Se hva du kan gjøre og oppleve i Warszawa

A UNESCO world heritage site, the Old Town charms with its colourful townhouses and the exceptional atmosphere of its narrow streets. When in the Old Town Market Square, you will meet a mermaid – the official symbol of the city. Don’t forget to see the Barbican, stop by the bell on Kanonia Street, and walk along the old city walls. You should also visit the Royal Castle. Apart from the royal apartments, the old seat of Polish rulers also houses an art collection with paintings by Rembrandt and Bernardo Bellotto, also known as Canaletto. One awesome way to quickly see all of Warsaw is with a tour in a tiny yellow retro Fiat 125p. Of course, you can ask the guide to tailor the drive to your interests.

The vast park surrounding the summer residence of the last Polish king, Stanisław August Poniatowski, is where Varsovians like to go for longer walks. The park is home to a winter garden, an amphitheatre, and even a Chinese garden. The biggest attraction, however, are the park’s permanent residents: the squirrels and peacocks. Another site worth seeing is the classicist Palace on the isle, with its enchanting interior design and gallery of paintings. The park is famous for its Chopin concerts, which take place from mid-May to the end of September every Sunday at noon and 4 pm. Come lounge on the grass and enjoy the music.

This interactive museum is an exceptional place to gain a deeper understanding of Warsaw’s history. It was founded in commemoration of an event that profoundly changed the city: the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. Listen to the oral accounts given by insurgents, go down into the sewers — similar to the ones that insurgents used to move around the city – and see The City of Ruins, a bird’s-eye view of Warsaw burnt to the ground. Don’t forget to see the murals painted by Polish artists on the Wall of Art. The museum building is interesting in its own right since it was previously an old electric power plant for trams.

The Vistula Boulevards are the ideal place for a stroll or a bicycle trip. The exceptional atmosphere of this site is created by the sail-shaped lamp posts and pergolas that offer shade on sunny days. You can stop to rest on one of the stone sculptures in the form of fish and other marine creatures, or climb up to the overlook. The promenade is adapted to the needs of people with disabilities and families with children. To avoid the crowds and give your feet some rest, check out Vistula river boat tours.

The best-known and tallest building in the city, the Palace of Culture and Science, was a gift from the Soviet people to the Poles. Visible from almost any place in Warsaw, the palace is to Warsaw what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris — the perfect landmark. Take the lift up to the 30th floor to see the city panorama from a height of 114 metres. The palace also houses theatres, a cinema, museums, and trendy bistros, as well as the city’s main tourist information point.

The National Museum houses a wonderful collection of well over 830,000 objects from all epochs – from antiquity to contemporary times. Here you will find works of both Polish and world art, including such gems as Jewess with Oranges by Aleksander Gierymski and the large-format Battle of Grunwald by Jan Matejko. Visit the Gallery of Medieval Art to see the unique artefacts there or visit the biggest collection of Nubian cultural artefacts and art in Europe. Don’t forget to check out the schedule of temporary exhibitions.

Wilanów Palace is a true pearl of Baroque architecture in Warsaw. Learn about King Jan III Sobieski, who successfully fended off the Turks in the battle of Vienna and who lived in Wilanów with his beloved Marysieńka. Take a walk in the park and tour the palace interiors; see the portrait gallery and listen to stories of great romances. The building and the park have both kept their original form, despite the partition, war, and occupation. Wilanów Palace is a must-see when visiting Warsaw. In the wintertime, the venue, illuminated with thousands of lamps, transforms into the Royal Garden of Lights.

The POLIN Museum restores the memory of the rich, thousand-year shared history of two peoples: Poles and Jews. The interactive exposition will take you on an incredible journey across centuries. You’ll have the chance to walk the streets of a pre-war Jewish shtetl and discover how Polish and Jewish cultures have intermingled. The edifice of the museum is itself an architectural attraction and a landmark of modern Warsaw.

The Copernicus Science Centre is a real treat for science lovers. Have a go at making your own experiments and find out what it felt like for Neil Armstrong to take his first step on the Moon. Find out why we experience fear and learn about the mysteries of the senses. Visit the Heavens of Copernicus Planetarium and watch the incredible show, and don’t forget to check out the Robotic Theatre. Once you’ve seen everything, chill out on the lawn in the Discoverers’ Park. This attraction is not only for children.

The Fryderyk Chopin Museum is located in the historic Ostrogski Palace, and is one of the most modern biographical museums in Europe. The exhibits on display include the composer’s grand piano, as well as manuscripts of Chopin’s letters and musical compositions. For the most serious Chopin fans, it's worth taking a day tour that focuses on the key Warsaw sights in the life of the composer. The extended version of the tour includes a 1-hour concert of Chopin’s music.

