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POLAND CITY SOUL TRAVEL

POLAND CITY SOUL TRAVEL

City Break in Poland. Visit cities that have captivated filmmakers worldwide.

Visit cities that have captivated filmmakers worldwide.

The vibrant and colorful streets of the Jewish quarter in Krakow, the historic area of the former ghetto in Warsaw, the monumental shipyard in Gdansk, and the picturesque corners of Wroclaw are places loved by both Polish and international cinema creators. Explore four Polish cities and immerse yourself in cinematic stories. Discover the locations immortalized in films by Steven Spielberg or Roman Polanski. If you’re a cinema enthusiast, witness firsthand the scenes you know from international productions. If you simply love to travel, uncover the unexpected places that will stay with you long after.

If you're looking for a city break idea, we have something for you!

It’s Poland!

Comfortable flights and convenient rail connections make this country an increasingly popular destination for Austrians, not only for longer trips but also for short, multi-day stays. You don’t have to spend a fortune for an intense and unforgettable city break in Poland. With a train ride of 5-6 hours, you can reach Wroclaw or Krakow from Vienna. You can also travel by train to Warsaw and even Gdansk, where you’ll discover the charms of the Polish coast.

To make the most of your city break in Poland, you need to plan everything carefully. If you’re a cinema fan and love to travel along the paths of film productions, we’ll suggest what to see in Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, and Gdansk. Even a few days will be enough to discover the cinematic soul of these cities.

Krakow - a city of many flavors and scents, where the stones breathe history.

Film-wise, Krakow is primarily known for “Schindler’s List,” directed by Steven Spielberg.

The film tells the story of nearly 1,200 Jews saved from death by German businessman Oskar Schindler. The factory, which serves as the focal point of the film, was located in Krakow and remains there to this day. The famous Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory is now a branch of the Krakow Museum, recounting the times of German occupation. It’s a must-visit for any cinema and history enthusiast.

 

People goes by Grodzka street in Krakow Poland. Europe

People goes by Grodzka street in Krakow Poland. Europe

The unique Jewish spirit still lingers over Krakow, making it an undeniable asset.

“Krakow is a place where every stone breathes history, where the past merges with the spirit of modernity, creating a perfect blend. I love this mix of old and new, especially the décor of restaurants in old buildings. In Krakow, I also found many cafes with really good coffee and plenty of fantastic bookstores. My favorite place in this city is Kazimierz, known as the Jewish quarter. There are many fantastic restaurants and bars, as well as interesting places to visit, including synagogues and the Jewish cemetery,” says traveler Gudrun Krinzinger, author of the blog reisebloggerin.at.

But Krakow is not just about its rich history; it’s also a vibrant city pulsating with energy in the present.

“Krakow is surprisingly close to Vienna and turned out to be a city full of life, bustling with students. As I have always been interested in the history of communism, I wanted to see the suburbs of Nowa Huta. The history of gentrification there is particularly interesting,” emphasizes Brigitte Huber, whose travel experiences from various parts of the world can be followed on ausgeschrieben.at.

Brigitte also recommends a trip to the nearby Ojcow National Park, which she describes as "a beautiful green area quite close to the city." Fans of fantasy and the Netflix series "The Witcher" should definitely visit. Some of its scenes were filmed at Ogrodzieniec Castle in the village of Podzamcze, located in the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland. Ogrodzieniec is a place that sparks the imagination. Strolling through its walls, you'll feel the medieval spirit, and climbing its towers and lookout points, you'll see breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Do you enjoy strolls and Hollywood productions?

Be sure to visit Wroclaw!

The Centennial Hall, one of Wroclaw’s most popular landmarks, recently mesmerized the creators of the Hollywood saga “The Hunger Games.” In the latest installment of the series titled “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” this iconic building serves as the arena for the main characters’ clashes, and it must be admitted that it looks truly impressive.

Visiting the Centennial Hall is even more worthwhile as it is surrounded by other Wroclaw attractions, such as the multimedia fountain, perfect for walks, the Pergola, and the zoo.

