Throughout Poland it is very cold in winter and warm and comfortable in summer (sometimes it can be hot). best weather (and time of visit) from May and early June to September - October. In the mountains in the Zakopane region, it is very cold in winter.

Language

The Polish language, which belongs to the Slavic group, is native to 99% of the country's population. Of the foreign languages, German is most known, although English is catching up with it and it is much more popular among young people. In large cities, English-speaking tourists will not face any particular difficulties, since most residents know at least a few English words. (many Poles are fluent in English and other languages). In the countryside, prepare for communication difficulties. The Polish language is very difficult, but nevertheless it would be useful to learn a few key phrases that. will help you a lot. The stress in words is usually placed on the second vowel from the end.

Money

Currency

The monetary unit of Poland is the złoty (zl). In circulation there are coins in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 zlotys, as well as banknotes of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 zlotys.

There are 100 groszy in 1 zloty (gr). Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 groszy.

1 zloty is approximately equal to 12 Russian rubles (2014) .

Currency exchange

Foreign currency can be exchanged at airports, banks, and most hotels. Exchange offices ("kantor") only change cash and can look very unassuming. They offer the best rate. (no commission). To exchange money in banks, a passport is required. All receipts are recommended to be kept before leaving the country. There is no black market for currency in Poland, and therefore any offers from strangers should be rejected - this is a scam. In Polish, cash is called "gotowka".

Credit cards

International credit cards (including Visa, Mastercard and American Express) increasingly accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops, but not everywhere. In some cases, only the cards listed above are accepted for payment. As a rule, you will not be able to use a credit card in small supermarkets, museums and small railway stations.

ATMs

ATMs (cash machine) PLUS, Cirrus and other common credit cards are available in sufficient numbers in Polish cities and offer favorable exchange rates. They give out cash in zlotys and some in euros.

Traveler's checks

They can be exchanged for cash at all the establishments listed above, except "kantor"; in some cases, they can even pay off, but the rate will always be less favorable than when exchanging cash. The commission usually ranges from 1 to 5%.

Purchases

The transition to a market economy in 1989 had a huge impact on Poland as a shopping destination. Dull state stores are a thing of the past. Today, the pound, dollar, euro and other currencies are not as popular as before, but foreign tourists and Poles are pleased with the development of trade and the expansion of the choice of goods on the market. Large cities in Poland, such as Warsaw and Krakow, do not lag behind Western Europe and North America in terms of shopping. Goods in Poland are much cheaper than in Western Europe.

Where to buy

The development of a market economy in Poland has led to the emergence of numerous shops and boutiques, including many Western European ones. You can now see Western goods in big department stores, specialty stores and market stalls.

Artworks folk art and other handicraft products, see the stores of "Cepelia" - a national network for the sale of folk art and souvenirs, which has representative offices in major cities (Sometimes they have other names, but the locals still call them "Cepelia"). The main player in the antiques market is the Desa chain of stores (although there are also smaller, independent dealers). There are several branches in Krakow and Warsaw with different assortments of goods, so if you are looking for something specific, it is better to look into all of them. Polish poster art is presented mainly in three places: in Krakow in the Poster Gallery (ul. Stolarska 8-10), in Warsaw at the Poster Gallery (ul. Hoza 40) and at the Poster Museum (Museum Plakatu) at the Wilanowski Palace.

Some cities have specialized markets and malls. These include the old Cloth Hall in Krakow, where they sell handicrafts and amber jewelry, the bustling Warsaw Nowy Świat Street with numerous boutiques, as well as Maryacka Street in the Old Town of Gdansk with jewelry stores selling amber. The flea market in Warsaw is called "Kolo" and is located in the Wola district. In Krakow, street vendors are located between the railway station and the Barbican. indoor market in Gdansk (Hala Targowa) located on the Dominican Square.

A useful source of information about shops and markets in Warsaw, Krakow and Gdańsk is the local edition of the In Your Pocket guide, which lists shops.

For more information, please visit: www.inyourpocket.com.

Bargaining is common only in large open-air markets, although if you ask for a discount at an antique shop or art gallery, you may be greeted.

What to buy

Works of art and antiques

Excellent antique furniture and religious art can be found throughout Poland, but the best examples flock to the various shops and galleries in Warsaw and Krakow, and to a lesser extent Gdansk and Poznan. Orthodox icons from Russia can be found here, as there is a black market for stolen icons in Central and Eastern Europe, but the authorities are reluctant to allow their export, even if the item is not of Polish origin.

Ceramics

Unusual Koszubian ceramics (Ceramika Artystyczna Boleslawiec) sold all over the world, but in Poland it is much cheaper.

folk art

The rural areas of Wormwood offer a wide variety of folk art and crafts, including carved wooden figurines. (mainly for religious subjects), skin (in the Tatra region), embroidery and lace, painted eggs (especially Easter ones), as well as "naïve art" and glass painting, especially from Zakopane.

Music

In music stores in major cities, you can buy CDs with recordings of music by Polish composers. The best known among Western listeners are probably Chopin, Krzysztof Penderecki and Henryk Gorecki, whose Symphony No. 3 unexpectedly gained popularity in the early 1990s. It is also worth looking for the recordings of contemporary Polish composer Zbigniew Preisner, who wrote music for many films directed by Krzysztof Kislowski, including " Double life Veronica", "Decalogue" and the trilogy "Three Colors: Blue, White, Red". Pay attention to the recording of the best works of Preisner, made at a concert in the salt mines of Wieliczka near Krakow. You can also find recordings of Polish folk music, such as the traditional melodies of the Highlanders from the Tatras.

poster art

Poster is a very popular and sought after art form in Poland and some of the best craftsmen working in this area - the Poles. You'll find vintage and modern posters for familiar Western films and the most famous plays, as well as less-understood plots. Among contemporary poster artists, the most famous are Gorovsky, Stasis and Sadovsky.

Vodka

Real Polish vodka is "Wyborowa", "Extra Zytnia" or any tincture like "Zubrowka" (with a bison grass leaf in a bottle) and Wisniowka (cherry).

Entertainment

Warsaw's nightlife is very cosmopolitan and offers a wide range of entertainment, including theatre, opera, ballet and classical music. Other cities do not have this variety, although exhibitions are often held in Gdansk and Poznań visual arts. Tickets for concerts and performances are much cheaper than in most Western European countries and North America.

As far as pop culture goes, you'll find jazz ensembles and films from all over the world here. Famous pop and rock bands come to Poland only occasionally. There is no shortage of bars, pubs, cafes and nightclubs in the cities; there is also a casino.

Performing arts

Residents of large cities in Poland are passionate fans of the performing arts. In Warsaw, the main stage for opera and ballet performances is the Bolshoi Theater - National Opera (pl. Teatralny 1, tel.: 022-826-5019, www.teatrwielki.pl); Kiri Te Kanawa, Kathleen Battle and José Carreras sang here. Concerts of philharmonic music are held in the best halls in the country, the National Philharmonic (ul. Jasna 5, phone: 022-551-7131, www.filharmonia.pl) and a small chamber opera (al. Solidarnosci 76b, tel.: 022-831-2240, www.operakameralna.pl). Sometimes concerts are also held in the Royal Castle on the Castle Square (tel: 022-657-2170). In Krakow, the main stage for opera productions, as well as dramatic performances and concerts, is the Theater. Julius Slovacki (pl. Sw. Ducha 1, tel.: 012-423-1700, www.slowacki.krakow.pl), for theatrical performances and dance shows - Operetta Theater (ul. Lubicz 48, tel.: 012-421-4200), and for the performance of music - the Philharmonic (ul. Zwierzyniecka 1, phone: 012-429-1345, www.filharmonia.krakow.pl).

Concerts are also held in the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary, in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul on Wawel Hill, and in the summer at the Chopin Monument in Warsaw's Lazienki Park. In Gdansk on the stage of the State Baltic Opera (al. Zwyciestwa 15, phone: 058-763-4906, www.operabaltycka.pl), one of the best in Poland, hosts opera performances and symphony concerts, and chamber music is played in the Baltic Philharmonic Hall (Olowianka 1, tel.: 058-320-6262, www.filharmonia.gda.pl). In Poznań, opera performances are staged at the Bolshoi Theater (ul. Fredry 9, phone: 061-659-0200, www.opera.poznan.pl), and classical music concerts are held in the hall of the Poznań Philharmonic (ul. Sw. Marcina 81, tel.: 061-852-4708, www.filharmoniapoznanska.pl). Poznań is also famous for its dance theater "Poznań Ballet" (ul. Kozia 4, phone: 061-852-4242, www.ptt-poznan.pl).