The Castle Square owes its name to the Royal Castle located there – the seat of former Polish rulers. The centre of the Square is occupied by one of the city’s most important – the Column of King Sigismund III Vasa. It was erected on the initiative of King Władysław IV in honour of his father, who moved the capital of Poland from Krakow to Warsaw. The Column is an excellent point of departure for a stroll down the Royal Route and a favourite meeting place for local residents.

This picturesque street has maintained its heritage. Beautiful palaces and churches, such as The Visitationist Church or The Holy Cross Church, in which the heart of Fryderyk Chopin is immured in a pillar, line the route. Walking along this street, you will also pass by the Presidential Palace, the gates to the main campus of Warsaw University and the Academy of Fine Arts. In the summertime, the street is closed off to traffic and plays host to numerous outdoor events.

Krakowskie Przedmieście leads to Nowy Świat – a street filled with cafés, restaurants and trendy boutiques. Try a classic Blikle doughnut or have a rest in one of the cafés while watching the hustle and bustle of the city.

Adorned with abundant greenery, palaces and beautiful villas, Aleje Ujazdowskie is all about chic and elegance. Most of the foreign embassies in Warsaw are grouped along this street. Art lovers must not miss Ujazdowski Castle, currently home to the Centre for Contemporary Art.

Find a moment for a quiet walk along the paths of this 19th-century park. Its biggest attractions include a historical sculpture of a bronze Gladiator, and a modern playground that will no doubt prove a hit with younger visitors. Those who like to keep in shape can check their weight on an old, fully functional scale that dates back to 1912.

Nature lovers should definitely visit this place. There are some 10,000 plant species growing here. A walk down the aisles of blooming lilacs, the enchanting magnolias, or the rose garden is a great idea of how to rest from the hustle and the bustle of the city.

The vast park surrounding the summer residence of the last Polish king, Stanisław August Poniatowski, is where Varsovians like to go for longer walks. The park is home to a winter garden, an amphitheatre, and even a Chinese garden. The biggest attraction, however, is the park’s permanent residents: the squirrels and peacocks. Another site worth seeing is the classicistic Palace on the Isle with its enchanting interior design and gallery of paintings. The park is famous for its Chopin concerts, which take place from mid-May to the end of September every Sunday at noon and 4:00 p.m. Come lounge on the grass and enjoy the music.

Wilanów Palace is a true pearl of Baroque architecture in Warsaw. Learn about King Jan III Sobieski, who successfully fended off the Turks in the battle of Vienna and who lived in Wilanów with his beloved Marysieńka. Take a walk in the park and tour the palace interiors; see the portrait gallery and listen to stories of great romances. The building and the park have both kept their original form, despite the partition, war, and occupation. Wilanów Palace is a must-see when visiting Warsaw. In the wintertime, the venue, illuminated with thousands of lamps, transforms into the Royal Garden of Lights.

Located on the left bank of the Vistula at the foot of the Old Town, is a wonderful spot to visit on Friday or Saturday evenings. Once night falls, the show begins, with water, lights, and sounds, creating a colourful and harmonious display.

The Museum on the Vistula is the temporary seat of the Museum of Modern Art, presenting artworks by both Polish and international artists. The building houses an exhibition space, as well as a café and a bookstore. The terrace around the building is a frequent venue for outdoor events.

The Vistula Boulevards are the ideal place for a stroll or a bicycle trip. The exceptional atmosphere of this site is created by the sail-shaped lamp posts and pergolas that offer shade on sunny days. You can stop to rest on one of the stone sculptures in the form of fish and other water creatures, or climb up to the overlook. The promenade is adapted for the needs of people with disabilities and families with children.

Cruises on the Vistula – the Vistula is navigable! To quickly get to the other side, you can take a free ferry. And to look at the city from a totally different perspective, it is possible to take a water tram. If you have a whole day to spend, then why not take a boat on a cruise outside the city.

Warsaw beaches are some of the most beautiful city beaches in the world. There are a few to choose from, and these beaches offer visitors the opportunity to sunbathe, build sand castles, or play beach volleyball.

The Statue of Fryderyk Chopin at Łazienki Royal Park is one of the capital’s most important symbols. Every Sunday from May to September, the site is the venue of extremely popular open-air concerts of Chopin’s music.

The Holy Cross Church – According to the Chopin’s wish, his heart was returned to Poland after his death. It was placed in an urn and built into one of the pillars of the church, where it remains to this day.

