Introduction
Poland has long been considered one of Europe’s most affordable travel destinations, the place where you can supposedly get a full meal for just a few euros, hop on a train for next to nothing, and book a decent hotel without breaking the bank. But is that still the case?
I’ve traveled through Poland multiple times, from the bustling streets of Warsaw to the colorful old town of Wrocław, and I can tell you—the reality isn’t quite as cheap as the internet makes it sound. Yes, Poland is significantly cheaper than France or Germany, but if you expect everything to be a bargain, you’ll be in for a surprise.
Prices have risen, especially in Kraków and Warsaw, where tourism has driven up accommodation costs. Restaurants in major tourist areas charge almost Western European prices, and some attractions come with hidden fees that unsuspecting travelers don’t see coming. That €2 beer everyone talks about? Sure, you’ll find it—but not if you’re sitting in a tourist-packed bar in Kraków’s Old Town.
The good news? Poland can still be a great budget destination—if you know where to spend and where to save. Some things are shockingly cheap, like public transport, street food, and intercity train travel, but others are not the deals they used to be. The key is avoiding the overpriced tourist traps and traveling like a local.
This guide will break down real prices, reveal what’s overhyped, and show you how to experience Poland without overspending.
The Real Costs of Traveling in Poland
The first time I traveled to Poland, I expected rock-bottom prices everywhere. I’d read stories about people eating full meals for €3, finding accommodation for next to nothing, and getting around for pennies. But once I arrived in cities like Kraków and Warsaw, reality hit: yes, Poland is cheaper than most of Western Europe, but it’s not the ultra-budget paradise people make it out to be.
Some things are shockingly affordable—public transport, street food, and train travel are absolute bargains. But if you’re not careful, you’ll also find yourself overpaying for accommodation, touristy restaurants, and attractions with sneaky fees.
Here’s what you can expect to spend in Poland, and more importantly, where your money goes further—and where it disappears fast.
Accommodation: Still Affordable, but Not as Cheap as You Think
Poland’s accommodation prices depend entirely on where you stay. If you’re visiting major cities like Kraków or Warsaw, don’t expect to find great places for pennies anymore—tourism has pushed prices up, and Airbnb fees are just as sneaky as anywhere else in Europe.
- Hostels – Still the best budget option, ranging from €10–€25 per night, depending on location and season. In peak summer months, even hostels in central Kraków or Warsaw push closer to €30.
- Budget hotels & guesthouses – Expect to pay €30–€70 per night for a decent private room. Cheaper hotels tend to be far from the city center, and anything under €50 might come with thin walls, outdated decor, or a shared bathroom.
- Airbnb – Watch out for hidden fees. A listing might show €40 per night, but by the time you check out, cleaning and service fees push it to €60–€70. If you’re staying short-term, you’ll often get better value at a hotel.
Where to save money:
- Avoid staying in Old Town areas (especially in Kraków and Warsaw) where prices are inflated for tourists. Look for neighborhoods just outside the center—you’ll get a better deal and still be a short tram ride away.
- If you’re traveling between cities, overnight trains or buses can double as accommodation, saving you the cost of a night in a hotel.
Food & Drinks: Eat Like a Local, Not a Tourist
Polish food is hearty, delicious, and surprisingly affordable—if you know where to eat. If you stick to tourist-heavy areas, you’ll pay €15–€20 for a meal that should cost €6–€10 elsewhere.
- Street food & cheap eats
- Zapiekanka (Polish-style baguette pizza): €2–€4, a must-try in Kraków’s Kazimierz district.
- Pierogi (dumplings): €3–€6, even cheaper at a milk bar.
- Kielbasa (grilled sausage): €3–€5 from a street vendor.
- Barszcz (beet soup) with a pastry: €2–€4, perfect for a cheap, warm meal.
- Sit-down meals
- Milk bars (Bar Mleczny) – These Soviet-era canteens serve huge portions of home-style Polish food for €4–€7 per meal. They’re where locals eat, and they’re one of the best budget hacks in Poland.
- Casual restaurants outside tourist areas – Expect to pay €6–€12 for a filling, traditional meal.
- Tourist trap restaurants (Old Town Kraków, Warsaw’s Market Square) – Prices jump to €15+ per meal, often for worse food than what you’d get in a milk bar.
- Drinks
- Local beer: €2–€3 in most bars, but €5+ in touristy areas.
- Vodka shots: €1–€2 per shot in local bars, but €3+ at a tourist-facing vodka tasting.
