What not to do in Krakow?

In Krakow, avoid drinking alcohol in public spaces, hailing unlicensed taxis, accepting drinks from strangers, and being disrespectful in religious sites or around sensitive history (like Auschwitz); also, be wary of currency exchange scams, bag your groceries, don't call Poland "Eastern Europe," and use licensed transport at night.

What to avoid in Krakow?

Just to be safe, avoid anything that faces on to the Rynek, ul. Slawkowska, ul, Florianska, ul. Szewska, ul. Sienna, ul. Grodzka in the Old Town, and plac Nowy, ul. Jozefa, ul. Bozego Ciala or ul. Szeroka in Kazimierz. However, if the apartment/room looks out onto the rear, then it's probably going to be pretty quiet.

Do and don'ts in Poland?

When visiting Poland, DO validate public transport tickets, dress modestly in churches, learn basic Polish phrases, and be punctual; DON'T drink alcohol in public, call Poles "Eastern Europeans," smile at strangers, or discuss sensitive history casually, while always respecting cultural norms like removing shoes at home and being mindful of tipping customs.

What should I know before visiting Krakow?

Kraków has a huge range of affordable accommodation for tourists and excellent standards across the board. If you don't mind splashing out, you should stay within the Old Town itself. If you're looking for a faster pace of life and some of Kraków's best bars, consider the historical Jewish quarter Kazimierz.

What can I not bring into Poland?

It is forbidden to import into Poland:

unlicensed firearms and ammunition; drugs; meat, fish and dairy products from the EU; endangered species of plant require a permit.

Krakow: What NOT to do in Krakow, Poland

Is Krakow English friendly?

English is widely spoken in tourist areas and it's very easy to find your way around. However, it's always good to come prepared.

What are the unspoken rules in Poland?

Jaywalking, drinking in public places and smoking in non-designated areas are all generally frowned upon. Lateness is a sign of bad manners and carelessness in Poland. People are expected to be punctual in both professional and social situations. However, tardiness is still fairly common.

Is 20 zloty a good tip?

As a general rule of thumb, you should consider tipping around 10-20 PLN (approximately 2-5 USD) per day. If you stayed in a luxury hotel or received exceptional service, it may be appropriate to tip a bit more—around 20-30 PLN (5-7 USD) would be well-received.

What not to do as a tourist in Poland?

13 Things Not To Do in Poland: Essential Tips for Smart Travelers

• Do Not Disrespect Polish History Or Bring Up Sensitive Topics.
• Do Not Be Loud Or Disruptive In Public.
• Do Not Skip Basic Polish Phrases.
• Do Not Ignore Church Etiquette.
• Do Not Confuse Polish Currency Or Tipping Habits.
• Do Not Treat Public Transport Casually.

Is it better to use cash or card in Krakow?

Cash or Card? Krakow is Poland's most tourist-friendly city, and one of the largest and most international in the country. Athough it's always a good idea to have some cash to hand, you can also pay by card in the majority of establishments, bars, and restaurants, or even on public transport.

Can I wear trainers to a bar?

Trainers are normally a no-no. Exact dress code can vary from bar to bar, and often depends on time of day and day of the week. For example, a few bars permit fancy dress (although it must be inoffensive) at the discretion of door staff/management, and some bars don't.

Is it rude not to tip in Poland?

Do you tip in Poland? It's normal to tip for good service in restaurants, bars and cafes in Poland - especially in touristy or business areas. Tips are also appreciated in hotels and serviced apartments - and other places where staff may not be so well rewarded, like spas or salons.

Do they drink tap water in Kraków?

The water in Krakow's taps is clean and healthy, and it has more than 300 mg of minerals in every litre, including bioelements such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Around 60% of the city's residents already declare that they drink tap water.

What to do in Kraków is unusual?

1. Visit the Krakow Mounds. View of Krakow from the Krakus Mound. ...
2. Liban Quarry (Kamieniołom Liban) Just behind (and below) the Krakus Mound is the Liban Quarry. ...
3. Kraków-Płaszów Concentration Camp. ...
4. Explore Krakow's Street Art Scene. ...
5. Dżok the Dog Monument. ...
6. Visit a Cat Cafe. ...
7. Hex: Krakow's Board Game Cafe. ...
8. Pinball Museum.

Do and don'ts in Poland?

When visiting Poland, DO validate public transport tickets, dress modestly in churches, learn basic Polish phrases, and be punctual; DON'T drink alcohol in public, call Poles "Eastern Europeans," smile at strangers, or discuss sensitive history casually, while always respecting cultural norms like removing shoes at home and being mindful of tipping customs.

Is 10% tip insulting?

Yes, in the U.S., a 10% tip is often considered low and potentially insulting for standard sit-down restaurant service, where 15-20% is the norm, but it can be acceptable for mediocre service or in regions where tipping culture differs (like parts of Europe). The perception depends heavily on location, service quality, and the type of establishment, with fine dining expecting more and takeaway sometimes expecting less, but a 10% tip generally signals dissatisfaction with service in America. 

What is frowned upon in Poland?

While jaywalking is common in most places in the U.S., as long as it is done safely, it is completely frowned upon in Poland. If you're caught jaywalking, you'll come face to face with a hefty fine. Another thing that's normal in some cities across the U.S. but not allowed in Poland is drinking in public.

What does "thumbs up" mean in Poland?

Hand gestures convey a variety of meanings in Poland. Awareness of these can prevent miscommunication: Thumbs up: This gesture is universally understood as a sign of approval or agreement. Waving Hand: Can be used to greet someone casually or say goodbye.

What should I be careful of in Krakow?

Alcohol is often involved in crimes involving tourists. Keep your wits about you and an eye on your valuables, especially if you're on a pub crawl – theft and scams are inevitable in the busiest areas. There can be some violence, particulary after big football matches. Common sense is enough to keep you safe.

What plugs to use in Krakow?

In Poland, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type E are used. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. Yes, you need a power plug travel adapter for sockets type E in Poland.

What is closed on Sundays in Krakow?

Shops, supermarkets and shopping malls. Since 2018, Poland has strict laws on Sunday trading, which means that most shops and supermarkets are closed on Sundays, with a few exceptions. Petrol stations – in Poland, most of them are not only places to fill up your car, but also small grocery stores and cafeterias.

What are the do's and don'ts in Krakow?

In Krakow, DO learn basic Polish phrases, try pierogi, validate public transport tickets, explore local markets, be respectful in churches, and use ride-sharing apps like Bolt for transport. DON'T drink alcohol in public, make insensitive jokes about Polish history, be loud in religious sites, touch historical monuments, or assume everyone accepts cash only; always validate transport tickets, and be cautious of jaywalking and late-night solo walks.