Warsaw is my favorite city so far. There are a million reasons which you’ll see in this blog, and that’s why I’m so excited to write about travel. If you’re looking for somewhere beautiful, historic, clean, and safe to travel to in 2024, Warsaw is for you. This serves as a mini guide for what to expect and look forward to!
Safety
CRIME & SCAMS: First and foremost is safety, because I have been traveling solo since I was a teenager. As a female, I felt very secure in Warsaw. There are cops literally everywhere (and much like Italy, they aren’t an eyesore either). I’ve seen a couple shoplifters get busted. On top of that, Poland seems to still have a sense of social responsibility. It reminded me of Ukraine in that people around you seem to be aware of their surroundings and yours, in a way that makes you feel safer. Warsaw is, statistically, one of the safest major cities in Europe with one of the lowest overall crime rates of European destinations. I can remember the amber-selling in major tourist areas and was advised by natives to avoid it, since it can be fake amber. Pickpocketing, as with anywhere, would be more common in crowded areas such as concerts.
TOURISM: Warsaw has fewer tourists than other European capitals. If you’re a claustrophobic traveler like me, this will be a relief. I remember a taxi driver learning where I’m from and asking with a grin on his face, “The USA… why did you come to Warsaw, then?”
Most tourists I encountered were from France and Germany. There are, of course, many people from Ukraine and Belarus living in Warsaw as war or political refugees, and they were quite receptive to photo-taking exchanges with me.
NIGHTLIFE: There are plenty of places to go in the evenings, I’ve been outside at all hours of the day or night in Warsaw: 11 p.m., 2 a.m., 5 a.m., you name it. As with anywhere, the likelihood of running into a drunk is higher after the sun sets (and in summer, that is usually after 9 p.m.). In general, the city is quiet in the dead of night. I heard a fifth of the police sirens at night that I heard in Berlin. The north side of Praga is considered the poor part of the city and should be avoided when alone. You have no reason to be trekking in residential areas void of business owners and beautiful views in the night, anyway, so stay in the navigable and well-lit areas in the late evenings.
Culture
ATTITUDE: One remark I made to my father upon calling him while abroad is that natives of Warsaw seem to be happy to be there, and it makes you pretty ecstatic to be there, too. Poles are likely to be friendly if you are, simple as that. I quite like their willingness to laugh and strike you a deal if they want to. Poles, like anyone, appreciate it if you openly love their country, language, and culture.
SOCIALIZING & DATING: It is easy to make a friend in Poland, if you have something to talk about. Younger people would be more open to chatting with me, since we have age in common and they usually ask where I’m from because of how I speak. Another thing I noticed is that people are always on dates. Everywhere I went, I saw people in cafes, restaurants, and bars (or on walks) together. It is normal for the guy to pay on a date, and it isn’t a point of contention. Sometimes people sit next to one another instead of across each other. I haven’t tried dating apps in Warsaw, but your likelihood of meeting a friendly native or foreign expat is high. A few places I went to were crawling with expats in the lunch or dinner hours, in every area from diplomacy to global marketing. In Loreta (shown later), you can hear English, Spanish, German, Russian, French… it’s intriguing.
Price
Taxis in Warsaw through Bolt and Uber are CHEAP. Public transport day tickets are nicely priced. Beautiful views and small coffee shops are affordable. Groceries and general merchandise products are priced well. I remember paying the equivalent of 2 to 3 euros to go across town when it was rainy, or I needed to get to the airport on time. This is about 10 times less than the same ride in Berlin. Keep cash on you, too, because not every place has an option for paying electronically or with a card. If you're wondering about tips, they are not entirely necessary. However, if you pay a 10% tip or more, people will take it to mean that you appreciate their services and may like you more.
Language
I remember people hoodwinking me into believing that all European capitals were full of English speakers. My take? Yes, and no. After my experience in the Vienna airport of the staff not understanding a lick of English, I knew better and decided to study up on some Polish words so I could understand, at least. While I was there, I learned how to order food, say please and thank you, ask for an iced coffee, and so on. This was well received. (By the way, iced coffee is “kawa mrożona,” and it is GOOD.)
