Poland beyond Warsaw and pierogi – a real-life guide for curious travellers

Poland is sooo much more than just Warsaw and pierogi. While these are definitely worth experiencing, the country has a rich linguistic and cultural landscape waiting to be explored. Whether you’re strolling through the medieval streets of Kraków, ordering coffee in a cozy Gdańsk café, or trying to decode the renowned for its complexity Polish language, this guide will help you immerse yourself in Poland beyond the typical tourist trail. Check our real-life language tips, cultural insights, and hidden gems that will make your trip unforgettable! 

Contents:

1. Poles – what to expect
2. Currency and prices
3. Weather
4. Cuisine
5. Where to go in Poland
6. How to communicate in Poland

Poles – what to expect

Diversity: expect the unexpected

Poles hold tradition and family values in high regard. While their views on certain issues can be deeply polarized, they have a remarkable ability to come together in difficult times. So, if you’re travelling to Poland, be prepared for a wide range of perspectives on topics like politics, religion, and parenting—you’ll likely encounter strong opinions, sometimes vastly different from one another. However, keep in mind that some topics are best avoided, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. Sensitive subjects such as politics or historical controversies can spark passionate debates, so it’s often wiser to listen and observe rather than dive straight into the discussion. 

Polish hospitality: where slippers meet generosity

In Poland, hospitality is a serious matter. Poles really appreciate it when foreigners try to speak Polish. That’s why, before your visit, it’s a good idea to prepare a few ready-made expressions to impress your hosts. When you visit a Polish home, you can expect to be greeted with warmth and generosity – and possibly a home-cooked meal or dessert, no matter the time of day. It’s considered good manners to taste whatever is offered. There’s a saying in Poland, "Zastaw się, a postaw się," which translates to "Set the table, even if it means spending your last penny.”It reflects how Poles will go above and beyond to ensure their guests feel at home. But before you dig in, there’s one important thing to remember: take off your shoes! And don’t be surprised if you’re handed a pair of cozy slippers to wear upon entering. Just make sure your socks are not riddled with holes – you wouldn’t want to be caught off guard! 

Chivarly – Polish politeness at its best

To be polite or not to be polite – that is the question. In Poland, you’d definitely choose the first option. Politeness is deeply embedded in everyday life and is demonstrated in many ways. Here are some ways to be polite in a Polish manner: 

    1. Address people with pan (Mr.) or pani (Mrs.) as a sign of respect, especially in formal situations or when you don’t know someone well. 

    2. On public transport, offer your seat to an older person, a pregnant woman, a parent with a baby or anyone with a disability. 

    3. It’s considered polite for a woman to offer a handshake first in more formal settings. 

    4. When entering a room or building, it’s customary for a man to step aside and let a woman pass first. 

    5. Avoid strating a meal until everyne has been served.

    6. When someone sneezes, say bless you (or na zdrowie).

Sundays, holidays, and „long weekends”

In Poland, Sundays are often a day of rest and reflection. Many Poles attend church services . On Sundays, most stores are closed, with a few exceptions, such as small shops or gas stations. However, you’ll still be able to enjoy a meal out at a restaurant. There are designated trading Sundays throughout the year when all stores are allowed to open.

Public holidays like Christmas and Easter are very important in Poland. These holidays come with a few days off work, allowing Poles to gather with loved ones, share meals, and celebrate together. Both Christmas and Easter are preceded by special periods when Catholics avoid parties, weddings, etc. These periods are called Advent (before Christmas) and Lent (before Easter). 

Are there any other important dates in Poland? Check it out »

In Poland, there are various Christmas traditions. You might be surprised to learn that in many homes, hay is placed under the tablecloth on Christmas Eve, and there is an extra place set at the table. On Easter Monday in turn, you might also get splashed with water, as Poles still celebrate what’s called Śmingus Dyngus (or ‘Wet Monday’), when people playfully pour water on each other for fun, which is believed to bring happiness and wealth.

While Poles do enjoy the traditional Friday to Sunday weekend, there’s also the concept of a long weekend (długi weekend). A long weekend occurs when a public holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, allowing people to take an extra day off and enjoy a four-day weekend and it is often seen as a great opportunity for short getaways. “Długi weekend majowy (also called majówka) is the most anticipated and celebrated long weekend in Poland. It is the first weekend of May, and includes two public holidays: May 1 – May Day (St. Joseph the Worker) and May 3, a Polish national holiday commemorating the signing of the Constitution of May 3 in 1791. By taking one to three days off work, you can extend this weekend to be up to 9 days long! (April 28 - May 6).

Currency and prices

Poland is an affordable country to visit, with prices for most goods and services being quite reasonable, especially when compared to other European destinations. Meals in restaurants, public transportation, and accommodation typically offer great value. However, in some tourist-heavy areas, you may find that prices are a bit higher than expected. It’s not uncommon to hear locals refer to paragony grozy (receipts from hell), as some Polish tourists share receipts from their vacations that show unexpectedly high prices for simple meals or services. While these higher prices can suprise you, they are usually limited to more touristy spots. 

