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25 Top Poland Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

25 Top Poland Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring
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Poland is a unique country packed to the brim with history. In recent years, some of Poland’s cities have become known as hot spots with thriving nightlife, too. Your trip to Poland is sure to be fascinating, and don’t forget to experience the culture by interacting with the locals!

We’ve put together this comprehensive packing list to make preparing for your trip much easier. We have detailed sections on what to wear in Poland, what NOT to bring, and answers to the most common Poland FAQs.

mountains in poland
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What to Pack for Poland – 25 Essentials

  • 1. Poland Power Adapter

    If you’re visiting from another country, chances are you’ll need a Poland power adapter in order to plug in your electronics during your trip. This universal adapter is awesome because it works in over 100 countries, so you’ll be able to use it again and again! It even comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee so you can trust the quality.

    Poland Power Adapter

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    The last thing you want to happen during your trip to Poland is for your phone or camera to run out of battery when you’re relying on it for communication, photos, navigation, and more. Toss this lipstick-size portable charger in your daypack and charge your devices on-the-go!

    charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    You’ll be glad you have a VPN when traveling in Poland! A VPN is a useful travel tool for so many reasons. It’ll help keep your personal information safe and secure when you connect to WiFi in public places, it’ll get you around paywalls on popular news sites, and it’ll even allow you access to content from your home country that may be blocked or censored in Poland.

    Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    View NordVPN.com Options ➜

  • 4. Neck Wallet

    A neck wallet is a great travel item to bring with you on any vacation. You can use it to hold your smartphone, credit cards, cash, passport, and more. You’ll stay completely organized and your valuables will stay safely tucked away beneath your clothing.

    neck wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Jet Lag Relief

    If you’re visiting from far away, you’ll be glad you brought homeopathic jet lag relief pills with you. These will help prevent and treat your jet lag symptoms, keeping you on your feet and able to enjoy the first days of your Poland vacation!

    jet lag relief

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Poland Travel Insurance

    You’ll definitely want to have some peace of mind before traveling to Poland, so be sure to check out the affordable and comprehensive travel insurance plans from all of the top companies with Faye. They will cover you in case of emergencies like lost luggage, flight cancelations, trip cancelations, and medical emergencies that could get expensive if you’re packing out-of-pocket, international hospital bills. They make claims a breeze through their mobile app and modernize insurance – we’ll never use another travel insurance company again!

    Poland Travel Insurance

    Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

  • 7. Packing Cubes

    Packing cubes are a packing list item that great travelers bring with them on every trip. They’ll help keep you organized and will stop you from overpacking, which makes for an overall easier and smoother trip! We can’t recommend them more.

    Packing Cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Comfortable Walking Shoes

    Poland is full of fascinating cities and towns to discover, and you’ll want a stylish, comfortable pair of flats to explore them in. Poles tend to dress up a bit while out in public, so a chic pair of shoes like these will help you to blend in well with the locals.

    Comfortable Walking Shoes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Hand & Foot Warmers

    Getting acclimated to the cold can be a journey. Since Poland can reach below-zero temperatures, especially in January and February, you’ll want these hand and foot warmers to create internal insulation. These little gems can be added to your gloves, socks, or jacket pockets to give you a burst of heat when you need it most. They are easily activated by shaking them (and stay warm for nearly 10 hours!)

    Hand & Foot Warmers

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    A windproof travel umbrella will certainly come in handy during your trip to Poland. You won’t want to get stuck in the rain without one! This umbrella is awesome because it packs down small to easily be tossed in your daypack.

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Filtered Water Bottle

    It’s best to stick to bottled or filtered water while in Poland, so save yourself some money and protect the environment by packing a handy reusable water bottle that comes with a built-in filter. This will keep you hydrated and give you better-tasting water, without all the unnecessary and expensive plastic waste.

    Filtered Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Activated Charcoal

    If you’re in Poland with an upset stomach caused by something you ate or drank, you’ll be glad you brought these activated charcoal tablets! Take them at the first sign of illness, and they’ll quickly expel the toxins in your system.

    Activated Charcoal

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    We never travel without a quick-dry towel. This one is 10x more absorbent than cotton so you can use it many times throughout the day. It’s a very versatile item and my wife innovates uses for it like: seat cover, packing cushion, modesty shawl for sacred areas that require covered shoulders, etc. Get creative!

    Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Thermal Layers

    For those chilly Polish nights, bring your thermals to layer up. These are full-coverage long johns – not the most sexy premise, but when you’re freezing your butt off – you’ll be thankful to have full coverage. They’re warm but not so thick that you can’t add more clothes on top.

    Thermal Layers

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Electrolytes

    It’s important to stay hydrated while traveling, especially when you’re spending long days out and about. These electrolytes will help your body absorb the water you’re drinking to keep you feeling good and strong. They’ll even help you fend off a nasty hangover!

    Electrolytes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 16. Daypack

    A daypack is an absolute must-have for your trip to Poland. You’ll want to have a reliable pack that’ll allow you to carry with you everything you’ll need for day trips and excursions, like a water bottle, snacks, change of clothes, and more.

    Daypack

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 17. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    Poland is generally safe, but pickpockets are everywhere. We use these luggage locks to check our bags for international travel. They’re TSA-approved and won’t slow you down at security checkpoints. I also recommend using them on your backpack in crowded tourist areas or for public lockers.

    TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 18. Deodorant Wipes

    When you’re spending long days out exploring all that Poland has to offer, there’s no doubt you’ll find yourself in need of a quick refresh. Toss a pack of these handy deodorant wipes in your purse or daypack and freshen up when you’re on the go!

    Deodorant Wipes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 19. Discounted Polish Tours

    Take an evening cruise down the Vistula River, visit the local salt mines, and soak in a relaxing thermal spring as you overlook the Tatra Mountains. We use Get Your Guide to book the best and most authentic tours in the world. By booking early, you’ll receive discounts, and all excursions have flexible cancelation. Poland is also known for its rich WWII history and profoundly moving tours like visiting Auschwitz or Schindler’s Factory.

    Discounted Polish Tours

    See all Poland attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

  • 20. Pashmina Shawl

    A pashmina shawl will come in handy at endless times throughout your trip. Use it to spice up an outfit during the day, throw it over your shoulders to keep warm on a chilly evening, use it to cover up when entering a church or holy site, as a curtain in your shared accommodation, and so much more.

    Pashmina Shawl

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 21. Gorgeous Outfit

    Among Poland’s cities, Krakow in particular has become known for its exciting nightlife. If you’re visiting Krakow or any of the country’s other major cities, you’ll definitely want to have at least one gorgeous outfit with you to enjoy a night out on the town.

    Gorgeous Outfit

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 22. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    European bathrooms are hilariously small. In most hotels, homes, bars, restaurants, and boutique accommodations – you’ll find limited countertop space and not a ton of storage to work with. That’s why the Brits call it a ‘water closet’ because it’s only for business. Use this hanging toiletries bag to create a shelf-like system on any door or hook. It has 4 giant pockets that organize all of your skincare, haircare, and makeup items so you can maintain your sanity while traveling!

    Hanging Toiletry Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 23. Raincoat

    When an umbrella is not enough on a moody weather day, use your stylish raincoat to look like an authentic European. This one is very warm and lightweight with a beautiful inside lining that reminds me of Burberry.

    Raincoat

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 24. Solid Shampoo

    Save space and weight in your luggage by packing this biodegradable solid shampoo instead of a bulky bottle of traditional shampoo. Not only does it work great and is perfect for travel, but it’s also good for the environment!

    Solid Shampoo

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 25. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

    You know you never have enough bags while traveling. Since you’ll inevitably do a bit of shopping while in Poland, use this “just in case” bag to take home some local goods like lace items, tablecloths, Babushka Dolls, ceramics, salt lamps, gingerbread, chocolate, and other treats that your loved ones will adore. This bag counts as your personal item bag so you can skip the carry-on fees, woop woop!

    Packable “Just in Case” Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What to Wear in Poland

When you plan to visit will determine what you should wear in Poland. Winter in Poland is freezing cold, so you’ll want a heavy coat and warm gloves. In general, Poles tend to dress up a bit more when going out in public, so you’ll see a lot of fitted blouses, skirts, and high heels when you’re out and about. Feel free to wear jeans and western clothing and you’ll blend in just fine.
What Should WOMEN Wear to Poland? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Women traveling to Poland should be sure to dress for the weather, which can get quite cold in the winter, but is warm in the summer. Women should look put together while out in public in Poland, and don’t forget to bring a nice outfit or two for evenings out on the town!

