Tourist information is readily available in Poland, with help and advice centres usually situated in large towns and near tourist attractions. You will find it easy to communicate with their staff in English or another language, such German or Russian.

Tourist information centers and tour guides

Where to find information?

Tourist information centres can be found in the vicinity of railway stations, at airports or in town centres. They are marked with internationally recognised ‘I’ symbol (or sometimes IT - Informacja Turystyczna).
The opening times vary depending on the seasonal traffic. The standard opening times are between 8 am and 4 pm. During the holiday peak season (June to August) or on weekends they may stay open as late as 9 pm. Information can be obtained in person, by telephone, e-mail or fax.

How can they help?

Tourist information centres can help you plan your sightseeing route around town or find overnight accommodation. They will also tell you about public transport fares, organised events or the local tourist attractions. Information centres also supply promotional leaflets about the town and the region, street maps, information booklets and guides. Advice is also given, for example, about local Accident & Emergency facilities, specialist shops and current discount price offers for tourists. You can also ask them to call for you a taxi, reserve a restaurant table or help you hire a car.

Local guides

While visiting towns, national parks or tourist attractions you may want to use a guide. Licensed guides will help you get the most of your sightseeing tour and tell you stories many guidebooks never mention.

Where to find a guide?

To hire a guide it is best to enquire at a tourist information centre, hotel reception or a travel agency. They will help you to book a guide or put you in touch with a local agency. The most popular languages are English, German and Russian, but in major tourist attractions and cities guides speaking other languages are also available, including Japanese and Chinese.

Many historic sites, galleries and museums also offer human or audio guided tours at least in one foreign language. Some cities also offer audio guided tours of the historic centre or for river cruises (usually in English).