In this article we discuss the state of the art in the field of second‐order non‐linear optical polymers. More specifically, we highlight those results that we think made an important contribution to the field, combined with some of our own results. We start with a general overview of all the aspects involved in characterizing second‐order non‐linear optical polymers, from thin film formation and poling to second‐harmonic generation and electro‐optic measurements on such systems. Next, we review the second‐order non‐linear optical properties of selected polymer systems such as poly(vinyl ether)s, polystyrenes, polymethacrylates, main‐chain polymers and high Tg polymers like polyimides and polymaleimides. Finally, we discuss some new polymer systems that might become important in the field of non‐linear optics in the near future.