Dramatic performances are almost always staged in Polish, which excludes foreign tourists from the audience. The performances of directors and actors are of the highest standards, and theater lovers who are not deterred by not knowing the language and who want to enjoy first-class acting and production will find a lot of excellent performances, especially in Krakow - the center of the Polish theater world. The most famous is the Old Theater (ul. Jagiellonska 1, tel.: 012-422-4040, www.stary-teatr.pl), which has a main stage and two additional ones. In Warsaw, the best Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals are shown at the Roma Club (ul. Nowogrodzka 49, phone: 022-628-0360).

A poster of opera performances and classical music concerts can be found in the local edition of the English-language guide "In Your Pocket" (www.inyourpocket.com), which contains a detailed overview of the nightlife in Warsaw, Krakow and Gdansk, as well as in "Warsaw Insider" - a monthly published in Warsaw.

Movie

Poland is famous for its cinematic tradition and has given the world great filmmakers who have achieved international recognition, - Krzysztof Kislowski, Andrzej Wajdu, Roman Polanski. Poles are very fond of cinema and you will find quite a few subtitled Western films competing with the national product; they are shown in good cinemas equipped with a Dolby sound system. Compared to many European countries, tickets are very cheap. In October, Warsaw hosts an annual film festival.

Clubs and bars

Polish cities and towns abound with bars, pubs and clubs, and Poles are considered a drinking nation. However, the days of drunkards emptying bottles of vodka in dimly lit bars are a thing of the past, and today most Poles prefer beer over vodka and other spirits. Throughout Poland you will find Irish and English pubs and nightclubs.

In recent years, numerous bars have opened in the colorful cellars of the Old Town of Krakow. Considering a large number of students in the city, it's no surprise that the bars are usually crowded. There are so many of them that it is difficult to name the best; among the most interesting "Black Gallery" (ul. Mikolajska 24), "Free Pub" (ul. Slawkowska 4), Stalowe Magnolie (ul. Sw. Jana 15) with live music and boudoir back rooms, "U Louisa" (Rynek Glowny 13), "Bastylia" (ul. Stolarska 3), "Alchemia" (ul. Estery 5) and cafe "Singer" (ul. Estery 22) in Kazimierz. The difference between a bar and a cafe is sometimes almost impossible to understand, and yet there are many excellent cafes in Krakow, including "Kamelot" (ul. Sw. Tomasza 17), "Dym" (ul. Sw. Tomasza 13), "Jama Michalika" (ul. Florianska 45) and "Wisniowy Sad" (ul. Grodzka 33). From jazz and blues clubs in Krakow, try U Muniaka (ul. Florianska 3), "Indigo" (ul. Florianska 26) and "Klinika" (ul. Sw. Tomasza 35).

Warsaw does not have a compact cluster of bars and pubs, but there are enough cafes and various drinking establishments in the capital. Here you will find a mini collection of Irish pubs: Morgan's (ul. Okolnik 1, below the Frederic Chopin Museum), "Irish Pub" (ul. Miodowa 3) and Cork Irish Pub (al. Niepodleglosci 19). Among other bars, Lolek should be highlighted. (ul. Rokitnicka 20) and elegant "Column" in the hotel "Bristol" (ul. Krakowskie Przedmiescie 42-44). Cocktails are best tasted at Paparazi (ul. Mazowiecka 12). Ground Zero is popular among nightclubs. (ul. Wspolna 62) and "Quo Vadis" (pl. Defilad 1), jazz and blues can be heard in the jazz cafe "Helicon" (ul. Freta 45-47), jazz in "Bistro" (ul. Pifkna 20).

In Gdansk, lively pubs are concentrated in the Old Town. The most stylish among them is "Lataj^cy Holender" (ul. Waly Jagellonskie 2-4) and Vinifera (ul. Wodopoj 7) where wine is served in glasses. Live jazz music can be heard at the Cotton Club (ul. Zlotnikow 25) and Jazz Club (Dlugi Targ 39-40).

Sport

The most popular sport in Poland, as in many European countries, is football, although Poles are also fond of other sports such as hockey, volleyball, windsurfing and skiing. In Poland, there are no special places for recreation intended for sports. However, the rural areas of the country are ideal for those who prefer outdoor activities, and visitors to the country have plenty of opportunities to enjoy horseback riding, ski trips, fishing and tourism.

Golf

If you want to play golf during your business trip to Warsaw, contact the First Warsaw Golf Club (Rajszew 70, Jablonna, tel.: 022-782-4555, www.warsawgolf.pl), which owns an 18-hole course about 30 km from the capital. Possibly the best golf course on the Baltic coast is the Postolovsky Golf Club. (Postolow, tel.: 058-683-7100, www.golf.com.pl) 26 km south of Gdansk.

Tourism and hiking

The countryside of Poland is ideal for both leisurely walks and more intense hiking trips. One of the best areas for these activities, especially for experienced tourists, is the High Tatras in the vicinity of Zakopane.

Horseback riding

Holidays in the company of horses are becoming more and more popular; ask the travel agency for the horse riding tours offered by Orbis. If you just want to ride a horse, contact Pata-Taj Riding School (Szkola Jazdy Konnej, ul. Krotka 9, tel.: 022-758-5835) in Warsaw. In the vicinity of the capital there are a couple of dozen stables and riding schools; more detailed information can be found at tourist information centers or at your hotel.

Skis

The main ski resort is Zakopane at the foot of the High Tatras in southeastern Poland. There are excellent and inexpensive slopes, very popular with Poles and some foreign tourists, although the conditions of recreation are inferior to the ski resorts of the Alps and the Pyrenees.

Swimming and water sports

The Victoria, Marriott and Bristol hotels in Warsaw have swimming pools. Less luxurious pools have "Aquapark Wesolandia" (ul. Wspolna 4, phone: 022-773-9191, www.wesolandia.pl), "Polna" (ul. Polna 7a, phone: 022-825-7134, www.osir-polna.pl) and Wodney Park (ul. Merliniego 4, phone: 022-854-0130, www.wodnypark.com.pl). Krakow also has several swimming pools open to visitors: "Park Wodny" (ul. Dobrego Pasterza 126, tel.: 012-616-3190, www.parkwodny.pl), "Copernicus" (ul. Kanonicza 16, tel.: 012-424-3400) and Sheraton (ul. Powisle 7, tel.: 012-662-1000).

Football

Football is the most popular spectator sport in Poland. There are two first division clubs in Warsaw: Legia Warszawa (ul. Lazienkowska 3, phone: 022-628-4303, www.legialive.pl) and Polonia Warszawa (ul. Konwiktorska 6, tel.: 022-635-1637, www.ksppolonia.com).

Most of the places where you can practice yachting and other water sports are concentrated in the Masurian Lakes region in northeastern Poland and in the cities on the shores of the Gulf of Gdansk in the Baltic.

Children

Traveling in Poland with children means being flexible, creative and finding activities that are interesting for children, when palaces, castles and restored ancient cities impress them less than their parents. Many of the attractions listed below are located in the nation's capital, Warsaw, simply because there are more of them.

Warsaw Zoo (ul. Ratuszowa 1-3, phone: 022-619-4041, www.zoo.waw.pl) was opened in 1928. About 4000 animals live in it on the territory of 40 hectares, including Siberian tigers, kangaroos, cheetahs, crocodiles, snow leopards and a rare red panda. The zoo also has a hall where birds fly freely. At Pepeland amusement park (ul. Kolejowa 378, tel.: 022-751-2627) there is a mini zoo and attractions.

Another opportunity to entertain children in Warsaw is the Gulliver Theater (ul. Rozana 16, tel.: 022-845-1677, www.teatrguliwer.waw.pl).

In summer, children can spend their energy in water parks and swimming pools, and in winter - on a skating rink.

You can go skating in Warsaw at Stegny (ul. Inspektowa 1, phone: 022-842-2768, www.stegny.com.pl) or "Towarzystwo Lyzwiarstwa Figurowego Walley" (ul. Kombatantow 60, Julianow, tel.: 022-711-1261, www.walley.pl). Another popular activity is paintball; in Warsaw, try visiting Marcus-Graf (ul. Widok 10, in Beniaminow near Warsaw, tel.: 022-816-1008) or at Paintballs Club (ul. Lokajskiego 42, tel.: 060-266-9220, www.painballs-club.pl). In Krakow, paintball fans can use the services of the local club "Compass" (Tel: 012-357-3370, www.compass-poland.com), which also offers many other activities, including off-road racing and other activities for men.