Trail of the playing benches – look around while you stroll down the Royal Route. Whenever you pass by a place that is somehow connected with Chopin, there is a multimedia bench that allows you to get to know the composer’s music. These benches were installed on the 200th anniversary of Chopin’s birth. All you need to do is press a button to hear one of his compositions.

The Fryderyk Chopin Museum is located in the historic Ostrogski Palace, and is one of the most modern biographical museums in Europe. The exhibits on display include the composer’s grand piano, as well as manuscripts of Chopin’s letters and musical compositions. For the most serious Chopin fans, it's worth taking a day tour that focuses on the key Warsaw sights in the life of the composer. The extended version of the tour includes a 1-hour concert of Chopin’s music.

Maria Skłodowska was born on 7 November 1867 in this very Old Town house. In the only biographical museum dedicated to the scientist, you will find precious artefacts as well as many of her personal items, which will help you better understand the meaning of her work, and which will cast a light on her private life.

One of Warsaw’s oldest churches located in the picturesque setting at the foot of the Vistula Embankment. The parish church of the Skłodowski family, it was here that Maria was baptised. A statue of the best-known female Varsovian stands nearby.

The Library housed the Museum of Industry and Agriculture, and also contained a physics studio with a laboratory at the rear of the building. Before leaving for Paris to study, it was here that Maria conducted her chemical experiments.

One of Maria’s favourite walking routes. She did not forget it when visiting Warsaw for the last time. The banks of the Vistula still attract both residents and tourists, especially in the summertime, with city beaches, many bars, outdoor concerts, river cruises and night-time shows in the Multimedia Fountain Park – take your pick!

The Jewish Cemetery is one of the few Jewish necropolises still in use in Poland. Apart from the traditional matzevahs, you can also admire many beautiful tombstones of artistic value. The people buried here bear many prominent names, such as Ludwik Zamenhof, Janusz Korczak, and Estera Rachel Kamińska.

The Nożyk Synagogue is one of several pre-war Warsaw synagogues and houses of worship that have survived to this day. The name comes from its founders, who commissioned the synagogue’s creation at the end of the 19th century. An unknown architect designed the building in a Neo-Romanesque style. Today, the temple hosts not only religious services but also concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events.

The Memorial Route of Jewish Martyrdom and Struggle in Warsaw is made up of black stone blocks located in the area of the former ghetto, from the Ghetto Heroes Monument to Umschlagplatz. These black stones commemorate people, events, and places related to the Holocaust. To see more of the Warsaw Ghetto — the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe created by the German Nazis during the Second World War — and to learn about its tragic history, get a private tour. You'll be able to cover even more ground by bike!

Created by the Nazis during World War II, the ghetto was surrounded by tall walls and barbed wire. Should you wish to see the remaining fragments of the wall, walk to Waliców or Sienna streets. The borders of the ghetto have been marked with cast iron plates built into the pavement. Plaques with maps, photographs, and descriptions in Polish and English have been placed in 22 locations.

The POLIN Museum restores the memory of the rich, thousand-year shared history of two peoples: Poles and Jews. The interactive exposition will take you on an incredible journey across centuries. You’ll have the chance to walk the streets of a pre-war Jewish shtetl and discover how Polish and Jewish cultures have intermingled. The edifice of the museum is itself an architectural attraction and a landmark of modern Warsaw.

The Warsaw Zoo is a place where neither adults or children will ever get bored. The zoo is home to several thousand different animal species, including elephants, giraffes, meerkats, and venomous snakes. You will have the chance to see the comfortable abode of gorillas and the modern hippo habitat. If you like places with history, then take a look inside the Żabiński Villa. During World War II, the zoo’s director, Antoni Żabiński, gave shelter to those in need, mainly Jews who had escaped from the ghetto, accommodating them in the villa’s basement.

The Museum of Warsaw Praga is located right next to the famous Różycki Market. Not only will you be able to learn about the history of Warsaw’s right bank district at the museum, but you will also be able to get acquainted with the atmosphere of the local markets and courtyards. Listen to incredible stories told by the local inhabitants and don’t forget to go up to the viewing deck and take a look at this part of the city. While you're in the area, consider taking some photos for your social media. You can book a tour with a photographer who knows are the best spots and angles.

The Neon Museum is located in the trendy, post-industrial Soho Factory. The only one of its kind in Europe, this museum offers a second life to neon advertising lights. Very popular during the communist period, neon lights have fallen into neglect and oblivion. Now returned to their former glory, they are extremely pleasing to the eye due to their incredible designs and the hint of nostalgia they inspire.

