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P O L A N D

W A R S A W

O V E R V I E W

OVERVIEW

Intentionally destroyed by the Germans during World War II, Warsaw rose again, surviving not only the Nazis, but also regressive Soviet control become a vibrant, dynamic Polish metropolis where history and modernity intertwine. 


From the grandeur of its reconstructed Old Town to the gleaming skyscrapers that punctuate its skyline, this city is a story of defiance, survival, and reinvention.


As the capital of Poland’s political, cultural, and intellectual life, Warsaw has a rhythm all its own. 


Here, Chopin’s music drifts through elegant parks, and traditional Polish dishes sit comfortably alongside global culinary innovations, and the most impressive examples of contemporary Polish cooking.

Here's what we think should form the core of your experience:

A City of Triumph & Tragedy

Warsaw’s Old Town is a testament to human perseverance. 


Painstakingly rebuilt after its destruction in World War II, it stands today as a UNESCO World Heritage site. 


Walk through Castle Square, where the royal past of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth comes alive, and visit the Royal Castle, a symbol of the city’s historic grandeur. 


The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews and the Warsaw Uprising Memorial both offer deeply moving insights into the resilience of Warsaw’s people during some of the most harrowing chapters of its history.


While some parts of Warsaw are very pretty, others are... not so much. Bear in mind that everything you see is a product of Polish determination in the face of the too-often bad intentions of its neighbours. 

Green Spaces & Musical Legacy

Warsaw is a city of parks, offering a chance for a little respite from the concrete. 


Here you'll find open-air Chopin concerts, a favorite for both locals and visitors, and elsewhere one of the oldest public parks in Europe. Along the Vistula Boulevards, there riverside strolls to be had, cafés, and cultural events.


Though Frédéric Chopin was born in the nearby village of Żelazowa Wola, it was Warsaw where he spent much of his formative years. A visit to the Chopin Museum or a walk through the city’s landmarks tied to his connection here, such as the Church of the Holy Cross where his heart rests, brings a little bit of warmth and depth to the life of one of the inventive composers there ever was. 


And to just explain the significance of that last bit: Chopin lived in fear of being buried alive, and so prior to his death in Paris in 1849, he requested that his heart be removed after his death, just to be sure he was dead, and taken back to be interred in his beloved Poland.

Culinary Comfort & Surprises

Cuisine in Warsaw covers an immense range. It needs to be said: Poland is one of the world's most underrated culinary destinations. 


Obviously there is plenty of international cooking, but it is really and truly the Polish kitchens that the visitor is best-served focussing on. 


Here you will find a mix of the hearty and refined, rustic traditional dishes, and beautiful contemporary interpretations.


Indulge in the classics: pierogi stuffed with a variety of fillings, savor bigos (hunter’s stew), or warm up with a comforting bowl of żurek (gloriously savoury and tangy sour rye soup). For those seeking a bit of crunch, try placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes), often served with sour cream or goulash.


Or see what modern Poland can do: delight in a thriving modern dining scene, where chefs experiment with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and new ways of preparing and presenting old favourites. 


For a sweet treat, don’t miss a slice of Warsaw-style cheesecake, or pop into a café for pączki (Polish donuts). 


And then there are Warsaw’s markets, such as Hala Koszyki, which combine artisanal products with buzzing food stalls and fresh produce.

P L A N N I N G & G U I D E S

M E M B E R S  O N L Y

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PLANNING & PRIVATE TOUR GUIDES

Here's where the real magic begins.

Warsaw

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