You might also be surprised by occasional price hikes, particularly with butter and fuel. Poles often joke that they are investing in butter instead of gold. The internet is full of memes about the soaring cost of butter, making it a running joke among locals! 

Despite this, Poland remains a budget-friendly destination overall, and with a little local knowledge, you can easily find great deals. 

The local currency is the Polish złoty (PLN), and while many places accept card payments, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash, particularly in smaller towns or markets. 

If you want to shop in Poland with no problems, make sure to learn the vocabulary you’ll need in the store » 

Weather

The weather in Poland can vary significantly depending on the season, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Summers are generally mild to warm, with temperatures averaging between 20°C and 25°C (68°F – 77°F), though it can occasionally get hotter (even 35°C), especially in July and August. Winters, on the other hand, can be quite cold, particularly in the northern and eastern regions, where temperatures often drop below freezing. Snow is still possible, especially in the mountains, but in recent years, it has been less abundant than it used to be. Still the weather in the mountains, makes Poland a popular destination for winter sports. Spring and autumn are usually mild, but you might experience some unpredictable weather, with sudden rain showers or cooler temperatures. 

Learn vocabulary related to nature and weather with visual method»

Cuisine

Polish cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition. One of the cornerstones of Polish meals is a soup, and you’ll find a wide variety of them. Two of the most famous soups are rosół (a clear chicken broth, often served with noodles) and barszcz (a beet soup, usually served with sour cream). Both dishes are beloved and commonly eaten, though barszcz can be a bit tricky to pronounce for non-Polish speakers! Lunch in Poland typically consists of two courses: a soup followed by a main dish, often accompanied by potatoes, salad, or meat. Occasionally, a sweet dessert might follow, such as kompot (a boiled friut non-alcoholic drink, usually sweet) or traditional cakes like sernik (cheesecake).

Poland is also known for its iconic dumplings called pierogi. These pockets of dough are filled with a variety of fillings, ranging from savory options like meat, mushrooms, or sauerkraut, to sweet ones filled with fruit or sweet cheese. Pierogi are often served boiled, but they can also be fried. 

Another iconic Polish dish is gołąbki (pronounced go-wom-kee). In Polish, the word ‘gołąbek’ can refer to both a traditional dish and a bird you might encounter in big cities (a pigeon). Despite the name, they have absolutely nothing to do with pigeons! These are actually stuffed cabbage rolls filled with a mixture of meat, rice, and vegetables, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. 

Poles love pickled foods. They pickle cabbage, cucumbers, and in the summer, when these products are widely available, they prepare for winter by making preserves, so they can enjoy the taste of sauerkraut and pickled cucumbers throughout the entire winter. 

Sandwiches in Poland are not what you think... Often served for breakfast or dinner, they’re not the typical stacked ones with a top slice of bread. Nope, they’re open-faced! You get a slice of bread, a bit of butter, maybe some cold cuts or cheese, and e.g. pickled cucumbers. Polish sandwiches are a great way to bite into the culture of simplicity.

Not sure how to pronounce Polish words?» 

Eating Out

Poles usually eat at home, but especially in big cities, dining out has become increasingly popular. Bars and restaurants are especially lively during weekends, where locals and visitors alike enjoy traditional Polish dishes or international cuisine. However, something you might come across, particularly in cities, is the bar mleczny (literally milk bar). Don’t be misled – they don’t actually sell milk!

Bar mleczny is a unique part of Polish culinary history, dating back to the communist era. These establishments were originally created to provide affordable, simple meals, particularly for workers and students. Today, while the style has remained largely unchanged, milk bars still offer hearty, inexpensive Polish dishes, such as pierogi, gołąbki, zupa pomidorowa (tomato soup), and kopytka (potato dumplings). Visiting a milk bar is a great way to try traditional, home-style Polish food without breaking the bank.

Want to know how to order your favorite dish at a restaurant in Polish? See how to do it!» 

Where to go in Poland

Poland stretches from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Tatra Mountains in the south, offering a fascinating diversity in landscape. Beyond the coast and the mountains, you’ll find tranquil lakes, vast sand dunes (like those in Słowiński National Park), and even a desert (the Błędów Desert). It’s a country where nature surprises at every turn. Of course, no visit would be complete without exploring iconic cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk (which is actually part of the so-called "Tri-City," a metropolitan area consisting of Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot). But don’t miss out on other gems, such as Lublin, Kazimierz Dolny, Poznań, Łódź, Wrocław, and Zakopane, and many many more—each offering its own unique charm and atmosphere. Whether you’re into history, culture, or stunning landscapes, Poland has it all.

How to communicate in Poland

In larger cities in Poland, you’ll find that many people speak English, especially in restaurants and cultural institutions. It’s not hard to communicate in English, and you’ll often encounter locals eager to practice their language skills with you. However, outside the major cities, it’s a good idea to learn at least some basic Polish. Knowing a few words like dzień dobry (good morning) or dziękuję (thank you) can go a long way and is always appreciated by locals. Polish may be a challenging language, but the effort will be warmly received. Grab some phrases and expressions useful when travelling to Poland. And if you want to explore Polish language and culture more – check Polish for foreigners»

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