Another energetic sport is karting. In Warsaw, you can bring your kids to the Imola club, where they can also play paintball (ul. Pulawska 33, Piaseczno, tel.: 022-757-0823, www.imola.pl). If your kids love bowling, you'll find bowling alleys in all major cities. The Poznań region of Malta has plenty of activities ideal for children, including an artificial ski run and a toboggan run.

For older kids who love hiking and skiing, the area around Zakopane in the High Tatras is the best. Kids will love the 700-year-old salt mines near Krakow, where you first descend 378 steps, then walk down long corridors, looking at chapels and salt-carved figures. (including seven gnomes), and rise to the surface in a fast, but primitive and bumpy elevator.

Holidays

local holidays

  • February International Festival of Sailor Songs, Warsaw
  • March, April Holy Week, all of Poland
  • March Poznań Jazz Festival, Poznań
  • April Contemporary Music Festival, Poznań
  • April May Warsaw Ballet Days, Warsaw
  • May Music and Arts Festival, Torun
    International Book Fair, Warsaw
    Jazz Festival, Poznań
  • June International Theater Festival, Poznan
    Summer Jazz Days, Warsaw
    Jewish Culture Festival, Krakow
    Summer Solstice, Krakow
  • June 24 Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
  • June July Mozart Festival, Warsaw
    Summer Theater Festival, Zamość
  • July Summer Early Music Festival, Krakow
    Summer Opera Festival, Krakow
    Festival organ music, Gdansk
  • July August Dominican Fair, Gdansk
    August International Song Festival, Sopot
    International Early Music Festival, Krakow
    International Mountain Folklore Festival, Zakopane
    International Chopin Festival, Duszniki-Zdrój near Warsaw
  • September International Violin Competition. Heinrich Wieniawski, Poznan
  • October International Piano Competition. Chopin (held in Warsaw once every five years) Warsaw Film Festival, Warsaw
    International Jazz Festival, Warsaw
  • November All Saints' Day
    All Saints Day Jazz Festival, Krakow
    Warsaw Early Music Festival, Warsaw
  • December Competition for the most beautiful Christmas manger, Krakow (Market Square)

Official non-working holidays

  • 1st of January New Year
  • 6th January Epiphany
  • floating holiday (March, April) First day of Easter. The first day falls on one of the Sundays from March 22 to April 25. Second day of Easter
  • 1st of May"Labor Day"
  • May 3 May 3rd national holiday in memory of the Constitution on May 3, 1791.
  • 7th Sunday after Easter First day of Pentecost
  • 9th Thursday after Easter Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ
  • August 15 Ascension of the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • Nov. 1 All Saints' Day
  • 11th of November National Independence Day commemorates the 1918 independence from the Russian Empire, Austria and Prussia
  • December 25 First day of Christmas
  • December 26 Second day of Christmas

Food and drink

Polish cuisine is very diverse - from light and elegant dishes to luxurious and hearty, and they are always served in large portions. Feature Polish cuisine - soups, and the main dishes - potatoes and dumplings; it also has a lot of vegetable dishes. Considering that the country's borders have changed over the centuries, it is not surprising that Polish cuisine has been influenced by other national cuisines: Ukrainian, German, Lithuanian and Russian.

Residents of other countries are often familiar with some Polish dishes, such as pies, borscht with sausage, as well as such common dishes as herring, cold meat and sauerkraut. Probably the most famous Polish dish is bigos. ("hunter's roast")- sauerkraut stewed with several types of meat (pork, game, sausage, bacon, etc.).

The restaurant world in Poland, like almost everything else, has changed a lot in recent years. In the past, eating out, especially dining out at a restaurant, was rare; there was a shortage of food in the country and rationing was introduced. Now all this is in the past. Restaurants of various styles have appeared in large cities, although, fortunately, establishments serving classic Polish cuisine have not disappeared either. It is on them that guests of Poland should pay attention.

Where there is

Most visitors to Poland eat at restaurants (restauracja). They are very different, from modest and inexpensive, where office workers dine, to luxurious ones, which are more often visited not by ordinary Poles, but by foreign tourists and a small Polish elite; all restaurants have table service.

In the cafe (kawiarnia) They don't just serve coffee. Most of them have a menu that offers almost everything, from snacks to custom meals, all day long. Another traditional type of establishment is inexpensive self-service cafeterias called bar mleczny, literally "milk bar". Here, for little money, you will be served a full plate of homemade food.

When there is

Breakfast (sniadanie) in Poland they usually offer from 7 to 10 am. In the morning, Poles usually eat bread or rolls with butter, cheese, ham or sausage. Eggs can also be served for breakfast. In the most expensive hotels, breakfast is usually a standard international set of dishes. Quite often, local pastries and dishes are offered that are not always associated with breakfast.

Lunch (obiad) takes place from 14.00 to 16.00 and is considered the main meal - this is reflected in the number of dishes served at this time of the day. As a rule, lunch consists of three courses: soup, main course and dessert.

Dinner (kolacja) served early in the evening, and it can be similar and almost as satisfying as lunch, or much lighter, with the same set of dishes as for breakfast.

Polish cuisine

In traditional Polish cuisine, certain ingredients play an important role: fish, game, potatoes, mushrooms and vegetables. One of the characteristic flavors of Polish cuisine is sour, although spicy and sweet dishes are also found.

Some traditional dishes are prepared with lard, but many use vegetable oil or butter. If the portions are too big for you, order a soup, and instead of a main dish, an appetizer and try to leave room for dessert.

Pies are considered a traditional Polish dish. (pierogi), which are of Russian origin and appeared in the Middle Ages. Pies can be sweet or spicy. Similar to ravioli, dumplings have a variety of fillings, including fresh cabbage, sauerkraut with mushrooms, cheese and potatoes, and fruit in summer. Small pies are sometimes served with soup. Another traditional Polish dish is cabbage rolls: cabbage leaves stuffed with meat and rice and usually served with tomato sauce. Poles are very fond of potato pancakes and potato dumplings.

In restaurant menus, main dishes are often listed without a side dish. Potatoes, salads and other side dishes are listed in the dodatki section and are served for a separate price.

Soup

Soup (zupa) very popular with local residents and is always on the menu. Most Poles consider food without soup incomplete. (on the other hand, some guests may say that Polish soup is a complete meal in itself).

Red borscht (barszcz czerwony) prepared according to an old recipe, and the authentic version has a unique taste. It can be served with sour cream or small ravioli-like dumplings. On Christmas Eve, they traditionally serve beetroot in vegetable broth with small ravioli. (uszka) stuffed with mushrooms. White borscht (zurek) cooked on sourdough rye flour. It is sometimes served with sausage or with a hard-boiled egg. In the cold summer beetroot (chlodnik) add thick sour cream, cucumber, radish, green onion and dill.

Cucumber soup with dill (ogdrkowa) tastes sour, like sauerkraut soup (kapusniak). Also try the mushroom soup (grzybowa), sorrel soup (szczawowa) and zupa koperkowa, which is dominated by the favorite Polish spice - dill.

Snacks

Classic snack (przekqski) considered herring, which is cooked different ways. It is served with butter, sour cream or a lot of chopped onions. In Poland, a large number of varieties of sausages and ham are also produced - this is a national dish and a favorite delicacy of the Poles. As an appetizer, you can choose carp, pike and smoked eel aspic, as well as small portions of your favorite main dishes, such as pies or potato pancakes.

Main dishes

Meat (mieso, dania rnifsne). The Poles are a nation of staunch meat eaters, and for most Poles, a hearty meal should include meat. The most popular meat dish is pork. The traditional way of cooking is a pork cutlet in breadcrumbs with fried onions; usually served with sweet cabbage.

Fried pork is eaten both hot and cold. Stew can be served with prunes. Beef is less common, although beef cutlets stuffed with ham, black bread and mushrooms (zrazy zawijane)- a standard dish. Braised tripe (flaki po polsku) is strips of beef tripe stewed in meat and vegetable broths; served with brown bread. A must-try meat dish in Poland - bigos (bigos), classic hunting food. This is fresh and sour cabbage stewed with several types of meat and sausage (meat and cabbage in equal proportions). Excellent winter food the Polish way.

