Budget Travel in Poland: How to See the Most and Spend the Least

Who said travel has to be expensive? Poland is a great destination for Ukrainians dreaming of discovering Europe without breaking the bank. The key is to plan your route, explore the options, and not be afraid to experiment.

How to Save on Transport and Accommodation: Planning a Budget Trip to Poland

The ticket price often makes up the bulk of travel expenses. That’s why choosing transportation in advance is crucial. So, what are the alternatives to costly flights?

Bus travel — reliable and affordable. Companies like HeyBus offer routes from Kyiv to Warsaw starting from 1190 to 1490 UAH. Other carriers, such as FlixBus and Ecolines, also have competitive prices, beginning at around 993 UAH.

Comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, and the option to bring more luggage make this option appealing to many travelers. By booking 2–3 weeks in advance, you can catch promotions and discounts of up to 20%.

Ridesharing — saving and new acquaintances. Platforms like BlaBlaCar allow you to split fuel and toll costs among several passengers. A ticket to Warsaw may cost around 1000–1200 UAH, depending on the route and number of travelers.

Despite the unpredictability of the schedule, this travel option helps you save money and meet interesting people.

Hitchhiking — for true adventurers. Poland is considered one of the best countries in Europe for hitchhiking. Safe roads, friendly drivers, and a strong culture of helping travelers make this a great choice for those not pressed for time and open to adventure. However, it's best to travel this way during warmer months and have a backup plan in case it doesn't work out.

Once transportation is sorted, the next important task is finding affordable accommodation.

Hostels and guesthouses — the classics of budget tourism. On platforms like Booking.com, Hostelworld, and Airbnb, you can find a bed in a shared room from 200 UAH per night in small towns and from 300–400 UAH in Warsaw or Krakow. Look for places with a kitchen — this will help you save more on food.

Couchsurfing — free lodging and local connections. Hospitality exchange platforms like Couchsurfing offer a unique opportunity to stay with locals for free. The only “cost” is being open to communication and respectful of the host’s rules. An added bonus is getting valuable insider tips on hidden tourist spots and budget-friendly places.

Even with careful planning, financial difficulties may arise. It can be a lifesaver when you urgently need to pay for housing or transportation.

Read also: What to See in Warsaw in 2 Days: Unusual Attractions

What to See in Poland on a Budget: Attractions, Museums, and Entertainment Without Draining Your Wallet

Poland is rich in cultural and historical landmarks, and many of them can be visited with little to no cost.

Museums and galleries without extra costs. Many Polish cities have “open door days” when museums and galleries can be visited for free. This often falls on the first Sunday of the month, so plan your cultural program accordingly.

In Warsaw, take the chance to explore the collections at the National Museum, the Warsaw Uprising Museum, or the Copernicus Science Centre. In Krakow, visit the Rynek Underground Museum, which unveils the secrets of the medieval city in an interactive format.

Architectural gems and urban spaces. Warsaw’s Old Town, reconstructed after the war, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and essentially an open-air museum. Strolling its streets and enjoying the squares and architecture is completely free. The same goes for Łazienki Park — a luxurious green space with palaces, sculptures, and lakes, ideal for relaxing and taking photos.

Free tours from locals. Many Polish cities offer Free Walking Tours — group walking excursions that are formally free (though guides expect tips). These tours provide a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture than solo sightseeing with a guidebook.

Food, Souvenirs, and Surprises: How to Save On-Site

Budget gastronomy, Polish style. Even foodies can enjoy local cuisine without overspending:

Instead of restaurants, choose “milk bars” (bar mleczny) — places with simple but hearty meals at affordable prices. A bowl of traditional żurek or bigos costs around 25–40 PLN.
Shop at budget supermarkets — chains like Biedronka, Lidl, or Netto offer quality products at reasonable prices. It’s especially cost-effective to buy store-brand goods.
Use the Too Good To Go app to buy leftover food from bakeries and cafes at a discount — it’s tasty, sustainable, and budget-friendly.

Instead of tourist shops in city centers where prices are often inflated several times over, look for souvenirs at local markets and fairs. They’re not only cheaper but often more authentic. Also check regular supermarkets — they often sell magnets, sweets, and other Polish-themed trinkets at half the price.

Practical Life Hacks for Budget Travelers:

• Use public transport instead of taxis. Large Polish cities have convenient public transit, and a daily ticket often costs just 15–20 PLN.

• Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains, which are available in many public areas — it’s healthy and economical.

• Travel off-season. Accommodation and ticket prices are much lower in March–April or October–November, and there are fewer tourist crowds.

• Use city tourist cards (Warsaw Pass, Krakow Card), which provide free transport and discounts at museums and eateries. With a full itinerary, they quickly pay for themselves.