"Warszawa: East meets West" Warsaw by Bushman23

Warsaw Travel Guide: 2,957 reviews and 7,158 photos

Palace of Culture and Science - Warsaw
Palace of Culture and Science
The changing face of the Capital

I used to live about an hour from Warsaw, meaning i had the opportunity to get to see it quite often - and it's a city i like more every time i see it, and learn a little more about it. Its big, and flat, and grey - this is true, but it's making an effort to shed it's dullness - billboards everywhere, new and very modern shopping centers popping up everywhere, and it's becomign a hub of business at the same time.

I'm planning on moving back there in a couple months, so i'll be adding plenty to this page in the coming months/years :)

My impressions
most Swietokrzyski (Bridge) - Warsaw

most Swietokrzyski (Bridge)

Warsaw is a city of contrasts; The Inner-city is quite Western, with more skyscrapers being erected as i write this, and bustling with life. The city limits, on the other hand, look decimated (especially in the West). Half the buildings are either abandoned or in ruins, and it's gonna take another few decades to bring these areas up to an acceptable standard for living.

Then there's the Old-Town; Absolutely beautiful! Squares, Churches galore, Palaces, lovely walks and views... So much to see! The parks are also stunning, though the best ones are a few Metro stops outside the city center.

My favourite things:
Palac na Wyspie. There should be a lake. - Warsaw

Palac na Wyspie. There should be a lake.

Well, the old town has to be number 1, with its vibrant atmosphere, alleys, the Barbican, monuments, and Cafe's, its a place to wile away the hours...
Just as enjoyable though is the Park Lazienkowski, with its memorial to Chopin, Lazienkowski Palace, Various historic buildings, and wildlife (mainly squirrels...). It's incredibly peaceful, even more so in Winter, when the snow deadens all sounds but those of the birds.

And i guess if i'm listing my favourite things, i have to list my least favourite too... The Warszawa Centralna (Train Station). With a reputation for pickpockets, i never felt comfortable entering it, even though the police were an almost constant presence there.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Lots to see and do
  • Cons:You gotta go looking for it! oh, and it gets cold in Winter...
  • In a nutshell:Visit for sure, you'll see the world from a different perspective!
  • Last visit to Warsaw: Feb 2011
  • Intro Updated May 10, 2011
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Reviews (22)

Seriously comfortable! :) - Warsaw Possibly the best coffee in the world?? Restaurants (4)

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Warplane on display - Warsaw 2 Museums in a row! Things to Do (8)

The National Museum & the Polish Army Museum are located right next to each other, making it easy to have a full/half... more travel advice

Comments (5)

  • Reply
    May 26, 2008 at 6:52 AM

    Nice page

  • Reply
    b1bob's Profile Photo
    Feb 11, 2006 at 9:30 AM

    Great job! I hope there will be more.

  • Reply
    HORSCHECK's Profile Photo
    Jan 7, 2006 at 2:59 AM

    Fabulous start about Warszawa. Brings back memories of my time in this interesting city. :o)

  • Reply
    evaanna's Profile Photo
    Nov 5, 2005 at 3:44 AM

    The Old Town is hardly ever that quiet, it is usually crowded with tourists, including school trips. I agree with you about the Central Station - it is dangerous, especially at night. Glad you enjoyed your stay in Warsaw.

  • Reply
    Marcin75's Profile Photo
    Nov 2, 2005 at 5:15 AM

    Where did you see those half of buildings abandoned or in ruins? I would buy one ;-)

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