Warsaw, one of the fastest developing cities in Europe. Every year, the Polish capital is visited by 2.6 million tourists. Warsaw – it entices people with its energy. It’s a city where tradition meets modernity, and history is visible at every step. The city impresses visitors with its greenery, and the numerous parks, sandy beaches and cycle paths make sightseeing a real pleasure. One of these green oases is found in the Polish capital’s business district, Służewiec – Vienna House Mokotow Warsaw (opening 25 February 2019) – a place where industrial decor combines with a modern and ecological approach to hospitality. There are many places to visit in Warsaw, so have a look at the subjective map of the city with the most interesting and lesser known places that are worth seeing. At the end of the article you’ll find a surprise!
1. INSTYTUT SZTUKI KULINARNEJ
5, Postępu Street, 275 yards from the Vienna House Mokotow Warsaw hotel
Postępu 5 is a new place on the map of Warsaw that everyone who likes good food and a friendly vibe should see. In the heart of so-called Mordor (Warsaw’s business district, Służewiec), across the street from the Vienna House Mokotow Warsaw hotel, there’s a culinary and entertainment area consisting of nine premises that offer dishes from various cuisines of the world: from Vietnam and Georgia to Italy and Russia. Take your pick! In addition, you can stock up on deli supplies from around the world and learn how to cook like a real Thai at the Institute of Culinary Arts. Postępu 5 is located in former post-industrial warehouses and is surrounded by office buildings on each side. However, it’s an oasis in this urban jungle, somewhere to escape from everyday life and relax after a long day of sightseeing or work 🙂
2. DOLINKA SŁUŻEWIECKA PARK and SŁUŻEW CULTURAL CENTER
Dolinka Służewiecka, 2 miles from the Vienna House Mokotow Warsaw hotel
Dolinka Służewiecka is a real green enclave in the centre of the capital. This park will appeal to anyone craving a rest from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s an ideal place for a morning run, an afternoon walk or a picnic with friends. The Służew Cultural Centre is also located in Dolinka. Designed based on a rural habitat, it impresses with its modern architecture, dominated by wood, metal and glass. While visiting the Cultural Centre, it’s worth checking out the goat enclosure and the educational vegetable garden, or simply drinking an excellent coffee at the “Służę Kawą” cafe located inside. Before your visit, we recommend checking their website to see their current cultural events. It’s an excellent space to relax, whether you’re alone or in a larger group 😉 https://www.sdk.waw.pl/
3. MOKOTOWSKA STREET
Mokotowska Street, 5 miles from the Vienna House Mokotow Warsaw hotel
Anyone with an interest in fashion and architecture should definitely visit one of Warsaw’s more prestigious streets – Mokotowska. This street, which is almost a mile long, has been entered in the register of monuments as an entire urban concept. The street begins on Warsaw’s famous Three Crosses Square and ends at Armii Ludowej Alley. The street is bursting with life. It’s worth visiting the small, fashionable shops of Polish designers, such as Bunny The Star, 303 Avenue and Lui Store. If you get tired while shopping, pop in to Lukullus bakery (52a, Mokotowska). Coffee and a delicious cake are sure to get you back on your feet and make you feel better 😉 Mokotowska is also a great choice for any fragrance fans – there are three unique perfumeries on the street. At Mo61 Perfume Lab you can even design and name your own fragrance! But Mokotowska isn’t just about shops – it’s also a restaurant zone. For classic Polish cuisine – minced meat and beetroot – try Przegryź. If you like good wine, visit alewino, and if you’re looking for sophisticated flavours, dinner at Dyspensa is a good choice. In the evening, have a drink at Charlie. This atmospheric bar, located in a pre-war tenement, serves the best cocktails in Warsaw. In the evenings, atmospheric concerts take place here, and the character turns more club-like. It’s a great idea for spending an evening with your friends. One thing’s for sure – you won’t be bored on Mokotowska!
4. KLUB SPATiF
45, Ujazdowskie Alley, 7 miles from the Vienna House Mokotow Warsaw hotel
Near Mokotowska you’ll find the famous meeting place of Warsaw’s bohemia, a cult place on the map of the capital from the 1950s to the 1970s. It now functions under a different formula, but it has maintained its old ‘artistic’ spirit. Klub SPATiF (Stowarzyszenie Polskich Artystów Teatru i Filmu – meaning Association of Polish Theatre and Film Artists) is an excellent restaurant serving up a modern version of traditional Polish dishes, as well as a bar. In the evenings, cultural events take place here: jam sessions, Thursday dances, weekend concerts and parties, with performances for children on Sundays. It’s worth popping in, just to see what the place that used to be frequented by Marek Hłasko, Gustaw Holoubek, Jan Himilsbach and Zofia Czerwińska looked like. It was in SPATiF, over herring and a glass of vodka, that artistic life was conducted in post-war Warsaw. It used to be open only to writers, directors, actors and the intellectual elite, but nowadays anyone can visit. It’s definitely worth checking out! http://klubspatif.pl/
5. HALA GWARDII
Plac Żelaznej Bramy (Iron Gate Square), 1.2 miles from the Vienna House Mokotow Warsaw hotel
Fans of good food should definitely make a weekend visit to Hala Gwardii (Hall of the Guards). Nowadays, local and organic food markets are organised in this former market hall, built at the turn of the 20th century. It’s worth having lunch in the gastronomic zone, where you’ll find food stands from all over the world. Meals are eaten in the large dining room, at shared tables. The omnipresent atmosphere of the celebration of food and fun means it’s easy to make friends, and guarantees time well spent. In the evenings, special music events take place at Hala Gwardii. This is a unique place in the capital, where culture combines with good food. https://halagwardii.pl/
Want to know more about Warsaw? Read the second part of the article here, and watch a film made by Polish vlogger @KultAmerica, who was inspired by us to show Warsaw’s ‘hidden gems’.