48 hours in Warsaw – urban vibes, cultural treasures and trendy food venues
Berlin, 29. July 2024 - Anyone seeking a destination for a city trip need look no further than Warsaw. The city offers historical buildings, modern architecture, traditional and contemporary interpretations of Polish cuisine, shopping, music festivals and a pulsating night life. And all of this is available at affordable prices. Leonardo Hotels operates two very different hotels in the Polish capital, both located in the central business district of Wola.
Those preferring elegance will opt for the Leonardo Royal Warsaw, where travellers will find a total of 362 rooms and suites. Over 180 of these have been freshly renovated. They all provide sophistication and comfort as well as breathtaking views of the city’s skyline. The hotel’s brand new à la carte restaurant serves up exquisite international dishes and is also well worth a visit.
By way of contrast, the highly Instagrammable NYX Hotel Warsaw by Leonardo Hotels exudes an urban and avantgarde vibe. Street art and style are very much in evidence, and a club atmosphere prevails at weekends. Like the Leonardo Royal Warsaw, the NYX Hotel Warsaw by Leonardo Hotels is housed in a skyscraper. The highlight here is a roof top bar with panoramic city vistas. The hotel’s staff, referred to as city lovers, are familiar with all the best spots in Warsaw and are happy to share their multifaceted insider tips.
Day 1: Cultural treasures and a pulsating night life
Following a hearty breakfast at the hotel, our explorations begin in the old quarter. This area of the city was lovingly and painstakingly restored in every detail after the Second World War and has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. One particularly spectacular experience is the view from the Bell Tower of St Anne’s Church down onto Castle Square. The Main Market Square, the Jesuit Church, the Cathedral of St John and the Royal Castle and Gardens are all key sights too.
At lunchtime, a brief detour to the district of Praga on the other side of the River Vistula is highly recommended. Once a neglected area, Praga has now developed into a fashionable neighbourhood full of artistic charm. Its numerous bars and clubs are a particular attraction in the evenings, but there is plenty to enjoy in the daytime too, including a chance to admire many examples of graffiti. Praga is also home to the Vodka Museum, which offers both tours and tastings. Alternatively, you may choose to discover more about two famous personalities born in Warsaw by visiting the Marie Curie Museum and the Frédéric Chopin Museum. Warsaw is a true paradise for lovers of culture and boasts several other museums including the POLIN, the Palace Museum in Wilanów, the National Museum and many more besides.
There are also countless shops and boutiques where shopping enthusiasts can browse to their heart’s desire. Three particular recommendations are Laurella, Le Collet and Cloudmine, where all followers of fashion can be sure to make a good find. The Ether Rooftop Bar at the NYX Hotel Warsaw is an inviting place to enjoy a sundowner. This is the highest bar in Warsaw and comes with stupendous views of the city’s skyline and high-rise buildings.
Day 2: Relaxing cycle tours and green havens
The morning starts with a relaxed cycle trip along the Vistula. Cycles can be hired directly at the Leonardo Royal Warsaw. A tour of the river’s west bank is particularly worthwhile because of all the enticing food stops along the way. Warsaw’s most popular summer spot, a small sandy beach where tourists and locals alike love to unwind, is located in the south part of the west bank. Midday brings a further programme highlight in the form of Łazienki Park in the southern section of the Warsaw Royal Route. Chopin concerts are staged here every Sunday until the end of September. The park is the largest in Warsaw and is also highly appealing at all other times thanks to its impressively laid out gardens and numerous historical buildings.
The afternoon provides a good opportunity for an excursion into the city centre, where the sights include the Palace of Culture complete with its imposing open-air terrace on the 30th floor. The Warsaw Royal Route is considered to be an absolute must-see and has by far the highest density of attractions of any area in the Polish capital. The term Royal Route refers to the three streets of Nowy Swiat, Aleje Ujazdowskie and Krakowskie Przedmiescie, whereby the beautiful edifices of the last named are certainly the most notable.
As evening arrives, there is still time for a culinary treat at the Hala Koszyki, a market hall featuring a wide range of restaurants. Bar Koszyki in the centre of the hall is a wonderful venue to round off the day. Alternatively, the “Browary Warszawskie” Food Hall located right opposite the Leonardo Royal Warsaw serves innumerable treats and home-brewed beer.