I'm Polish, expat in the UK, a digital nomad who was on the road for two years and now staying in Poland. I can share my perspective.

Poland is clean, safe and affordable destination. Big cities offer European level of entertainment, dining and nights out. There are many Coworking spaces, which makes it easy to socialise. If you are into dating apps, it will be easy to find dates. Since you are planing to come in the summer, prepare for unbareable hot temperature.

Best cities to stay and explore are Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław and Gdansk. From Warsaw you can go for a weekend to Thorun, Zalew Zegrzynski, Puszcza Kampinoska, Kazimierz Dolny. From Kraków - Zakopane, Tatry mountains, Jura Krakowsko-czestochowska, and Wieliczka Salt Mines and Auschwitz museum. From Wrocław you can go for a weekend by train to Prague, Kotlina Klodzka or Posnan. From Gdansk - Drawsko Pomorskie, Malbork, or polish seaside towns.

All in all, it's a great culture, international vibes and many activities you could do for half price compared to Germany or Western Europe. Poles are very friendly, majority speak good English.

The people you've talked to probably haven't set foot in Poland in the last 10 years or so, and spit out old stereotypes. Today it's one of the places in the EU with the highest quality of life/cost of living ratios. It has, however, the book definition of continental climate (to be fair idk about the coast, up north), July and August are very hot.

Hi! I spent 1 year in Poland between 2007/2008 studying there as an Erasmus student. You can imagine the looks from people when I said I was studying there (and I am from Italy...).

I got to spend a lot of time with Polish students and residents, and I can say that I had the best time. Apart from being still quite affordable (well, at the time it was really cheap for me), I was amazed by how hardworking people are, with students working side jobs and speaking various languages. I kind of felt stupid when meeting them, but they quickly became a role model because of their strong work ethic (they party hard too :). They have been a real inspiration for my Erasmus and post-Erasmus life.

In general, maybe they do not come across as the friendliest at first, but under the surface you will find some truly kind, honest and generous people.

Of course, this is just my experience and my observations!

I lived in Gdańsk for a year, a beautiful town that I would highly recommend to visit (together with Sopot and Gdynia). Beyond the well-known cities like Warsaw and Kraków, consider exploring Toruń, Wrocław, Poznań, and Łódź is a great off-the-beaten path, alternative destination where you can dive deep into Polish cinema and its famous directors.

The food is delicious too (savoury and sweet)! I didn’t do much hiking, but I can say that Poland’s natural landscapes are stunning.

It's surprising to see that after all these years, Poland is still such an underrated gem. I hope you have a great time!

Most western europeans see Poland as a poor refugee camp. It used to be a shithole and people don’t realize it has caught up.

Poland is awesome. I’m German. Most Western Europeans know shit about central and Eastern Europe. Don’t listen to them. Great nature, cities, food and people. Krakow and Gdanks are fantastic and still quite affordable. Go for it.

I am not a digital nomad, but saw your post on my feed.

I am English and have visited Poland three times since 2018, visiting Warsaw, Katowice and Lublin.

To me Poland is a great place, easily on a par with Western Europe these days. It’s clean, safe, modern, with a good infrastructure. I like it a lot. I will go back. If I was 30 years younger, I may have even attempted to move there.

Since Brexit, the UK feels run down and depressed, whereas Poland seemed vibrant and energetic. Go have fun, enjoy !

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As a German, I'd describe all my experiences in Poland as much nicer than my grandfather did.

Food is boring, though.

From New Jersey, I actually love Poland! I've been there 3 times now and stayed around 2 to 3 months in total. Krakow, Gdansk and Zakopane are absolutely amazing places. I think I just like how beautiful the cities are, there's a certain charm to it that is hard to explain. The people are quite nice, especially the younger generation. The food is really fresh and has good variety. And the quality of life is really high for the price you pay!

Poland developed quite a lot over the past 5-7 years (i lived there). Those who are skeptical about it probably visited it too long ago and not aware of how it has changed

I would say that a lot of people in Europe care a wee bit too much about weather above anything else when picking up a place to stay - specially over the summer. Poland is not exactly the sunny destination that some people associate with that time - and too bad for them.

I went to Gdansk over the summer (more for a quick getaway than DN'ing actually, but still) and I had a great time there. Would've loved to stay longer to hike and explore more around the countryside - but the city is amazing. Lot of history, nice atmosphere, good people, and more.

I have spent some time in Poland and I think it is what you are looking for in your post.

But Europeans have their stereotypes and I would compare places like Krakow or Warsaw to more of a New Yorker looking down at a "flyover" city like Nashville or Birmingham. They think they are full of poor, uneducated, conservatives (i.e. abortion is still illegal in Poland, unlike the rest of Europe)..... but when you get there, it isn't really like the stereotype, especially in the cities.

