3 cities in Poland to put on your next travel itinerary

• • Poland is a country with a rich cultural history that hasn't been a top tourist destination, but is seeing increased attention.
  • A number of international headquarters are located throughout the country, making it a business destination as well.
  • The cities of Warsaw, Krakow, and Poznan offer a number of different activities for business and leisure travelers.

It has the vibrant natural scenery of Austria and the Gothic castles of Germany - all without the crowds- but somehow Poland has remained mostly under the radar as a travel destination. Now, though, the cultural offerings and flourishing business districts of its lively cities are bringing it into the spotlight for travelers of all types. Here's how to enjoy café culture, fascinating history, and more in some of the country's most stunning cities.

Warsaw

Poland's capital city is a great introduction to the country's unique culture. To understand Warsaw's complicated history, a stop at the $4 is essential. Here, you'll learn about the Polish people's struggle to free themselves from German occupation during World War II. The exhibits contain everything from military uniforms to love letters, giving visitors a fuller understanding of both Poland and its citizens.

The central location of the $4 makes it an ideal starting point for business travelers, with both the city's Central Business District and best tourist attractions within easy reach. To see how Warsaw residents live today, wander over to the $4, which is full of bars, cafés, museums, and even a monument to the city's guardian, the $4, who watches over the city with a sword and shield.

If you're hungry after all your exploring, then it's time to participate in a quintessential Polish pastime: making pierogi. These half-moon-shaped dumplings are stuffed with a variety of fillings, from potatoes to sweet cherries. You can learn about the history of this celebrated dish in a private group $4 taught by a local, where you'll also get to fill and fold your own dumplings and then enjoy the fruits of your labor together with a meal. Smacznego! Enjoy your meal!

Krakow

There are plenty of unusual things to see in this medieval city, from the memorial to $4 to the supposed $4 that reside outside the city's stunning Wawel Cathedral. From there, you'll be just steps away from the $4, which offers incredible views of the river and the castle. Business travelers will find that the city center is just 15 minutes by train from $4, where many multinational companies have moved over the last few years to take advantage of the modern amenities and workspaces.

If you're looking to learn more about Krakow, what better way than exploring its past? Traverse the city's Old Town at night with $4 and learn about the various vampires, ghosts, devils, and more that haunt the city's darkest corners. You might hear the macabre story of the Vampire of Krakow, who terrorized the city streets in the 1960s, or Esther, the ghost said to wander the Old Jewish Quarter looking for her lover, King Casimir. You might want to bring along a piece of silver for protection: It's said to keep you safe from evil.

After the tour, swing by $4 if your group wants to debate the existence of the ghosts and ghouls you just learned about. (The name is another $4.) It's Krakow's first speakeasy and home to some of the city's best bartenders, so you'll see plenty of Krakow's coolest locals bellied up to the bar. You'll have to find the hidden entrance first, though.

Poznan

Located on the winding Warta River, the colorful city of Poznan is often overlooked when it comes to Polish tourism, which is a shame because it has plenty to offer. The brightly painted facades of the buildings on the $4 are the perfect introduction to Poznan's quirky spirit. Or visit the trendy Jeżyce neighborhood, right near the $4, and explore the area's farmer's market, boutiques, and theaters.

If you're here for work, there are dozens of cafes to explore near Poznan's bustling business parks on the east side of the city. The lush, gorgeous $4 is a community hub in Poznan for a reason: Flowers, vines, and trees surround the outdoor terrace and decorate the rustic tables indoors, making you feel as though you've stepped out of the city and into an enchanted forest. Fresh, seasonal food with plenty of vegetarian options and a variety of coffee drinks mean you can linger all day with your laptop and it'll barely feel like work.

As sleek and modern as Weranda is homey, $4 is located inside of the cultural center in Zamek, the imperial castle. Often filled with locals stopping by for an afternoon pick-me-up, the café serves freshly squeezed green juices, gourmet pour-over coffee, and a great selection of beer and wine, as well as tasty pastries and snacks. Got a sweet tooth? Don't miss the $4, which takes you through the history of the St. Martin's Croissant, a local Poznan specialty made with a sweet white-poppy-seed filling.

Book a stay at one of Sheraton's hotels in Warsaw>$4, Krakow>$4, or Poznan>$4.

This post was created by $4 with $4