Warsaw
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Welcome to the heart of Poland, where history and modernity coexist seamlessly in the vibrant capital city of Warsaw.
“A city whose story is the story of a thousand cities, a city full of surprises and secrets.” – Ryszard Kapuściński
Top destinations:
Do you want a travel guide from Warsaw to help you figure out what to do on your holidays? Intriguing, vibrant, and steeped in history, Warsaw’s top destinations offer a diverse tapestry of experiences that will enchant every traveller.
The Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski)
This meticulously reconstructed masterpiece of Polish Baroque architecture served as the residence of Polish monarchs and is now a museum showcasing the country’s royal history.
The Old Town (Stare Miasto)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town features picturesque cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic charm. It’s a great place to wander, shop, dine, and soak in the city’s atmosphere.
Wilanów Palace (Pałac w Wilanowie)
Often called the “Polish Versailles,” this elegant palace and its surrounding gardens offer a glimpse into Poland’s royal past. The museum inside the palace exhibits a rich collection of art and historical artifacts.
The Warsaw Uprising Museum (Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego)
This museum is a tribute to the courageous citizens who fought during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. It’s a poignant and educational experience, providing insights into the city’s tumultuous history during World War II.
Łazienki Park (Park Łazienkowski)
This expansive park is known as the “Royal Baths Park” and is an urban oasis with lush gardens, statues, and serene lakes. It’s also home to the stunning Palace on the Isle, where you can enjoy classical concerts in a picturesque setting.
Where to stay
If you are looking for a high-end, ultra luxury hotel, you are not going to get that in Gdansk. However there are multiple 5-star hotels, private apartments and airbnbs which are very affordable.
Hotel Bristol
This iconic hotel has a rich history dating back to 1901. It’s been meticulously restored to its former glory, featuring an exquisite blend of Art Nouveau and contemporary design, offering guests a sense of timeless luxury. It also has a prime location in the heart of Warsaw means it’s within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions, including the Old Town, Royal Castle, and Lazienki Park. This makes it convenient for tourists who want to explore the city.
Mamaison Hotel Le Regina
Mamaison Hotel Le Regina is ideally located in the heart of Warsaw’s Old Town, making it convenient for visitors to explore top attractions such as the Royal Castle and Market Square on foot. As well as this, the rooms and suites are elegantly appointed with a combination of classic and contemporary design elements. Guests can expect comfortable beds, modern amenities, and well-maintained spaces.
Hotel Gromada Warszawa Centrum
Hotel Gromada Warszawa Centrum is situated in the city centre, making it convenient for both business and leisure travellers. It’s within walking distance of key attractions like the Palace of Culture and Science and Warsaw’s main railway station. As a 3-star hotel, Gromada offers more budget-friendly options for travelers while still providing clean and comfortable rooms. This makes it an attractive choice for those looking to explore Warsaw without breaking the bank.
Where to eat
Belvedere
For those seeking a sophisticated dining experience, Belvedere is a top choice. This upscale restaurant offers fine dining and a beautiful garden setting.
Old Town Square
The Old Town in Warsaw is teeming with restaurants and cafes, offering traditional Polish cuisine as well as international dishes. It’s a great place to enjoy the historic surroundings while dining.
Zapiecek
This restaurant chain is renowned for its traditional Polish pierogi (dumplings). They offer a variety of fillings and toppings, allowing you to savour the flavours of Poland.
Charlotte Chleb i Wino
This restaurant offers a blend of Polish and Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. It’s a great choice for a modern and tasty dining experience.
Top Tips
If you're a couple
One romantic activity for couples in Warsaw is to take a leisurely stroll through the stunning Łazienki Park, also known as the Royal Baths Park. This park is not only a beautifully landscaped green space but also home to the enchanting Palace on the Isle, which is situated on an artificial island in the park’s lake.
If You’re A Group Of Friends
A guided walking tour of Warsaw’s Old Town is an excellent group activity. You can learn about the history of the city and its remarkable reconstruction after World War II while exploring the charming streets, historic architecture, and landmarks. Many tour companies offer specialized tours that cater to groups of various sizes.
If you're a family
The Copernicus Science Centre is a fantastic destination for families with children. This interactive science museum offers a wide range of hands-on exhibits and experiments that are both fun and educational. Children can explore various scientific principles, engage in experiments, and enjoy interactive displays that make learning a blast. The center also features a planetarium, where you can enjoy fascinating shows about space and astronomy.
Need to know
Currency
Polish Zlotych (1GPB = 5.24PLN)
Language
– Polish, English is widely spoken
Best Time To Travel
– May to October, with hottest months from June to August
Tips
– Tipping 10% is expected, 15% for excellent service
Time Difference
– GMT+01:00
Flights
– Directs from Manchester and London – around 1h 50 minutes
Public Transport
– Excellent infrastructure (buses, trams and trains), including night time
Local Laws
Drinking in public places is strictly prohibited.
It is common for most businesses to close on religious holidays – they are considered to be national holidays in
Poland.
The drink-drive limit in Poland is 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood – which is lower than the UK.
Etiquette
You are supposed to give up the seat to any elderly, pregnant, disabled or injured passengers while commuting on public
transit if they have nowhere to rest.
People are very mindful of a certain door etiquette, which is seen as politeness or common courtesy rather than chivalry. Holding doors open for others is treated as a natural act of kindness. While it is true that Polish men always let women pass through a doorway first, it is also common to let a person of the same gender or an elderly walk in front of you.
A firm handshake with a smile, direct eye contact and the correct greeting depending on what part of the day it is should always be used.
A lot of people consider it tactless to keep one’s hands in pockets while holding a conversation or giving a speech.
At a glance
- FLIGHT TIME: 2.5 Hours
- TIME DIFFERENCE: None
- CURRENCY: Euro
- LANGUAGE: PORTUGUESE
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