- Coffee: €1.50 for an espresso, €3–€4 at trendy cafés.
Where to save money:
- Eat at milk bars. They’re a piece of Polish history and the cheapest way to eat well.
- Go to local bakeries for breakfast—fresh pastries and coffee for half the price of a café.
- Avoid restaurants on main squares. Walk a few streets away for better prices and better food.
Transport: One of Poland’s Best Budget Perks
If there’s one thing Poland still does incredibly well for budget travelers, it’s transport. Public transport is dirt cheap, and intercity travel is way more affordable than in Western Europe.
- City transport (buses, trams, metro)
- Single tickets cost €0.80–€1, but day passes are a better deal if you’re exploring a lot.
- A 24-hour pass in Warsaw? €3.50. You won’t find a better deal in Europe.
- Avoid taxis—use Uber or Bolt instead. Taxis at airports and train stations are notorious for scamming tourists.
- Intercity trains & buses
- Warsaw to Kraków by train: €10–€20, depending on how early you book.
- Buses (FlixBus, Polskibus) are often even cheaper—€5–€15 for most major routes.
- Regional trains are slower but cheap—great for smaller towns like Toruń or Zakopane.
Where to save money:
- Book intercity trains in advance. Last-minute tickets can cost twice as much.
- Get a public transport pass if you’re staying in a city for a few days.
- Skip rental cars unless you’re visiting rural areas. Trains and buses are cheaper and easier.
Attractions & Activities: Some Are Cheap, Others Have Hidden Costs
Many of Poland’s best experiences don’t cost much at all—but some attractions have sneaky fees or overpriced guided tours.
- Museums & historic sites
- Most cost €5–€10, but many have free-entry days (usually once a week).
- Auschwitz is free to enter, but guided tours can cost up to €40—not all are worth it.
- Warsaw’s Uprising Museum is €5, but free on Sundays.
- Tours & excursions
- Walking tours – Many cities have free walking tours where you tip what you can.
- Vodka tastings – Some charge €30+ for a few shots, but you can go to a bar and order the same thing for €10.
- Outdoor activities
- Hiking in the Tatra Mountains – Free, except for small park entrance fees.
- Wandering Poland’s medieval towns (Wrocław, Toruń, Gdańsk) – Completely free and more authentic than rebuilt Warsaw.
Where to save money:
- Check free museum days—every major city has them.
- Do your own vodka tasting instead of booking an overpriced tour.
- Skip expensive day tours—most places are easy to visit independently.
Overrated Spots That Are a Complete Waste of Your Time and Money
Look, I love Poland—but not everything here is worth the hype. If you blindly follow the same travel guides and influencer recommendations, you’ll end up overpaying for garbage food, squeezing through crowds like a sardine, and wondering why you wasted your time.
Some places are massively overpriced, some are so overcrowded that any charm they had is long gone, and others? They were never that great to begin with. I’ve learned the hard way where NOT to spend my money in Poland. Let’s save you from the same mistakes.
1. Kraków’s Main Square Restaurants – A Tourist Price-Gouging Factory
I get it—Kraków’s Main Square (Rynek Główny) is gorgeous. But the restaurants? A total scam. These places exist purely to rip off tourists.
You sit down, thinking you’ll have a nice traditional meal with a great view. Then the menu arrives, and you realize you’re about to pay €20 for a plate of pierogi that should cost €6. If the food was actually good, maybe it’d be worth it—but it’s bland, overpriced, and forgettable. They know you’re a tourist, and they don’t care.
- Why it’s a rip-off:
- You’re paying double for food that’s half as good as what you can get elsewhere.
- Waiters couldn’t care less about your experience—they know they’ll scam a new group tomorrow.
- The whole thing is designed to milk tourists dry.
What to do instead:
- Walk five minutes away and you’ll find actual Polish food at normal prices.
- Go to a milk bar (Bar Mleczny) and eat for a fraction of the price.
2. Auschwitz Guided Tours – Stop Paying €40 for Something That’s Free
Auschwitz is one of the most important places in the world to visit—but tour companies exploit this fact to rob tourists blind.
What they don’t tell you? ENTRY IS FREE. You just need to reserve a time slot. But instead of telling people that, they sell “guided tour packages” for €40, €50, even €60, adding inflated transport fees and rushed, impersonal guides.
- Why it’s a scam:
- Auschwitz entry is FREE—you’re literally paying for nothing.
- Public transport to Auschwitz costs €3–€5 each way—but tours charge €20+ just for a bus ride.
