Zgorzelec City Guide

Polish dishes like pierogi and bigos dominate. Some Italian, Turkish, and Asian spots are present. Vegetarian and vegan options are limited. Late-night food is mostly fast food and kebabs.

Nightlife is modest with local pubs and bars. Görlitz nearby has more options.

Local cafes serve regular coffee but specialty shops are rare.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. Around 10% in restaurants and rounding up fares for taxis is common.

SIM cards are available at operator stores, kiosks, and some supermarkets. Main providers are Play, Orange, T-Mobile, and Plus. Registration with ID is required.

The town is generally clean and well-maintained.

Limited 24/7 options. Some late pharmacies, Żabka stores open late, hospital ER always open.

Supermarkets like Biedronka, Lidl, Kaufland, and Netto are common. Local markets sell fresh produce. Most shops run 7-10am to 9-10pm, but Sunday closures are common except small stores.

Card payments work in most places, but carrying some cash helps for local markets or small shops.

ATMs are common in banks and shopping centers. Use machines from PKO BP, Santander, or ING for lower fees. Check your bank's foreign transaction fees.

Local schools teach in Polish. No international schools here; nearby cities like Wrocław or Dresden have options.

No significant digital nomad community here. Most remote workers go to larger Polish cities.

Parks and the riverside promenade offer decent green space with shaded walking areas.

Good running paths along the Neisse River and parks; generally safe routes.

Several local gyms are available.

Tennis courts available, mostly clay or hard courts, sometimes with equipment rental.

Padel is not common but may slowly be growing in popularity.

A few local gyms or community centers offer yoga classes, mostly basic styles.

Some clubs offer karate, judo, and boxing, with mostly local instructors.

Ski resorts in Karkonosze and Jizera mountains about 1-2 hours away. Season runs Dec-Mar with rentals available and mixed terrain.

Kayaking and paddleboarding possible on local lakes and the Neisse River during warmer months.

No ocean surfing available.

Limited lake diving near Berzdorfer See; mostly beginner-friendly freshwater sites.

Public hospital is Wielospecjalistyczny Szpital SPZOZ w Zgorzelcu. English speakers are rare in public care; private clinics in bigger cities have more options. Pharmacies are common and well stocked.

Tap water meets EU safety standards and is fine to drink.

Some playgrounds and family-friendly cafés exist. Nearby Görlitz offers more kid attractions like a zoo and parks.

LGBTQ+ acceptance is low and cautious here with no visible scene.

Generally pet friendly with parks, some pet-friendly places, and vets available.