Back working in the UK these days! Still dreaming of the sun though.
Back working in the UK these days! Still dreaming of the sun though.
Member since:31.01.2002
Reviews:23
Members who trust:4
My first view of Warsaw Central Railway Station all those years ago was a city devoid of character and just like a huge concrete jungle. However, when you venture nearer to the old town you come across its true splendour. As well as the concrete monstrosity, parts of the city have been reconstructed to its original form with great attention for detail.
The main reason for Warsaw’s appearance is due to the fact that approximately 85% of the city was destroyed during World War II. Now the city continues to rebuild itself and everytime I visit there are new shopping arcades and cinema complexes.
Prior to the war there was a strong Jewish influence in the city, but today there is very little evidence of this as most Jews were either deported or sent to one of the many concentration camps. There are, however, reminders of their presence dotted around the city in the form of memorials.
Warsaw is the capital of Poland and also the main economic and cultural centre (though the people from Krakow argue that this is not the case). It lies on the Vistula that you will often find frozen solid in winter.
The best times to visit the city are between
May and September. This year I was there in April which saw perfect temperatures but this time of year can be very hit or miss. Winters can be harsh – especially in January and February.
I visit the city fairly frequently as this is where my brother lives and teaches English. I try to visit as often as I get chance and have seen the city in all seasons. I personally prefer summer when you can sit in the park and enjoy the sun.
SIGHTSEEING ----------- 1. Lazienzki Park - Within the park, along with acres of grass, you will find Lazienzki Palace. There is also a monument to Chopin within the park. In summer you will find the locals making the most of the grassy areas while in winter you will find them sledging down the steep hill from Ujazdowski Castle. There is also an area in which you can go skating.
2. The Old Town - is the oldest part of the city and the original buildings in the area are from the thirteenth century. Much of the area was destroyed during World War 2, but it has been rebuilt in its original form. Such has been the skill of the rebuilding work that it is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the centre is Rynek Starego Miasta. In summer you will find artists displaying their work and horse drawn carriages taking tourists around the Old Town.
3. The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier - The arch is all that remains of the Saxon Palace that was destroyed during the Second World War. On 2 November 1925 an unknown victim of the defence of Lvov was buried here. It is in this area that you can also see Warsaw's equivalent of the Changing of The Guards.
4. The Palace Of Culture - love it or loathe it you cannot miss this gift to the Polish people from the Soviet Union. It offers stunning views of the city from the top. Inside you can find museums, cinemas, concert halls, a swimming pool and numerous other forms of entertainment.
5. Museum Of Modern Art - this is located in Ujazdowski Castle. There are spectacular exhibits ranging from moving statues to paintings. Its artwork is somewhat similar to the Tate Modern.
6. Wilanow Palace - There are some magnificent gardens to wander around.Wilanow Palace has been both a museum and a residence of the guests of the Polish state. There is a fantastic poster museum to be found here.
7. The National Museum - exhibits showing the history of Poland. If you are visiting in winter it is a good place to spend a day as it is warm inside! We had great fun inspecting the little old ladies who are supposedly keeping watch over the exhibits. You will be amazed at how many are actually nodding off, or reading or knitting!
8. The Warsaw Ghetto - there are tributes to the Jews who suffered in World War 2. Much of the community was destroyed during this time. From here around 300,000 Jews were sent to various camps.
GETTING AROUND -------------- The city has an excellent public transport system with buses and trams covering all of the city. There is also the Metro, which is still under construction and covers part of the city. There are several rail stations with Warsaw Central sending trains all over Poland.
NIGHTLIFE --------- There are many excellent bars and clubs within the city. Additionally you can eat out at reasonable prices - and can choose from Mexican to Vietnamese, from Middle Eastern to Polish.
Nightclubs play a variety of types of music and one or two have recently started using a British promoter. Whether this becomes common place remians to be seen. These days the music has a strong British influence.
Cinemas are plentiful and show the latest releases in their original language with subtitles. The only exception to this are childrens films which are dubbed.
NEGATIVE ASPECTS ---------------- 1. There seems to be a local mafia presence with occassional bombs exploding (one exploded outside my brother's former apartment about a year ago). These are not directed at tourists however.
2. Crime seems to be quite high with car thefts and break ins being a part of every day life. As you walk around the city you can often hear car alarms.
3. The Praga district is every city planners nightmare - a concrete jungle. This is the residential area built in communist times when the aim was to pack as many people into as little space as possible.
4. The city can be icy cold in winter with temperatures of around -20C in extreme winters.
5. Unfortunately a trip to a football match is not recommended. Legia Warsaw and Polonia are notorious for their football hooligans. The situation is worse than England in the early Eighties.
BUT TO COMPENSATE ----------------- 1. The prices in the city are realtively low compared to this country.
2. You can forget the biting winter cold with a range of superb vodkas and beers. Hot mead also gives you a warming feeling.
3. The people are incredibly friendly if you make an effort.
4. They have some very high quality beer and vodka at reasonable prices - don't miss them!
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