Polish Culture

Poland is a proud nation with a long history that has seen its share of tragedy and hardship; however, Polish culture is mostly centered around finding the beauty in everyday life. While Poland is a thoroughly modern country, it holds fast to its roots in history.

There are only two things that move quickly in Poland: the traffic and the Polish language. When visiting, remember to sit back and enjoy yourself at all times, unless of course you are hiring a car; in that case, pay close attention to the roundabouts and the traffic police that man them!

Architecture is an important part of Polish culture, which is evidenced by the magnificent monuments you will find throughout the nation. Castles, huge cathedrals and small but elaborate churches, along with magnificent public buildings are seen everywhere; even though many were severely damaged or destroyed during the second world war, they have been carefully restored to their former glory.

Polish cuisine is rich and delicious, with foods like pierogi, pyzy, kielbasa, bigos, Oscypek, and other traditional foods that take center stage. As you might already know, hospitality is important, and most meals are group occasions. The most important drink in Poland is vodka, and Poland is one of Europe’s top beer producers. While mead (wine made from honey) was traditionally consumed during the Middle Ages in Poland, grape wines are becoming more popular today. Should you choose to eschew alcoholic beverages, you’ll find a number of popular soft drinks and teas available.

Music and literature are also important parts of Polish culture. Famous classical composer Chopin, for example, was born in Poland, and since the middle ages, literature has held pride of place. Both folk art and fine art are important to Poland’s people, with famous artists from Poland including painters, sculptors, and photographers. This is not at all surprising, given the incredible beauty that this northern country is known for.

The best way to get the most enjoyment from a trip to Poland is to take some time to learn to speak Polish before you go. If you are planning a trip to this incredible country, knowing how to speak Polish will help you interact better with Poland’s people. You can learn Polish by listening to podcasts which don’t just teach you to speak Polish, but which also provide a glimpse into the country’s culture and uniquely beautiful way of life.