See Poland’s largest and most modern stadium. The venue is used not only for matches, but also other large-scale events, such as concerts featuring some of the biggest stars, international conferences, fairs and sporting events. In the wintertime, the stadium turns into a huge centre for winter sports, with an ice skating rink, an ice hill, curling sheets, and the biggest roofed skate park in the city.

After a few hours of sightseeing, a bit of rest in one of the most beautiful parks in the city will definitely seem like a good idea. Close to 20,000 different species of trees and bushes grow here, enchanting visitors from early spring to late autumn, and providing shelter to the copper-furred squirrels and countless birds. The picturesque location in the former river bed of the Vistula, the park’s numerous alleys, beautiful sculptures and romantic corners, all beautifully set in the park, make it an unforgettably charming place in Warsaw.

Get ready for a real trip back in time! This incredible museum offers a display of souvenirs and memorabilia from the communist era: a typical flat, a shop with the era’s legendary empty shelves, a soda water machine, and the desk of a party apparatchik on the Central Committee. There is also a part dedicated to the famous Solidarity trade union. The location of the museum is also not a coincidence: it is located in a Socialist Realist building from the 1950s that was once known as the Polish Optical Factory. Skip the line and spend the whole day in commie style with a tour in a Nysa 522 minivan.

Located on the left bank of the Vistula at the foot of the Old Town, is a wonderful spot to visit on Friday or Saturday evenings. Once night falls, the show begins, with water, lights, and sounds, creating a colourful and harmonious display.

The impressive collection of over 100 different dollhouses and other exhibits from different epochs includes a miniature school, a drugstore, shopping stalls, and even a wedding dress store. Not only children will be awed the Museum; adults will also be transported back to their childhood.

The Warsaw Zoo is a place where neither adults or children will ever get bored. The zoo is home to several thousand different animal species, including elephants, giraffes, meerkats, and venomous snakes. You will have the chance to see the comfortable abode of gorillas and the modern hippo habitat. If you like places with history, then take a look inside the Żabiński Villa. During World War II, the zoo’s director, Antoni Żabiński, gave shelter to those in need, mainly Jews who had escaped from the ghetto, accommodating them in the villa’s basement.

If you run out of ideas for things to do with tired, bored children, take them to a playground or to an outdoor sports gym. As if by magic, they’ll soon be full of energy again. There are plenty of these “recharging stations” dotted around the city – by the Vistula, in almost every park and district of Warsaw.

Do you like exploring the city on two wheels? Well, we have good news for you – Warsaw offers bike rentals for the entire family. With over 300 bike rental stations dispersed around the city, you’ll also find both tandems and children’s bicycles. Available 24/7, 9 months a year. Sightseeing on a bike is great fun!

Come and admire one of the biggest and most beautiful roof gardens in Europe. The university library roof garden is composed of an upper and a lower part that are joined by a stream of cascading water. The garden is home to diverse plant life arranged in a number of different combinations. The different areas in the garden are connected by means of footbridges and paths that offer an extraordinary panoramic view of Warsaw.

The Copernicus Science Centre is a real treat for science lovers. Have a go at making your own experiments and find out what it felt like for Neil Armstrong to take his first step on the Moon. Find out why we experience fear and learn about the mysteries of the senses. Visit the Heavens of Copernicus Planetarium and watch the incredible show, and don’t forget to check out the Robotic Theatre. Once you’ve seen everything, chill out on the lawn in the Discoverers’ Park. This attraction is not only for children.

In early December, the tradition is that all the most prominent Warsaw streets and squares are decorated with thousands of lights, colourful decorations and fairy tale figures. The Castle Square is adorned with an almost 30-metre tall Christmas tree while the streets of the Old Town are covered with canopies made of lamps. You’ll find walking through winter scenes in Warsaw to be unforgettable.

Ice rinks are a great place to keep in shape in the winter. The first rinks open as early as November, but the actual ice-skating season enters full swing in December. The best-known rinks are located in the Old Town Market Square and by the Palace of Culture and Science. Both are free of charge. There are also many outside of the city centre, and most offer ice skates rental.

Winter in Poland lasts for four whole months – regardless of what the calendar has to say on the matter. If you are in Warsaw between November and March, let yourself go snow-mad on 5,000 m2 of ice. You have a choice of three ice-skating rinks, a curling sheet and an ice hill, which you can slide down in a rubber pontoon. Once you’ve had enough of all this fun in the snow, you can test your skills at the biggest skate park in Warsaw.

