Poland is a country located in Central Europe. Germany borders it to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the east, and the Baltic Sea and Lithuania to the north. The biggest cities in Poland are some of Poland’s best cities to visit. Warsaw, Krakow, and Lodz are each different in character, and each has something else to offer.
Read about the biggest cities in Poland and the Polish landmarks you should see in them.
Warsaw – 1.8 million
Warsaw is the capital of Poland and the largest city in the country. It has almost 1.8 million people and is known for its rich history and culture. The city was destroyed during World War II but has been rebuilt and is now home to some of the most beautiful architecture in Europe.
If you’re looking for things to do in Warsaw, the city offers a lot. You can visit the Royal Castle, one of the most important castles in Poland, the National Museum, or stroll down the beautiful streets of Warsaw’s old town.
Krakow – 780 thousand
Krakow is the second-largest city in Poland and is known for its stunning architecture and historical sites. It has a population of over 780 thousand people and is a popular tourist destination.
Krakow is the old Polish capital, dating back to the 7th century, and is home to some of the most important historical sites in Poland, including Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square – the biggest medieval market square and one of the most beautiful market squares in Europe.
Krakow is a great place to visit with kids plus there are many great weekends or a day trip from Krakow.
Lodz – 672 thousand
Lodz is the third-largest city in Poland, with a population of over 670 thousand people. It is located in the Łódź Voivodeship, on the Vistula River. Lodz was first mentioned in historical documents in 1423 and became a city in 1820.
The city was once an important industrial center, and it’s often called Polish Manchester due to its large textile industry. Currently, old factories are used as art galleries, fashion houses, office buildings and entertainment centres. The most popular is the Manufaktura complex, a former cotton factory with 200 shops and restaurants, a cinema, theatre, two hotels and a music hall.
I have Lodz deep in my heart as it is my home city, where I have lived for 24 years.
Wrocław 642 thousand people
Wroclaw is the fourth largest city in Poland and was once the capital of Silesia. It is located on the Odra River and has a population of 642,000 people. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, many bridges, and historical sites.
The first mention of Wroclaw dates back to the year 1000. Over the centuries city has been destroyed and rebuilt many times.
The most famous historical site in Wroclaw is Market Square, home to the Town Hall – a beautiful Gothic building and the biggest town hall in Poland.
Wroclaw is famous for being the city with lots of Gnomes. There are over 100 Wroclaw Gnomes statues spread all over the city.
Poznań – population 532 thousand
Poznań is the fifth largest city in Poland and was founded by the Celts in the first century BC. It is located on the Warta River and has a population of 532,000 people. The city is known for its beautiful architecture and historical sites.
The first mention of Poznań dates back to the year 968, and the city has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the years. The most famous historical site in Poznań is the Old Market Square, which is home to the City Hall – a beautiful Renaissance building and the biggest town hall in Poland.
Gdańsk – 471 thousand
Gdańsk is the sixth-largest city in Poland and was founded by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. It is located on the Gulf of Gdańsk and has a population of 471,000 people. The city is known for its beautiful architecture and historical sites.
The first mention of Gdańsk dates back to the year 1226. The most famous historical site in Gdańsk is the Zuraw – crane, which is the symbol of the city. The crane was used to unload ships in the port and is now a museum.
Szczecin – 400 thousand
Szczecin is the seventh-largest city in Poland and was founded by the Pomeranians in the 8th century. It is located on the Oder River and has a population of 400,000 people.
The first mention of Szczecin dates back to the year 774, and the city has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the years. The most famous historical site in Szczecin is the Ducal Castle, which is located on an island in the Odra River.
Bydgoszcz – 346 thousand
Bydgoszcz is the eighth-largest city in Poland and was founded by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. It is located on the Brda and Noteć Rivers and has a population of 346,000 people.
The first mention of Bydgoszcz dates back to the year 1231. The most famous historical site in Bydgoszcz is the Cathedral of Our Lady, a beautiful Gothic cathedral.
Lublin 338 thousand
Lublin is the ninth-largest city in Poland and was founded by the Poles in the 10th century. It is located on the Lublin Upland and has a population of 338,000 people.
The first mention of Lublin dates back to the year 1000. The most famous historical site in Lublin is the Old Town, which is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture.
Białystok 297 thousand
Białystok is the tenth-largest city in Poland and was founded by the Lithuanians in the 14th century. It is located on the Biała River and has a population of 297,000 people.
The first mention of Białystok dates back to the year 1388, and the city has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the years. The most famous historical site in Białystok is the Old Town, which is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture.
Largest cities in Poland – Summary
Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan, Gdansk, Szczecin, Bydgoszcz, Lublin and Bialystok are some of themost populous cities in Poland. Each one has something special to offer visitors – Warsaw has a rich history, Krakow is known for its stunning architecture, you should visit some of them during your visit to Poland.
Poland’s Biggest Cities
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