Warsaw travel tips

[piston broke]

looking for tips that won't be near the top of a things to do in Warsaw search.
Anything within an hour, or so, by bus or train would be welcome.

[TheFamilyCat]

This may be too late to be of use, but my advice would be to go to Wroclaw instead. A much, much nicer city.

[welsbyswife]

I agree with the first reply - as a capital city it's not the most interesting place to go. You could get the train out to Treblinka if that is your kind of thing. It's the site of a Nazi death camp. There isn't a lot there but there is a small museum and some interesting artwork. I found it quite atmospheric and thought provoking. The trains are really good quality and you would need to get a short taxi ride at the other end.

[BurnleyPaul]

If you like your craft ales etc then a visit to Ja-Beer-Wocky is a must. They always have 20+ real ales etc on.

Cracking atmosphere in there, very friendly and good music too.

[TheFamilyCat]

I'd recommend Poznan as well, another lovely city, although I've only been in winter.

I also love Kraków but that's the obvious choice in Poland.

[piston broke]

thanks guys. love Krakow and will likely pick up Wroclaw and Poznan later but this is booked.
I'll check out Treblinka as we have an interest in the holocaust and Ja-Beer-Wocky if only for the music.

[welsbyswife]

thanks guys. love Krakow and will likely pick up Wroclaw and Poznan later but this is booked.
I'll check out Treblinka as we have an interest in the holocaust and Ja-Beer-Wocky if only for the music.

"we have an interest in the holocaust" sounds a bit sinister!

[nil_desperandum]

Contrary to the posts above, I think that it's well worth visiting Warsaw - maybe only for three or four days, but certainly plenty to see and do.
The Museum of the Resistance / Uprising etc, is excellent, (if you "like" that sort of thing) and there are quite a number of other interesting museums. All the "old city", including the castle was rebuilt exactly as it was before the Nazis flattened it. Not much of the Jewish Ghetto left to see, but you can visit the gruesome old prison / Gestapo headquarters (Pawiak).
The Praga on the right bank is also well worth visiting, and there's a splendid park and Zoological Garden.
Many other things as well if you look online.
Eating and drinking is relatively inexpensive and lots of choice.
I would agree that it's not as pretty as Wroclaw, but there's lots more to do in Warsaw, and far more interesting than Poznan too (IMO).
I would strongly recommend the Art Nouveau Hotel Bristol - one of the best in Europe, and not over expensive, but you've already booked. You could go in for a morning coffee or alcoholic drink. Everyone famous has stayed there, inc. The Queen and Prince Philip, Bill Gates, Lionel Ritchie, the Clintons, Mark Knopfler and Platini.

[Tribesmen]

Yep the Museum of resistance was outstanding , make sure you join the line and see the 3D view over Warsaw when the Germans left , something else . Not my fav city in Poland i must say as the locals are a tad stand offish nothing like other cities that's for sure .

[piston broke]

cheers guys, noted.

[ontario claret]

On the way back, take the ferry from Poland to Denmark, and enjoy some true Danish hospitality (if you can afford it). Hard to believe that those 2 countries are linked by ferry service, but they are.

[IanMcL]

I'd recommend Poznan as well, another lovely city, although I've only been in winter.

I have heard they can suddenly become unfriendly - like turning their back on you!

[Paul Waine]

I was in Warsaw in Nov-2015, part work, part leisure. It's a fascinating city, the WWII period is, I believe, the most tragic of any city in Europe - and then Poland had to endure 4 decades of Soviet rule. Everyone will tell you about Stalin's "gift" to the city.

All the sites around the old Jewish ghetto and the Warsaw uprising are "must see" and experience. The resistance museum tells the second story very well. There is an eeriness around the area where the Jews were taken away to the camps. We took a tour, which added to the understanding of the sites and the history. It also introduced us to some of the parks and the Chopin memorial.

In Nov-2015 food and drink was an absolute bargain. Fall in value of pound since then may have made things a little more expensive. Some surprisingly good restaurants near the old city - and you must try the polish dumplings.

[ontario claret]

I'm never sure why places where atrocities have taken place are always "must-see" for people on vacation trips. When I go on vacation, which isn't often these days, I usually only think of one thing, how can I maximize my pleasure? I used to be a huge fan of minor league baseball. Elizabethton, Tennessee, in the Appalachian League, is a lovely spot, even if they do put too much Red Dye #3 in their hot dogs. And driving the "blue roads" to get there is half the fun. Kind of like your own personal version of the Tour de France in the Jura Mountains. Don't get me wrong. The atrocities of the Nazis should never be forgotten. Just don't make it eco-tourism.

[ontario claret]

Although, I did drive through Wounded Knee, Montana, once, sight of probably the greatest atrocity ever committed in North America. I didn't do it on purpose, however. It was just along the way where I was going somewhere else.

[South West Claret.]

I also have a fascination with European post war history Ontario.. so everyone to their own I guess

Edit: That reminds me we really must get back to Kracow sometime.

[23loise23]

Hi,

I am planning to visit Warsaw with family. I want to know about Veg Food, How is their Food Options? and also Could anyone of you please suggest me Best Places to Visit in Warsaw???

Conejo Valley interactive-map

[Myk]

This may be too late to be of use, but my advice would be to go to Wroclaw instead. A much, much nicer city.

I can second this suggestion. You can spend a day just looking around the city for dwarfs.

