Insight Guides Explore Warsaw

How To Use This E-Book

This Explore Guide has been produced by the editors of Insight Guides, whose books have set the standard for visual travel guides since 1970. With top-quality photography and authoritative recommendations, these guidebooks bring you the very best routes and itineraries in the worlds most exciting destinations.

Best Routes

The routes in this book provide something to suit all budgets, tastes and trip lengths. As well as covering the destinations many classic attractions, the itineraries track lesser-known sights, and there are also excursions for those who want to extend their visit outside the city. The routes embrace a range of interests, so whether you are an art fan, a gourmet, a history buff or have kids to entertain, you will find an option to suit.

We recommend reading the whole of a route before setting out. This should help you to familiarise yourself with it and enable you to plan where to stop for refreshments options are shown in the Food and Drink box at the end of each tour.

Introduction

The routes are set in context by this introductory section, giving an overview of the destination to set the scene, plus background information on food and drink, shopping and more, while a succinct history timeline highlights the key events over the centuries.

Directory

Also supporting the routes is a Directory chapter, with a clearly organised AZ of practical information, our pick of where to stay while you are there and select restaurant listings; these eateries complement the more low-key cafs and restaurants that feature within the routes and are intended to offer a wider choice for evening dining. Also included here are some nightlife listings, plus a handy language guide and our recommendations for books and films about the destination.

Getting around the e-book

In the Table of Contents and throughout this e-book you will see hyperlinked references. Just tap a hyperlink once to skip to the section you would like to read. Practical information and listings are also hyperlinked, so as long as you have an external connection to the internet, you can tap a link to go directly to the website for more information.

Maps

All key attractions and sights mentioned in the text are numbered and cross-referenced to high-quality maps. Wherever you see the reference [map] just tap this to go straight to the related map. You can also double-tap any map for a zoom view.

Images

Youll find lots of beautiful high-resolution images that capture the essence of the destination. Simply double-tap on an image to see it full-screen.

2017 Apa Digital (CH) AG and Apa Publications (UK) Ltd

Table of Contents

Recommended Routes For...

Foodies

The Warsaw gastronomic revolution is in full swing, so its worth checking out its hotspots, including Koszyki ().

Leonardo

History aficionados

Learn about Warsaws extraordinary history at one of these excellent museums: the Museum of Warsaw ().

Shutterstock

Music lovers

Discover Frederick Chopins Warsaw ().

iStock

Nature lovers

Escape the city and immerse yourself in one of Warsaws green oases, from elegant azienki ().

Getty Images

Night owls

Get carried away at one of the posh clubs on the left riverbank ().

Alamy

Science buffs

Want to see the state-of-the art planetarium and discover the secret of light? Head to the Copernicus Science Centre ().

Shutterstock

Shopaholics

Take a walk along Mokotowska street ().

Shutterstock

Socialist-realism fans

Admire the monumental Constitution Square, a classic example of the Socialist-realist style ().

iStock

Explore Warsaw

Warsaw is a fast-changing, modern city with a rich, though turbulent, past. Despite the fact its allure may not be immediate, it has plenty of scenic corners and places of historic significance that will send tingles down your spine.

Polands proud capital for over 400 years, Warsaw is a bustling city which has reinvented itself as a tourist destination as well as Central Europes financial hub. High-rise glass and steel buildings contrast with the luscious green of its numerous parks and squares, while the citys long and often bitter history has left a lasting imprint on its architecture, producing an eclectic mix of contrasting architectural styles, from the monolithic Palace of Culture and Science to the quaint streets of the Old Town.

New skyscrapers punctuate Warsaws skyline

iStock

Enormous changes since the 1989 democratic elections and Polands accession to the EU in 2004 have turned Warsaw into a thoroughly European, metropolitan capital. Cafs are full of people enjoying leisurely coffee and cake breaks, bars and restaurants are packed with power-suited business people, and a growing number of shops stock everything from Cartier, Versace and exotic foodstuffs, to local specialities such as folk crafts. The city has a thriving nightlife scene with numerous bars and nightclubs, particularly in the centre and, in summer, along the riverside.

Geography and layout

Warsaw lies in the heart of the Mazovia region in central Poland, on the banks of the River Vistula (Wisa). Unlike most other European capitals, it doesnt have a proper centre and the entire city, along with its numerous attractions, is spread across a large area of 517 sq km (200 sq miles), posing a serious challenge even for the most hardened walkers. Fortunately, the modern public transport system including trams, buses and a shiny metro is efficient, punctual and easy to use even for people with a minimum knowledge of Polish. Licensed taxis and Uber cars, as well as Veturilo city bike stations, are also omnipresent in the greater city centre.