Credit: Shade
5 min read
This unexpected city break destination is home to beautiful architecture, peaceful parks, a bustling arts scene and more culinary delights than you can shake a stick at…
Though it may seem unassuming, Warsaw is stepping up its game against the likes of the eastern European cities of Krakow, Prague and Budapest and making a play for tourists’ hearts.
With acres of gorgeous parkland, an old town that looks like something straight out of a postcard and an urban development akin to London’s Battersea Power Station adding to the allure, we’re running out of reasons not to add Warsaw to our list of must-visit city-break destinations.
The Old Town market square dates back to the 13th century and is surrounded by restaurants, cocktail bars and street art vendors and makes for the perfect place to get those Insta-worthy snaps or rest your feet with a hot drink. From early December, it’s dotted with Christmas stalls and strung with fairy lights, so it’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Institutions of art and culture thrive in this city and The Theatre Square has been at the pinnacle of Polish performance culture since 1863. A trip to the Grand Theatre to watch a new production or ballet is the perfect rainy day or evening activity.
Prefer your art still? Warsaw’s Museum of Modern Art is home to an array of exciting exhibitions and artworks to keep your creative mind stimulated.
Credit: SHADÉ OWOMOYELA
If you’re keen to explore with your tastebuds, foodies rejoice, for there are too many culinary gems studded throughout this city to count.
And although temperatures tend to drop into the minuses from early winter, visiting in the colder months comes with a silver lining: the chilly weather is the perfect excuse to get acquainted with one of Warsaw’s most popular dishes: a steaming bowl of gulasz (a meat-based stew simmered alongside seasonal veg in a paprika-spiced broth).
Hidden in an alley between Market Square and Podwale Street you’ll find family-run restaurant Gospoda Kwiaty Polskie, where you can tuck into a bowl of their hearty venison stew with juniper and rosemary. Or book a table at Specjaly Regionalne and sit down with a slow-cooked sauerkraut stew with meat cuttings, wild mushrooms and red wine.
Another Polish culinary delight is pierogi, a stuffed dumpling that was once considered peasant food but has now become one of Poland’s favourite dishes.
The fillings are limited only by the imagination of the chef and can be sweet, savoury or spicy with the most common filling consisting of cheese, onions, ground meat, mushrooms, potatoes and sauerkraut.
Try the goose-stuffed dumplings with butter, garlic and parmesan at the quaint and cosy Delicja Polski in Warsaw Old Town. They’re a suitably decadent dish to warm up with and though the portion is large, they’re just too good to share.
They also do a fantastic duck confit with red cabbage, caramelized apple and cranberry sauce – the perfect meal if you’re visiting in the autumn. Staying for dessert? The Polish-style hot apple pie with vanilla sauce and ice cream is a non-negotiable.
So, if cosy, hearty food that’s bursting with unique flavour is your weakness, you’re bound to leave feeling satisfied.
Credit: SHADÉ OWOMOYELA
Just a 20-minute walk from Warsaw city centre, the city’s hardest working source of power has been transformed into a modern hub for locals and visitors alike.
Much like London’s Battersea Power Station, history and modernity combine at Elektrownia Powisle to create a playground for the senses.
From shops, restaurants and bars to an expansive beauty hall spanning the entire top floor of the building, it’s a bustling spot with endless things to do. As well as indie boutiques there’s also an abundance of friendly faces like Urban Outfitters and Cos to satisfy your retail therapy urges.
If you’re visiting for pure indulgence, book a manicure at the Nail & Beauty Bar, a body cleansing session at Balance & Body and refuel from a hardcore pamper session at the international food hall. We highly recommend Smashny Burger and The Fry for the perfect burger and fries combo.
Credit: SHADÉ OWOMOYELA
Perhaps the most exciting development of the power station’s modernisation is Barcelo Warsaw Powisle, the 151-room, four-star hotel that occupies the east side of the former power station.
With bright and airy rooms, some of which present spectacular views over the Vistula River, the essence of the old power station is channelled through the industrial chic interior but the hotel still manages to remain both beautifully contemporary whilst being inviting and homely.
Enjoy a unique gastronomical experience in the main restaurant where you can enjoy a buffet breakfast or treat yourself to bespoke à la carte lunch and dinner dishes from the head chef. Or wander up to the Sky Bar for breathtaking city views, a cocktail and a dip in the seasonal swimming pool (it’s far too cold to use at this time of year, but it opens to hotel guests in warmer weather).
Plus, if you’re an unapologetic culture vulture, you’ll be pleased to know that this trendy hotel sits directly opposite Centrum Nauki Kopernik – Warsaw’s science museum – and just a few minutes walk from Pomnik Syreny nad Wisłą, the mermaid statue erected as a symbol of Warsaw in 1939.
Credit: SHADÉ OWOMOYELA
And we couldn’t talk about Warsaw without recommending a visit to a royal park.
If fresh air and a good stroll is something you enjoy (who doesn’t?) then the city’s expansive parkland won’t disappoint.
Renowned for the Palace on the Isle, the gorgeous Łazienki Królewskie is the largest park in Warsaw spanning 76 hectares of the city centre and boasting a fusion of history, botany and nature. With four gardens to explore, animals to observe and its very own royal art gallery to browse it’s a lovely place to add to your schedule if you’ve caught good weather.
Park Arkadia is smaller but equally beautiful and if you’re into walking and want to spend as much time outside as possible, you can even take a stroll here from Łazienki Królewskie.
So, if you’re searching for your next city break destination and want to venture out into Eastern Europe give this unexpectedly vibrant and welcoming city a visit.
Looking for your perfect city break stay? Book your room at Barcelo Warsaw Powisle from just £69 per night.
undefined
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.