It is fair to say that Warsaw doesn’t draw you in from the start. Its charms are well hidden among the grey, faceless communist blocks and run-down feel. But when you look there is certainly a good time to be had.
From the outset, the onus to enjoy the Warsaw experience is placed on the traveller. Even the tourist board approved ‘top ten’ sites to visit includes a few curve balls – including the ‘vodka factory’ – which is not as you expect, a working vodka factory, or a museum of a vodka factory. It is in fact a derelict vodka factory; barbed wire, padlocks and broken breeze blocks.
During World War 2, over 90% of the city was completely destroyed and was subsequently rebuilt in the rather depressing soviet style, leaving much of the place with much to be desired visually. But a good time can be had – a very good time, if you know where to look!
Enjoying a beer in Warsaw
Experiencing the bars and restaurants
Many happy hours can be spent in the warm refines of the cities numerous restaurants and bars with the local people. I don’t mean in a ‘stag do’ type of way, but in chatting to the friendly locals and genuinely enjoying the company of strangers in a way I find impossible in a UK city. Furthermore, the exchange rate means a very good return on your indulgances. The food is lovely and the beer is great – and comes in litres.
A bike used during Naxi occupation at the Warsaw uprising wwII museum
Warsaw uprising museum
Warsaw was at the epicentre of the World War battle field, so unsurprisingly there is a very good museum documenting this tragic chapter in the city’s history. It was a bit surprising how difficult it is to find – slightly out of town, so is worth working out how to get there in advance of your visit. Directions via tripadvisor here
Gothic looking palace of culture
Stalin’s wedding cake
The Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw is the tallest building in Poland and the eighth tallest building in the European Union. The building was conceived as a “gift from the Soviet people to the Polish nation”, and was completed in 1955. It is certainly a feature in the city and also next door to a very modern shopping complex – which contrasts somewhat to much of the surrounding architecture. The building itself is home to many businesses and offices but for a small price you can be elevated to the very top and experience the icy breezes and fantastic views.
view of castle square from the royal castle
Royal castle
The Royal Castle is more the ‘royal palace’ – it is the official residence of the Polish monarchs. The personal offices of the king. It is located at the Plac Zamkowy, at the entrance to the Old Town. Nowadays it is used as a branch of the National Museum and for ceremonial purposes. During the Siege of Warsaw in 1939 many of the works of art from the castle were transferred to several basements around Warsaw and hidden from the Germans, incredibly many survived and they were put on exhibition in their original place.
It is certainly worth a visit to enjoy the grandeur of the rooms as well as the views over castle square below – Castle square itself is a great place to enjoy the atmosphere whilst having lunch. From here you can also hire a carriage for a tour of Warsaw’s Old Town.