Warsaw is the capital of Poland and the largest city in Europe. Having survived many upheavals and conquests, it has carefully preserved to this day the most valuable of its era. People go to Warsaw to wander through the streets of the Old Town and the picturesque Vistula embankments, stroll through the immense Lazienkowski Park and see the Church of the Holy Cross, where Chopin’s heart rests. Despite the fact that the city was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War, its historical quarters have faithfully recreated the look and atmosphere of antiquity. The Royal Castle, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and other iconic buildings have been restored from 17th and 18th century designs. Check andyeducation to learn more about the country of Poland.
For its beauty and originality at the beginning of the last century, Warsaw was called the Paris of the East.
The capital of Poland attracts not only connoisseurs of architecture and connoisseurs of history, it will certainly appeal to lovers of shopping and vibrant nightlife. And everyone wants to get acquainted with such gastronomic attractions as “bigos” and “flyaks” accompanied by traditional “zubrovka” or local beer.
How to get to Warsaw
The fastest way to get to the Polish capital is by air. Planes between Moscow and Warsaw run 4 times a day, there are direct flights from St. Petersburg. The journey by rail will take 19 hours – a branded train runs daily from the Belorussky railway station in Moscow. Bus stations in Warsaw accept buses from all European destinations, including from Moscow. This trip option is the longest, but also the cheapest.
Districts of Warsaw
Warsaw, like all large historical cities, stands on the river, and its name is Vistula. The river divides the capital of Poland into two parts, flowing from north to south. On the left bank is the old city with most of the sights and hotels, the right bank is less interesting for tourists, there are residential areas.
The center of Warsaw includes the districts of Srodmiescie, Wola, Mokotow, Zoliborz, Ochota, Praga Połnoc and Praga Południe – a mix of modern architecture, industrial “bald spots” and fashionable residential areas.
Northern Warsaw is the unremarkable districts of Bielany and Białołeka. Western Warsaw consists of the Bemowo, Włochy and Ursus districts, and also has little to show the tourist.
But in the South of the city (Ursynow and Wilanow) you can see the Wilanow Palace. And in Ursynow there is a historical national park and reserve, which sheltered the European College in the building of the Potocki Palace. And finally, East Warsaw, where travelers have nothing to do, consisting of the districts of Targowek, Rembertow, Wawer and Wesoła.
Warsaw Hotels
The best hotels in Warsaw are located near the Central Railway Station. Five-star comfort includes a good location – the Old Town is only 20 minutes on foot. The cost of a standard double room in the Warsaw “five” – from 450 PLN. The most luxurious hotel is considered to be with a rich historical past – Bristol Warsaw, which is next to the Presidential Palace – rooms cost from 700 PLN.
Another interesting area for living is Sredmiescie. This area between the Central Station and the Vistula River is notable for its early 20th century architecture. Mostly apartments are concentrated here, where it is profitable to stay for a long time with families or large companies. A spacious apartment with two bedrooms and a kitchen can be rented for PLN 220-400 per day. An overnight stay in the Old Town, the most beautiful and authentic place in Warsaw, will cost the same amount.
Those tourists who consider Warsaw as a transit point will find it convenient to stay in one of the hotels at the airport. Budget option – from 140 to 300 PLN per day.
Transport
Warsaw public transport includes buses, trams and metro. The first ones run according to the schedule, at each stop there is a route schedule, and it is also written which bus comes at a certain time – regular or low-floor (for those in a wheelchair). Tickets cost from 3.40 to 7 PLN, the price of a daily ticket is 15-26 PLN (depending on the coverage area), a weekend ticket (Friday 19:00 to Monday 8:00) is 24 PLN, 3-day ticket – 36-57 PLN. All of them are universal, there is no separation by means of transport, but they must be composted. It makes sense to purchase a subscription only if you plan to stay in Warsaw for a month (110 PLN). For a company of up to 5 people, it is advantageous to buy a weekend group ticket for 40 PLN.
Tickets can be bought at kiosks or from the driver (payment will require “fractional”, that is, a trifle).
Bicycle lovers will like Warsaw – the city is flat, bike paths are laid everywhere. From March 1 to November 30, the Veturilo bike sharing system operates with 368 stations and about 5,319 bikes, including children’s, electric and tandems. Those wishing to use it must register on the site and pay an initial fee of 10 PLN. You can ride for free for 20 minutes, and after that time-based billing begins (from 21 to 60 minutes – 1 PLN, the second hour – 3 PLN, the third – 5 PLN, the fourth and each subsequent – 7 PLN; prices for electric bikes are higher). The terms and conditions can be found at website.
Rent a Car
The offices of major international car rental companies such as Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, are in the arrivals hall of the airport. Frederic Chopin. They do not work around the clock, so it is impossible to rent a car at night. It is more profitable to book a car in advance via the Internet – and the price will be lower, and there will be more choice. In general, there should be no problems with renting – there are many rental points in the city.
The traffic jams that Varsovians so complain about cannot be compared with those in the capital – they are more like traffic jams lasting 5-10 minutes.
There are parking lots in the center, but they are more expensive than on the outskirts. Metro stations have park-and-ride parking lots where you can leave your car and continue your journey by public transport. Parking in the city center is paid from 8:00 Monday to 18:00 Friday. The first hour costs 0.50 EUR, the second and third, etc. – a little more. Warsaw parking meters are no different from Moscow ones.
Communication and Wi-Fi
There are 4 main mobile operators in Poland: Play, T-Mobile, Orange and Plus. They offer a variety of tariffs – in addition to communications, the package of services also includes mobile Internet. You can buy SIM cards from operators in official representative offices. Foreigners must present their passport with a valid visa upon purchase. You can top up your phone bill via the Internet or at any grocery store at the checkout – for this, just name the amount and mobile operator. On the check received after payment, the USSD code will be indicated – in order for the money to be credited, it must be entered from the phone.
Free Wi-Fi is available in almost all hotels in Warsaw – at least in the lobby area. Internet access is also provided by many cafes and restaurants – McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, Starbucks and Costa Coffee. You can freely connect to the Internet in the Old Town and the Krakow Suburb, at railway stations, airports, libraries and parks.
