Our ideas for the week: five Polish cities to explore from 5 to 11 October

Cinema in Warsaw, poetry in Kraków, coffee in Wrocław, cultural encounters in Gdańsk and discoveries in Łódź. Major events begin on Friday, leaving the first days to plan your outings.

Original AI-generated illustration: an imaginary montage inspired by five Polish cities. Places are brought together for the composition; this is not a photograph of the events.

Warsaw: book a film festival screening

From 9 to 18 October, the Warsaw International Film Festival offers Polish and international cinema. For this week, its opening days from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 provide a good starting point.

Our suggestion: choose a screening, then plan a walk and dinner near the selected cinema. Before booking, check the precise venue, subtitles and whether filmmakers will attend.

Kraków: discover the city through poetry

The Night of Poetry, announced for 9–11 October, invites visitors to explore Kraków differently. The municipal programme includes meetings, workshops and literary walks.

This edition explores links between poetry, mystery and crime. It is an opportunity to complement sightseeing with local cultural life. French-speaking visitors should check each activity’s language and registration requirements.

Wrocław: take a break at the Coffee Festival

The Coffee Festival is announced for 10 and 11 October at Browar Mieszczański. It offers a starting point for a relaxed outing around roasters and coffee culture.

Our advice: make the festival your main destination, then add a city walk if weather permits. Check opening hours and admission conditions before setting off.

Gdańsk: cinema and freedom at the European Solidarity Centre

The twentieth All About Freedom Festival takes place from 10 to 17 October at the European Solidarity Centre, plac Solidarności 1.

Films, discussions and music make up this event dedicated to freedom. On Saturday 10 or Sunday 11, a screening can anchor a day around the former shipyards. Booking and admission conditions depend on the chosen programme.

Łódź: discover natural cosmetics at Piotrkowska 217

Naturalia returns on 10 and 11 October to the Piotrkowska 217 complex. The organisers announce free admission, from 11:00 to 19:00 on Saturday and 11:00 to 18:00 on Sunday.

Meet natural, organic or vegan cosmetics brands, then extend the outing with a walk along Piotrkowska Street.