Unique Christmas presents, decorations and other holiday items can all be bought in this rather relaxed and most pleasant atmosphere. The Warsaw Fair, stretching from the Sigismund Column to the walls of the Old Town, offers hand-made products. With the sound of traditional Polish carols in the background, you can try a local gingerbread and warm yourself up with a cup of mulled wine.

Figures from a throughout the ages walk among huge, spectacularly illuminated plants, a royal carriage pulled by horses waiting to be given the signal to move, and the Palace’s facades, all enlivened with the magic of light, sound and images. The Wilanów Garden in wintertime will exceed your wildest imaginations.

This old post-industrial area in the Praga district is a true goldmine of interesting venues and projects. Here you will find a number of art studios and companies providing unusual services. Come and enjoy its special atmosphere by taking part in different cultural events or by visiting the Neon Museum, a very special and unique location that glows with the light of over 200 objects. It’s an absolute must-see for any fan of street art.

The Art Nouveau architecture of this indoor food market dating, back to the beginning of the 20th century, has been restored and the edifice modernised, and it has become one of the most important locations in the city’s culinary and social scene. Hop over for dinner or an exhibition – try out the latest trends in urban cuisine and find out what’s hot in town.

Come and admire one of the biggest and most beautiful roof gardens in Europe. The university library roof garden is composed of an upper and a lower part that are joined by a stream of cascading water. The garden is home to diverse plant life arranged in a number of different combinations. The different areas in the garden are connected by means of footbridges and paths that offer an extraordinary panoramic view of Warsaw.

See Warsaw through the windows of historical cars that were once used as regular vehicles in the city and now, beautifully restored, are true tourist attractions. There are a number of companies in the city offering such services. Get on board the cult Jelcz, a bus called the ‘cucumber’ because of its specific shape, or rent a Fiat 126p, the so-called maluch (meaning ‘little one’) to feel like you are travelling back in time.

Get ready for a real trip back in time! This incredible museum offers a display of souvenirs and memorabilia from the communist era: a typical flat, a shop with the era’s legendary empty shelves, a soda water machine, and the desk of a party apparatchik on the Central Committee. There is also a part dedicated to the famous Solidarity trade union. The location of the museum is also not a coincidence: it is located in a Socialist Realist building from the 1950s that was once known as the Polish Optical Factory. Skip the line and spend the whole day in commie style with a tour in a Nysa 522 minivan.

Art hits the streets in Warsaw, from works by famous sculptors that have been beautifully set in quiet green spaces through light installations and murals to graffiti art on, for example, the walls surrounding the horse racing venue in Służew and humorous stickers, or vlepki, as they are called in Polish. Take a trip to the Praga or Muranów districts, where you will find interesting murals. Some, such as those in the city centre, close to Jana Pawła II Street or the Sedlaczka Roundabout, make references to events in the city’s history, such as the Warsaw Uprising. See how city art has changed Warsaw and its residents.

If some Saturday or Sunday morning you feel like having a bite to eat of something delicious and out of the ordinary (or perhaps even surprising), then visit one of Warsaw’s breakfast fairs, where you can find just about any sort of food you might desire, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and organic options. The best-known breakfast fair takes place in the Żoliborz district, but open-air food fairs can be found in every district in the city.

Chopin’s concerts have been organised at the foot of Fryderyk Chopin’s statue for almost 60 years. Every Sunday in summer, hundreds of residents and tourists gather in one of the most beautiful parks in the city and lounge on the benches and lawns around the statue, listening to music played by outstanding pianists from both Poland and abroad.

This is one of the most popular music events in the city. Every year, the Warsaw Horse Races turn into a stage for world-famous stars, such as Beyoncé, Skunk Anansie, The Prodigy, or Lana Del Rey.

This festival is a meeting for jazz lovers in the landscape of the Old Town. One of the most popular and the biggest jazz event in the country, it has become an artistic showcase in Warsaw for those who love jazz, as well as for tourists from Poland and abroad.

The Cross-Culture Festival is a presentation of the most interesting phenomena in the sphere of music and culture from the most distant corners of the world. It is the biggest event of its kind in Poland and in Central Europe. The festival’s mission is to expose Varsovians and visitors to the wealth of cultures that exist in the modern world.

Over one hundred films, prestigious premieres and international stars make the Warsaw Film Festival one of the biggest film festivals in Central and Eastern Europe. Every year, the new trends in cinema shown at the competition are watched by thousands of film lovers.

Warsaw Restaurant Week is a culinary festival that attracts those who like restaurant hopping, as well as those who are not so keen on eating out. Each restaurant taking part in the event has to prepare a three-course menu at an attractive fixed price. There are also side events to the festival that are dedicated to culinary culture.