Game (dziczyzna) and poultry (drob). Game in Poland is very popular, which is not surprising given the general love for meat. Olenin (sarna) usually served in expensive restaurants, as well as bear meat (dzik) and other exotic meats. Look in the menu for a hare (zajqc) and pheasant (basant). Chicken is also very common. (kiga), usually stuffed and fried. Another favorite dish of the Poles is chicken soup, as well as roast duck. (kaczka) with apples.

Fish (dania rybne). Fish appears on the Polish menu as often as meat; in most good restaurants you can find pike, eel, perch, sturgeon and other fish - boiled, fried, grilled. Carp enjoys great love (especially on Christmas Eve), which is often served with a special Polish sauce with raisins and almonds.

Vegetables (potrawy jarskie). Currently, vegetarian restaurants are much more common in Poland, although the classic dairy bars that started as vegetarian now have a few on the menu. meat dishes. The vegetable side dish usually has to be ordered separately and can be extremely varied. Vegetarians should look out for potato pancakes, dumplings with fruit filling, cheese and potato pies, and pancakes. Among salads, there are often tomato salad, cucumber salad with sour cream, sauerkraut.

Dessert

Poles are very fond of pastries and sweets. You will definitely find eclairs on the menu and on the plates of visitors (eklerka), millefeuille (napoleonki), cheesecakes (sernik), Apple pie (szarlotka) and traditional thin biscuits with nuts and fruits (mazurek).

national strong drink

Poles and Russians may argue over who invented vodka, but this drink is an indispensable part of the Polish menu. Most vodka is made from rye, but some varieties are made from potatoes; both vodkas have a characteristic taste. The drink, as a rule, is transparent; flavored varieties can also be found on the shelves. Wyborowa vodka is considered the standard. (rye), and several varieties of flavored vodkas are also produced under this brand; pay attention to Luksusowa vodka (from potatoes) and "Zubrowka" (infused on buffalo grass from Belovezhskaya Pushcha), as well as kosher vodkas.

Vodka is an integral part of the ritual. If you go to visit someone, then the rules of good manners require you to take a bottle of vodka with you, although you do not have to drink it. Poles prefer to drink vodka undiluted - in one sip or sip, rather than add to cocktails (although cocktails made from Tatanka or Zubrowka vodka and apple juice are quite popular here).

Beverages

Poland does not produce grape wine. Imported wine can be ordered in cafes and restaurants; the cheapest are Hungarian and Bulgarian wines. You will also find French, Italian and Spanish wines, but be prepared to pay for the pleasure.

Polish beer (piwo) perfect for hearty spicy dishes; except in the finest restaurants, beer can be drunk with meals like wine. Polish beer is usually served in tall glasses; it is a light, pleasant drink, though not as reputed as its Czech, German, Belgian or English varieties. The most famous brands are Zywiec, Okocim, EB, Warka and Tyskie. Information about "beer tours" and the Beer Museum in the Tyszka brewery (city of Tychy, 20 km south of Katowice) can be found on the website: www.kp.pl.

Coffee (kawa)- the favorite drink of the Poles, and is usually served either black (you need to ask for milk) or with a little milk. Espresso and cappuccino are almost everywhere. Most Poles also drink tea. (herbata), which is usually served with lemon.

Soft drinks of international brands and mineral water (woda mineralna) is also everywhere.

Accommodation

Hotels in Poland are informally divided into categories ranging from one to five stars, and those with three to five stars meet European standards. There is a shortage of good hotels in smaller towns, but the number of three-star hotels is growing and there are one- and two-star hotels that can be recommended. In Warsaw, Krakow and other large cities, a growing number of first-class five-star hotels are designed for businessmen and wealthy tourists. In the old days, the Orbis chain had a virtual monopoly on middle and upper class hotels, but now the situation has changed; competition has intensified due to international networks and independent companies.

If there are no places in luxury hotels or they are too expensive for you, it is best to stay in the suburbs - in a guesthouse or guest house. Other options include private houses or self-catering apartments. Accommodation in private houses (kwatery prywatne) widespread in Poland. In addition, there are more than 200 official campsites in the country, and a network of youth hotels in major cities.

IN high season (from May to October) you need to book a room in advance. Tourist Information Bureau (including at the airport) provide a list of hotels.

The room price, which must be posted at the reception window, usually includes value added tax and often, but not always, breakfast. The cost may be in US dollars, euros or zlotys, but the invoice will be issued in zlotys. All hotels accept most common credit cards, unless otherwise stated.

With the exception of the most expensive hotels, prices are usually lower than in other European countries. Oddly enough, prices in hotels can be indicated not only in Polish zlotys but also in US dollars and euros.

In Poland, there is an extensive network - about 950 in total - of youth hostels (schroniska mlodziezowe). More information can be obtained from the Polish Association of Youth Hostels (ul. Chocimska 28, Warsaw, tel.: 022-849-8128, www.ptsm.org.pl). Places in international student hotels can be booked through the travel agency ALMATUR (ul. Kopernika 23, Warsaw, tel.: 022-826-2639, www.almatur.pl).

Among the Warsaw hotels, the very clean Agrykola Hotel should be noted. (ul. Mysliwiecka 9, phone: 022-622-9105, www.agrykola-noclegi.pl) and the legendary Nathan's Villa (ul. Piekna 24-26, tel.: 022-622-2946, www.nathansvilla.com).

In Krakow, check out the City Hostel (ul. Sw. Krzyza 21, tel.: 012-426-1815, www.cityhostel.pl), decorated in the style of the 1950-1960s. Good Bye Lenin (ul. Joselewicza 23, tel.: 012-421-2030, www.goodbyelenin.pl) and again "Nathans Villa" (ul. Sw. Agnieszki 1, tel.: 012-422-3545, www.nathansvilla.com).

Travel to Poland

By plane

The largest airlines in Europe, as well as Russia, fly to Poland. The Polish national carrier LOT Polish Airlines flies from most major European cities, including Moscow. Aeroflot also has regular flights. Travel time 2 hours 10 minutes.

international Airport

Poland's main international airport is Warsaw's Okecie, although airports in Krakow, Gdansk, Poznan and other cities also receive flights from other countries. Krakow's Balice Airport has been upgraded and can now handle more international flights.

By rail

Unlike other cities, Warsaw and Krakow are easily accessible by rail from any major city in Western, Central or Eastern Europe. There are five daily trains to Poland from Russia. Two trains run from Moscow to Warsaw (20 h), with trailers to Szczecin (34 h) and Wroclaw (28 hours) and by car from St. Petersburg via Warsaw to Szczecin (40 h). The daily train Moscow - Prague passes through Katowice (25 h). Another daily train runs from Kaliningrad to Gdynia (6 h), two trailer cars of the same train continue to Berlin via Poznań. Finally, once a week, the train Saratov - Berlin runs through Poland with trailer cars from Novosibirsk, Rostov, Omsk, Samara, Chelyabinsk, Ufa, Yekaterinburg. However, the cheapest way to get to Poland from Russia is to take the train to Brest and cross the border on a local train or bus. The cost of such a trip from Moscow to Warsaw will cost about 35 euros.

The following travel tickets are valid in Poland: InterRail, Euro Domino, EurailPass (all varieties), "European East Pass" and "Polrailpass".

Trains from other countries arrive at Warsaw Central Station (tel.: 9436). In Krakow - to the Main Station (tel.: 9436).

By car / bus

Warsaw is connected by major motorways to Berlin, Prague, Budapest and Vienna. It will be inexpensive to travel from London to Warsaw by bus, which takes a little less than a day and a half. Transportation is carried out by European companies, including Eurolines (www.eurolines.com) and Polish companies such as Pekaes (Tel: 022-626-9352) and "Orbis" (Tel: 022-827-7140).

If you are planning to cross Europe by car, the shortest route is through Ostend, Brussels and Berlin. Buses from Europe arrive at the Warsaw Western Bus Station (Warszawa Zachodnia), tel.: 022-822-4811.

Airports

Warsaw

International flights arrive and depart from Okentse International Airport south of the capital. There is a car rental agency, currency exchange offices, ATMs, tourist offices, a restaurant and a tourist information office. The journey from the airport to the center of Warsaw takes about 30 minutes. Taxi will cost from 25 to 80 PLN (more expensive at night), depending on the taxi company. Some of the taxis waiting in front of the airport building look like official ones, but they are not, and they will try to deceive you.

If you need a taxi, order a car at the information desk: "Halo Taxi" (tel: 022-9623), "MPT" (tel: 022-9191) or "Super Taxi" (tel.: 022-9622). Buses will take you to the city center (from 5.00 to 22.30) No. 175 or 188 (beware of pickpockets); buses stop at all red stops and at the main train station. Some hotels have their own transport linking them to the airport. Information about the work of the airport can be obtained by phone: 022-650-4220.

