While Warsaw is indeed a massive metropolis, fans of the capital enjoy discovering new corners of the city on a regular basis. In Warsaw, each district has its own charm. There’s the Old Town, completely rebuilt after World War II and featuring its own Royal Castle. Then there’s the New Town, the throbbing centre of the city, with streets lined with skyscrapers and bright lights. Across the Vistula lies the somewhat run-down but ever more trendy Praga district, while in the heart of the city centre one can spend a whole day strolling through the beautiful Lazienki Park, the former Royal Gardens.
beststreet for shopping: Nowy Swiat The 5th Avenue of Warsaw, Nowy Swiat Street is where you’ll find Warsaw’s hippest and richest scouting out the latest in Western fashions. If the shopping becomes too exhausting, take a seat and a cappuccino at Café Nowy Swiat, and you might just catch some Polish celebrities grabbing a bite to eat. Where >Café Nowy Swiat, ul. Nowy Swiat 63, Warsaw, Tel: +48 22 8265803. view map
bestmuseum: Warsaw Rising Museum The history of Warsaw during World War II is a tragic one indeed, with 90 percent of the city being wiped out during the ill-fated “Warsaw Uprising”. The Warsaw Rising Museum takes an in-depth look at the events of 1944 and honours the heroes in the Polish Home Army. Where >Warsaw Rising Museum, ul. Grzybowska 79 ,Warsaw, Tel: +48 22 5397901. view map Website > www.1944.pl
bestcocktails: Paparazzi If you make it through the often brutal door selection, prepare to be amazed at the variety of cocktails on offer here – not to mention the pretty people all around. Be sure to dress smart to impress that chlopak (guy) or dziewczyna (girl)! Where >Paparazzi, ul. Mazowiecka 12, Warsaw, Tel: +48 22 8284219. view map Website > www.paparazzi.com.pl
bestplace for live music: Jadlodajnia Filozoficzna This “Philosophical Cafeteria” has a cult following, and a reputation for unique concerts by Polish and international alternative and independent bands. Where >Jadlodajnia Filozoficzna, ul. Dobra 33/35, Warsaw, Tel: +48 (0) 608422386. view map Website > www.filozoficzna.art.pl
best/worst architecture: The Palace of Culture and Science The Palace of Culture and Science has had a love-hate relationship with Varsovians (Warsaw locals) since its completion in 1955. Built as Stalin’s “gift” to the city, the socialist behemoth has since become an irreplaceable part of Warsaw’s skyline. While some locals would happily tear it down for its reminder of darker times and flat-out ugliness, most residents and visitors alike couldn’t imagine the city without it. Where >The Palace of Culture and Science, pl. Defilad 1, Warsaw. view map Website > www.pkin.pl
bestview: Warsaw Library Roof A library is rarely on any tourist’s must-see list, but when it comes to Warsaw, missing this erudite archive would constitute a mistake. Or rather, missing its roof – because the roof of this massive green building is covered by an extensive botanical garden. Not only is it a beautiful place for relaxing or taking photos, but it also provides a great view of the city’s skyline – perfect for catching a romantic sunset.
Where >Warsaw Library Roof, ul. Dobra 56/66, Warsaw, Tel: +48 22 5525660. view map Website > www.uw.edu.pl
bestday trip: Wilanow Known as “Poland’s Versailles”, Wilanow was the royal retreat of kings past and lies just a few miles south of the city centre. The palace now hosts a museum with an impressive collection of Polish and European art and furniture from past royal families, as well as the Wilanow Poster Museum, showcasing Poland’s more contemporary talents. Where >Wilanow, ul. St. Kostki Potockiego 10/16, Warsaw. view map Website > www.wilanow-palac.art.pl
There is a street in Warsaw named after Winnie-the-Pooh (Ulica Kubusia Puchatka), marked by a plaque that depicts the legendary stuffed bear and his piglet friend!
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