Knowing just a little of the Polish language marks you as more polite and respectful, opposite the “loud Westerner” archetype too many Europeans are familiar with. Also, Polish music is great. The first time I went to Poland, I used Russian quite a bit, since it was most all I knew at the time. A surprising amount of older people, including the lady at my favorite tea shop, would converse with me in that language. The crossover when talking about food was helpful, for instance, and even the staff of the restaurant I haunted for soup pickup when I was sick were able to understand what I need without much difficulty.
TLDR: Use a Slavic language (preferably Polish) or try to learn common words and sayings. Not everyone speaks English, nor should they. A little bit means a lot.
Weather
Be prepared for anything. The summer is not as toasty as you would think… sometimes it is roasting, sometimes it drops to the 50s in the mornings or evenings coupled with rain (about 12 Celsius), and you will want a jacket and pants. The typical range for June to August is from 47 - 73 Fahrenheit (about 9 - 22 Celsius). Warsaw is not your exotic beachy getaway. If you want a beach, go to Sopot. When it rains in Warsaw, it can be severe. Oddly enough, it can also end as quickly as it begins. I once did not take it seriously and broke an umbrella in the wind, getting soaked to my underwear right before a date. :’)
All in All…
The terms I’d use to describe Warsaw would be friendly, walkable, & economical.
Let’s go to my favorite places (hint: click the names of places to see them on Google maps😊)…
Views
This is a must, not only because of the mind-boggling number of winding stairs to the top, but because it’s the best way to catch sunset over the Royal Castle, antique streets, and plazas. Bonus: you can see roadways and the Vistula on another side, plus bits of the newer city. Given the number of times I’ve been up there, I got the idea that you can stay as long as you want. It costs 10 PLN (around 2.50 USD) to go up there, and you’ll receive a paper ticket. Hot tip: the gift shop and the tickets for the view cannot be paid in card, so make sure you have some Polish cash on you when you go.
This one blew my mind, particularly because a lot of the garden is on top of the building (and there is a LOT of it). There are stairs, waterfalls, garden tunnels, and spots to picnic. A few spots for viewing the city are great photo opportunities.
Admission is free to this scenic park, with everything from quiet field-like areas to walking trails, a café, and boat rides. It’s a shady spot to spend time on a hot day, and there’s plenty to explore.
Experiences and Shopping
This place was right outside the first apartment I stayed in and is in the quasi-center of the newer part of town. It is the sixth tallest building in the EU and the second tallest building in Poland. It heavily resembles the style of Moscow’s Seven Sisters, because it was designed by one of the same architects (Lev Rudnev). The 30th floor has a terrace which could earn it a spot in the category above, except that it also offers two museums and has a host of other purposes for city offices, conferences, diplomatic meetings, study, and more.
You should go to this art museum simply because it is large, reasonably priced (around 6 USD), full of stunning art, and easy to locate. Enough said.
Despite the pretty penny you may pay to be visually stunned inside the actual Royal Palace in Old Town (~30 USD, which will feel like a lot after two or three weeks in Warsaw), the Royal Castle Gardens are completely free to stroll. Just go down the steps between the Palace and the Observation Deck Tower at St. Anna’s, under the roadway tunnel, and it’s there behind the Palace itself. It has its own multilevel charm, is great for taking photos, and has a team of adorable lawn mowing robots to keep its grass trim and tidy. The Royal Palace is eye candy, but if you’re going for cheap thrills this place will be one of your favorites.
The Cosmos Museum is an interactive walkthrough with light exhibits and many photo ops. It capitalizes on its optical illusion exhibits and dazzling light rooms which sparkle and shine. Although it is rather small, it is well-priced (around 8 USD) and is open until 9 p.m., making it a good option for your after-dinner hitlist.
This is by far one of my favorite places for finding gifts, strolling, and seeing gorgeous buildings. It’s even better in the evenings near sunset, especially after a good rain. Great news: It’s close enough to the observation deck that you can eat dinner (next section), walk, shop, and catch the sunset from the top of the church.
I have never been in a tea shop so friendly and full of helpful staff than here. The first time I stumbled upon it, the lady on staff and I had a nice conversation and I found exactly what I wanted: a unique aromatic tea to take home. They offer a variety of drink-related gifts including pretty teacups and sets, gift baskets, and walls of tea canisters from which you can buy in small quantities. After a while, I dragged my friend back there and we found a rose tea which blows my mind to this day. Every time I’m in Warsaw, I come by here!
