Things To Do
in Staszów

Staszów is a small town in southern Poland, set in the Kamienna River valley of the Świętokrzyskie region. Its market square and historic buildings give a sense of long local history and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. The town serves as a practical base for exploring the nearby forests, nature reserves, and rural villages in the broader Świętokrzyskie landscape.

Visitors can enjoy traditional Polish hospitality, local markets, and easy day trips to rolling countryside and historic sites.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Staszów
morning
:

Touch down in Staszów in the early morning and take a taxi or bus to your charming guesthouse near the market square. Unpack your bags and enjoy a steaming cup of Polish coffee on a balcony overlooking cobblestone streets. Step out for a gentle stroll to breathe in the fresh air and orient yourself in this friendly town.

afternoon
:

Head to the tourist information center for maps and insider tips on local attractions. Explore the Rynek and marvel at the 17th-century Town Hall façade before sampling a slice of makowiec in a nearby café. Wander down quiet side streets to discover hidden murals and historic chapels.

evening
:

Return to the riverbank to watch the sun set along the Czarna Staszowska River. Treat yourself to a plate of pierogi and a frosty local beer at a cozy restaurant on Rynek Street. Finish the night with live folk music pouring out of a snug, candlelit pub.

day 2
Historic Old Town Tour
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs and fresh bread at a classic Polish bakery. Set off on a guided walking tour past Renaissance facades, baroque churches, and hidden courtyards rich with history. Pause at St. Mary’s Church to admire its ornate altarpiece and stained-glass windows.

afternoon
:

Visit the small local museum housed in a restored merchant’s home to learn about Staszów’s role in regional trade. Wander through exhibitions on 19th-century craftsmanship and folk costumes. Stop at a traditional smokehouse to sample artisanal kabanosy and kabanos cheese.

evening
:

Climb the wooden viewing platform atop the old watchtower for panoramic views of the twinkling Old Town. Dine on żurek soup and roasted duck in a rustic tavern lit by lanterns. End your evening with an evening stroll along lantern-lit lanes, soaking in the medieval atmosphere.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee or tea$1-3
🚌Local transit (one-way ticket)$1-2
🍽️Three-course restaurant meal$15-25
🏨Hotel room (mid-range) per night$40-90

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming small-town atmosphere
  • Good base for regional day trips
  • Affordability and local hospitality
  • Quiet nightlife and safety
  • Limited nightlife and dining options
  • Fewer big-city amenities
  • Transportation may require planning to reach nature spots
  • "Dzień dobry" - Good morning / Hello
  • "Proszę" - Please / Here you go
  • "Dziękuję" - Thank you
  • "Przepraszam" - Sorry / Excuse me
  • "Gdzie jest toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Czy mówisz po angielsku?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Ile to kosztuje?" - How much does this cost?

Places to Visit in Staszów

Visit one of these nice places.

Market Square (Rynek) and Town Hall

The lively market square framed by historic facades and the town hall creates a classic Polish townscape, especially beautiful at dawn or dusk.

Local Church and Spire

A centuries-old church with a tall spire, offering a juxtaposition of stonework and stained glass.

Kamienna River Banks

Scenic riverbank walks and open fields behind the town provide natural light and reflections for photography.

Countryside Lanes and Wooded Trails

Quiet rural roads and small groves around Staszów offer seasonal color and wildlife shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Staszów

Staszów's cuisine reflects traditional Polish countryside cooking: hearty, potato- and meat-forward dishes, fresh seasonal produce, and comforting soups. Expect generous portions and comforting flavors, with plenty of opportunities to try regional specialties at local eateries and markets.

Staszów Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pierogi (dumplings) with potato and cheese

Handmade dumplings filled with mashed potatoes and cheese, served with butter and onions; commonly found in homes and traditional eateries.

Must-Try!

Bigos (hunter's stew)

A slow-cooked cabbage and meat stew, often served with rye bread.

Żurek (sour rye soup)

Tangy soup made from rye flour with sausages or eggs; a warming starter in colder months.

Placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes)

Crispy fried potato pancakes served with sour cream or applesauce.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Staszów Market Square Market

Weekly or seasonal stalls offering fresh vegetables, dairy, breads, and local specialties; sample hot soups or fried street snacks.

Local street food

Vendors sell traditional quick bites like zapiekanki or pierogi pockets on market days.

Climate Guide

Weather

Staszów has a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons: warm summers, cold winters with occasional snow, and transitional springs and autumns. Summer highs typically reach 20-25°C (68-77°F), while winter averages hover around 0°C (32°F), with colder spells. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with autumn being somewhat wetter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Politeness

Polite greetings with a handshake; address people with titles and surnames when appropriate; stand in line patiently.

Safety Guide

Safety

Staszów is generally safe for visitors. Use normal travel precautions: keep valuables secure, beware of pickpockets in crowded markets, and be cautious on rural roads at night. Road conditions can vary in winter; check local advisories during icy periods. Emergency numbers in Poland are 112 for general emergencies.

Tipping in Staszów

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping around 5-10% in restaurants if service is not included; small tips for cafe staff are common; cash or card accepted.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with fresh greens; expect blooming orchards and early countryside scents; rain is possible, bring a light waterproof.

Summer

Warm days and longer evenings; perfect for outdoor walks, market visits, and sunset photos; occasional heat waves.

Autumn

Golden light and colorful foliage; comfortable temperatures; harvest markets begin; layering recommended.

Winter

Cold, with occasional snow; short daylight hours; cozy cafes and festive lights create atmosphere.

Nightlife Guide

Staszów at Night

In Staszów, nightlife is modest but inviting. Local pubs and small bars offer friendly atmospheres, often showcasing regional music or gatherings. There are occasional cultural events, live folk performances, and seasonal markets where people socialize after dark. Expect a relaxed scene rather than club-centric venues.

Hiking in Staszów

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Łysa Góra and Świętokrzyskie Mountains trails

A quintessential hiking area in the Świętokrzyskie region with forested slopes and panoramic views.

Nida River valley paths

Gentle river trails and meadows suitable for easy day hikes.

Local forest circuits around Staszów

Short circular walks through nearby forests with shaded paths and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Airports

How to reach Staszów by plane.

Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport (RZE)

The closest international airport, about 120-150 km away, with connections to major European hubs. Best reached by car or train (or airport shuttle) from Staszów.

Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK)

A larger international hub roughly 160-200 km away; good for long-haul flights with connections across Europe.

Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW)

Further away but offers the widest range of flights; accessible by rail or car from Staszów via main routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

Staszów has a compact town center with a walkable market area and dense historic core. Most sights are within a short stroll of the town square, but surrounding countryside and some rural destinations are best reached by car or local bus. The town's layout favors pedestrians in the core but expect occasional traffic on main streets.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Population

Staszów has a predominantly Polish population with a rural character; families and older residents form a large share of the community.

Religious/Cultural Groups

Traditionally Catholic with local religious events and customs reflecting regional heritage.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport in the region with local clubs and community games.

Volleyball

Common in schools and local clubs; community leagues and recreational play.

Cycling

Flat to rolling countryside offers enjoyable routes for road cycling and mountain biking.

Transportation

Traffic

In town, traffic is light outside of peak hours. Public transport includes regional buses and a rail line to nearby towns; car travel is common for scenic day trips. Roads to Kielce and Tarnobrzeg are well maintained, though rural lanes can be narrower. Parking in the town center is generally available, with timed spaces near Market Square.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Staszów.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers can rely on dairy, eggs, and mushroom dishes; mains often include mushroom, cabbage, potato and grain-based plates. Look for vegetarian soups and salads and ask for meat-free options in local eateries.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Poland's public healthcare system provides local clinics in Staszów and a district hospital nearby; for more specialized care, residents commonly visit larger regional centers such as Kielce or Tarnobrzeg. English-speaking staff may be limited in smaller facilities, so consider a companion for medical visits if language is a barrier. Carry basic health insurance and necessary documents.

Discover Poland

Read more in our Poland 2025 Travel Guide.

Poland Travel Guide