For tourists coming to Poland from the West, Poland is a relatively inexpensive country. The prices of food, hotel rooms, and domestic communication are not high when compared with prices in The Netherlands or Great Britain, for example.

On the other hand in cities like Warsaw the rental prices for houses or offices have already reached European levels making these rents rather expensive for the average Polish household. However, even with these rising prices which will eventually reach those of western Europe, Poland will remain for some time yet a good quality and attractive, from the point of view of value for money, place to visit. This is of course just one aspect of why visiting Poland today is a good idea. So why not take this opportunity and discover the country, the culture, the history and the people for yourself.

Your Budget for Poland

Poland can cater for all budgets but beware, the more medium graded hotels are in high demand because there are just not enough of them at the moment to supply this ever growing demand. So a word of advice, book in advance especially if you are thinking of coming in the peak season.

The capital city, Warsaw can be the most expensive place in Poland. This is followed by the Tricity (Gdańsk, Gydnia, Sopot). Kraków is exceptional for its popularity and the fact that is better known as a tourist destination in Poland but it is still reasonably priced for tourist services. It can become rather crowded in the high season but then where in Europe isn't? The city can meet the demand (with reasonable prices) and plays host to thousands of satisfied tourists who come to visit this part of Poland every year.

Below you will find some hints for a weekend budget, to point you in the right direction and to help you plan a successful short visit. These have been worked out for a weekend in Warsaw in three categories: backpacker, city (medium) and exclusive (the one everybody wants but few can afford ;-).

The prices and services are just an example of today's situation and may change in the future (especially in the high season). Remember to do your own research before the trip - we can help you but the homework you have to do yourself. And finally. As in the words of Robert Burns (translated a wee bit), `All the best plans of mice and men can go wrong`. So take `back up money` and a credit card for those moments when the plan goes somewhat astray. In effect you are on holiday and you have to enjoy it. You have traveled thousands of kilometers not to sit grumpy and bored because of a little shortage of cash. That's what these plastic cards are for! It's part of the fun! And remember - in Poland your money can go further.

Examples are based on: arrive Friday night; depart Sunday afternoon (flights not included); prices are just estimations, many different cost may occur; no personal costs are included.