This article refers to this new edition of the Rough Guide to Poland.What I like about Rough Guides is that as well as giving you potted information about sights and attractions they are very strong on historical and cultural contexts. This edition is a balanced overview a fascinating country.
The introduction of the book gives you some 'must sees' and 'when to go' advice. For those interested in Krakow I would recommend travelling in late Spring when the weather is warm and you beat the crush of tourists.
The main part of the book is split up into Poland's different regions. There are chapters on Warsaw, Silesia, Krakow etc.
I went to Warsaw but mainly stuck to the Krakow area. I found the information on this area very useful and I used it as a basis of my trip. At the end of each section there is information regarding train/plane times. I found this essential, and Rough Guides are the best in this respect.
Places are always being touted as the 'next Prague' but I think Krakow comes the closest. It truly is a beautiful place. The main square brought me back time and time again. The place has such a great ambiance and I especially liked the classical street music. If I did have a slight grievance it is that many of the wonderful churches seemed to have constant services and the museums have strange opening hours, so watch out for times. One of the most interesting days was wandering around the district of Kazimierz, away from the crowds, highly recommended. The nightlife in Krakow is also excellent with over 100 pubs and great restaurants! Overall, it is one of the most enjoyable destinations you can head for.
There are lots of possible excursions, and to the south there are the beautiful Tatras mountains. Many fellow travellers recommended the mountain town of Zakopane to me, and there are the famous saltmines of Wielicza which appeared on the recent BBC show 'Around the World in 80 Treasures'
Nearby, Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of the most moving places I have been to. The first camp (Auschwitz), where the museum is, is sadly crushed with tourists on tour groups (some of them not showing much respect). I would reccommend skipping the short guided tour and walk around the museum at your own pace- it can be very emotional, and you need time to reflect. Birkenau is completely different and the majority of the murder took place there. I will never forget the size of the place. I don't think you can explain it to people. Because there are less tourists here, you could really reflect and contemplate the past. In some places there was no one around. I believe that everyone should go at least once in their lifetime, the place speaks for itself.
Another reason I liked this guidebook is it's 'reading list' towards the back of the book. In this section, the editor recommends reading material. Using this as a cue I read the various books on Polish history which really brought it's interesting and often tragic past to life. I particulary reccommend Norman Davies' 'Rising 44'.
On several occasions on I leant my book to fellow travellers as the historical and cultural sections were much more instructive then the LP guide books.
My only slight criticisms are that Rough Guides can sometimes be a bit political and left field. Readers are not stupid. Without out this it would be perfect. Also, the photographs are extremely dated and seem to originate from the Communist era.
All in all, I found this guide to be very useful. You can enjoy reading it before your trip to Poland, and as invaluable and entertaining read (especially on the long journeys) whilst you are there.
Poland is a cheap, safe, fascinating country with lots to reccommend it.
Enjoy your trip!
