This European Country Offers An Idyllic Winter Getaway Where The US Dollar Goes A Long Way

To call Poland underrated would be somewhat of an understatement. Its turbulent history often overshadows its appeal as a travel destination, but there's much more to this Central European country. While it's true that Polish winters can be bitterly cold, there are plenty of reasons to put Poland on your winter wish list, not least of all its affordability.

Despite being part of the European Union, Poland has kept its currency, the Polish zloty (PLN), rather than adopting the euro, and prices here can be considerably lower than in many Western European countries. At the time of writing, $1 is worth roughly 4 PLN. Much like Romania, one of Europe's other affordable destinations, Poland has relatively low prices, with Eurostat placing its household consumption price levels at 73% of the EU average in 2025.

Further evidence comes from the 2026 U.K. Post Office City Costs Barometer, which ranked Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk all within the top 15 best-value European city break destinations. For example, the survey found that two nights in a three-star hotel for two cost roughly $218, $240, and $312, respectively. Perhaps more fittingly for a winter getaway, those same three cities ranked among the top 10 best-value Christmas market destinations in Europe in the U.K. Post Office's 2025 Christmas Markets Barometer, which measured costs for travelers from the U.K. So whether you're exploring UNESCO-listed historic sites and medieval cities, wandering around royal castles and glittering Christmas markets, or heading into the mountains for some winter sports, your dollar can go further than you might expect.

Warsaw is one of the best European cities for history buffs. Most of its historic center was destroyed during World War II but has been meticulously reconstructed. In winter, visit the University of Warsaw Botanic Gardens' MagicznyBotaniczny: Colors of the Exotic Light exhibition. On display from early November until mid-February, the exhibition fills the gardens with more than a million lights. Entry costs roughly $10, and with a 24-hour public transportation ticket, you can travel around the city's central fare zone to your heart's content for just $4.

According to Rick Steves, Krakow is the best destination in Poland, and its Wawel Royal Castle deserves a detour. An important historic site, it was the seat of Poland's monarchy for centuries. Best of all, the Free November program grants free entry to selected exhibitions throughout the month, although tickets are limited and some areas still charge admission. While you're in town, seek out a traditional milk bar. Despite the name, these cafeterias serve simple, traditional, home-style meals, such as pierogi and zurek, with some dishes costing just $5.

Gdansk lies to the north on the Baltic coastline and has a different feel from the other cities. Rows of colorful merchants' houses line the streets, and its historic waterfront harks back to its days as a major trading port. If you only pick one Christmas market to visit, make it this one. Open from late November, it resembles the idyllic winter scene found in your favorite snow globe. The illuminated stalls are full of unusual gifts and traditional wares. Many vendors accept payment by card, but carry a few zloty just in case you fancy a warming glass of mulled wine. If you're traveling by train through Poland, PKP Intercity trains link Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk, as well as connecting to other European cities, including Berlin, Vienna, and Prague. Expect to pay, on average, between $16 and $45 for a train ticket between the Polish cities.

Moving out of the city, the Tatra Mountains on Poland's southern border show off another side of the country. While Polish ski resorts don't compare with the larger ski areas found in France and Switzerland, you'll still find classic Alpine-style scenery and plenty of slopes. Straddling Poland and Slovakia, the Tatras are the highest mountain range in the Carpathians. The Polish side is protected within Tatra National Park, where more than 170 miles of trails pass through the mountains and valleys. When the snow arrives, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are popular around Zakopane, Poland's best-known mountain resort. A wander through the town will introduce you to the Goral culture and the region's traditional wooden buildings, while a day's skiing at Polana Szymoszkowa costs around $40.

The surrounding Podhale region also happens to be known for its thermal pools. Nearby Chocholowskie Termy is the country's largest thermal bath complex and a must-visit if you long to soak in steaming outdoor pools, which reach around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains. This enormous water park also has hydromassage facilities, Jacuzzis, and a salt cave, and costs just around $40. Finish your mountain experience with a meal in a traditional Goral tavern such as the renowned Karczma Sopa in Zakopane. A hearty, homemade potato pancake with goulash and oscypek, a smoked sheep's milk cheese that's a specialty of the Tatra Mountains, costs around $16. If you're lucky enough to be there on a Friday night, you can dance along to traditional Polish music.