English is fairly widely spoken in Poland at large with just over a third of Poles overall reported as being able to speak English to some degree. This ratio goes up in Warsaw, where you will have no problems finding people who can speak English if you need help.
If Polish cuisine were to be described in just one word, "heartfelt" would perhaps be the most fitting choice. Here are a few highlights: Zurek (sour rye soup), bigos (sauerkraut and meat stew), pierogi (enough said), tartare (steak tartar with onion and egg yolk), kielbasa (sausage), kotlet schabowy (lightly fried pork cutlet in breadcrumbs), silesian kluski (similar to gnocchi), and placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes). Milk Bars ("bar mleczny"), such as Bar Bambino, are historic communist-era spots for dirt-cheap, delicious Polish comfort food. For some less traditional recommendations: Pizza at Dominium (recently bought by Domino's), a kebab at Kebab King, and of course, the menu at McDonald's. Also - Paprika flavored potato chips, found at any convenience store or grocery.
Vodka, beer (lagers are the most traditional), and all the new flavors of Fanta! The most prominent Polish beers are Zywiec, Okocim, Perla, Tyskie. Poland, and Warsaw specifically, also has a growing craft beer scene.
Warsaw is, generally speaking, very safe, so don't worry! Most people, especially those under 40, will speak English. Be sure to snag a business card from your hotel, or write down your accommodation's address, in case you need to ask for directions. Many local cafes and businesses have WiFi, so you can always use your phone to open a maps app. Jakdojade (jakdojade.pl) has a great website and mobile app to help you get around the city using public transport.
As all travel restrictions to the Republic of Poland have been lifted, there is no longer any requirement to: -Present a vaccination certificate when crossing the border -Quarantine after crossing the border -Possess a negative SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test result when crossing the Polish border from countries outside of the Schengen/EU zone
As of 12:01 a.m. EDT June 12, 2022, the CDC order requiring all persons aged two and above to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States, is rescinded. Starting at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 12, 2022, the CDC will no longer order air passengers to show a negative COVID-19 test result, or show documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the United States. Of note, CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect.
We'll be spending a few days touring Krakow before taking a two-hour train to Warsaw. We're flying direct from Chicago ORD to KRK (Krakow) airport via Polish Airline LOT, flight number LO10, landing in Krakow at 9:35 am on August 13th. We'll be departing Warsaw (WAW) back to Chicago (ORD) at 4:40 pm on LOT flight number LO3, landing in Chicago at 7:30 pm on August 21st. Utilize google.com/flights to cross-references options, layovers, flight paths, and airlines. You can save some money with a layover, but we don't recommend more than one layover for time efficiency purposes. Landing in the evening will be better for jet-lag, otherwise you'll need to fuel on lots of coffee during the day to stay awake until night. If you're planning a multi-country trip, book the first and last legs of your trip together, then book the intra-Europe books separately. Be aware of baggage fees, and purchase any additional allowances you need before you get to the airport - you'll save money that way.
Service at restaurants, especially full-service restaurants, is slower than it in the US. You will also need to ask for the bill in order to pay; your servers won't just hand you the check, and are unlikely to assume you're ready to leave. Most places accept major credit cards, but always be sure to have cash and change handy. We recommend avoiding the currency exchanges (even the "no commission" ones have hefty hidden fees) and using your debit card at an ATM to get Polish zloty. There's ATMs on nearly every city block. There are public restrooms in the city, but you will need to pay 1-2 PLN (about 50 cents), to access them. The good news? Paying for a restroom means they're clean. Looking for one? Just say "toilet." Pickpocket-ers are not a huge issue in Poland, but it's always smart to be aware of your surroundings. Leave your passport in the safe at the hotel, and keep a copy of it with you. If you're carrying a bag or purse, be sure it has a zipper or sturdy closure.