The Orlen Warsaw Marathon is the biggest running event in Poland, gathering thousands of sport lovers – professionals and amateurs – from all over the world. The PZU Marathon is the oldest marathon in Poland, organised continuously since 1979. Apart from the traditional race of 42.195 km, the event also includes charity and junior runs.

Quality and great design – these are the values pursued by the organisers of Hush Warsaw. The fair is a great opportunity to learn about new brands that are boldly entering new markets in Poland and abroad.

For a whole week at the end of August and beginning of September, Próżna Street and its environs are livened up by the atmosphere of this old Jewish district. The many performances, concerts, and workshops recall the Jewish culture that was so much a part of Warsaw’s pre-war identity.

The shortest night of the year is a wonderful opportunity for great fun by the Vistula River – music, dances, cruises, floating garlands with the current, and fireworks to end the night. The event is a contemporary version of the traditional Slavic St John’s Eve.

Illumination is one of the biggest winter attractions in Warsaw, loved by locals, tourists, and amateur photographers. The streets of the city are illuminated with thousands of lights and unique decorations, with a beautiful Christmas tree decorating the Castle Square.

The Art Nouveau architecture of this indoor food market dating, back to the beginning of the 20th century, has been restored and the edifice modernised, and it has become one of the most important locations in the city’s culinary and social scene. Hop over for dinner or an exhibition – try out the latest trends in urban cuisine and find out what’s hot in town.

If you are a night owl and are not afraid to eat late, then this is the place for you. The old Warsaw Central Train Station has gained a new life thanks to the gathering of food lovers organised here every Saturday and Sunday. This is where you will get the best street food in town, with a wealth of tastes – from traditional to oriental.

Modern takes on classics of Polish cuisine are served at Stary Dom, a superb restaurant whose primary attraction is the cooking done by skilled chefs right by diners' tables; a performance not to be missed is the making of steak tartare before your very eyes. Prices are very reasonable for the quality and reservations highly recommended.

One of the Polish capital's finest dining establishments happens to specialise in Southeast Asian cuisine. Combining flavour inspiration from China, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and even Singapore, head chef Marcin Sasin delights with finest dining creations made with first-rate ingredients like wagyu beef and often served to share.

In a beautiful setting of a 20th-century villa is Restauracja Różana, an exquisite restaurant serving Polish classics to sounds of live piano music. Abundant fresh flowers in the classic interior forge an irresistible old word appeal. Wednesdays see a delivery of fresh fish, and great set menus are served all days of the week.

This vegan restaurant enjoys a significant (and well-founded) following among non-vegans, for its offerings will no doubt please diners of even the most carnivorous persuasion. It's Israeli cuisine at its best: hummus, falafel, and abundant mezze, all in a low-key, unpretentious environment. Coffee specialities prepared with almond milk.

Warszawa Wschodnia is there regardless of the when appetite strikes: the restaurant operates on a 24/7 basis, serving contemporary Polish cuisine with some French influence day and night without fail. Sit at the bar encircling the kitchen and witness chefs at work, crafting dishes before your very eyes.

If some Saturday or Sunday morning you feel like having a bite to eat of something delicious and out of the ordinary (or perhaps even surprising), then visit one of Warsaw’s breakfast fairs, where you can find just about any sort of food you might desire, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and organic options. The best-known breakfast fair takes place in the Żoliborz district, but open-air food fairs can be found in every district in the city.

When you think of Polish cuisine, you think of… pierogi! Fair enough, as there are so many varieties of this traditional dish: with meat, cabbage, mushrooms, fruit, potatoes, cottage cheese or grits. New types have also appeared: with feta cheese, spinach or mozzarella. You simply have to have pierogi on your menu!

Though Warsaw is not located by the sea, herring has always been a local delicacy. It is served in many different ways, consumed in times of fast or as an ordinary daily meal. The best herring is served in oil. It is also the best thing to chase a shot of vodka with.

This delicate pork is cooked with vegetables and then left to set in an aromatic jelly. It is served with a touch of vinegar and a slice of bread. Order the dish as a small entree or as a starter to begin your Warsaw feast. Not a bad vodka chaser either.

Every Varsovian knows the taste of these balls of potato dough sprinkled with pork scratchings and fried onion. This is a true people’s dish, once famous in the Praga district of Warsaw. Supposedly, the best pyzy were sold in the famous Różycki Market. Have a taste – with either meat filling or just plain.

This dish is a staple of every Polish home, and its popularity does not seem to be waning. If you want to eat what Poles eat, have a pork chop. Any restaurant serving Polish food will have this on its menu in one of its many variations.

