Poland is warm, welcoming and endlessly patient with visitors. That said, it also has rules, rhythms and unspoken boundaries that can turn you from charming traveller into accidental menace if you are not careful. You are here to eat pierogi and admire castles, not to offend an entire nation before lunch.
So let us save your dignity, your reputation and possibly your bar tab with the top ten things you should absolutely not do as a tourist in Poland.
1. Do Not Joke About Polish History
Poland’s past is heavy, complex and still deeply emotional.
World War II, occupations and political struggles are not fun trivia topics. Dark jokes will not land. Ever. What feels like casual banter to you can be deeply offensive here.
💡 Rule: Listen more than you talk when history comes up.
2. Do Not Assume Everyone Is Russian
This is the fastest way to make a room go emotionally cold.
Poland is proudly Polish with its own language, culture and identity. Being mistaken for Russian is not a compliment and neither is being lumped together.
💡 Rule: If you are unsure, ask where someone is from instead of guessing.
3. Do Not Forget to Validate Your Public Transport Ticket
Buying a ticket is not enough. You must validate it.
Ticket inspectors appear without warning and they do not care that you are jet lagged and confused. Fines are real and they hurt.
💡 Rule: Stamp your ticket as soon as you get on.
4. Do Not Expect Shop Staff to Chit Chat
Polish service style is efficient, not theatrical.
You will not get fake smiles or overenthusiastic small talk. That does not mean they are rude. It means they are being professional.
💡 Rule: Polite, direct and brief works perfectly here.
5. Do Not Walk into Churches Like They Are Museums
Churches in Poland are active places of worship.
Turning up in beachwear, talking loudly or taking flash photos during mass is deeply disrespectful and very noticeable.
💡 Rule: Dress modestly and observe quietly.
6. Do Not Be Loud About How Cheap Everything Is
Yes, Poland is affordable. No, locals do not need the reminder.
Shouting about prices compared to your home country can come across as tone deaf and tactless.
💡 Rule: Enjoy the bargain in silence and spend the savings on dessert.
7. Do Not Skip Tipping Entirely
Tipping is not mandatory but it is appreciated.
Leaving nothing at all in restaurants can look stingy, especially after good service.
💡 Rule: Around 10 percent is polite and well received.
8. Do Not Assume Everyone Speaks Fluent English
Many people do, especially younger Poles and city workers. But not everyone.
Expecting effortless communication everywhere can lead to awkward moments and unnecessary frustration.
💡 Rule: Learn a few Polish phrases and use a translation app.
9. Do Not Treat Vodka Like a Party Trick
Vodka culture in Poland is serious business.
It is meant to be respected, paced and paired with food. Treating it like a speed challenge will earn you concern rather than applause.
💡 Rule: Sip, snack and survive.
10. Do Not Only Visit One City
Poland is not just Kraków or Warsaw.
The real magic often lives in smaller towns, mountain villages and seaside cities that barely make it onto the first page of guidebooks.
💡 Rule: Get on a train and explore beyond the obvious.
Final Friendly Warning
Poland will treat you beautifully if you treat it with the same respect. Mind the history, mind the manners and mind the vodka. Do that and you will be rewarded with incredible food, deep stories, proud culture and enough memories to last far longer than your hangover.
Be curious, be considerate and try not to embarrass your entire country while abroad.
