Things To Do
in Chełm

Polish filled dumplings served boiled or fried with fillings like potato-cheese, meat, or mushrooms; available at most restaurants and market stalls.

Must-Try!

A sour rye soup often served with sausage and egg — comforting and commonly found on menus in Chełm.

A flat round wheat bread topped with onions and poppy seeds, a Lublin-region specialty sold in bakeries and markets around Chełm.

Grilled or roasted sausage and pork knuckle served with mustard, sauerkraut or potatoes; a staple in taverns and meat-focused eateries.

The central market area and nearby stalls sell fresh produce, breads, cheeses and seasonal street snacks like zapiekanka (open-faced baguette with toppings) and cebularz.

Local farmers sell honey, vegetables, dairy and cured meats — great for sampling regional products and buying picnic supplies.

Use basic polite phrases (please, thank you) and address older people formally (Pan/Pani + surname) until invited to use first names.

When visiting churches, dress modestly and keep noise low; photographs may be restricted during services.

Be reasonably punctual for meetings and tours—Poles value punctuality for appointments.

Poles tend to keep moderate personal space; handshakes are the standard greeting in formal situations.

In restaurants a tip of around 10% for good service is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving small change for cafés and taxis is common practice.

Card payments (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in shops and larger restaurants, but small vendors and market stalls may be cash-only—carry some złoty for small purchases and local transport.

Mild temperatures, blooming meadows and fewer tourists—ideal for hiking the chalk hills and enjoying markets; bring layers for variable weather.

Warm and pleasant, with long daylight hours and outdoor events; perfect for walks and day trips, but expect occasional thunderstorms—pack sunscreen and light rain gear.

Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage make it a scenic time for photography and hikes; some attractions have shorter opening hours later in the season.

Cold with regular snow and freezing temperatures; the town is quieter, several outdoor sites can be icy—dress warmly and check tunnel tour schedules which may change seasonally.

Local chalk hills with marked trails, limestone outcrops, meadows and good viewpoints—ideal for half-day hikes and photography.

A larger network of trails (60–120 km south) through rolling hills, forests and rivers—excellent for multi-day treks, cycling and nature observation.

Wetland landscapes, peat bogs and wooden boardwalks in eastern Poland; reachable as a longer day trip for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Numerous shorter loop trails and riverside walks around Chełm for easy, family-friendly outings and picnics.

Vegetarian options exist (pierogi with cheese/potato, buckwheat dishes, salads), but choice is more limited than in large cities—ask staff to adapt meat-based dishes or seek vegetarian cafés.

Vegan choices are growing but still limited; rely on soups, salads, vegetable stews and market produce, and communicate clearly (use the word 'wegańskie').

Gluten-free options are available in some places but not widespread—pack snacks if you have strict needs and ask about ingredients; bakeries mostly use wheat flour.

Specialty halal or kosher restaurants are not common in Chełm; travelers who require these should plan ahead or seek vegetarian preparations.