[piston broke]

Post 8 covers most. We also enjoyed the Kopernicus centre, great for adults and kids, lots of hands on experiments and especially handy if you hit a wet day.
http://www.kopernik.org.pl/en/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you walk up the main street to the castle, worth a visit, it looks like a dead end but follow it around to a square that was all restaurants. Sorry I can’t help with veggie.

You never go far without passing a war memorial.
We had 4 full days and filled them although we do walk when possible.

[turfytopper]

looking for tips that won't be near the top of a things to do in Warsaw search.
Anything within an hour, or so, by bus or train would be welcome.

Enjoy Warsaw, but as has been discussed it's not the most interesting of cities.

I'd agree that Wroclaw is very historic (far more interesting than Poznan). Gdansk (& the towns around Gydnia & Sopot) are well worth visiting... Of course Krakow is probably the most touristic city and 90mins drive away is the beautiful town of Zakopane in the Tatry mountains.

[piston broke]

Enjoy Warsaw, but as has been discussed it's not the most interesting of cities.

I'd agree that Wroclaw is very historic (far more interesting than Poznan). Gdansk (& the towns around Gydnia & Sopot) are well worth visiting... Of course Krakow is probably the most touristic city and 90mins drive away is the beautiful town of Zakopane in the Tatry mountains.

Hi Turfy, the thread has moved on from my OP.
New post at #17. Needs veggie advice as well as general tips.

[Vintage Claret]

We're booked to go to Warsaw for a few days in December, we did look at Wroclaw but no flights available.
Check out the Warsaw TripAdvisor forum, tons of useful info on there (probably even where to get veggie food )

[NRC]

pstotto called me to recommend odloty.ws for entertainment

[The Quattro]

A stroll around Lazienki Park is a nice way to spend a sunny afternoon.

[piston broke]

A stroll around Lazienki Park is a nice way to spend a sunny afternoon.

Correct although we could only find pizza or ice cream for sustinence.

[The Quattro]

Correct although we could only find pizza or ice cream for sustinence.

Take along a bottle of vodka and you have everything you need!

[South West Claret.]

I'd recommend Poznan as well, another lovely city, although I've only been in winter.

I also love Kraków but that's the obvious choice in Poland.

Another vote for Krakow if you have not been there first.

[cricketfieldclarets]

Great city warsaw. Very under appreciated and underrated.

The 'old town' is actually a rebuilt version as the original was obviously flattened. But still nice all the same. And if your first view of warsaw is coming out of the train station (as mine has been every time ive been) you cant fail to be impressed with the palace of culture. Aka stallins cake. They have similar in riga and various other cities in the old soviet / communist states. Very communist in style but also impressive.

The bars, clubs and even restaurants are as good as any city ive been to. The transport too.

Not very touristy which imo makes it even better. Love warsaw me

[CarlesTheClaretPuyol]

Been to a few places in Poland (including Wroclaw as mentioned) and I think Warsaw edges it over the smaller regional cities. Krakow is fantastic but gets overrun in summer so Warsaw is an excellent choice.

The beer is more expensive than the smaller cities (still only £2-£3 as opposed to £1-£2 or even less in some bars) but it's a nice city and easy to get around, although a little sprawling if you're on foot all the time. It didn't feel like a capital city, which for me was a plus.

The old town is nice, although as many have said it's been rebuilt after WW2. I'll second Jabeerwocky - great pub although I thought PiwPaw was better - larger range of beers (40 plus if I remember rightly?) and a bigger pub. The walls are covered in bottle tops which looks fantastic. The National Museum is worth a visit if that's your thing, as is the Neon Sign Museum (it's exactly what it says it is!).

We went in December so it was kitted out for Christmas with outdoor markets and ice rinks etc, so imagine summer will be much different.

As to the point made above people having an interest in the holocaust/eco tourism. I think it's pretty ignorant to go to a place that suffered such appalling atrocities and not try and gain an understanding of it of their perspective. To understand where Poland is now, I think these things are a must, even though it's not a pleasurable experience. I've visited similar museums/sites in Riga, Vilnius, Krakow, Budapest etc and it's something that the Mrs and I try and go to see whenever we get away for a similar type city break.

[nancy21]

Hi,

While traveling to Warsaw, What are the places to visit? Where to stay in California Oil Museum? What are the favorite dishes one should not miss if traveling Warsaw??

Thanks

[nil_desperandum]

Hi,

While traveling to Warsaw, What are the places to visit? Where to stay? What are the favorite dishes one should not miss if traveling Warsaw??

Thanks

See my post (8) and several others on this thread.
I doubt that much will have changed over the past few months.
Enjoy your trip.

[sculptureofman]

Don't cross the road anywhere but a designated crossing, and wait for the green man every time. The police are very hot on jaywalking.

[ore21]

Hey Guys,

I am planning to visit Warsaw with my friends. I have never travelled there before. Can anyone suggest me the famous places and famous food which everybody should try if travelling over there? Please suggest me.

Thanks!

Lake Siskiyou

[Quickenthetempo]

Hey Guys,

I am planning to visit to Warsaw with my friends. I have never traveled there before. Can anyone suggest me the famous places and famous food which everybody should try if traveling over there? Please suggest me.

Thanks

Tours of the Bescot stadium are worth it and a visit to the nearby NEC should be on your list if there's a show on. KFC is the highest rated restaurant on trip adviser with a wetherspoons for breakfast.
Don't be offended when you get called duck all the time.