Looking for a new destination to add to your to-visit list? Here we offer a guide to Warsaw, a European city you just might have missed.
A Historical City
Poland is a country steeped in history; no place more so than the capital of Warsaw. The largest city in the country, Warsaw is situated towards the east over the Vistula River, and has produced eminent individuals such as Frederic Chopin and Marie Curie.
While Warsaw was heavily bombed during World War Two, it survived a little better than cities like Berlin. Its Old Town district – Stare Miasto – is home to many famous landmarks, such as the Royal Castle and the Barbican, as well as St. John’s Cathedral. Look out for the Mermaid statue too.
History isn’t just confined to Old Town as the western Wola district houses the famous Powazkowski Cemetery and Warsaw Rising museum while the central district of the city, Srodmiescie, has both the National and the Polish Army museums. You’ve also got Orgod Saski and the Lazienki Park to wander about in, both of which offer free admission.
Polish Food
Polish food has undergone something of a revival in recent years, with the Kosyki Market bringing great food and drink to one expansive courtyard in front of beautiful old buildings. Warsaw has an abundance of fantastically hip cafés, such as Pompon and Cream Orange, as well as great eating spots and bistros both indoors and out.
Don’t forget to search out classic Pierogi dumplings! Bars are prevalent, of course, so getting hold of fancy cocktails or just good Polish beer is never a problem, no matter what district you’re in – Przekaski Zakaski is reputedly one of the best vodka bars in the world and The Warszawska lets you drink a cold beer in historic surroundings.
Getting to Warsaw and getting about
Plenty of airlines fly direct to Warsaw, straight into the classically named Frederic Chopin airport.
Trains also run into the Warszawa Certralna, which makes for a good connection right into the Warsaw metro system; the only one in Poland. The one line spans 21 stations and makes for a good way to travel but the heart of the city can be easily covered on foot over a few days.
However, if you need to go further afield, buses are always present to hop on to should you need to and there’s a good tram system too.