- Many guides rush through the visit like they’re in a race to finish early.
What to do instead:
- Book your free entry online and take a public bus for €5. Done.
- If you really want a guide, hire one directly at the site—they’re cheaper and better than the ones bundled into overpriced tours.
3. Warsaw’s Old Town – A Rebuilt Tourist Disneyland
Warsaw’s Old Town looks pretty in photos, but here’s the thing—it’s not actually old.
The original Old Town? Leveled in World War II. What you see today was rebuilt in the 1950s. Now, don’t get me wrong—the reconstruction is impressive, but it feels fake. It’s not an authentic medieval town—it’s a post-war re-creation based on old paintings.
- Why it’s overrated:
- It’s a historical imitation, not a real, untouched Old Town.
- Everything is geared toward tourists, not locals.
- Food, drinks, and souvenirs cost twice as much as anywhere else in Warsaw.
What to do instead:
- If you want a real medieval city, go to Wrocław, Toruń, or Gdańsk. They’re the real deal—Warsaw’s Old Town is not.
- If you’re in Warsaw, skip the overpriced restaurants here and eat in Praga or Powiśle, where locals go.
4. Zakopane in Peak Season – A Nightmarish Tourist Zoo
Zakopane is sold as Poland’s best nature escape. And yes, the mountains are stunning—but what no one tells you? You won’t actually enjoy them because there are too many people.
I made the mistake of visiting in August. I planned a “hike” to Morskie Oko, a famous mountain lake. BIG mistake. The “hike” was a two-hour death march on a paved road, shoulder-to-shoulder with a crowd of tourists. Not exactly the “peaceful nature” I was expecting.
- Why it’s miserable:
- Massive crowds ruin the whole experience.
- Accommodation prices skyrocket in summer and winter.
- Morskie Oko? It’s so packed you’ll barely get a photo without 50 people in it.
What to do instead:
- Visit Bieszczady National Park—it’s just as beautiful, but way less crowded.
- If you go to Zakopane, visit in the off-season (late spring or early autumn) when it’s actually enjoyable.
5. Expensive Vodka Tastings – An Absolute Rip-Off
Poland is known for vodka, and sure, a vodka tasting sounds like fun—until you realize you just paid €40 to drink what you could have gotten for €10.
I once saw a bar in Kraków offering a €35 vodka tasting for five shots. Curious, I checked the store prices of those vodkas—you could buy full bottles of all five for under €20.
- Why it’s a joke:
- They mark up prices insanely just because it’s called a “tasting.”
- You’re drinking the same vodka brands you could try at any bar for a few euros.
- The "history lesson" they give? You could Google it in five minutes.
What to do instead:
- Walk into a local bar and order a few different shots yourself—€1–€2 each.
- Buy a few mini bottles from a supermarket and DIY your own tasting. Same experience, one-third of the price.
Where to Actually Spend Your Money
Alright, now that we’ve exposed Poland’s most annoying, overpriced, tourist-infested scams, let’s talk about where your money is actually well spent. Because while Poland has its share of rip-offs, it also has some of the best travel bargains in Europe—if you know where to look.
If you’re going to spend money in Poland, spend it on experiences that actually matter—amazing food, underrated cities, cheap transport, and things that give you a real taste of the country. Here’s where you should actually drop some cash without feeling like an idiot.
1. Milk Bars (Bar Mleczny) – The Best Cheap Meals in Poland
Forget those overpriced tourist-trap restaurants that serve lukewarm, uninspired pierogi for €15—you know, the ones filled with clueless travelers who think they’re getting an “authentic Polish experience.” They’re getting scammed.
If you want real Polish food for actual Polish prices, go to a milk bar (Bar Mleczny). These Soviet-era canteens were designed to provide cheap, home-cooked food for workers, and guess what? They still do.
For €4–€7, you can eat a full, hearty meal—and I’m talking a massive plate of pierogi, potato pancakes, soup, and compote to drink. The food is delicious, filling, and dirt cheap.
- It’s the best deal on food in Poland. No contest.
- The portions are huge, and you’ll actually feel full instead of ripped off.
- You’re eating real, local food, not overpriced tourist bait.
Where to go:
- Bar Bambino (Warsaw) – Classic milk bar with huge portions.
- Bar Mleczny Pod Temidą (Gdańsk) – Local favorite with crazy cheap prices.
- Milkbar Tomasza (Kraków) – A bit more modern, but still way cheaper than the trash restaurants on the Main Square.
