Warsaw City Breaks 2012

Warsaw Lazienki Park Palace

Capital of Poland

Like many capital cities in Europe, Warsaw is not only the capital city of Poland; it is also the country’s largest city. It is estimated that around 2.6 million people make their home in Warsaw. In terms of population, Warsaw ranks no. 9 in the European Union’s list of largest cities.

Phoenix City

Warsaw is recognized and renowned as the “phoenix city” due to its ability to recover from the extensive damage that it suffered during World War II. At this time 80 percent of its buildings were destroyed but eventually rebuilt thanks to the efforts of Polish citizens.

What to See

Some of the must-see places in Warsaw include Old Town, Lazienki Krowlewskie Park-Palace Complex, Wilanow Park-Palace Complex, Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw Rising Museum, National Museum, Warsaw Zoological Garden, University of Warsaw Library, Praga District and the very many places related to Fryderyk Chopin located throughout Warsaw. Warsaw is the city where Chopin spent the first 20 years of his life and where he first played many of his earliest concerts.

Other interesting tourist spots in Warsaw are the Parliament House, Multimedia Fountain Park, Sluzewiec Horse Race Track, Heaven of Copernicus, Koneser Vodka Distillery, Fotoplastikon and Lindley Water Filters.

Polish Cuisine

Polish cuisine has evolved throughout the decades due to historical circumstances. Polish cuisine is similar to other Eastern and Central European traditions and also features traces of Italian and French influence. Meat is almost always served, alongside chicken, winter vegetables, chicken, beef and spices. Several types of noodles and cereals are also used in Polish cuisine. It is not uncommon for wine to be served with meals especially during festivities and celebrations. The main meal is usually served at around 2 p.m. and consists of a soup, an appetizer, a meaty dish, and finally, dessert.

When to Go

Late spring and early fall are the most ideal periods to visit Warsaw as weather is extremely cooperative and pleasant at this time. Tourists usually pour in from May through September so if you wish to avoid the rush then it would be best not to come during those months.

Night Life

While Warsaw may not be as cosmopolitan or modern as other European cities, there are still some hotspots worth checking out when it comes to nightlife. Here is a diverse list of highly recommended bars, clubs, and pubs in town: The Secret Garden, Plan B, Bierhalle, Kwadrat, Champions, New Orleans, Someplace Else, Warsaw Tortilla Factory, Flow, Affogato, Panorama, Capitol, Joseph’s Wine and Food, Paparazzi, Sketch and Legends.