Krakow

Krakow Balice Airport, also known as the International Airport. John Paul II, located 18 km west of the city. You can get to Krakow by taxi: "Barbakan Taxi" (tel: 012-9661) or "Mega Taxi" (Tel: 012-9625). Prices fluctuate between 40-60 zł. You can take the bus route 192, which will take you to the Old Town and the railway station. Information about the work of the airport can be obtained by phone: 012-639-3000. A free bus runs from the airport terminal to the railway platform, from which trains leave for the city's central station. Travel time 15 minutes, ticket price PLN 8.

Gdansk

Flights from London and some other European cities (Hamburg, Copenhagen, Brussels) land at Gdansk Airport, located less than 10 km west of the city centre.

Taxi will cost from 30 to 40 PLN; it is recommended to call "City Plus" (tel: 058-9686) or Service Taxi (Tel: 058-9194) rather than waiting for an unofficial taxi. Bus route "B" runs between the airport and the central railway station of Gdansk (40 min). Information about the airport's operation can be obtained by phone: 058-348-1111.

Travel budget

Despite the fact that over the past few years prices have increased significantly compared to other European countries, Poland remains a relatively inexpensive country for visitors from Western Europe and North America. However, tourists counting on Central Europe's recent cheapness will be a little surprised. Four- and five-star hotels in Warsaw and Krakow are almost as expensive as in Western Europe. Be that as it may, many aspects of everyday life will seem very cheap to guests: highly efficient public transport, restaurants and cafes, museums and concerts.

Road to Poland

For most Europeans, a trip to Warsaw or Krakow is a short and relatively inexpensive journey by train or plane. There is a growing number of low cost carriers offering competitive rates.

Accommodation

The cost of a room in first-class hotels is approaching and may even reach the cost of rooms in other European capitals. Approximate prices for a double room in the high season in the center of Warsaw or Krakow: 5-star hotel - PLN 500-1000 (US$125-250), 3- and 4-star hotels PLN 200-400 (US$50-100), 2-star hotel or boarding house - PLN 40-150 (US$10-40).

Food and drink

Food in Polish restaurants and cafes remains quite cheap, except for the most luxurious and well-known establishments. A three-course dinner for two with wine (including service) in a mid-range restaurant can cost around PLN 80 (US$25), and in an expensive restaurant - from 160 PLN (US$50) and higher.

local transport

Public transport (bus, metro, tram) very cheap (PLN 2.4-4). Relatively expensive taxi services (especially informal). It is recommended to use public transport except special occasions (e.g. at night) and order a taxi by phone, rather than catching a car on the street.

other expenses

Car rental in Poland is expensive: the price per day starts from $70-100 for a small car (unlimited mileage and accident insurance). In 2013, petrol cost PLN 4.20 per litre. Entrance tickets to the museum - approximately 4 PLN. Entertainment: Ticket prices for drama and musical performances and classical music concerts usually start at PLN 20.

Car rental

If you are not going to explore Poland's rural hinterland, then renting a car is not the best idea. Rent is high (US$70-100 per day), and the road network in Poland leaves much to be desired: roads are in need of repair, there are few motorways (e.g. no motorway between Warsaw and Krakow). Rental rules are similar to those adopted in other countries. The minimum age is 21 and the minimum driving experience is 1 year. International driver's licenses are valid.

Ask if accident insurance is included in the price. Local car rental agencies such as Global Poland (Warsaw, tel.: 022-650-1483) usually cheaper.

International agencies: Avis (Warsaw, tel.: 022-650-4872, Krakow, tel.: 060-120-0702, www.avis.pl), Budget (Warsaw, tel.: 022-650-4062), "Europcar" (Warsaw, tel.: 022-650-2564, Krakow, tel.: 012-633-7713), Hertz (Warsaw, tel.: 022-650-2896, Krakow, tel.: 012-429-6262) and "Sixt" (Warsaw, tel.: 022-650-2031, Krakow, tel.: 012-639-3216).

Cloth

Residents of large cities in Poland, especially Warsaw and Krakow, usually follow fashion, and chic European outfits can be seen on the streets. A jacket with a tie will be required in rare cases - to the theater, opera or a very expensive restaurant. In rural areas, they prefer a free style of clothing.

Crime and security

In Polish cities, the crime rate has increased significantly, and Warsaw cannot be considered a safe place. As for tourists, main danger for them - pickpocketing and theft from cars.

Take the usual precautions, especially on the way to the airport, train station, and at night. Robbery also occurs, though rarely; in this regard, drug addicts are a particular danger.

Other cities, including Krakow, are considered safer, but in tourist places (Wawel Hill, Market Square) do not forget to be careful. In the "Tri-City" - Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot - the level of hooliganism is high even during the day.

In places of congestion of tourists, at railway stations, in trains, as well as on bus and tram routes of large cities, pickpockets sometimes operate. Thefts happen on night trains, especially in second class compartments, although most of them happen on boarding. Car theft and car theft are also common. Do not stop the car if the other driver is showing signs that something is wrong with you - this may be a trap that precedes the robbery. There have also been reports of thieves breaking into or opening the doors of slow moving or stopped vehicles.

Customs and entry rules

To enter Poland, you need a passport valid for three months after the date of entry. Citizens of the Russian Federation need to apply for a visa. The visa is valid for 90 days and can be obtained from the Polish embassy.

customs restrictions. There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currency into Poland, but large amounts must be declared upon entry into the country. The export of antiques and works of art created before 1945 is prohibited; works of artists created after 1945 can be exported with the permission of the National Museum / Regional Institution for the Restoration of Antiquities (the same applies to objects produced before 1945, if the National Museum recognizes them as "non-museum").

The export of certain works of art created after 1945 may be prohibited if the artist is no longer alive and the work is of significant cultural value.

Anyone who wants to export a work of art dating from before 1945 must obtain a certificate from the Department of Art Certification of the National Museum (Dzial Opinionwania Dziel Sztuki), ul. Mysliwiecka 1, Warsaw. For information, call: 022-694-3194, www.mf.gov.pl.

Public transport

local transport

Most Polish cities have a developed public transport system, which includes bus and tram routes. (and in Warsaw there is also one metro line).

In Warsaw, 1,200 buses carry passengers from 5.00 to 23.00; night buses run from 23.30 to 5.30. Tickets (valid for bus, tram and metro) can be purchased at kiosks in yellow-green color with the inscription "Ruch"; a ticket bought from the driver will cost a little more. After landing, the ticket must be validated (obsolete punched cards have now been replaced by magnetic cards). The controller has the right to collect a fine for stowaways on the spot.

There are 22 tram lines and more than 100 bus routes in Krakow. They work from 5.00 to 23.00. Tickets are single-use, as well as travel - for an hour, day or week.

Bus

Most city buses are red. A trip on an express or a night bus will cost twice as much as a regular one. If you want to get out, signal the driver by pressing the button.

Tram

Most Polish cities have an extensive tram network; Some trams also run at night. The timetable is posted at stops, although it is not always strictly observed. In the Old Town of Warsaw there is a tram route that starts and ends at the Castle Square and allows you to make a 30-minute journey through both the Old and the New Town.

Taxi

Taxi fares start at PLN 5 and increase by PLN 1.4 per kilometer (at night for PLN 2). Polish taxi drivers are notorious for overcharging foreigners. There are many unofficial taxis in Poland, which are very difficult to distinguish from officially registered ones. They line up at airports and railway stations with impunity.

If you need a taxi, order it by phone; ask the hotel receptionist to do this for you. Catching a car on the street is not recommended, as it almost always turns out to be an unofficial taxi. In case of emergency, negotiate the cost of the trip in advance.

Metro

The Warsaw Metro consists of a single 13 km line that runs from Bankowska Square in the city center to the southern suburb of Kabata. (next to Ursynov district). The metro operates daily 5.00-23.15; traffic interval is 5 minutes during peak hours and 8 minutes at other times.

Country trips

Bus

Warsaw Main Bus Station - Western Bus Station (Warsaw West, Al. Jerozolimskie 144, Tel: 022-822-4811). Krakow's main bus station is located next to the train station (pl. Kolejowy, tel.: 012-422-3134). Bus station in Gdansk (Dworzec PKS, ul. 3 Maja 12, tel.: 058-302-0532) also located near the railway station.