2. Underrated Cities – Better Than Kraków and Warsaw (and Cheaper, Too)
If you think Poland begins and ends with Kraków and Warsaw, you’re missing out on the best parts of the country. Sure, those cities are fine—but they’re overrun with tourists and way more expensive than the rest of Poland.
Some of the best places in Poland are totally underrated, cheaper, and have way fewer crowds.
- Wrocław – Beautiful old town, amazing food, and it’s cheaper than Kraków.
- Toruń – A medieval city that’s actually historic (unlike Warsaw’s fake Old Town).
- Lublin – One of Poland’s most underrated cities—great food, medieval streets, and barely any tourists.
- Fewer tourists, fewer scams, and way lower prices.
- The history is real, unlike Warsaw’s reconstructed Old Town.
- Better food, better views, and a more authentic experience.
3. Train Travel – The Best Way to See Poland (Without Getting Robbed)
Poland’s train system is one of the best travel bargains in Europe. You can travel across the entire country for the price of a single taxi ride in London.
- Warsaw to Kraków by train? €10–€20 if you book in advance.
- Kraków to Wrocław? €8–€15, and the scenery is fantastic.
- Warsaw to Gdańsk? €15–€25, and it’s a comfortable, modern train.
And the best part? No insane baggage fees, no cramped Ryanair flights, and no taxi scams.
- Cheap, comfortable, and a great way to see the country.
- You avoid overpriced airport transfers and taxi drivers trying to rip you off.
- If you book early, you can get high-speed train tickets for the price of a burger.
4. Free Attractions That Are Actually Amazing
Not everything worth seeing in Poland comes with a ridiculous entrance fee. Some of the best things to do here cost exactly €0.
Totally free things that are actually worth your time:
- Warsaw’s free museum days – Many major museums are free once a week.
- Hiking in Tatra National Park – Forget the tourist-clogged paths to Morskie Oko—Poland has tons of quiet, beautiful hikes that don’t cost a thing.
- Wrocław’s dwarf hunt – Over 300 tiny statues hidden around the city. Free, fun, and way more interesting than another overpriced castle tour.
- Medieval town squares – Places like Wrocław, Toruń, and Poznań have gorgeous old towns you can explore without spending a cent.
- Because spending €30 on a “guided walking tour” of a city you can explore for free is a joke.
- Some of Poland’s best experiences don’t cost a thing.
- You’ll get more out of these than you will from some overpriced museum.
5. Local Markets – Cheap, Authentic, and No Tourist Price-Gouging
If you actually want authentic Polish food and souvenirs (and not the mass-produced junk they sell in tourist shops), go to a local market.
You’ll find fresh, handmade food, local crafts, and souvenirs that don’t cost a fortune. Plus, you won’t get overcharged like you do in the tourist areas.
Best markets to check out:
- Hala Targowa (Kraków) – Amazing fresh produce and local snacks.
- Bazar Różyckiego (Warsaw) – One of Warsaw’s oldest markets, way cheaper than the Old Town.
- Gdańsk Market Hall – Fresh bread, local cheeses, and pierogi that cost half what they do in restaurants.
- You’re supporting local vendors instead of overpriced tourist shops.
- You get actual Polish food, not tourist-ified garbage.
- It’s way cheaper than eating in a restaurant every meal.
How to Save Money & Avoid Common Travel Mistakes
Poland can still be a great budget destination, but only if you avoid the dumb mistakes that drain your wallet and ruin your trip. If you don’t pay attention, you’ll end up overpaying for everything—accommodation, transport, food, even water. Yes, they’ll even rip you off on water if you’re not careful.
After traveling through Poland multiple times, I’ve learned what NOT to do. Here’s how to avoid getting scammed, overcharged, or just making bad financial decisions while traveling here.
1. Stay Outside the Main Tourist Zones
Want to pay double for a tiny hotel room just because it’s near a tourist landmark? No? Then don’t stay in the overpriced historic centers of Kraków and Warsaw.
Hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels in prime tourist areas charge ridiculous prices for the same (or worse) quality you’d get just a few tram stops away. If you stay a little outside the center, you’ll get a bigger, better, and cheaper place to stay.
- In Kraków, stay in Podgórze or Kazimierz instead of the Old Town.
- In Warsaw, stay in Praga or Wola—cheaper, cooler, and you won’t be surrounded by overpriced souvenir shops.
- In Wrocław, stay anywhere outside the Market Square, and you’ll find actual local prices.
