popular. Sports are big in Poland—football (soccer) is a national passion, though volleyball and speedway racing attract large crowds too. The country also boasts top tennis players like Iga Świątek and mountaineers who’ve climbed the world’s highest peaks. Despite its complicated past, Poland today balances its historical heritage with modern growth. Old town squares sit beside new buildings, and traditions are kept alive alongside a fast-developing economy and infrastructure.

An authentic Polish milk bar. Cheap and delicious. Serves typical Polish foods. Probably the most affordable place in the center of Gdynia. Can get crowded at lunch time.

Affordable, casual pizza place in the center of Gdynia. They serve pizza by the slice, breakfasts, pastas and cakes. It's dog-friendly, has good music, friendly atmosphere and a vaguely "street style" hip vibe.

Warsaw is the capital of Poland, sitting on the Vistula River in the east-central part of the country. With nearly 1.9 million people in the city and over 3 million in the wider metropolitan area, it’s Poland’s biggest city. It’s a place where old and new collide—modern skyscrapers stand next to rebuilt historic districts, and its skyline is a mix of glass towers and ornate churches. The Old Town, destroyed in World War II and painstakingly rebuilt, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through its cobblestone streets, you’ll find the Royal Castle and the colorful Market Square. Not far off is the Royal Route, a stretch of old palaces, churches, and the Presidential Palace, leading down to the grand Wilanów Palace and its gardens. Despite the scars of war—most of the city was flattened during WWII—Warsaw bounced back fast. The post-war communist era left a mark with grey apartment blocks and the towering Palace of Culture and Science, a gift from the Soviet Union that’s still one of the tallest buildings in Poland. Now, Warsaw’s business district is full of sleek glass skyscrapers, including the Varso Tower, the tallest in the EU. Green spaces are everywhere. Łazienki Park, home to peacocks and the Chopin monument, is a popular spot for Sunday strolls. The Vistula Riverbanks are packed with bars and cycling paths in summer. Even with its urban sprawl, about a quarter of the city is covered by parks and forests. Warsaw’s history is complicated. It was once a cultural melting pot, with a large Jewish community before the Holocaust. The city remembers that past with places like the POLIN Museum and the remnants of the Warsaw Ghetto. It also honors its wartime resistance, especially the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, with monuments and the powerful Uprising Museum. The city’s cultural life is rich. It hosts jazz festivals, classical concerts (especially anything Chopin-related), and has a buzzing nightlife. Food-wise, you’ll find everything from traditional Polish pierogi and hearty soups to modern vegan spots and Michelin-starred restaurants. There’s even a strong café culture, with old-school spots alongside trendy coffee bars. Weather in Warsaw is typical for Central Europe—cold, snowy winters and warm, sometimes stormy, summers. Spring and autumn can be mild and pleasant, though the weather can change quickly. In short, Warsaw is a city of contrasts. It’s got a tragic past but a vibrant present, blending historic charm with modern energy. Whether you’re wandering through its parks, exploring museums, or sipping coffee along the river, there’s plenty to take in.

Polish cuisine is all about comfort, rich flavors, and tradition. It’s the kind of food that sticks to your ribs, perfect for long winters and big family gatherings. Think hearty soups, meat-heavy dishes, and a lot of potatoes, cabbage, and bread. Pierogi are probably the most famous Polish dish—soft dumplings filled with anything from potato and cheese to meat, mushrooms, or sweet fruits. Then there’s bigos, a slow-cooked hunter’s stew packed with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, sausage, and sometimes even wild game. It’s the kind of dish that gets better the longer it sits. If you like schnitzel, you’ll love kotlet schabowy, a breaded pork cutlet usually served with mashed potatoes and pickled cucumber salad. And for something truly Polish, there’s żurek—a sour rye soup with sausage and egg, often served in a bread bowl. Poland is also big on fermented foods like ogórki kiszone (pickled cucumbers) and kapusta kiszona (sauerkraut), which add a tangy kick to meals. And if you have a sweet tooth, Polish desserts won’t disappoint—pączki (fluffy doughnuts filled with rose jam), sernik (a dense cheesecake), and makowiec (a poppy seed roll) are just the start. To wash it all down? Vodka, of course. Poland has been perfecting it for centuries. But if you prefer something milder, there’s always hot tea with lemon or kompot, a homemade fruit drink. Polish food is all about big portions, simple ingredients, and bold flavors. It’s the kind of cooking that makes you feel at home, no matter where you’re from.

Tomasz Stefaniak made this website and therefore deserves the #1 spot.

The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw is on Aleje Ujazdowskie, surrounded by other embassies and government buildings. It’s a large, modern building with tight security. The embassy handles visas, helps U.S. citizens, supports American businesses, and works on diplomatic relations with Poland. It also promotes cultural exchanges and coordinates military cooperation between the two countries. Most people go there for travel documents or official matters. It’s straightforward—focused on diplomacy, paperwork, and keeping U.S.-Poland ties strong.

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