EASTERN EUROPE WARSAW DESTINATIONS A
park-filled paradise where sleek skyscrapers battle
for space with riverside castles, Warsaw is Europe’s most resilient city. It was flattened during the
Second World War, suffocated by rationing in the early 1980s and has, at times, been part of Russia and Austria – hence this year’s celebrations of its 100th anniversary of independence. Yet it remains tremendously
good value. Whether clients are in search of a bargain or want to splash out on a five-star hotel without the usual five-star prices, there’s a hotel to match, leaving them with plenty of spare spending money to explore the best of Poland’s capital.
w SAVE The best thing about Warsaw? It’s wonderfully cheap. An Uber from Warsaw Chopin airport to its centre, a journey of around 20 minutes, costs just £4. I arrive on May 3, Poland’s
Constitution Day, to find flags on every surface and fluttering from bridges spanning the beach-lined Vistula river. Despite the public holiday,
it’s easy to keep costs to a minimum, making Warsaw ideal for budget breaks. My first exploration is by
bike, using the Veturilo bike share scheme. It has 366 stations across the city, and the first 20 minutes are free. There’s also a free
walking tour, where I discover the old town’s Unesco status actually rests on it being a replica of the original. During the war, Warsaw was almost entirely destroyed, and authorities devised a plan: enlist locals to rebuild the old town, which was no mean feat considering so many of the population had been killed. An army of volunteers referred to old sketches, and today, this part of Warsaw is a symbol of the capital’s rise from the ashes. We stop by one of the
high-tech Chopin benches – each in a location connected to the Polish pianist’s life – and press the button to enjoy a free piano recital. We’re also shown one of
the few remaining milk bars, so called because these traditional eateries specialise in food made with cheap ingredients available even during periods of rationing: milk, cheese and vegetables. The food is delicious and cheap. Afterwards, I head to the ivy-
covered, riverside University of Warsaw Library for spectacular views over Warsaw. Its entire roof is covered with a series of multi-level gardens, connected by walkways leading to flower-filled hideaways and viewpoints. Dinner is at Hala Koszyki,
where dozens of restaurants are tucked into a historic market hall dating back to 1906. Tenants are eclectic: at Mango Vegan you’ll find Palestinian street
24 May 2018
travelweekly.co.uk 55
TOP TIP A Warsaw Pass
gives free entry to top attractions and other discounts, from £26 warsaw
pass.com
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