Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Poland / Warsaw
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| | | A modern major capital |  | Why go on holiday to Warsaw?
Poland's capital has emerged from the annihilation of WWII and embraced Westernisation more wholeheartedly than any other Polish city.
Much of the pre-war splendour has been reconstructed and today Warsaw has all the facilities you would expect of a modern major capital.
How much does it cost?
A return flight from London to Warsaw with a budget airline can be found from £120 but is more likely to cost around £200.
The most economical way can be to get a rock-bottom flight to Germany and complete the journey by train or to take a coach package tour, which start from around £120.
At time of writing, a two-night spring city break package with flights and city centre hotel is from £350. Mid-range hotel accommodation in a double room costs £25-£35.
When should I go?
The tourist season runs roughly from May to September. July and August have the biggest crowds, with average temperatures reaching 24C (71F) in July. The best time to go is mid-May to June or September to mid-October.
During winter the weather is harsh at -1C (31F) but still good for city visits. Poland is one of the world's great theatrical nations, and January's Warsaw Theatre Meetings offer a chance to see weird and wonderful shows from all over the country.
The excellent International Book Fair takes place in May, the Warsaw Summer Jazz Days in July and avant-garde music hits town for the Warsaw Autumn Festival of International Music in September.
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| | | Beautiful Old Town | | What should I do when I'm there?
Check out the Old Town (Stare Miasto) area which dates from the late 14th century and was meticulously reconstructed after the bombings of the last war.
There you'll find the 15th-century Gothic cathedral (Katedra Sw Jana), several impressive churches, the home of Marie Curie and a small museum dedicated to her life and work, fine antique shops, two museums and a gorgeous town square.
What if I want to see a bit of greenery?
Head for Lazienki, the splendid former summer residence of King Stanislaw August Poniatowski.
This park-and-palace complex also houses an amphitheatre and an art gallery and can be entered free of charge every day until sunset. Open-air Chopin concerts are held every Sunday during summer.
And if I want to soak up a bit of culture?
Then don't miss the National Museum (Muzeum Narodowe) on the Royal Way. It's home to collections of every type of art you can imagine from ancient Greek and Roman to contemporary European.
Anywhere else I should see?
The New Town area is interesting, but not so impressive as the Old Town. It is here that you'll find the amazing Palace of Culture and Science - an enormous structure built by the Soviets in darker days.
The Fotoplastikon on the ground floor is a display of old 3D photographs and the 30th-floor viewing gallery has panoramic views of the city.
For a taste of recent and bitter history follow the Memorial Route to the Struggle and Martyrdom of the Jews 1940-43 - a brief tour around the site of the Warsaw ghetto.
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| | | Good hearty food | | Where's good for nightlife?
Warsaw has much cultural fare to offer in the evenings, especially for those interested in classical music, opera and theatre.
As nightclubs go, Ground Zero (ul Wspolna 62) is one of Warsaw's hippest clubs and Scena (Al Armii Ludowej 3/5) is frequented by local artist and journalist types.
The city is also flooded with bars and pubs such as Pub pod Barylka which serves more than 20 Polish beers. For more detailed information on Warsaw nightlife, pick up a copy of the Warsaw Insider, a monthly English-language listings guide.
What's the food like?
Polish food is hearty and filling - thick soups and sauces, potatoes and dumplings, lots of meat but not many vegetables. Favourite dishes include bigos (sauerkraut and meat) and barszcz (beetroot soup).
Over the past five years countless restaurants of all cuisines and prices have popped up in Warsaw, along with pub after pub. The gastronomic landscape is now broad and offers everything from high class to fast food.
What should I buy?
Warsaw's shopping scene has changed enormously over the past decade or so and is now lively, colourful and varied. Much trading has moved out of the shops and onto the street and it sometimes seems there is a market on every street corner.
The most central is the market at Plac Defilad at the foot of the Palace of Culture. Here you can buy everything from food and clothing to electrical goods.
Bigger and cheaper is the vast bazaar on the slopes of the main city stadium, which is thought to be the biggest market in Eastern Europe. It is open daily until noon. Popular souvenirs include local crafts, antiques, contemporary art, books and CDs.
What is there for children to do?
Warsaw is not the most child-orientated city in the world, but kids may enjoy the many parks and a guided tour of the Royal Castle.
Tourist office
Polish National Tourist Office, Remo House, 310-312 Regent Street, London W1B 3AX. Tel. 020 7580 6688.
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| | Fact File : Warsaw |
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| | | Warsaw | | Did you know?
About 85% of Warsaw's buildings were destroyed in the Second World War.
Language
Polish
Visas
None required
Getting there
Direct flights to Warsaw from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester.
Flying time from London
Four hours
Getting around
Buses and trams are extensive, cheap and regular. They are also slow, erratic and crowded during rush hours. The underground is new (and has toilets) but has only 14 stops and doesn't cover any areas of interest to tourists. There are plenty of cheap taxis, but the dreadful state of the roads means you would be brave to hire your own car.
Currency
Zloty
Costs
Litre of petrol 50p; bottle of lager 70p; moderate restaurant meal £8; roll of film £2.50; four-mile taxi ride £2.50 - but all costs will vary.
Weather
Summer temperatures range from 16C to 28C (55-75F); winter temperatures from -7C to 3C (20-35F).
Time difference
One hour ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 48 22
Voltage
220V
Opening hours
Most shops open from 7am or 8am until 6pm or 7pm, Monday to Friday, with a half day on Saturdays. 24-hour general stores can be found in most districts.
Health - Before you go
A vaccination against hepatitis A is advised; adequate health insurance is a must.
Health - When you are there
The water is OK to drink, but you may prefer to stick to bottled for reasons of taste. Air and water pollution levels in Poland are high.
Warnings
Some transport inspectors are on the prowl for foreigners. Make sure you have proper tickets for yourself and your luggage as no mercy will be shown.
Emergency
Police national emergency - Tel. 997; ambulance - Tel. 999. British Consulate, Aleje Roz No 1, 00-556 Warsaw. Consular/Visa/Consular Section: Emilii Plater 28, 00-688 Warsaw. Tel. 00 48 22 628 1001-5.
Customs
There are four daily meals in Poland: an early breakfast, a light snack for second breakfast, a substantial lunch taken after work and a small supper before bed.
Pets
Poland is not part of the Pet Travel Scheme so normal quarantine rules apply.
Tipping
Tips of around 10% are expected from westerners.
Tourist office
Polish National Tourist Office, Remo House, 310-312 Regent Street, London W1B 3AX. Tel. 020 7580 6688.
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