For this reason, it is also a particularly popular place among families with young children. “I was very surprised in Wroclaw by how well the city is adapted to the needs of entire families. I visited the city with my father and with my son, whom I was pushing in a stroller at the time. And it turned out that we could all easily get to the most interesting parts of the city. It’s the perfect place for family outings,” recalls traveler Elena Paschinger (creativelena.com).

Wroclaw also impressed Steven Spielberg, who filmed “Bridge of Spies” with Tom Hanks in the lead role in the capital of Lower Silesia.

The film features, among other things, the characteristic alleys of the Nadodrze district, which portrayed… Berlin during the Cold War. Nadodrze itself is now an unexpected but definitely worth visiting part of the city. It stands out with colorful murals adorning 19th-century buildings and courtyards. In the local shops, you can meet craftsmen creating unique furniture, clothes, or decorations. And trendy cafes and bars tempt passersby with the smells and tastes of top-quality products.

Warsaw - Discover the Unseen Corners of a City Steeped in History

Every stroll through the most popular parts of Poland’s capital guarantees encountering at least some subtle cinematic traces.

Filmmakers particularly love the areas around the modern center (filled with skyscrapers and atmospheric pubs), the Old Town (with its monumental landmarks), and the riverside promenades along the Vistula, which have become increasingly popular spots for summer relaxation among Warsaw residents in recent years.

Which films tell the story of Warsaw?

Fans of Roman Polanski will certainly recognize places in the city known from the Oscar-winning “The Pianist”. The film is set during World War II and tells the dramatic story of pianist and composer Władysław Szpilman fighting for his life. One of the most poignant scenes in the entire film is the protagonist’s march through the ruins of Warsaw. Walking through the capital of Poland today, it’s hard to believe that the city once looked so terribly devastated during the war.

Anyone who loves the historical atmosphere hidden in the urban jungle should visit the Warsaw district of Praga Północ.

Venturing into its streets, you can find pre-war buildings, tenement houses, and courtyards where time seems to have stopped (part of “The Pianist” was filmed there). Praga is also known for its atmospheric bars and the unique music of street artists. It’s a very unexpected travel destination, guaranteeing exceptional experiences.

The towering Palace of Culture and Science, which dominates the modern city center, also often appears in films.

The building can be seen in “The Hidden Game” with Bill Pullman in the lead role, among others. It’s definitely worth exploring the interior of the skyscraper. By going up to the highest observation deck, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the heart of Warsaw.

Filmic Gdansk and the history of Solidarity

Gdansk is the historical cradle of Solidarity – a movement that contributed to the downfall of communism in Poland.

Therefore, it’s no wonder that a film telling the story of Lech Walesa – the Nobel Peace Prize-winning leader of Solidarity – was shot in this city. The action of the film, much like the most significant events related to the emergence of Solidarity, revolves around the Gdansk Shipyard. This place remains a must-see on the map of every tourist visiting Gdansk.

Gdańsk Stocznia

Gdańsk Stocznia

It’s worth noting that the museum operating in the shipyard offers a wide range of exhibits, catering to everyone’s interests.

In addition to the recent history of Poland, visitors can also learn about curiosities related to Gdansk U-boats from the period of World War I and II, historic maritime technology and infrastructure, or the process of shipbuilding on an industrial scale. The brave ones can enjoy the panoramic view from the shipyard crane.

Thriller-loving cinema enthusiasts should also visit the quay in Gdansk, where parts of the Oscar-winning film “Enemy at the Gates” were filmed.

The movie tells the story of a CIA agent who joins a team tracking Osama bin Laden. The city was depicted in the film as the location of one of the CIA’s secret prisons, with scenes shot precisely in the Gdansk port.

Gdansk itself is definitely worth a visit, full of charming streets and riverside walking routes. The combination of this charm and the magic of Bollywood cinema once led to the Polish city portraying… Paris. If you want to see how this was possible, watch the film titled “Viyaj 61.” But, it’s best to simply visit Gdansk!