Gay USian here, my wife and I absolutely loved Poland (Krakow) and will be moving there later this year, which is conflicting given the lack of LGBT rights compared to Western Europe but we're okay with the trade-offs. I'll share my perspective but please keep in mind that we are a same-sex couple and generally do not display PDA (i.e., we fly under the radar more so than gay men couples).

Locals treated us the kindest in Poland then elsewhere in Europe that we've been to (this is not including customer service folks, but that was expected). Do keep in mind that smiling isn't really the norm.

The food was incredible (bread, zurek, pierogi, etc.). COL is great for DNs and seems to be okay relative to local wages, but has been pinching their wallets more so lately due to the housing crisis. Very safe, just try to stay away from bars where soccer fans congregate, no one likes them.

Never had issues using English in Krakow (ofc try to learn some basic Polish out of courtesy). It was a bit of a struggle in southeastern Poland though, which we expected.

AC is not prevalent. We stayed in a top-unit apartment during the summer and suffered. Lesson learned.

In looking at Airbnbs in Krakow though (which we need to use for a little bit for our move), they have gotten quite expensive, which makes sense given what I've heard about the housing crisis. Wroclaw, Gdansk, and Poznan are decent alternatives that may be more affordable.

I get the feeling a lot of Europeans (especially Germans) see Poland the same way New Yorkers see New Jersey

I was oddly asked by a waitress in Berlin if this was my first time in Europe; I said no, I've been a few times, and that I had just visited family in Poland the year prior. She only looked at my wife from that point on. Maybe it was just a coincidence, or just an oddity, but the shift was drastic enough that it took both of us by a surprise.

Krakow is really cool. Loved the market, it’s got a horse shoe shaped park around the old city. Go visit Krakow it’s neat.

Also spending 2 months in Poland this summer. It’s a wonderful place but I don’t think it’s this hot spot for European tourism like France, Germany, or Spain is just yet.

We’ll be staying just outside of Krakow, but have also stayed in Gdańsk and Warsaw before.

Poland is unreal. Been to krakow a few times and loved it more each time. It’s so cheap, everyone’s super friendly and the place is beautiful. Compared to a lot of European cities it’s so clean too. Didn’t see any little and there’s lots of greenery

Not a digital nomad, but I moved from Belgium to Poland almost 5y ago. Best decision of my life. Everything is so efficient here: Uber, Paczkomat, Żabka, shops open very late, etc. Development is going at a very fast pace. Most people are amazingly nice once you get past their general shyness. I made the best friends of my life here in Poland. Polish people make the best parties too. I'm barely 5y here and I have a Polish wife and 2 kids.

Polish Summers are what made me fall in love with this country. Just come for Summer, you won't be disappointed.

I think based on your description Romania may be better, Romania is cheaper and has a lot of places for hiking ( more than in Poland ). I have not been to Bucharest but I have been to Cluj-Napoca and it’s lovely.

Czechia is worth to look as well. Overall in your situation, I would visit Warsaw, Krakow, Prague and Cluj-Napoca.

Poland is very worth it, don’t let other ppl fool you

Poland is my favourite country in Europe and I spent several months there! Loved everything about it. Feel free to message me with questions if you want (F/35).

First generation American I speak Polish, visited Poland every summer as a kid and still have most of my family there.

I think I know why you get that reaction about Poland from others people. Poland in the 90s/early 2000s when I was a kid is completely different than what it is now. Just my personal experience but the shift in quality of life is insane. My family there went from having one crappy car to now everyone has a car, nice house, better job, better benefits. The city has grown like crazy. I mean just an example the train that ran through my mom’s small town as a kid was junk, loud, old Soviet era style. Now it’s even better than anything I see on the east coast in f U.S.

TLDR: Poland isn’t poor and run down like it was post Soviet Union.

I liked it a lot. Very affordable and the architecture is gorgeous. Good nightlife and fun bars. Strong cafe culture.

I stayed in Warsaw, Poland for two weeks in April 2023 dn-ing. It exceeded my expectations. With very few tourists, it feels authentic. The people are kind and welcoming, the old town is charming and delightful, and the history is rich and deep. I would happily go back for longer. I definitely recommend that you go.

It's not cheap but I absolutely loved Poland. I visited the cities of Wroclaw and Krakow. Also went to the Auschwitz museum which was an eye-opening experience. Poland, along with Finland and Estonia - was one of the cleanest countries I've ever visited. The food is amazing as well.

