We too often treat our holidays as another project to tick off the ‘to do’ list, sometimes feeling more tired and in need of a day off after coming back. Sometimes all you need is a pleasant, manageable destination, where life is enjoyed by locals just as much as by tourists, for certain valued reasons.
If you feel like changing the scenery, but not necessarily being overwhelmed with the amount of planning and would rather explore at a leisurely pace, we can give you enough reasons why you should treat yourself to a weekend in Warsaw right now. Very easy to reach with LOT Polish Airlines direct flights from Luxembourg, Warsaw will definitely surprise you. Going there in 2021 would be a great timing as we celebrate the 100. Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Poland and Luxembourg.
I’m feeling green
As the temperatures across the continent are starting to soar, shady plazas, fountains and ice cream parlours become the priority stops for tourists and locals alike. In Warsaw, you are never too far away from a scenic picnic spot – be it a rooftop garden of the University Library, manicured lawns of the Royal Castle overlooking Vistula River or the wonderful Royal Łazienki Park submerged in Chopin’s tunes on a Sunday afternoon. You can also join the active locals and their pets on Pole Mokotowskie or take a break from meandering the streets of old Praga in the gloriously green Skaryszewski Park. That side of the river also boasts a lovely ZOO and the best city beaches with glorious views of the Old Town and a completely unique, untamed riverbank you can walk, cycle or jog through. For an even more unique experience hire a kayak and discover bird colonies on sand islands barely past the outskirts of the city.
Water, water everywhere
It’s no coincidence that we associate water with serenity and a peaceful state of mind. It’s soothing sound and cleansing properties bring relaxation and pampering to mind. Start your day with a morning coffee on the Vistula Boulevards and the world instantly becomes a better place. For a different perspective consider a nature cruise with Po-Wiśle River cruises – enjoying the Old Town views and lush nature from a comfortable 12-seater boat with refreshments served on the sun deck is the essence of holiday.
As you step off the deck, just up from where the boats dock and down from the Old Town you’ll find a wonderfully refreshing stop – a Multimedia Fountain Park, which illuminates in the evenings and provides sound and light shows on weekend nights.
Soothing sounds of music
In the city of Chopin, it’s not difficult to get immersed in the famous composers’ etudes and mazurkas. You can hear them not only at the famous Sunday al fresco concerts in the Royal Łazienki Park (currently on-line, to be resumed the situation allowing) or the vast archives of Chopin Museum at the Ostrogski Palace but also when taking a break on one of the granite benches dotting the Royal Route.
For the most unique experience, a private piano recital accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine will get you in the mood for a wonderful evening.
Chopin Point is an atmospheric small venue conveniently located just off Castle Square, offering regular concerts at 7pm every evening as well as private recitals by renowned pianists.
Eat, drink and be merry
Food makes us happy and it’s as simple as that. Warsaw’s flourishing restaurant scene will satisfy both the enthusiasts of the simple pleasures as well as those with more refined palates.
The sheer choice of great value, casual dining from every corner of the world makes Polish capital one of Europe’s most interesting culinary destinations. Foodies might discover its fine dining scene an even greater deal – the creativity of local chefs in combining Polish culinary traditions with modern techniques at surprisingly affordable prices will make you want to come back just to try more options or see what’s new in town since the last visit.
Recent lockdown restrictions have stimulated the local gastro scene into reinventing itself in the most creative ways. On-line wine tasting or cooking workshops with ingredients brought to your house, private in-house dining or own ranges of deli products were only some the lockdown sweeteners for Varsovians and visitors. Those days are however becoming a memory as we speak, with restaurant gardens and patios now in full swing and indoor seating scheduled to reopen for the end of May.
Brasserie Warszawska – an elegant French bistro-style restaurant serving Warsaw’s finest fare with a refreshing, modern-European feel.
Kieliszki na Próżnej – small plates of local delicacies accompanied by the finest wines.
Eat Polska – a bunch of enthusiastic foodie guides will take you the most „happening” spots to sample local flavours washed down with only the best quality beverages.
Polish Your Cooking – try your own hand in recreating the flavours of holiday and surprise friends and family with new skills back at home.
Any memorable meal should be suitably paired with local tipple, right?
To expand your knowledge about the Polish national drink head nowhere else but to the fantastically interactive Polish Vodka Museum at the Koneser Praga Centre. Your tour will be accompanied with the tasting of different types of vodka and the top floor cocktail bar will be a suitable place to put the newly gained knowledge into practice.
Retail therapy
Always looking for something unique and practical to bring back home, but tired of the same old souvenirs at the touristy spots? Or perhaps you do find browsing the shops relaxing but understandably want to avoid crowds? Visiting the Koneser Praga Centre you’ll have a great opportunity to shop for local artwork and snap small-batch designer pieces, natural cosmetics or handmade jewellery. Designer fairs as well as outdoor concerts and art exhibitions are often held at weekends.
Elektrownia Powiśle is another boutique shopping arcade with a relaxed feel, where you can find more local brands and a great choice of casual dining, coffee and ice cream, with regular eco or vintage markets taking place at weekends.
SPA within a city
Comfy beds and inspiring surroundings are just what holiday dreams are made of.
Find out just how well you can rest in the stylishly minimalistic interiors of Hotel Warszawa. Occupying the historical Prudential building – the art deco skyscraper of the pre-war Warsaw – the design reflects its historical heritage and maintains a surprising amount of original features, which have been carefully incorporated into the decor. The hotel’s indulgent SPA might make you forget where you are for a while but the views from the restaurant terrace will quickly restore your memory – the most iconic sights seem to be within an arm’s reach.
For this ever postponed massage, sauna session or a beauty treatment head to Oasis Day Spa. Conveniently located in the heart of the city centre, it will be a perfect stop to restore your energy levels and prepare you for more exploring or simply soaking in the atmosphere of the newly rediscovered capital. You will be back so there’s no rush.
For more information about Poland, please contact the Polish Tourism Organisation in Brussels:
Tel: 00 32 2 740 06 20 - E-mail: info.be@poland.travel (free brochures sent by post on demand) - Website: www.poland.travel
