A phoenix arisen from the ashes, Poland's capital impresses with its resilience, respect for history, contemporary style and sheer joie de vivre.
Until the Nazi occupation
of World War II, Warsaw was one of the most beautiful and sophisticated cities
in Europe. But Poland’s capital was almost completely destroyed in the war with
most of its population killed or sent to Nazi concentration camps.
After the war most of the
historic Old Town was painstakingly rebuilt, returning it to its original 17th
and 18th century appearance.
The Vistula River divides the city in half with the Old Town to the west (home
to most of the attractions) and the modern city centre to the east. Its post-war
appearance is of a modern urban landscape of high-rise buildings. Years of communist
rule have left a lacklustre architectural legacy of drab concrete structures.
Its skyline is dominated by the massive shape of the Palace of Science and
Culture, Stalin's legacy to its citizens.
In direct contrast to this grey and uninspiring landscape are traces of
Poland's grand past, including castles and palaces, open parklands, impressive
churches and the restored streets of the historic old centre. More and more fashionable
boutiques are appearing in its shopping streets as consumerism continues to
grow.
Many people still do not see Warsaw as an attractive tourist destination.
However as Poland's largest city and the political, economic, scientific and
cultural hub of the country, it has a lot to offer tourists. It has many
museums and historical monuments, galleries and historic attractions, a variety
of restaurants and open-air cafes, and an energetic nightlife.
Warsaw has a continental
climate, with cold, snowy winters and mild summers. Summer temperatures
generally range between 9°C and 22°C, while winter temperatures range between -4°C
and 6°C.
The average monthly
temperatures are:
|
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Day |
-1 |
1 |
7 |
13 |
19 |
22 |
24 |
23 |
18 |
13 |
6 |
1 |
|
Night |
-7 |
-5 |
-1 |
4 |
8 |
12 |
163 |
12 |
9 |
5 |
1 |
-4 |
There are lots of shopping opportunities in Warsaw –
indoor, outdoor, over ground and under ground. Also some of the major hotel
chains are attached to mini shopping arcades.
The streets of the new and old town offer a large
variety of small local shops and souvenir retailers. The best streets for brand
name boutiques are Ul Woloska and Al Marszalkowska which are also home to 2 of
the biggest shopping malls Centrum Janki and Galeria Mokotow. Others include
Arkadia and Sadyba Best Mall. The larger centres also house cinema complexes
and restaurants.
If you are more of a bargain hunter, head for the
underground shopping expanse below the train station and surrounding area at
Warszawa Zachodnia. For general souvenirs the best place to head is the Cepelia
chain.
Warsaw also has numerous markets including Photo
Market (Batorego 10) specialising in bargain photographic equipment, The
Russian Market (Station Dziesieciolecia) with is great for bric-a-brac and
unusual items, Bazaar na Kole (Obozowa 99) for quirky items and the Old Market
Place which offers more mainstream items.
Popular souvenirs include Soviet memorabilia,
handicrafts, amber jewellery, clothing, vodka and Zubrowka.
Warsaw’s nightlife has certainly picked up the pace in
recent years. There are no licensing hours so many bars and clubs stay open
until the last guest leaves. A good source of information on the cafés, pubs
and clubs is the Warsaw Insider. Here
is a list of a few names of the best venues you might like to try:
If you prefer a more cultural form of entertainment
then Warsaw can also offer you theatre, opera and ballet (National Theatre).
The Teatr Wiekl is home to the National Opera and the Warsaw Philharmonic.
For those that enjoy a flutter you can always try your luck at the Grand Hotel and Casino. For lovers of film, Warsaw has many larger modern multi-screen cinemas such as the Atlantic Cinema and Silver Screen.
May
June
July
October
There is a lot for you to see and do
in Warsaw, but you many want to take the opportunity to look further afield
during your stay. Your hotel should be able to provide you with details of
excursions run by local tour operators, however below are just a few examples
of places you could visit:
Although the tap water is supposed to be safe to drink
in Poland, you are advised to drink bottled mineral water. The standard of
health care isn’t very high. Medical treatment for EU citizens on presentation
of an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is free but it is advisable to take
out comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.
As a city, Warsaw is relatively safe but you should
take the usual precautions with your valuables especially in crowded areas as
pick-pockets may be about. Also take care on the roads. Polish drivers can be a
bit mad and have a tendency not to stop for traffic lights!
