Krak W Poland Travel Tips

Kraków Travel and Cultural Etiquette Tips

  1. Greetings: Poles are generally formal and use the title “Pan” (Mr.) or “Pani” (Ms.) followed by their surname when addressing someone. When meeting someone for the first time, a handshake is common but wait for the other person to extend their hand first.

  2. Politeness: Politeness is very important in Polish culture. Always use please (“proszę”) and thank you (“dziękuję”) when asking for something or receiving help.

  3. Dining Etiquette: It’s polite to say “do zóżdych” (bon appétit) before starting a meal. When invited to someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift such as flowers, chocolate, or a bottle of wine.

  4. Tipping: Service charge is usually included in restaurant bills, but it’s still customary to leave a few extra złotys (PLN). For taxi services, round up to the nearest whole number.

  5. Public Transportation: Kraków has an extensive public transport network. Purchase tickets before boarding and validate them immediately. Single-use tickets can be purchased from vending machines or newsstands.

  6. Queuing: Poles are very disciplined about queuing, so make sure to wait your turn in line, even if it seems slow.

  7. Smoking: Smoking is less common than in the past but still more prevalent compared to other European cities. Respect the smoking laws and find designated areas.

  8. Respect for History: Kraków has a rich history, and many of its buildings are national monuments. Please respect these sites by not defacing them or leaving litter.

  9. Drinking Alcohol in Public Spaces: It is legal to drink alcohol in designated public areas, such as the Planty park around the Old Town, but be mindful of others and keep noise levels down after dark.

  10. Language: While many locals, especially those working in tourism, speak English, it’s always appreciated when tourists make an effort to learn a few basic Polish phrases.