May 17, 2017

Warsaw Travel Guide

A Guide to Travel and Dine at A Rebuilt City.

If it wasn’t for a short weekend getaway with É, we would have chosen other Polish cities like Kraków for its architecture or Gdańsk for its beer spa (!) rather than the capital that is Warsaw. Such is not simply a personal statement, but one strongly supported by a local girl I met from Wrocław too. From what I understood, Poland belongs to a group of countries where the capital isn’t necessarily the best part to visit. That is to say, if you had to pick one, Warsaw can wait. Though it doesn’t mean this city, which has been through a lot, is lousy or bad. It is forward, quaint, neat and charming in its own way.

Warsaw in a Glance:

• Nowy Świat main street
• Presidential Palace
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• Warsaw Old Town
• Warsaw Royal Palace
• Sigismund’s Column
• Lunch: Zapiecek Restaurant
• Tea: Gospoda Kwiaty Polskie
• Warsaw Barbican
• Shop: Amber
• Warsaw Uprising Museum
• Dinner: Polka Restaurant (can. NOT. miss.)

Where to Stay

If you haven’t noticed from my travel posts, I rarely document the places I stayed at because I happen to be someone who believes that splurges on hotels / resorts are meant for dedicated staycation-type holidays. When exploring, especially solo, I usually opt for a room with basic necessities and non-sharing bathroom policy; nothing fancy. When I do write about it though, it is either because I believe the accommodation is splendid and really worth the money, or a con job I want you to avoid, like this one in The Truth About Maldives.

We stayed at SleepWell Apartments Nowy Świat for 55 euros (RM260) per night and it was perfect for two. Each boutique room is designed differently so guests are in for a surprise. What I like most is the spacious room and the fact that its bathroom is so hipster yet clean and practical. 😀

For those who’d like to splurge and treat Warsaw as a romantic vacation, try Mamaison Hotel Le Regina Warsaw.

1. Nowy Świat main street

An elegant, wide main street that houses brands like Starbucks and L’Occitane, which makes SleepWell apartments a very well located stay.

More of the street view heading north, leading towards the Old Town Square:

2. Presidential Palace

3. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Ruffles and Fishnets fashion post here.

4. Warsaw Old Town

This easily becomes anyone’s favorite part of the city.

5. Warsaw Royal Palace

6. Sigismund’s Column

Like the ‘Eiffel Tower’ of Warsaw? KLCC of Kuala Lumpur?

Lunch: Zapiecek

Famous for: dumplings and grandma noodle soup.

Some picturesque shots we took while leisurely strolling to digest our food, to tell you without using 5000 words why you should visit Warsaw someday.

Tea time: Gospoda Kwiaty Polskie

Try: Compote, a polish drink made of fresh or dried fruits with cinnamon and cloves. Perfect for winter.

7. Warsaw Barbican

A major tourist attraction with remaining relics from 1540.

8. Shop for amber.

Every country has its own specialty when it comes to souvenir shopping. Here in Warsaw, we noticed its amber!

9. Warsaw Uprising Museum

Dinner: Polka Restaurant

I rate this place 5 STARS!!!!! Must order: Duck kidneys (shown right below).