Any PRACTICAL advice for a new visitor to Warsaw?

I'm taking my first trip to Warsaw and Lublin Poland next week. Any practical advice for a Polish-American female, on her first-time travel to Poland?

ah you just called southern by name... lol


what do you have in mind?

Museums, restaurants, shopping, jazz clubs...

Wear a beanie with a propeller on top of it. Guys like that.

where in Warsaw are you staying?

I was there for a short period 3 weeks ago and you have to see the:
Old Town, the Kings Castle, the President Palace - they are all in the same area.

Also, I recommend Lazienki - it is very nice, but take some walking shoes, because it is a large area.

Have fun and enjoy. Take something dressy, because people like to dress up there, specially when they are going out.

There is a Jazz Festival in Old Town until Aug 28 - so maybe it is worth checking it out.

link: jazznastarowce.pl/index.php?a=jazz-old-town-square

At the moment prep for heat and humidity and rain :(. How long are you going to be in Warsaw for? Let me know. I'll try to get you the word on Jazz clubs and local events in the next few days. :)

Wow, virgins are so rare nowadays... :)

No advice but would love a detailed summary of your visit to the father-, I'm sorry, to the motherland.

I'd like a Yankee perception of Poland, yes Kalifoornians count as Yankees. ;)

(Well, just please don't take any clues from that Aussilady who went to see "Danzig", Poland (sarcasm smiley if I had one).

Thanks, my niece and I are going to be roommates. We plan on doing a bit of partying and dancing.


Sounds verrrry sexy!


Holiday Inn

PolskaDoll
We'll be in Warsaw 4 nights


For sure... (well maybe not too detailed!)

Try Przekąski/Zakąski first for stand up polish style snacks and booze - across from Bristol Hotel.... or if you do not like that, go to Hoover Sq for a meal/drinks - nearby... then watch the crowd in front of the presidential palace and "defend" the cross :-). After that go to Nowy Wspaniały Świat for yet another drink and good music. Last but not least carry on to Foksal St. to visit Meta Seta Galareta.... imbibe there and try a good beef tartare, or śledź or beef strogonoff.... and some more. Enjoy!!! :-)

Thanks so much everyone for all the helpful advice. I'm eagerly looking forward to the trip of a lifetime :)

Be careful at pedestrian crossings. We would like to see you again here ;)

Don't miss the Museum of the Uprising.

it's a must.. not negotiable.. if you don't see anything else.. better go to this park. everything else aphro recommends is right on too. + barbakan, the cathedral, st. maria church and any other church in the old town and on krakowskie przedmiescie. the saxon park with the tomb of the unknown soldier.. the palace of science and culture.. make sure to go to the top to the observation deck..


no they don't they are fruity flakes however. lol

be ware of pickpockets and drunkards.. definitely bring walking shoes.. walk by the river just below the old city.. also, check out the palace in Wilanow, if you have the chance.

In addition to the previously mentioned ones, Ogród Saski park is a very pretty place not to be missed.

Practical:

It's a city with somewhat long walking distances, so you may want to buy a 1-day/3-day/7-day travel card for the public transport. I'd recommend to print at least the tram network map in advance and carry it with you, as I didn't notice any being visible at the stops!

ztm.waw.pl/mapy.php?c=117&l=1
-> "Schemat linii tramwajowych"

You can also find some information about river boat trips on Vistula on the same pages, that might another idea worth considering.

Other:

Reading en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warsaw_Uprising in advance will give you correct perspective to understand the extreme hardship and devastation the city and it's inhabitants had to suffer in '44. Being aware of what happened and where will also make walking around more interesting, esp. f you're into contemporary history.

If I'd be travelling to Wawa now without being in a hurry, I'd probably take a tram trip to see some residential areas where you can find houses and villas that actually survived devastation, like green Żoliborz a bit north of the downtown, or the rougher neighborhood of old Praga at the eastern side of the river, where you can also find the zoo, for instance. Too bad my first visit was too short to allow that kind of excursions.

Pick up a copy of Warsaw In Your Pocket at the hotel (or download a copy from inyourpocket.com. Don't miss the socialist realist stuff in plac Konstytucji.

Lublin is superb. I think I like it even more than Warsaw (I'd certainly think long and hard about moving there if I could do my job remotely) Where are you planning to stay?

...and Beckski, stay away from the tuna, and from Harry.

Good luck and have FUN.

Way to go, beckski. Have fun and take lots of pictures!

=

Whoooah, the time has finally come for Beckski and her family (my sis, niece, bro, and sis-in-law) to hit Poland!

Thanks again for all the great advice. I can't wait to meet over 200+ Polish relatives at my cousin Kasia's wedding, to be held this upcoming weekend :)

Have a great time Beckski and enjoy as much of PL as you can. :) Have a great time at the wedding too. :)

so how was Poland ? Or you are still there and never coming back;)

thanks Irons, I missed it. looking forward to hearing more, or this is from another thread?

(just got my computer back and it looks like I missed all the fun)

Sadly, I'm back home now :(

My trip was fantastic. Visited Warszawa, Lublin and Treblinka.
I feel in love with Lublin. Went to a fun, yet very long Polish wedding there. Didn't leave the reception til after 3:00 a.m. Talk about tons of food and booze galore!

Here's my favorite photo, the castle in Lublin. The pic sort of looks surreal.
I'll post more photos in a few days. I can't wait to return to Poland, possibly in the next 1-2 yrs ;)

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  castle.jpg
  

that's not a painting?

The only town who somehow regained polish spirit the rest is graded down by post-communist attitude.


both occupant be it soviet or nazi used the castle to torture and kill patriots and innocent bystanders alike.


Glad you like it:)

You are going to have to tell us all about it :)

Nope. I took the pic at night on my cell


Thanks, I'm looking forward to returning


Great historical sites and buildings. Met many wonderful relatives. Even a 90 year-old, who makes cookies with rose jam from her Polish garden. Visited the gravesites of my ancestors too.

I didn't care for the humid weather at all. I'm also sick of Hortex fruit juice!

Here's another photo of Lublin at night...

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  lublin.jpg
  

I leave in a bit more then 2 weeks....

I can't wait to go back...

I get to stay, work and play....

I have to get to Warsaw this time...