What Should MEN Wear to Poland? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Men visiting Poland should look nice and put together while out in public, as is the local custom. However, be sure to dress for the weather and prepare accordingly before your trip. Don’t forget to pack a couple of nicer outfits, too, for nights out on the town!

Packing for the Seasons in Poland

FALL – September, October, November:

Fall in Poland experiences mild to cool temperatures, and people are typically still wearing warm weather clothing. Nights tend to be chilly, though, so be prepared with a light jacket. You’re also likely to experience some rain during this period, so don’t forget to pack an umbrella!

WINTER – December, January, February:

Winter in Poland gets very, very cold, so be sure to prepare accordingly if you plan to travel during this time. Bring a heavy winter coat, gloves, a warm hat, thick wool socks, and winter boots. An umbrella isn’t a bad idea either, as you may experience some rain.

SPRING – March, April, May:

Spring will start to warm up but temperatures typically remain mild to cool. Expect a lot of rain during this time, and prepare for cooler evenings. Pack plenty of layers during this season to be ready for changing temperatures.

SUMMER – June, July, August:

Summer is the best time of year to visit Poland, as the weather is nice and warm, averaging around 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Pack your warm weather clothing, including shorts, t-shirts, and summer dresses to make the most of the beautiful weather.

How to dress for different activities in Poland – (Click to expand)

Exploring Cities – Poles tend to dress up in the country’s big cities, so be sure to look put together when you’re exploring the cities. Wear comfortable but stylish shoes to ensure a pleasant experience.

Concentration Camp Sites – Typically there isn’t a specific dress code when visiting these sites, but it’s best to err on the side of modesty by covering your shoulders and knees during your visit, simply out of respect.

What NOT to bring to Poland

  • 1.DON’T PACK full-size toiletries

    You won’t want to lug around a suitcase full of heavy full-size toiletries for a week-long trip. Instead, bring travel-size toiletries which are easy to replace or refill.

  • 2.DON’T BRING a regular towel

    A regular towel is bulky and takes a long time to dry. Instead, consider bringing a lightweight, compact, quick-dry towel that can easily be tossed in your daypack.

  • 3.DON’T TAKE too much stuff

    You won’t want to make your way through Poland with a heavy, overstuffed suitcase. Be sure to pack only what you need and leave plenty of room for souvenirs!

  • 4.DON’T PACK expensive electronics

    Don’t risk your expensive electronics getting lost, stolen, or broken during your trip to Poland. Only bring what’s absolutely necessary and leave the rest at home!

  • 5.DON’T BRING heavy books

    If you plan to do some reading during your downtime in Poland, opt for a Kindle instead of bringing a ton of heavy books. This will give you more options for reading material while keeping your load light.

  • 6.DON’T TAKE overtly touristy clothing

    Things like fanny packs, Hawaiian shirts, American flag print, and other obviously touristy items will make you an easy target for pickpockets and petty theft.

What clothing should I NOT wear to Poland? – (Click to expand)
Avoid wearing clothing that is overtly touristy, like hawaiian shirts, fanny packs, or clothing with American flag print, as these types of things will make you a great target for local pickpocketing and petty theft. Also avoid wearing flashy or expensive looking jewelry, as these things will also make you stand out as a tourist.

FAQs for Going to Poland

  • 1. Where should I go in Poland?

    Some of the most popular places to go in Poland are Warsaw and Krakow, which are two of the country’s biggest cities. Visit the Holocaust concentration camps, which are now memorial sites and museums, to remember the country’s dark history.

  • 2. Is it safe to visit Poland?

    Yes, it is safe to travel to Poland. As in any place, there is some level of petty theft and you’ll be wise to watch for pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night.

  • 3. What do they eat in Poland?

    Bigos, a traditional meat stew, is considered the national dish of Poland. Smoked and pickled fish, cabbage soups and stews, pierogies, which are Polish dumplings, and paczki, which are traditional Polish donuts, are all traditional Polish dishes.

  • 4. What currency is used in Poland?

    The Polish Zloty is the currency used in Poland, and it is currently worth about USD $0.25.