The Rough Guide to Poland

by Jonathan Bousfield, Mark Salter

Now in its 6th edition this Rough Guide has been fully updated and revised. Its 24-page full-colour section introduces the author''s “things not to miss”, a selective taste of the country''s outstanding buildings, and historic sites, natural wonders and vibrant festivals. Throughout, there are discerning reviews of all the best places to stay, eat and drink, to suit any budget, from the fast-changing cities of Warsaw and Krakow to the laid-back lakeside resorts of Mazuria. There is extensive coverage of the countryside, from Slowinski National Park''s sand dunes to the alpine Tatra mountains, with practical advice on how to explore it. Finally, the Contexts section provides an authoritative background on the country''s politics, history, literature and folk music.

Genres: Travel

720 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1991

Reviews

[Jemma · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, comprehensive guide to Poland as you would expect from Rough Guides. Not afraid to put you off by talking about robbery's on overnight trains (including at least one using gas)and the air pollution in Krakow from Nova Huta.

Understandably negative about the Communist years but largely uncritical of Catholicism. Catholicism's role in overcoming Communism is surely the reason for this but this is almost a love letter to a religion. Even things you might thing progressive, like the Teutonic Knights destroying superstitous sites are written as destruction of Poland's culture. You wonder how it must be to be Polish and not Catholic. Certainly, easy to see why Poland lags behind on issues such as gay rights when you've read this guide.

Oh and an observation about renaming places. I understand about the desire to rename places because of the negative consequences of German and Russian rule but sometimes it might be better to leave the internationally known names for places. Only discovered reading this that Wroclaw is Breslau. If you've studied History, some places are much better known by their traditional name of which this is a good example. Gdanz is one of the exceptions though, it is well known by both main names - helped by Danzig being almost an anagram of Gdanz.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

There aren't a ton of exhaustive, earnest guidebooks to Poland. Maybe that's because when I needed one, I was living in Prague, and I couldn't readily get my hands on English language guide books to the next country to the east. Fair enough. But I think this one (left to me by a friend moving back home) is pretty good. There are tons and tons of towns listed in here -- if there's a place in Poland you want to go, then there's probably information on it in here. They do top lists, which is a good way to narrow in on something rather than getting overwhelmed. And it CAN overwhelm, or in some cases, with the smaller towns, it can can occasionally underwhelm. But no matter. It's just nice to have something to rely on, and you can do that with this book/series.

[Mark Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent 'rough guide', which follows the high standards set by the rest of the series. Content is well-ordered, and there are plenty of maps to help you find your way around. There is enough detail on political and historical background for those who want it, but it's also easy to skip to the 'must see' sights when you can only spend a fleeting visit or a particular town or region. Don't travel without it!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lived in Krakow, Poland in 2004 and I took this guide with me. It was invaluable. I loved it!

[Amy Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provided a decent framework to base a roadtrip around.