For anyone who hasn’t visited Warsaw in the last 10 years, the city may conjure up images of a cold, grey architectural wasteland. But Warsaw has grown into a modern metropolis with a truly impressive cultural scene and some of the best nightlife in Central Europe.
World War II caused widespread devastation across Warsaw, and 85 percent of the city was left in ruins. Nonetheless, the Varsovians picked themselves back up and painstakingly rebuilt their city. The historical Old Town was reconstructed brick by brick, using old photographs and paintings and in 1980 it earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
2010 is the year of Frederic Chopin – a famous Polish composer born in 1810 – and the city will play host to a number of concerts throughout the year in his honor. For more information, visit http://chopin2010.um.warszawa.pl/en/node.
Traveling to and from the airport:
Okecie Airport is 10 km south of the city center. Before you leave the airport, make sure you have some local currency (Polish zloty) – there are exchange booths and ATMs inside the airport.
You can catch a bus from platform 4 (outside terminal 1), which will take you to the city center. The bus leaves every 20 minutes and stops at all the major hotels as well as the Central Station. Tickets cost around US$1 (rough exchange rate is 3 PLN to US$1) with a journey time of about 30 minutes, and you don’t have to pay extra for your luggage. Alternatively, taxis are fairly inexpensive and should cost about US$14 to the city center. Avoid the taxi hawkers outside the arrivals hall and use radio taxis, which have kiosks located in the arrivals area – they won’t overcharge you and they are safer too.
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Getting around Warsaw:
If most of your time will be spent in the city center then don’t plan on hiring a car – the one-way systems, trams, parking restrictions and unfamiliar signs can make driving difficult. Public transportation is probably your best option – it’s safe, efficient and cheap, with a great network of trams, buses and metro. Buy tickets from any of the little kiosks that are dotted around the town. One way tickets cost about US$0.85, irrespective of distance. A one-day pass costs about US$2.80.
Generally, taxis from your hotel to a point of interest in Warsaw should cost between US$7 to US$14.
Getting around Warsaw:
If most of your time will be spent in the city center then don’t plan on hiring a car – the one-way systems, trams, parking restrictions and unfamiliar signs can make driving difficult. Public transportation is probably your best option – it’s safe, efficient and cheap, with a great network of trams, buses and metro. Buy tickets from any of the little kiosks that are dotted around the town. One way tickets cost about US$0.85, irrespective of distance. A one-day pass costs about US$2.80. Generally, taxis from your hotel to a point of interest in Warsaw should cost between US$7 to US$14.
| What to see: Start your visit by exploring the charming Old Town. You can find fascinating displays of how the buildings have been restored at the Warsaw History Museum. Then head to the Royal Castle located on Castle Square. Some of the original parts of the castle were salvaged from the ruins and used in its reconstruction between 1971 and 1984. Originally housing the Polish Kings, it’s now a museum displaying tapestry, period furniture, paintings and other decorative arts. Entrance fees range from US$2 to US$7, with free entry on Sundays. |
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Take a walk along the Royal Route, which stretches from Castle Square to the famous streets Krakowskie Przedmiescie and Nowy Swiat. Along this route you will pass numerous palaces of interest such as churches, the university, seat of the Government and the President, galleries, art shops and more.
The Palace of Culture and Science is regarded as the greatest architectonical achievement of the Stalin-era. The building houses offices, a cinema, a theatre, a swimming pool and a nightclub. High up on the 30th floor is a viewing terrace (US$7 entrance fee) where you can admire panoramic views of the city.
If you need an escape from the noise of the city Marcin Rutkowski, project manager for BCD Travel’s MICE department in Warsaw recommends heading to Lazienki Royal Park. Every Sunday between June and August free recitals are held in the park as part of the annual Chopin Festival. You can also visit the Palace on the Water, which is a center of contemporary art – a must for both art-lovers and history buffs.
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Where to eat: As a local resident, Marcin knows the best value-for-money eateries. Here are his top picks: |
Chlopskie Jadlo
Address: pl. Konstytucji 1
Tel: +48 22 339 17 17
Web site: http://www.chlopskiejadlo.pl
Its name means “peasant kitchen,” which gives you an inkling as to what this place is about – wholesome, well-cooked and simple food that is friendly on your pocket. With an authentic rustic décor, this restaurant is popular with visitors and locals alike. Enjoy dried meats and game with thick chunks of rural bread served with lard infused with apples, marjoram and garlic. You can grab lunch of the day for approximately US$7.
Browarmia
Address: Królewska 1
Tel: +48 22 826 54 55
Web site: http://www.browarmia.pl
Browarmia is Warsaw’s first restaurant brewery and is located in front of the University of Warsaw. The restaurant serves Polish and international dishes, as well as a traditional house brews (made in its basement) to wash it all down. From Monday to Friday you can sample one of their special offers – a quick lunch for about US$7.
U kucharzy
Address: Krakowskie Przedmieście 12
Tel: +4 22 826 79 36
Web site: http://www.gessler.pl/
This restaurant’s unique attraction is the open kitchen where you
can watch the chefs skillfully prepare your food – in particular the recommended steak tartar. The service in the restaurant is intentionally informal, even a little curt at times, but it all adds to the experience. Lunch will set you back about US$14.
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Shopping: Marcin recommends a visit to Zlote Tarasy shopping complex located next to main railway station: |
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“This recently built complex has it all – great shops, a multiplex cinema, restaurants and bars, housed in superb glass architecture. It also has well-known brand names in Europe such as NEXT, Marks & Spencer, Aldo, Body Shop, Hugo Boss etc.”
The modernized Galeria Centrum is leading department store in Poland and one of the best local brands. Here you will find moderately priced clothing, footwear, accessories, jewelry, cosmetics and home furnishings. Nearby, you can also find well-known stores (which vary in price) from Prada to H&M.
Stroll around the Old Town to pick up souvenirs. Cepelia stores are worth a visit for Polish handicrafts such as lace, amber and silver jewelry and leather goods. The best place for traditional pottery is Ulica Prosta. Desa Unicum shops specialize in art and antiques. Do take care when buying antiques as it is illegal to export certain items, such as old painting dated before 1945.