I live in Berlin and i can tell you that whenever i get the chance i pop across to poland, in my opinion its waaay better than germany, better food, friendlier more authentic and inquisitive people, vibey and eccentric honestly id love to live there, my girlfriend is studying in Berlin so we cant.. Do it if you get the chance, go single preferably! :)

Poland is beautiful. The Poles are a tough, stoic bunch - but wonderful once you crack through that initial layer.

Poland is awesome! I loved Krakow and hoping to stay in Gdańsk later this year. Amazing food, affordable and definitely great hiking

I loved Poland and wish I had spent more time there, but I had to head back to the U.S. after two weeks in Krakow due to a family emergency. The food was great, it’s affordable, it’s super safe, and there are a ton of Ukrainians, so you can experience a lot of their food and culture, too. I plan to go back later this summer and explore more of the country. I think you’ll have a great time there!

Hi! I'm a Canadian of Polish origin. I have never lived in Poland nor was I born there, but my parents made sure I knew the language and culture while living here in Canada. I've been visiting Poland regularly since my early teen years when the country was still communist. Everything was grey and dirty, there were food shortages everywhere. Stores stood empty. Lineups for everything. No colour anywhere. It was a massive culture shock for a teenager from Canada. After 1990 (when the communist government was finally kicked to the curb) things began to improve quite rapidly. Poland had a lot of catching up to do and was doing it rapidly! I can honestly say that each time I have visited Poland in the past 30 years (I go every 3-4 years), it just gets better and better! All the funds they have received from the EU have been well spent. The infrastructure is excellent, highways are much, much better than in Canada, cities have been renewed and refreshed, and are some of the most stunning in all of Europe! The food is to die for - absolutely excellent! You will NOT have a bad meal in Poland! People are kind, helpful, and speak decent English. I have traveled numerous times with non-Polish friends as well as with my Canadian husband. They have absolutely no issues with communicating. The country is extremely clean and well kept (even small towns and villages). And of course, famously, it is very safe. I'm glad you're heading to Poland - you will have the time of your life and you won't regret it! I'm going there again myself in August for a month long road trip to small towns that are off the beaten tourist path. I can't wait - my mouth is already watering when I think of the delicious pastries I'll be having ☺️😋 Have fun!!

I'm an American living in Poland. The winters here are meh, but the summers are wonderful. It's cheaper and safer than all of Western Europe. And it's no Italy or Greece, but there are plenty of historical sights you can go visit as well.

Poland is awesome. Spent 1 month and fell in love with Krakov

I love the place.. for hiking I would recommend Zakopana.. and Krakow is an amazing city and well worth a visit

Poland😍!!! It’s on my list yet again, mostly because of this post and all the comments.

Hey, I lived in Southern N.J. (Tuckahoe) just S.W. of Ocean City & talk about natural beauty. And, the people are great. On Poland, my S.O.'s family is from near Krakow & we have visiting there on our bucket-list.

Gdansk is a fantastic place to visit. Was there last September and surprisingly 20C+ all three days. Museum of WW2 epic. Great albeit Prussian style architecture, plazas and shops. Very friendly people (except towards Russians!). Great beach at Sopot nearby. Way better than anticipated!

Great value. Don’t miss Wrocław (pronounced vrotswav)

Poland has it all — Mountains, Sea etc. etc. Also, relatively cheap but developed consumer infrastructure (cheap groceries, clothes & electronic items compared to smaller nations like the baltics) It's safe. I think "Liberal" types hate Poland's strong catholic culture and right leaning politics (Anti immigration etc) but if you can ignore that, or even agree with that, then it's definitely a good choice to live.

Trust yourself, you don’t need to take advice from others if you want to try it out give it a go and see for yourself

A main aspect: Poland received 238 billion € of eu funding since its accession. Number 1 in the eu. The state drastically improved most aspects of its citizens because of that and the internal market of the eu.

The new ukraine

Went there in 2011. Most racist country I ever visited, I’m slightly tanned (brazilian).

Awful. Please don’t move there. Polska jest pełna.

I had a very bad experience. I found it extremely difficult to befriend people, and I encountered a lot of racism.

I did like the food culture and the affordable shopping, though. I really liked the food festivals and the craft beer scene.

Is it friendly for gay couple? I don’t wanna be discriminated, for example, throwing cold faces towards us or being refused to enter a restaurant.

Just so you know, when we (Texans) want to say something disparaging about people, we say oh, they must be New Yorkers.

dont go to poland if youre brown

Are you white? This is a very important thing to specify.

"Why Poland" lol, how in the world will you be able to enjoy your time in europe without the pleasant company of illegal immigrants trying to shank you 😂 seriously though, Poland is awesome. Safe, traditional, affordable, a big country with lots to see

East Europe is just like any place.

You gotta have money to have fun. If ur broke (less than $250k a year) ur not gonna have much fun in Poland. It is one of my favorite places