Things To Do
in Maków Mazowiecki

Sour rye soup often served with sausage and egg; commonly found in local restaurants and home-style eateries.

Must-Try!

Dumplings stuffed with potato, cheese, meat or seasonal fillings like mushrooms — available at most casual restaurants.

When in season (late summer/autumn), expect many mushroom sauces and pierogi; foragers from the surrounding forests bring fresh mushrooms to markets.

Hearty slow-cooked stews featuring local game or pork are typical in countryside restaurants near Maków.

Small market stalls near the square sell seasonal produce, bread, cheeses and homemade preserves — try fresh bread, local cottage cheese (twaróg) and pickles.

Occasional markets or fairs feature regional specialties, local baked goods, smoked sausages and handicrafts — great for tasting kurpiowskie cakes and snacks.

Use formal greetings and titles (Pan/Pani) with strangers and older people until invited to use first names.

Poland is traditionally Catholic; dress modestly and be quiet in churches. Photographs are often allowed but be respectful during services.

A firm handshake and eye contact are customary. Punctuality for appointments and meetings is appreciated.

Be sensitive when discussing wartime history and memorial sites — show respect at cemeteries and monuments.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leaving 5–10% in restaurants or rounding up the bill is common. For small services (taxi drivers, porters) rounding up or a small tip is fine.

Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, though small vendors and markets may prefer cash. ATMs are available in town; keep some złoty for markets and small purchases.

Mild temperatures, blooming meadows and forests; good for birdwatching and walking. Occasional rain — pack a waterproof layer and sturdy shoes.

Warm and pleasant with long daylight hours ideal for outdoor activities, festivals and river recreation. Expect higher humidity and busy weekends; sunscreen and insect repellent are useful.

Cooler weather with vibrant fall colours, especially in forests — prime time for mushroom foraging. Nights get chilly; bring layers.

Cold, with snow and icy conditions possible. Good for atmospheric photos, cross-country skiing nearby and cozy indoor dining; prepare warm clothing and non-slip footwear.

Forest trails through the White Forest offer peaceful hikes, pine woods, and tracks that suit day walks and nature observation.

A bit further afield, the Narew valley offers marshland trails and unique braided-river scenery ideal for birdwatching and gentle hikes.

Walking routes linking small villages, folk workshops and open-air exhibits that showcase Kurpie architecture and rural life.

Short walking loops along the Orzyc for relaxed strolls, picnic spots and easy access to fishing points.

Majority residents are ethnic Poles, including families involved in agriculture, small business and local services.

Like many small towns, Maków has a noticeable older demographic — traditional lifestyles and community institutions are strong.

Cultural group from the Kurpie region preserving folk crafts, costumes and customs; visible in local festivals and handicrafts.

Pre-war Jewish heritage is present in memorials and cemeteries; the historic community is commemorated though largely absent today.