Car & Van Hire - Bydgoszcz

Locals know Bydgoszcz as the Venice of Poland, thanks to its network of canals. It stands on the banks of the Brda River, and the River Vistula also flows nearby. With canal boats and picturesque waterfront buildings, this city looks like something from a postcard. Most of the city's buildings are built on the side of canals, including important ones like churches, the post office and the opera house. Take a stroll along the banks of the canals or see Bydgoszcz from the water. Water taxi routes run here throughout the summer, offering visitors some of the best views in town.

Most visitors to Bydgoszcz start with a trip to Mill Island. This green oasis is right in the centre of the city but feels like a small town. Once an industrial area, it's now one of the most vibrant and interesting parts of Bydgoszcz. This is where you'll find the city's best museums, along with lovely buildings that date back to the 19th century. It's the ideal spot to go for a walk, discovering something new and exciting in every street, before stopping in a local restaurant to sample the pierogi.

Car rental in Bydgoszcz lets you see more of northern Poland. Take a day trip to Torun, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city was largely built in the 13th century and remains mostly intact. 50 km from Bydgoszcz, it has a truly delightful old town. Climb the 175 steps of the Town Hall tower for some magnificent views of the city from above. Torun's most famous resident was undoubtedly Nicolaus Copernicus, the astronomer who first recognised the sun as the centre of the universe. An enormous planetarium here honours his legacy and is a great place for the whole family to visit.

Other great road trip destinations include Chelmno, which has six Gothic towers and is known as one of Poland's most romantic cities. There's also Grudziadz, with its enormous complex of 13th-century granaries, and Ostromecko, which has a mighty Baroque palace to admire. Perhaps the most interesting of all is Biskupin, an archaeological park where you can learn more about the way that ancient Slavic people lived. Historical re-enactors can often be seen wandering around the park, making it a popular destination for kids. There are even cafes that serve the food that was commonly eaten in this area thousands of years ago, such as flatbread cooked on hot stones. With car or van rental in Bydgoszcz, it's easy to explore this exciting part of Poland.

There is ample parking around Bydgoszcz, and the city does not have much traffic. The centre is easy to explore on foot, so many visitors choose to park and walk around. Be sure to bring some comfortable shoes. The city is compact, but you can still easily spend the whole day exploring its twists and turns. If you are parking on the street, keep in mind that the streets here are very narrow. You'll probably want to tuck your wing mirror to ensure that it doesn't get damaged by any passing vehicles.

Highways in Poland are generally in good condition, but there are often potholes on country roads. If you are uncertain about a route, it is best to stick to the motorway. Be aware that Poland has tolls on some motorways. You will be able to pay with cash or card.

When driving along rural roads in Poland, take it slow and pay attention. Many roads are poorly lit, so it is best not to drive at night if you are unfamiliar with the area. By day, you can expect to see lots of agricultural vehicles – and, if you enter very rural areas, even horse-drawn carts. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, as you might get stuck behind a tractor, and the narrow roads can make overtaking difficult at times. Be patient and go with the flow. If you find yourself stuck behind a horse-drawn vehicle, do not honk your horn, as it can spook the animal.

In the summer months, roadworks are common and can cause disruptions and delays to your journey. It's a good idea to ask at your hotel if there are any roadworks taking place, so you can plan an alternative route if necessary.

Poland has zero tolerance for drinking and driving, with an extremely low blood alcohol limit of 0.02%. The police actively enforce this law, and prison sentences are common. Some offenders have been imprisoned for two years or more after being found with a BAC of 0.05%. This means that Poland's roads are safer than they were in years gone by.

While driving in Poland, you are legally required to keep your headlights on, even during daylight hours.