Mistake to avoid: Booking an Airbnb in the center for “only” €50 a night, then realizing after fees you’re paying €80+ for a glorified shoebox.
2. Eat Where Locals Eat (And Stop Paying Tourist Prices for Pierogi)
You see a restaurant with a big sign saying “Traditional Polish Cuisine,” a menu translated into five languages, and waiters luring tourists inside? Run.
Tourist restaurants exist to overcharge clueless visitors. You’ll pay €15–€20 for an average meal that locals get for €6–€10.
Where you should actually eat:
- Milk bars (Bar Mleczny) – The cheapest, most authentic Polish food in the country. Full meal for under €7.
- Neighborhood restaurants, not the ones in tourist areas. If locals eat there, it’s good. If the only people inside are American backpackers, it’s a rip-off.
- Bakeries and street food stalls – A fresh zapiekanka or grilled kielbasa is €2–€5 and often way better than the overpriced restaurant version.
Mistake to avoid: Ordering food in a restaurant right on the Main Square in Kraków or Warsaw, thinking you’re about to have a magical dining experience. You’re not. You’re about to overpay for a mediocre meal.
3. Use Public Transport (And Avoid Taxis Like the Plague)
Taxis in Poland are a disaster waiting to happen. Drivers love to scam tourists, especially at train stations and airports.
- A 10-minute taxi ride should cost €5–€10, but if you’re not careful, they’ll charge you €20–€30.
- Some drivers refuse to turn on the meter and then “guess” the price at the end—always way more than what it should be.
- Airport taxis are notorious for doubling or tripling the normal fare.
What to do instead:
- Use Uber or Bolt. It’s cheaper, safer, and they can’t scam you with “tourist pricing.”
- Take public transport. Trams, buses, and metros are dirt cheap and super easy to use.
- Buy a 24-hour or multi-day transport pass. It saves you money if you’re staying in a city for a few days.
Mistake to avoid: Grabbing a taxi outside Kraków’s train station without checking Uber first. Spoiler: The price difference is insane.
4. Book Trains and Buses in Advance for Huge Savings
Poland’s train system is cheap—if you book early. If you buy a ticket at the last minute, you’ll pay double or even triple what it should cost.
- Warsaw to Kraków by train – €10 if booked early, €30+ if booked last minute.
- Kraków to Gdańsk by train – €15 if booked early, €40+ last minute.
- FlixBus and Polskibus are even cheaper, often under €10 for long-distance routes.
If you’re traveling between cities, always book ahead online at intercity.pl for trains or flixbus.com for buses.
Mistake to avoid: Walking into a train station and buying a ticket at the counter, thinking you’ll get the same price as online. You won’t.
5. Visit in the Offseason (Or Pay Twice as Much for Everything)
Traveling to Poland in July or August? Prepare to overpay for everything.
- Hotels and Airbnbs double or triple in price during peak season.
- Tourist attractions are packed, making everything slower and more expensive.
- Even food prices go up in the most touristy areas.
The best time to visit? Spring (April–June) or Fall (September–October). The weather is still great, but prices drop back to normal, and crowds disappear.
Mistake to avoid: Booking a last-minute trip to Zakopane in August and realizing you’re paying peak-season prices for a tiny, overpriced hotel room.
6. Avoid Pointless Day Tours (Most Are Just Overpriced Transport Services)
A lot of day tours in Poland charge you for things you could easily do yourself.
- Auschwitz tour for €50? Entry is free, and the bus from Kraków is €3–€5.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine tour for €40? The public train there is €3, and entry is €20.
- Vodka tasting for €35? You could buy five different vodkas in a supermarket for that price.
If a tour is offering nothing but transport and a rushed guide, don’t book it.
Mistake to avoid: Paying €50 for a group tour to Auschwitz, thinking it’s the only way to go. It’s not.
Conclusion: Is Poland Still Cheap for Travelers?
So, is Poland actually the budget-friendly paradise that travel blogs claim it to be? Yes—but only if you don’t travel like a clueless tourist.
A few years ago, Poland was one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for budget travelers. Prices were low, crowds were manageable, and it felt like a hidden gem. But that’s changing—fast. Kraków, Warsaw, and Zakopane are now packed with tourists, and prices in the main tourist areas have risen accordingly. If you go in blind, expecting to eat for €3 and stay in an Airbnb for €20 a night, you’re in for a rude awakening.
Poland can still be cheap, but only if you avoid the biggest tourist traps, overpriced attractions, and dumb money-wasting mistakes.