The national transport company, PKS, has an extensive bus network covering the entire country. Private alternative - Polski Express (tel.: 022-854-0285, www.polskiexpress.pl).

Information about bus service can be obtained by phone: 0-300-300-300.

Railway

Polish railways, which is more than 26,500 km long and covers the entire country; train is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between major cities. The exception is trips over short distances, where the bus is faster (for example, from Krakow to Zakopane). There are six railway stations in Warsaw; most trains from other countries arrive at Central Station (Warszawa Centralna, Al. Jerozolimskie 54, tel.: 022-9436), the rest - to Warszawa Wschodnia Station. Smaller stations, mainly on the outskirts of the city, serve suburban routes.

To Krakow Main Railway Station (Krakow Dworzec Glowny, PL Dworcowy 1, Tel: 012-9436) arriving trains of international and local routes. Gdansk main railway station (Gdansk Glowny, ul. Podwale Grodzkie 1, tel.: 058-9436) Serves a local route between the cities of the "Tri-City", from 6.00 to 19.30 interval of 10 minutes, then less often.

The journey by train from Warsaw to Krakow takes 3 hours, from Warsaw to Gdansk - 3 hours 40 minutes, and from Warsaw to Poznań - 3 hours 20 minutes.

Schedule and other information can be found on the website www.pkp.com.pl.

Car driving

To drive a car in Poland, you need to have a valid driver's license and car registration documents. Cars from most European countries (including Britain, Germany and Austria) are assumed to be fully insured and therefore no additional documentation is required. Take your insurance policy with you just in case.

Road condition

Poland is not the best place for driving. It has the highest death rate in road accidents in Europe; roads are generally in poor condition (one estimate is that 45% of the roads in Warsaw are in need of repair) and are often crowded with traffic. There is no highway system in the country (there is only one high-class motorway, a toll road between Krakow and Katowice), and therefore traffic will be slow - cars have to compete for space on the road with trucks and other vehicles.

The driver should be very careful, especially on country roads, which are usually narrow, poorly lit at night and often repaired. (mostly in summer). You may find that back roads are used not only by cars, but also by pedestrians and animals. Often the cause of road accidents is alcohol intoxication.

Rules

You should drive on the right, overtake on the left, being careful. The vehicle must be equipped with a national number plate or country sticker. You must have a set of spare lamps, a first aid kit and a warning triangle with you. Seat belts are mandatory in the front and rear seats; children under 12 years old can only be transported in the back, on a special seat. Motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear helmets. Talking on a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. The rules governing blood alcohol content are very strict: more than 0.02% is severely punished. Headlights must be on at all times.

Speed ​​limits: 130 km/h on motorways, 110 km/h on divided highways, 100 km/h on undivided highways, 90 km/h outside cities, 50 km/h in cities (including Warsaw). Fines apply for speeding.

Gasoline cost

Petrol stations are often found along freeways and main roads, but you should not turn onto country roads without filling up your tank. As a rule, the stations operate around the clock. Unleaded gasoline is almost everywhere (PLN 4.20). Credit cards are almost always accepted.

parking

Car parking is a serious problem in all major cities, especially if the historical part has been turned into a pedestrian zone. If you are driving, make sure your hotel has parking. Cars parked in the wrong place are evacuated. Use only secure parking lots.

If you need help

If you need assistance, call the Polish Roadside Assistance Service at 071-9637, where you will be given the address of the nearest car repair shop. Don't forget to put a warning triangle 50m behind the car (100 m on a median highway). Victims should be reported to the police.

Multilingual emergency helpline available at: 0800-200-300 (regular telephone or payphone), from a mobile phone: +48-608-59-99-99.

Road signs

Standard international pictograms are used throughout Poland. The sign with "Czarny Punkt", a cross on a black circle, indicates a particularly dangerous area.

Religion

Almost all Poles belong to the Roman Catholic Church, and 80% are Catholics. The previous pope, John Paul II, was Archbishop of Krakow before being elected head of the Roman Catholic Church.

There are also religious minorities in Poland, in particular Protestants, Orthodox and Jews. The tourist information office has lists of worship services that take place in English and other languages. (rarely).

Telephone

Currently, most payphones in Poland only accept calling cards - but this does not mean that all of them are in good working order. Phone cards, of which there are a great many varieties, can be purchased at newsstands, in some hotels, at the post office and at the tourist information office. There are public telephone offices in Warsaw for long-distance and international calls: Netia Telephone (ul. Poleczki 13, tel.: 022-330-2000) and TPSA (ul. Nowy Swiat 6-12, tel.: 022-627-4081). In Krakow, Netia Telephone (ul. J. Conrada 51, tel.: 012-290-1143).

To make an international call from a payphone, dial the international line access code (0 - beep - 0 - beep), then the country code and phone number, including the region code. Discounted rates do not apply to international calls. For a long distance call, dial the area code (after 0) and phone number; discounted rate starts from 22.00. For local calls, you do not need to dial the area code. Mobile phone numbers are 10 digits. Phone code of Poland: 48

  • Help desk for local and long distance calls: 913
  • Inquiry of international calls: 908

Region codes:

  • Gdansk / Gdynia / Sopot 058
  • Krakow 012
  • Lodz 042
  • Poznan 061
  • Torun 056
  • Warsaw 022
  • Zamość 084
  • Zakopane 018

Tips

In Poland it is customary to give a tip - but not necessarily. In restaurants, tips are usually 10-15%; in bars, the bill is rounded up. Some restaurants may charge 10% service charge; carefully study the bill and clarify so as not to pay a tip twice. Porters, maids and guides also expect tips from you.

Time

All of Poland is in the same time zone and lives according to Central European Time + 1 h. Summer time + 2 h is valid from the last Sunday in March.

Electricity

In Poland, the voltage in the electrical network is 220 V with a frequency of 50 Hz. Plug standard European (with two round pins); British and American devices will require an adapter. 110V/60Hz electrical appliances require an adapter or voltage converter.

toilets

Public toilets in Poland may be few and far between. There is usually a small fee (1-2 PLN), and even in cafes, patrons sometimes have to pay to use the toilet. Men's toilets are usually indicated by a triangle symbol, women's by a circle.

Guides and excursions

A large number of tour agencies and other organizations are engaged in the sale of tour packages to Poland. Some offer special tours such as Jewish pilgrimages and religious trips. Thematic tours also include an excursion to Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter of Krakow, where the action of the movie "Schindler's List" takes place.

The largest Polish tour operator "Orbis" offers all kinds of services, from city tours and day trips to discovering the main sights of Poland; other travel agencies offer similar services. Information about guide-interpreters and organized excursions in major cities can be obtained from the tourist information office or local branch RTTK.

Medical service

Doctors and other medical personnel in Poland are generally knowledgeable and experienced; most speak English or German. In some cases, you will have to pay for the medical services provided in cash, although for EU citizens who have a European health insurance card (it can be bought by mail or online at: www.ethic.org.uk), medical service free. Citizens of non-EU countries must purchase health insurance; EU citizens can also purchase separate insurance, for example, for the fastest delivery to a medical facility.

As a precaution, it is recommended to drink bottled water - it is inexpensive in Poland. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the countryside, especially in areas bordering Russia, Lithuania, and Belarus, ask your doctor for symptoms of Lyme disease.

Foreigners are provided with emergency medical care on the spot. Ask your hotel or consulate for the name of a doctor who knows your native language. In Warsaw, Krakow, Gdańsk, Katowice, Szczecin, Lodz and Poznań, call the Falck service by dialing the area code and 9675 - there is an English speaking medical staff. The main ambulance station in Warsaw is located at ul. Hoza 56 (intersection with ul. Poznanska). The private hospital of the Ministry of Internal Affairs enjoys a good reputation (ul. Woloska 137, tel.: 022-508-1552). Centrum Medicover has medical centers in many Polish cities, in particular Krakow, Warsaw, Poznan and Gdansk; in case of emergency call: 9677 (around the clock).

Pharmacies

Look for the "apteka" sign. In Poland, pharmacies sell only medicines and medical products. A list of overnight pharmacies can be obtained from the Tourist Information Office. There are two in Warsaw: a pharmacy at ul. Putawska 39, tel.: 022-849-3757) and a pharmacy at al. Jerozolimskie 54, Central Station, tel.: 022-825-6986). For other pharmacies, see your local publication, In Your Pocket, or visit: www.inyourpocket.com.

Internet cafe

Internet cafes are very popular in major Polish cities, and the prices there are very low, from 4-6 zł per hour.

