Holiday lettings in Warsaw

There are a variety of neighbourhoods in Warsaw that hold different attractions. Mokotow is a mix of old and new, where pre-war villas sit adjacent to communist tower blocks. There are a variety of green spaces and the delightful corners of Mokotow have built up a collective of staunch locals. A good neighbourhood to experience life in modern Warsaw. Muranow is another residential area, littered with good schools, restaurants and some intriguing Socialist-realist architecture. Zoliborz is probably the most bohemian neighbourhood on the left-bank of the river. With charming pre-war houses, a slower pace of life and lots of green spaces: it is an excellent base to explore the city. It is also home to the metro station Plac Wilsona, recently named the most beautiful station in the world. In recent times, the right-bank district of Praga - that previously stood idle for decades as impoverished housing estates - has undergone a transformation, as artists flock to the area creating new spaces for themselves.

Although modernity has been achieved, a walk through Warsaw’s Old Town – restored, lovingly, brick-by brick in the 1950s – ensures memories of its turbulent past are not forgotten. This is the city that resisted the Nazi’s in 1944, culminating in the heroic tragedy of the Warsaw Uprising. This is the city where Chopin spent his childhood. This reincarnation is further proof of the Poles’ determination to preserve and confront their history. The Stalinist Palace of Culture still stands tall today and provides a fantastic viewpoint of the city from its 30th floor. Another point of interest is the Wilanow Poster Museum. Housed in the beautiful Wilanow Palace complex, they have a mammoth collection of both Polish and international posters from two centuries of creation. Warsaw is where Fryderyk Chopin, the “second Mozart”, grew up. Since 1953, the Ostrogski Palace has been home to the Fryderyk Chopin Museum. The Museum covers the history and works of Chopin and includes original manuscripts and letters written by the composer.

The majority of Warsaw’s glitzy restaurants can be found in the Old Town and along the Royal Route, but those searching for lower priced, local fare should explore Powisle, Zoliborz and Praga. Due to Poland’s history, it is perhaps unsurprising that there have been an eclectic mix of influencers on the cuisine. As well as sharing similarities with Slavic countries, Jewish, German and western Europe has also had an effect. The food can be characterised as hearty European fare. The most famous Polish national dishes include bigos, stewed cabbage and meat; Pierogi, boiled or fried dumplings; and barszcz, beetroot soup. Bread is also an important component of Polish cuisine and is predominantly made from rye or wheat. In Poland, a welcome of bread and salt is a sign of traditional hospitality. It has been suggested - and I’m sure attested by other Slavic nations - that Poland was the birthplace for vodka in the 8th century. Polish vodka is traditionally prepared with grain or potatoes.

The cheapest way to get into the city from Warsaw’s international airport is by the city bus which transports you all the way to the Old Town. Don’t forget to validate your ticket before you board the bus. The majority of Warsaw’s city centre is best explored on foot, however, cycling is also popular. While the city is flat and easy to navigate, you should beware of the famously irritable Warsaw drivers and, perhaps, follow the heed of locals and share the pavement with pedestrians. Warsaw’s integrated public transport system includes tram, bus and metro lines. You need to buy a ticket before boarding the buses, trams and metros, these are sold at newsstands, some hotels, post offices and metro stations. Tickets, timetables and information can be found at ZTM information desks at underground stations within the city. For the vast majority of trips, a jednorazowy bilet (single) will suffice. It costs 2.80zl. For several journeys within a short period of time, you can get a 90-minutowy bilet (90 minute ticket).