This is a typical summer soup, as it is served cold. Chłodnik is made from whey or kefir with fresh chopped vegetables: radish, cucumber, chard, and dill. When the weather is hot, every Polish restaurant has chłodnik on its menu. It is perfect for enhancing your appetite for a more filling main course. There are also new types of this soup, with avocado, for example.

Now don’t peck at your food – have a go at this true Warsaw dish! The aromatic, slightly spicy broth hides the surprisingly delicate beef giblets. Tripe is best in the wintertime when you need to warm yourself up and recharge your batteries.

This soup is quintessential Polish cuisine. It is made of meat broth leavened with rye sourdough and served with a boiled egg and white sausage. The dish is very filling and can serve as an entire meal. It is also a traditional part of the Easter breakfast menu.

There are many varieties of borsch: horseradish, sorrel, and Ukrainian (with vegetables), though the most popular type is made with beetroot. You can order it in any restaurant, and it is frequently served with croquettes. A perfect dish to warm you up in the winter.

Warsaw's doughnuts are round, puffy, and have no hole in the middle. They come in different varieties with a pudding or jam filling. The best are believed to be those filled with wild rose jam. Doughnuts can be bought on virtually every street corner, but the true doughnut craze comes on Fat Thursday.

This cult cake is as Warsaw as it gets. Its name comes from the W-Z Drive built right after World War II that runs under the Old Town. The cocoa pastry with layers of milky cream simply melts in your mouth and is an absolute must on the menus of all traditional cafés.

This is another genuine Warsaw cake whose origins, however, are a bit more modern. The ingredients include almond pastry, chocolate mousse, cranberry jam, whipped cream, and meringue. The name is derived from King Sigismund III Vasa, a statue of whom is mounted on the column in Castle Square.

One of the most famous Polish chocolate factories has been functioning continuously for many years in the Praga district. When passing by, you are bound to be tempted by the beautiful aroma. Wedel, however, is particularly well known for its hot chocolate cafés and atmospheric chocolate stores. Have a cup of hot chocolate, either classic or in one of many interesting flavours. Try “bird’s milk” pralines or the classic Wedel chocolate cake to go.

Manekin offers a scrumptious, creative take on some of Poland's finest culinary delights. Polish pancakes steal the show with the mere abundance of savoury and sweet varieties, but other menu items like the cream of porcini mushroom soup served inside a hollowed out bread loaf.

One would never think to poke around the grim Culture Palace in search of hip city hangout spots, and yet that's exactly where you'd find Kulturalna, an incredibly atmospheric cafe and cultural hub with a regularly updated event schedule and dapper-looking staff.

Poland's iconic chocolatier runs this exceptional cafe in a historic building that's housed the Wedel factory and enterprise since the late 19th century. Today's cafe still delights visitors with scrumptious Wedel specialities, from drinking chocolate to hand-crafted pralines.

This downtown cafe has a line of dedicated patrons waiting outside before doors open, and for good reason: Bułkę przez Bibułkę serves some of the best breakfasts in town, with eggs and bacon that come still sizzling in an individual pan, and bagel sandwiches coming undone from generous stuffing.

One of the city's iconic cafes has been around for over a century now, its story going back an incredible many years to 1901. Even if you aren't a guest at the luxury hotel itself, do not let that deter you from trying the embellishment's fine signature cake, or settling in for a scrumptious 2-course lunch on a weekday.

When visiting Warsaw in the summer, you simply have to go to the river. The relaxed atmosphere, outdoor parties, live music, and lounging on deckchairs make the riverside a great place to spend the night in Warsaw. The greatest number of clubs are between the Poniatowski Bridge and Czerniakowski Point by the Flotylla Wiślana Boulevard. There are also the Karski Boulevards and the La Playa Club on the Praga side of the Vistula.

If you are looking for a place to go clubbing in Warsaw, then this is the place for you. Diverse music, different styles – there is something for everyone. Most clubs are on Żurawia and Nowogrodzka Streets close to Parkingowa Street.

One street, yet so many possibilities. For years, this place has attracted crowds for its party atmosphere. There are clubs with a long history and places that are completely new. The neighbourhood of Nowy Świat and Kredytowa Streets offers very interesting clubbing possibilities.

This is one of the more interesting party offers in Warsaw. Live music and an offbeat atmosphere is what you will find on Kredytowa.

Just enter the gate marked Nowy Świat 22/28 and you will find yourself in a completely different world. The Pavilions, as they are known, occupy the space in between historical townhouses. The place is great for grabbing a bite to eat at night, having a beer, chilling out, and partying. A good spot for both before and after-parties.