Warsaw: Casablanca (ul. Krakowskie Przedmiescie 4-6, tel.: 022-828-1447), cafe "Cyber" (Zwirki i Wigury 1, in the courtyard of the Marriott hotel opposite the airport, tel.: 022-650-0172), "Silver Zone" (ul. Pulawska 17, phone: 022-852-8888).

Krakow: Garinet (ul. Florianska 18, tel.: 012-423-2233), PCNet (ul. Kosciuszki 82, tel.: 012-411-2688).

Cards

Tourist information offices usually provide tourists with free maps of cities and regions. (often for a small fee), which is sufficient in most cases. There are a huge number of more detailed maps produced by PPWK and other publishers. Drivers may need a road atlas (Atlas Samochodowy).

Mass media

Newspapers and magazines

In Poland, periodicals are published in Russian, for example, the newspaper "Russian Courier of Warsaw", the magazine "New Poland". The most respected newspaper in English language the weekly "Warsaw Voice" is considered. It covers Polish politics, business and culture in detail and has a dedicated section for tourists. Pay attention to publications such as "Welcome to Warsaw" (free information magazine), "Warsaw Insider" (free quarterly magazine with a poster of cultural events) and "In Your Pocket" (Warsaw, Krakow and Gdansk edition - mini guides with numerous lists and useful information).

Radio and TV

The first channel of Polish radio, which broadcasts on different frequencies throughout the country, broadcasts news in English. Poland has two state television channels and one private one, PolSat. Four and five star hotels (and some three star) offer satellite TV with major European and American news channels and programs.

Opening hours

Opening hours may vary, but most organizations in Poland are open Mon-Fri 8.00-17.00. Supermarkets, department stores and shopping centers are open Mon-Sat 9.00-20.00, Sun 10.00-18.00. Small shops are open Mon-Fri 10.00-18.00, Sat 9.00 (10.00) - 23.00 (24.00) . Some have a day off on Saturday, and almost all shops are closed on Sunday. The "Non-Stop" sign indicates round-the-clock operation.

Banks are usually open Mon-Fri 9.00-16.00 (on Friday some close at 13.00). Museums are open: Tue-Sun 10.00-17.00, closed: Mon. The post office is open: Mon-Fri 8.00-20.00, Sat 8.00-14.00. The Central Post Office in Warsaw is open 24/7.

Mail

At post offices (poczta) you can send a letter, talk on the phone, send a telegram, telex and (in large branches) Fax. Stamps are also sold at newsstands and shops, in the same place as postcards. Red mailboxes on the streets have the inscription "Poczta".

Central post office (Urzqd Pocztowy Warszawa) in Warsaw (ul. Swietokrzyska 31-33, phone: 022-505-3316) works around the clock. Other convenient branches are located on Targowa Street (ul. Targowa 73, tel.: 022-590-0360), on Constitution Square (pl. Konstytucji 3, tel.: 022-621-4825) and the Old Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta 15, tel.: 022-831-2333).

In Krakow, the Main Post Office is located on Westerplatte Street. (ul. Westerplatte 20, tel.: 012-422-3991, open: Mon-Fri 7.30-20.30, Sat 8.00-14.00, Sun 9.00-14.00). Another branch is located opposite the railway station (ul. Lubicz 4, open: Mon-Fri around the clock, some services are limited from 20.00 to 7.00, Sat 7.00-20.00).

Sending a postcard or letter to Europe costs PLN 1.90, to the USA and Canada - PLN 2.10.

There are representative offices of DHL, TNT and UPS in Warsaw and Krakow.

Units

In Poland, the metric system of measures and weights is used.

Information for tourists

Polish tourist information centers - from a table in the corner of a small tourist office to an entire building filled with interactive maps and weight useful information, - the first point after your arrival at the place. Here they will not only help you plan your route, but also advise you on a hotel, a car rental agency, restaurants with real local cuisine, and provide many other services. Below are the addresses of tourist information offices in the main cities of the country.

Warsaw

There are two tourist information offices at Okęce Airport: in the arrivals hall of Terminal 1 and in the Etiuda terminal (open: daily May - September 8.00-20.00, October - April 8.00-18.00). The other two branches are located on the Central railway station (al. Jerozolimskie 54, open: daily May - September 8.00-20.00, October - April 8.00-18.00) and on ul. Krakowskie Przedmiescie 39 (open: daily May - September 8.00-20.00, October - April 9.00-18.00). General tourist information can be obtained by phone: 022-9431 and on the website www.warsawtour.pl.

Krakow


Poland (officially the Republic of Poland) is a state located in the central part of Europe, bordered by Germany in the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia in the south, Ukraine and Belarus in the east. Previously, this country was ruled by kings and queens, so on its territory you can still find many castles that are definitely worth a visit. Poland has a unique cuisine, a friendly and culturally developed population, women and beautiful landscapes. Especially for you, we have collected the most about Poland.

They don't trust people until they get drunk together.



Ask any Pole if they have a friend with whom they just drink tea and never drink alcohol. Finding these is simply impossible! If you want to have a good friend, then you must persevere in drinking with him. This way you will see what kind of person he is and whether he can be trusted.
Perhaps it looks like madness, but the Poles perceive it as normal.

Catholics who hate churches


It's really strange, but many Poles hate the church. Even though they gather every Sunday in churches, they still hate them. Most likely this is due to hypocrisy.

Every spring we kill dolls


An interesting Polish tradition, which is to make a doll (human-sized) at the end of winter, and drown it in a pond at the beginning of spring. Thus, the Poles welcome the onset of the warm seasons.

Very superstitious



Many Poles believe in bad luck from the number 13. They worry if a black cat crosses their path. These and many other superstitions are feared by the inhabitants of Poland.

"Name Day" is more important than "Birthday"


Yes, Angel's Day is the most important holiday for most Poles. They have a special calendar with days and names of saints.

One disappeared from geographical maps



It happened in the late 1700s, during the reign of Empress Catherine the Great. Then the Russian Empire annexed most of Poland to its composition, and the rest was divided between Prussia and Austria. This continued until 1807.

Inventors of the mine detector



When Hitler threatened to invade Britain, the British scattered 350,000 anti-personnel mines all over the country's beaches. In 1941, Hitler changed his mind and turned his troops to the USSR. When the threat was over, the British decided to remove all the placed mines, but no one knew their exact location. Polish Lieutenant Józef Stanisław Kozak came up with a solution to this problem by improving the mine detector.

Probably the strongest man in the world



Mariusz Pudzianowski is one of the most powerful people in the world. He is a five-time winner of the "Most strong man in the world". No one was able to repeat his result.

Located in the very center of Europe, Poland is a country that many people know firsthand. Thousands of tourists come here every year, and it is not surprising - what is Warsaw alone worth! And among immigrants, Poland, along with Slovakia and the Czech Republic, is popular. Why not? A Slavic country with a fairly transparent immigration law is of interest to people from other countries former Union. Be that as it may, we have compiled for you a selection of interesting and curious facts about Poland:

  1. In some coffee machines you can buy borscht. Yes, yes, borscht in Poland is usually drunk, not eaten.
  2. The most popular sport among Poles is football.
  3. After the Second World War, almost completely destroyed Warsaw was actually rebuilt.
  4. There are more theaters in Polish cities than cinemas.
  5. Films in Polish cinemas are shown without dubbing, with subtitles.
  6. The most popular dessert in Poland is gingerbread.
  7. Every year a large number of illegal immigrants come to Poland. However, this is not the best way - there are legal ways.
  8. In Warsaw there is a street named after Winnie the Pooh.
  9. Almost a third of the territory of Poland is occupied by carefully preserved forests.
  10. Poland ranks first in the world in the export of amber.
  11. It is the first country in Europe and the second country in the world to have a constitution.
  12. In Poland, it is customary for men to kiss a woman's hand when they meet.
  13. The largest departments in Polish grocery stores are departments with sweets.
  14. The first floor in Poland is “zero. Accordingly, the button with the number "1" in the elevator corresponds to the second floor, and so on.
  15. Almost a third (19 million out of 60) of Poles live in other countries.
  16. On average, Poles get married before all other Europeans.
  17. There is not a single nuclear power plant in Poland.
  18. There are no homeless dogs here either. But there are a huge number of squirrels and hedgehogs in the parks. By the way, there are also a lot of parks.
  19. The second city in terms of the number of Poles living in it is Chicago, USA.
  20. Polish cuisine as a whole is very similar to Russian or Ukrainian.
  21. A typical holiday dish in a Polish family is soup. On ordinary days, soup is rarely eaten.
  22. Sports and fitness are very popular here. Many Poles run in the morning.
  23. In general, the Poles, like the Germans, are punctual.
  24. Passing the driving license exam in Poland is difficult.
  25. Despite being a member of the European Union, Poland has retained its own currency, the złoty.
  26. Honorary donors who have donated more than 18 liters of blood use public transport for free.
  27. All major cities have night buses, but using them is not always safe.
  28. There are many bicycles and cycle paths in Polish cities.
  29. The sirens installed on special services vehicles are notable for their monstrous volume.
  30. The academic year in Poland starts in October.
  31. There are more than a hundred higher educational institutions in Poland.
  • Currency of Poland: złoty
  • Population of Poland: 38.4 million people
  • Phone code of Poland: +48
  • Poland's time zone: UTC+1. CET
  • Languages ​​of Poland: Polish
  • Poland is the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus and Frederic Chopin, Lech Walesa and Pope John Paul II.
  • Poland has been a member of the EU since 2004 and the Schengen area since 2007.
  • The ethnic composition of the state of Poland is homogeneous, 99% of the population are Poles.
  • Poland is known for its gingerbread, which depicts great historical figures.
  • Interesting fact: Every year in late June - early July, the State of Poland celebrates the Day of the Sea.
  • Interesting fact: More than 90% of Poles are Catholics.
  • Abortion banned in Poland
  • An interesting fact: Christianity was established on the territory of the country of Poland in the 10th century.
  • Poland boasts a huge number of mountain thermal and healing springs.
  • The signature dish of the state of Poland is bigos (stewed cabbage with meat).
  • Interesting fact: Among all EU countries, Poles have the largest families.
  • Interesting fact: The Polish Catholic Church can officially register marriages.
  • The school system is divided into 3 levels: Podstawówka - junior grades from 1st to 6th, gimnazjum - equivalent to grades 7-9, liceum - senior grades (10-12), most often they are in different buildings and when moving to the next step students change not only the building, but also the team.
  • 90% of Poles have at least a secondary education - this is one of the best indicators in Europe.
  • "Sto lat!" - traditional song for birthdays, weddings, etc. festive events.
  • On the territory of the country of Poland, one of the brightest carnivals in Europe takes place on Maslenitsa.
  • Interesting fact: Poland is the center of European pottery.
  • The Polish prince Mieszko I (Mieszko I; 935-992) (according to the documents) was the first ruler of this country (a territory approximately equal to modern Poland).
  • Syphilis in Russia was called the "Polish disease"
  • The last king of Poland abdicated in 1795.
  • Pole Konstantin Rokossovsky had the title of Marshal of the USSR and Marshal of Poland.
  • The first mention of settlements on the territory of the modern state of Poland dates back to the 10th century BC.
  • Public transport is free: children under 7 years old, honorary blood donors (who donated more than 18 liters), people over 70 years old, and also luggage, bicycles and pets.
  • Jagiellonian University - the oldest university educational institution Poland.
  • Interesting fact: After a meal, it is customary to say thank you to everyone (not to the cook for the prepared dishes, but to the neighbors for the company).

  • In Wroclaw, festivals of medieval culture are held annually: medieval dances, riding knight horses, archery and much more.
  • Poland is divided into 16 provinces. Voivodships are divided into powiats, and powiats are divided into gminas.
  • The historic center of Warsaw (Old Town) after the Second World War was restored according to the paintings of the 17th-18th centuries and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as an example of a thorough restoration of the destroyed property.
  • Poland has 23 national parks, about 1200 nature reserves and more than 100 bird sanctuaries.
  • Interesting fact: The most popular sport in Poland is football.
  • In Poland, a yellow traffic light is called orange.
  • There are no circuses in Warsaw.
  • The student academic year starts in October.
  • In Poland, there are beautiful Masurian Lakes - this is a favorite place for Poles for kayaking and yachting. The lakes were formed after the convergence of the glacier.
  • According to the Polish Wikipedia, there are 47 theaters in the capital and only 36 cinemas.
  • Higher education in Polish is free in many universities (including for foreigners).
  • Interesting fact: Poland has the largest population of white storks (almost 23% of the entire world population).
  • Interesting fact: There is a metro in Poland only in Warsaw.
  • Tickets for travel in 2nd class carriages are sold in unlimited quantities and without indication of seats, so you often have to stand very tightly in the vestibule for hours.
  • In Poland there is a desert called Bledowska.
  • Polish is the third Slavic language in the world in terms of the number of speakers (after Ukrainian and Russian)
  • Cinema tickets are sold without specifying a seat. You can just buy a ticket and take any free.
  • An interesting fact: the rivers Velna and Nelba intersect at right angles, but their waters do not mix!
  • Chicago is the second most populous city in the world.
  • The word "Tanya" in Polish means "cheap". It is better for girls with this name to introduce themselves as Tatyana.
  • The National Stadium in Warsaw was built specifically for Euro 2012 on the site of the largest bazaar in Eastern Europe.
  • An interesting fact: On average, Poles pass on the rights from the 3-5th time.
  • The obligatory first dance at the graduation ball in Polish schools is the Polonaise.

Don't Forget Before Traveling

In this article you will not find dry statistical data about Poland. It is dedicated to more interesting, funny facts about this beautiful country in Eastern Europe.

Among all Slavic languages, Polish is spoken by the largest number of people, with the exception, of course, of the Russian language. About 60 million people speak Polish in the world. However, only 65% ​​of this number live in Poland.

Red borscht in Poland is not quite what they are used to in Ukraine or Russia. This dish in the Polish version is a kind of beet broth with spices. It can be bought in shops in Poland even in an ordinary cardboard bag, like juice.

The main Polish fast food that you can buy on the streets is kebab. With the filling, it resembles shawarma, but all this is placed in a cut bun. They eat it with a fork, as the size of the kebab does not allow it to be easily stuffed into the mouth. 🙂

Poland is the world's largest exporter of January, sourced from the coast Baltic Sea. The coastal port city of Gdansk is especially famous for its amber jewelry.

The famous skyscraper, which is calling card Warsaw was built as a gift to the Polish people from the Soviet, on the initiative of Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin. Until today, this Palace of Culture and Science is the tallest building in Poland and the tallest building in Warsaw. Its height is 237 meters. Moreover, this building has firmly become the hallmark of Warsaw and its symbol. In style, it is very reminiscent of the building of Moscow State University in Moscow, but the Moscow version is somewhat lower - 214 meters.

The church in Poland has the right not only to marry young couples, but also to register their marriage in the state register.

Before the events of World War II, Poland was the European center of Jewry. About 3.3 million Jews lived in the country at that time. By the way, a Jew in Polish sounds like "Jew", which is not offensive, at least from the point of view of the Poles. About 50,000 Poles were executed by the Germans for helping Jews. On the territory of Poland was the largest concentration camp Auschwitz, near the city of Oswiecim. The museum still exists on this site. During the war, about 1.1 million Jews were executed or died from disease and starvation in the camp. Previously, this number was estimated at 4 million.

Poland is part of the so-called vodka belt of Europe. The first vodka in Poland began to be produced in the 11th century. It was called gorzalks and was used as a medicine at the time. From this word came the Ukrainian word "horilka".

Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla) was the only Pope of Polish origin. He spent the longest time on the throne in the history of the Vatican. Some believe that he greatly contributed to the destruction of communism in Central and Eastern Europe. By the way, most Poles do not like their communist past, unlike the inhabitants of the countries of the former USSR, who relate to that period with nostalgia. It is difficult to say why this happens, because Poland at that time was far from being the poorest country, and Polish socialism differed significantly from Soviet socialism, since Poland then had a lot of private shops, workshops, etc.

Poland has the first functioning constitution in Europe.

The most popular dog name in Poland, like our Sharik, is Burek.

In Poland, the first floor is numbered as zero or parterre (parterz). This is often the cause of confusion for many foreigners and for Ukrainians in particular.

Poland's youth are the first to marry in the European Union.

Since 2007, according to Polish law 1% of income tax transferred to the activities of public organizations. Which ones, you choose yourself.

About 23% of the world's white storks live in Poland, which in Polish is called bocian, which sounds like a bochan. His image is often used on the coats of arms of cities, the names of urban areas, such as Bochanovo, and logos of commercial companies.

Abortion is prohibited in Poland. Termination of pregnancy is allowed only for medical reasons - in case of a threat to the life of the mother or irreparable pathologies of the fetus, or during pregnancy, which was the result of rape.