If you’re a candle junkie like me, or are looking for a good gift for mom, these candles are both lovely and boast a variety of unique scents and sizes.
Rossmann (yeah, I said it):
When I say they are on every street corner in Warsaw, I am not really exaggerating… Rossmann is a European phenomenon that I absolutely love because the prices are amazing, and you can find everything there (depending on the size of the specific store) from drugstore items like medications, tea, cold drinks, pasta, and tights to umbrellas, sunglasses, hair dye, string lights, and bath salts. There’s more to love: their automated self-checkout has many language options, you can enter vouchers, and moves very quickly. Just search “Rossmann”, and there will be one nearby.
Restaurants, Cafés, and Bars
Among one of the best and best-priced Polish places I visited (and many times, at that) is this gem. Not only is the view of the castle and bridge spectacular, you can run in there and get some Żurek (sour rye soup) and tonic water for next to nothing. If I’m remembering correctly, you can pay both cash and card here. It’s a quieter place where it’s possible to talk or just enjoy the refuge from the crowds that sometimes amass near the castle on important days.
Very close to the center of Old Town you’ll find a strip of good restaurants and shops going towards Nowy Świat. One of those is Giovanni Rubino, an Italian (or Italian-inspired) modern spot usually bopping with dance songs in Italian or Spanish and bustling with a lot of very young, very helpful waiters and waitresses. Their knowledge of English was, in my experience, extensive (so if you’re planning on toughing out Warsaw as a monolingual, this is your spot). I am not afraid to admit that I was there most days of the week for SOMETHING, whether it be a very aesthetically-pleasing salad or an iced coffee. I took friends and acquaintances there for lunch or dinner many times, and we were always impressed. Bonus: the great view on the street and the butterfly mirrors in the bathroom 😊
On the end of one of my favorite streets in Old Town, you’ll find a very quaint and very friendly Georgian restaurant with an impressive collection of classic dishes and Georgian art. There are a hundred reasons Georgian desserts and wines are legendary, and this restaurant may be one of them.
A pricier Polish place that runs on its traditional appeal and friendly staff is Stara Kamienica. The presentation is beautiful, and I remember the staff bringing me and my friends roses (for the girls) and a shot of vodka (for the boys) as a favor at the end of our time there.
Loreta is a lounge/bar with an incredible view and an impressive array of drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) that are as Instagram-worthy as its iconic balcony. A short walk away from Stara Kamienica, it’s located in the newer part of town among skyscrapers and apartment buildings. Balcony spots can be hard to snag, so mind the time you arrive at if you want to be outside. As far as the indoor seating is concerned, it’s extensive and ambient. Given that it’s a bit hard to find and access, just go in the building underneath it (appearing that you’re going to Magari, the Japanese restaurant on the first level), find the elevator, and go to the 7th floor.
This adorable café is a book shop on the first floor, a coffee spot on the second floor, and some kind of podcasting/broadcasting space in the basement. I found this place by accident when it was rainy one day, bought a few books, and found the cakes and coffee to be beyond exceptional. Don’t miss it!
This Japanese restaurant is quite popular locally and among visitors because of its bright appearance and great food.
Despite the slightly higher prices, this coffee shop is worth it because it is cozy and rich in every way. The desserts and variety of teas and coffees are all exceptional.
This coffee spot was a short walk from one of my apartments in Warsaw and remains a friendly staple of my time there if I visit. The vibe is certainly unique, as the larger portion of this place is a store selling goods from African creators to fund missions there. The employees are frequently students who are somehow involved in the mission of the business, and they’re quite nice. There is a variety of coffee to purchase and seasonal tea- or lemonade-based drinks, too.
Suffice to say, there is an endless number of things to do in Warsaw that will leave you with a grin on your face and even more love for Polish people and culture. My visits to Warsaw are part of the reason I want to learn Polish (more on that later). Don’t miss an opportunity to come to Warsaw open-minded and leave Warsaw extremely happy. If you want a few photos from the experiences outlined here, make sure to check out my album.
Do później!
-Lauri
Copyright Lauri Speaks℗, 2023