We asked Warsaw’s top concierges to share their personal recommendations for a perfect day in the capital.
MICHAL BOROWIAK
MORNING
“Start the day with a bird’s eye view of Warsaw by visiting the InterContinental’s River View Wellness Centre located on the top floor of the hotel.
Here you’ll get a spectacular view of the city coming to life; it’s a sight I never tire of. After you’ve had something for the soul try something for the body – our famous buffet breakfast has it all! After seeing Warsaw from above, view it from the ground with a visit to Wilanów Palace and Park, one of Poland’s great national treasures. It was formerly the residence of King Jan III Sobieski and King August II, and it now houses the Museum of Interiors, the Painting Gallery and the Gallery of Coffin Portraits. This breathtaking baroque palace is surrounded by the spectacular Italian Garden, located between the palace and the lake.”
AFTERNOON
“For a fabulous lunch in the picturesque Royal Łazienki Park, choose one of the top restaurants in Warsaw: the Belvedere, an elegant spot with wonderful Polish and international cuisine. If you feel like a little shopping afterwards, go to Nowy Świat Street or Chmielna Street, where young Polish fashion designers sell their new creations.Take your time to admire the wonderful designs. Then, stop for a snack at Café Blikle, the country’s best pastry shop or enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at Wedel, the best place (in the world, I’d say) for drinking chocolate.”
EVENING
“Stroll along the Royal Way where you will see the Royal Castle, which was completely rebuilt after World War II, before you experience the wonderful Polish hospitality at U Fukiera restaurant and enjoy your dinner in glorious, candlelit surroundings. Warsaw at night is fabulously romantic, and an evening walk to the Old Town or towards Lazienki Royal Park is a splendid way to end the day.”
BEST RESTAURANTS
Platter by Karol Okrasa
Cuisine: Fusion
+48 22 328 8734
InterContinental Warszawa, ul. Emilii Plater 49, Warsaw 00-125
Polka
Cuisine: Polish
+48 22 635 3535
ul. Świętojańska 2, Warsaw 00-288
Belvedere
Cuisine: Polish / International
+48 22 558 6700
ul. Agrykoli 1, (New Orangery in Łazienki Park), Warsaw 00-46
BEST MUSEUM
Warsaw Rising Museum
For those who would like to experience Warsaw’s history, The Warsaw Rising Museum is the place. This interactive museum shows the history of Warsaw’s Uprising in 1944, which lasted 63 days. It is a not- to-be-missed experience.
BEST SHOP
Krakowski Kredens
Products under the Krakowski Kredens brand give you the chance to taste traditional Polish gastronomical fare; thanks to the efforts of the Galicia family. They are prepared according to traditional family recipes handed down through generations.
BEST TO DO
Praga district
Located on the east bank of the Vistula River, the Praga district is the only location in Warsaw where the buildings have remained untouched by the war, but it is also a place where one can experience a fascinating combination of traditional Warsaw and its alternative, avantgarde culture. Sites worth visiting include: the Street Band Monument located at the square which connects Floriañska and Klopotowskiego Streets, and the Koneser Factory – the oldest vodka factory in Warsaw which began operating in 1897. Many concerts and cultural events take place in this hip area, which is now overflowing with galleries, studios, theaters and clubs.
MICHAL SAWCZUK
CONCIERGE, LE MÉRIDIEN BRISTOL
+48 22 551 1864
MORNING
“Make sure you start your morning by charging your batteries for the perfect day in Warsaw with breakfast at the Marconi Restaurant, at Le Méridien Bristol.
Once you are revitalized and re-energized, take a walking tour of The Old Town – an enchanting area that is included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. Top of your list must be the The Royal Castle – a famous former residence of the 1918 Polish President and various Polish Kings from 1596 to 1795, as well as a visit to the rebuilt, Gothic-style St. John’s Cathedral. Finally, explore the animated Old Town Market Square, and don’t miss the prominent Statue of the Mermaid (the symbol of Warsaw) at the center, before lunching at the nearby traditional Polish restaurant U Fukiera.”
AFTERNOON
“After lunch, visit the cultural Zacheta National Gallery of Art and the incredibly beautiful Lazienki Park with its famous Palace on the Lake.”
EVENING
“After your adventurous day, relax with a cocktail at the upmarket Column Bar at the Le Méridien Bristol and for the perfect ending to any visit to Warsaw, attend a Chopin concert at one of the city’s musical venues.”
BEST RESTAURANTS
Marconi at Le Méridien Bristol Hotel
Cuisine: International
+48 22 551 1832
Krakowskie Przedmiescie 42-44, Warsaw 00-325
Dom Polski
Cuisine: Polish
+48 22 616 2432
ul. Francuska 11, Warsaw 03-906
Belvedere
Cuisine: Polish / International
+48 22 558 6700
ul. Agrykoli 1, (New Orangery in Łazienki Park) Warsaw 00-46
BEST SHOPPING
Arkadia Shopping Mall
Złote Tarasy