May in Poland: Constitution Day and the Long Weekend Vibe
May in Poland isn’t just about blooming flowers and warmer days. It’s also a time of national pride and celebration. Every year, on May 3rd, Poland commemorates its Constitution Day – a historical representation of freedom, unity, and resilience. But this day is more than just a solemn remembrance. It’s also the heart of Poland’s beloved Majowka, a long weekend cherished by locals and visitors alike. If you’re planning a spring trip to Central Europe, May is the perfect time to discover Poland’s unique soul.
The Spirit of May 3rd
Poland’s Constitution Day marks the adoption of the country’s groundbreaking Constitution of May 3, 1791. It was the first in Europe and the second in the world (first was USA). This historic document aimed to secure rights and strengthen the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. In modern times, May 3rd is a national holiday full of pride and culture. Parades fill the streets and patriotic concerts echo across city squares. You’ll find crowds in Kraków’s Main Square and events on Warsaw’s royal boulevards. Flags wave, children sing, and the atmosphere is patriotic.
What is Majowka?
Majowka is more than just a weekend. It’s Poland’s way of welcoming summer early. It usually begins on May 1st, International Workers’ Day, and stretches through May 3rd. Locals often take extra days off to enjoy a full break. Parks, mountains, and lakes fill with families escaping the city buzz. If you’re in Kraków or Zakopane, expect crowds and lively streets. Grill smoke rises from every backyard. Laughter and music carry late into the night. It’s the best time to see Poles at their happiest.
Why You Should Visit Poland in May
If you want both culture and fun, this is your moment. The weather is ideal – sunny, but not too hot. Tourists are fewer than in summer. Flights and hotels are often cheaper. You can walk historic streets without rush or crowd. You’ll witness authentic local traditions. Try Polish food during an outdoor festival. Taste grilled sausages, oscypek cheese, and sweet pączki. Sip a cold beer with locals in a sunlit square. It’s travelling with soul – not just sightseeing.
Plan Your May Getaway with MrShuttle
MrShuttle makes spring travel easy and fun. We offer transfers to top Polish destinations. You can book tours to:
Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour
One of Poland’s most treasured landmarks, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a true marvel of history and engineering. Located just outside Kraków, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 13th century and has been producing salt for over 700 years. It’s one of the world’s oldest continuously operating industrial sites, and a living museum of human effort, innovation, and artistic flair.
As you descend into its depths, you’ll discover an underground world like no other. The mine stretches over 300 kilometers of tunnels, though only a portion is open to visitors. What you’ll see, however, is enough to blow your mind. Vast chambers carved entirely from salt. Sculptures chiseled by miners themselves, and even an ornate underground chapel dedicated to Saint Kinga – all made of salt. Yes, even the chandeliers sparkle with salty crystals.
The temperature underground is a steady 17–18°C year-round, offering a cool escape during summer and a cozy retreat in colder months. We recommend dressing in layers and wearing comfortable shoes, as the guided tour involves walking through winding corridors and descending around 800 stairs. But trust us – every step is worth it.
If you’re drawn to mystery, history, and hidden treasures, the Wieliczka Salt Mine will feel like stepping into a storybook. May in Poland ensures you’ll explore it all.
Auschwitz Birkenau Tour
The most infamous Nazi concentration camp. For visitors in Krakow city centre, a visit to Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial Museum is more than a historical excursion – it is an act of remembrance, education, and reflection. Why is this such an important visit? Because it gives faces to the statistics. The Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camp held over 1.3 million prisoners, including children, the elderly, and people from across Europe. The death camp became the final stop for countless lives. By seeing the site yourself, you’re helping to keep their stories alive.
This nazi concentration camp complex included Auschwitz I, the administrative heart, and Auschwitz II Birkenau, which became an extermination camp with gas chamber ruins and crematoria where mass killings took place. During your Auschwitz Birkenau guided tour, you’ll walk the same paths once followed by countless victims, hear their stories, and see the very places where they suffered and died.
You will see bone fragments recovered, and pass the watch towers and gate that confined people with no hope of escape. It is here that freedom was stripped away – and where we can now come to reflect and say: never again.
Our team has been organising Auschwitz tours since 2003. We understand how significant this experience is – and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Join us on a journey that goes beyond sightseeing and into the heart of history.
Zakopane Tour from Krakow
Unmissable experience for anyone visiting southern Poland. Known as the Mountain Capital of Poland, Zakopane is breathtaking all year round, especially in May, offering visitors a magical atmosphere, stunning landscapes, and beautifully preserved wooden houses that reflect the region’s rich history. Whether you seek an adventurous mountain experience, a relaxing retreat, or an opportunity to enjoy traditional food, this charming town has something for everyone.
Zakopane is known for its delicious traditional food, and no visit is complete without trying local specialties such as Oscypek (smoked cheese), kwaśnica (sour cabbage soup), and grilled lamb. Visitors can also enjoy traditional food at one of the many highlander-style restaurants in town. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t miss out on a regional alcohol tasting, where you can sample local liquors and spirits.
This trip offers an unforgettable journey through stunning mountain landscapes, charming wooden architecture, and vibrant local culture. Accompanied by an expert tour guide, you will uncover the best of Zakopane, from the lively Krupówki Street to the panoramic viewpoints atop Gubałówka. With spectacular views at every turn, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture incredible memories.
Visitors can admire Tatra National Park and the surrounding peaks from the top. This is a must-see attraction for photographers and nature lovers alike.
We take care of the details, so you just enjoy. Want to explore on your own? We’ll still help with reliable rides and local tips. Planning a romantic escape or a family break? May in Poland will charm you. So pack light, book early, and get ready to experience Poland at its brightest.
