Like most who love to travel, when my friend’s birthday rolled around, we thought, what better way to celebrate than to plan a girls trip.
The ideal destination was somewhere affordable, historic and scenic.
After several searches on Kayak and lots of consulting in the group chat, we decided upon Warsaw and were surprised to find just how many boxes the Polish capital ticked.
Top attractions
Although we were thrilled with how affordable it was to both fly and stay in Warsaw, we weren’t sure what there was to see there. However, we soon realized there was plenty for us to discover; there is historical residue on every street corner you turn to.
The POLIN Museum
Tickets to the museum cost 45,00 ZŁ (around £9), with an audio tour of the 1000-year span of Jewish history, including Nazi occupation, all the way to present-day Poland. The Museum is also full of Jewish artefacts and memorialises the devastating effects of the war on the Polish-Jewish population.
Warsaw Old Town
From quaint architecture to independent Polish eateries, The Old Town is a must-visit!
If you walk to the top of the Observation Tower (which only costs only £2 to enter), you can experience a panoramic view of the city. If taking fun Instagram pics is your thing, I’d suggest visiting the World of Illusion Museum – especially if you are with a group of friends! The Old Town is also home to multiple amber shops which sell delicate glassware and jewellery made from amber.
The Vodka Museum
If Vodka and Coke is your go-to, you’d enjoy a visit to the Vodka Museum – after all, Poland is home to one of the first Vodka distilleries. Each ticket grants you a guided tour through the galleries, which demonstrate the Vodka-making process and at the end of the tour, you are given the opportunity to test your tolerance with some (neat) Vodka tasting.
Places to eat and drink:
Bar Setki Powodów
The Vodka Museum is also home to a trendy neon bar offering live music and a great place to snap pictures for Instagram. The bar serves food and drinks so you can wash down the bitterness of the Vodka tasting with some Polish dishes.
Portobello Pizza & Pasta
Italian food is a popular option in Warsaw. Portobello is a stylish Italian Restaurant within close proximity to the Palace of Culture and Science. This means, after your meal, you can head up to the palace to catch the view of the city lit up at night.
Krakowskie Przedmieście
Numerous cafes and restaurants are scattered along Krakowskie Przedmieście. This street connects the Old Town to a vibrant array of shops leading up to Lazenski Park (also a great place to visit).
Transport:
Bolt (the European Uber)
It’s safe to say Poland is one of the cheapest places I have ever ordered a taxi in. Bolt is essentially the European Uber, but a lot cheaper with each ride costing under £1 per person!
Bus tours
Bus tours are also a great option for those wanting a fun and efficient way to get around as much of the city as possible, see the sights and learn about Warsaw’s history.
Where to stay:
Hotel Bristol
Hotel Bristol is the perfect place to stay if you want to be in the heart of historic Warsaw. The hotel is near the Old Town, Presidential Palace and Royal Route, meaning you won’t have to go far before stumbling across a pretty building with incredible history.
Overall Warsaw is a fantastic place to visit, especially if you are on a budget but enjoying visiting historical and interesting places.
Words by Nadia Sayed
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