A beer-lover's paradise, Kufle i Kapsle is far from modest in its offerings, serving at all times about a dozen beers on tap and a roughly 150 further bottled varieties, along with a selection of great snacks. The place is exceptionally popular with locals, and staff are always ready to advise to those that feel overwhelmed.

The refurbished old market hall has now turned into a hangout location of the highest calibre. Hala Koszyki houses a plethora of trendy international restaurants and bars, and teems with visitors on any given night, making it hard - but very possible - to secure a spot. For lunch, there is something for anyone's culinary preference.

Jumping head in into the nightlife in a new city can be both exciting and somewhat daunting. The surest way to guarantee a night out making new friends and having fun safely is by going on a pub crawl. It’s a great way to find cool bars and skip the line to a club. Other perks suck as free shots and beers are included.

Visit one of the most fashionable streets in Warsaw, with design stores and boutiques of well-known Polish designers and jewellery brands.

The old seat of the central censorship office in the communist era has been turned into an alternative department store. The four floors house fashion and interior design shops as well as a photography gallery and a café.

The characteristic black building of Wolf Bracka houses a luxury department store with shops featuring the best-known global brands, an exclusive restaurant, a wine store and a delicatessen. The place draws on pre-war shopping traditions.

This picturesque square with the centrally located St Alexander’s Church is surrounded by boutiques featuring well-known luxury brands, as well as numerous bistros and cafés.

Located in the very heart of the city, this shopping mall is known for its characteristic wavy roof. It is one of the most popular shopping places in the city. When your shopping is done, you can take it easy in the cinema on the top floor.

Arkadia is one of the biggest shopping centre in Poland, visited annually by some 20 million customers. It houses flagship stores featuring Polish and global brands, restaurants and cafés, a cinema and a playroom for children.

This shopping centre offers a wide range of stores, restaurants and services associated with fashion, including both popular and premium brands, as well as designer boutiques. It also has a cinema and a gym.

You can reach this place with no problem by public transportation. It only takes half an hour from the centre of Warsaw to find yourself in a shopping paradise, where you’ll be tempted by bargain prices on name-brand products.

This is a town within a town. In the 100 shops, you will find ends of collections of well-known brands, as well as special lines created by fashion houses with the outlet in mind. There are also offers from the previous season. Many well-known and popular brands can be purchased at 30-70% off.

There are three Warsaw Tourist Information Points in the city, situated in the most important tourist locations. At these points, you will receive not only advice as to what is worth visiting but also free and practical city maps and mini guidebooks in various languages. You can also buy a Warsaw Pass here. - Palace of Culture and Science, 1 Plac Defilad, (entrance from Emilii Plater Street) - Old Town Market Square 19/21/21a - Chopin Airport – Terminal A, Arrivals, Entrance 2 For opening hours, please see the website. If you have more questions, please email: [email protected]

It is cheapest and fastest to go either by foot or by public transportation when in Warsaw. There are buses, trams, and a metro. At night, you can use the metro, which operates until midnight on weekdays and until as late as 3:00 a.m. on weekends. You can also use night buses marked with the letter “N”. Timed tickets for shorter or longer trips can be purchased in the ticket dispensers at stops, in buses, or at kiosks. The same tickets are used in all types of public transport. Bus No180 This is a regular bus line to most of the interesting tourist attractions in Warsaw. The route runs along the Royal Route all the way to Wilanów.

Most planes land at the Chopin Airport in Warsaw, which is just 30 minutes from the city centre by public transport. If you have a long layover in Warsaw, use the time and visit the city. Skip the traffic jams and take the SKM (Szybka Kolej Miejska – Fast City Train), lines S2 and S3, or a bus No 175, for example.

This airport is 35 km from Warsaw, but with convenient connections to the city. To get to Warsaw from Modlin Airport, you have a choice of special Modlinbuses and OKbuses, as well as a train operated by Koleje Mazowieckie. All these means of transportation arrive in the very centre of Warsaw right by the Palace of Culture and Science.

Located in the very centre of town in front of the Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw Central is the biggest station in Warsaw. Once you have seen all there is to see, you can leave for other Polish cities.

The centre of Warsaw is all paid parking from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Parking is free on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Bicycles in Warsaw can be rented at over 300 stations. The first 20 minutes is free. You can rent a bike in one of three ways. The first is to log in to the website and pay an initial fee of PLN 10. The second is to register with a credit card at a rental station terminal. The third is to use the Nextbike mobile application.