Concierge Recommendations for a Perfect Day Out in Warsaw

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

Polka

Cuisine: Polish

Belvedere

Cuisine: Polish / International

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

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

Dom Polski

Cuisine: Polish

Belvedere

Cuisine: Polish / International

BEST SHOPPING

Arkadia Shopping Mall

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