Long Weekend in Warsaw – The Best Food, Drinks, and Activities
Poland is by far one of my favourite countries in Europe. After previously visiting Gdansk and Krakow which I absolutely loved, I decided it was time to head to the capital and spend a weekend in Warsaw.
Day 1
I landed at the International Chopin Airport after my flight had a one-hour delay. Jumped on a bus and decided to check in at the hostel, however on my way I stopped to get some food at a popular milk bar called Prasowy.
In Poland, a milk bar (bar mleczny in Polish) is a type of inexpensive cafeteria that serves traditional Polish dishes. These establishments were originally created in the socialist era as a way to provide affordable, nutritious meals to the working class. Today, these milk bars continue to be popular and are known for their simple, hearty, and inexpensive fare. Their menus typically includes dishes such as soups, stews, dumplings, and other traditional Polish foods.
The milk bar was a great introduction to traditional Polish cuisine and I loved trying new dishes. The food was also incredbly cheap – I only paid 23.68 PLN which was the equivalent of £4.50.
After my meal, I decided to go for a walk around the city to get a feel for the place. I was impressed by the beautiful architecture and the lively atmosphere of the city.
In the evening, I had dinner at a traditional Polish restaurant, where I tried some more delicious local dishes. To end the night, I met up with some fellow travellers at the hostel lobby and we had a few drinks together.
Day 2
When I woke up on the second day, I was greeted by a blanket of snow covering the city. After having a coffee to warm up, I headed to the Copernicus Science Museum. It was a great way to spend the morning and I learned quite a few things about the history of science and technology.
After the museum, I went for a walk and ended up in a queue at a popular Polish bakery. The pastries were worth the wait!
Later in the day, I visited the Polish Army Museum – I can say that I was absouletely impressed by the display of aircraft they have outside the building.
The museum’s collection also includes a wide range of military artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, equipment, and other items related to the history of the Polish military. The museum also has a number of exhibits on the history of the Polish army, including its role in various wars and conflicts.
After the museum, I stopped at Hala Koszyki to grab a bite. Hala Koszyki (Koszyki Hall) is a popular food market located in the heart of Warsaw, Poland. It is housed in a historic, renovated building and features a variety of food and beverage vendors offering a range of cuisines, including traditional Polish dishes, as well as international options. The market also features a number of shops selling a variety of products, including locally produced goods and artisanal products. Hala Koszyki is known for its lively atmosphere and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
In the evening, I visited the Warsaw Uprising Museum, which was a moving tribute to the heroes of the city’s resistance during World War II.
To end the day, I had dinner at Irena Syrena, a restaurant with a great selection of traditional Polish dishes. This is a no-frills place and the menu was pretty straightforward. I ordered the potato babka eoth pork rib and 6 meat dumplings with a glass of kefir. The food was delicious and it only cost 53PLN which was around £9.80.
Day 3
On the third day, I decided to visit New Praga, an up and coming area of Warsaw.
Praga has a long and fascinating history. It was first settled in the 14th century and has played a significant role in the development of Warsaw. During World War II, Praga was heavily damaged and many of its historic buildings were destroyed. In the decades following the war, the neighborhood fell into decline and became known for its poverty and crime.
In recent years, however, Praga has undergone a transformation. The neighborhood has attracted artists, musicians, and other creative types, and has become known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. New Praga, in particular, has undergone significant development and regeneration, and is now home to a mix of residential and commercial properties, as well as a number of cultural attractions.
Despite its transformation, Praga still retains its rough-around-the-edges charm and is known for its edgy, alternative atmosphere. It is a popular destination for those looking to experience a different side of Warsaw and is known for its vibrant nightlife and lively atmosphere.
Next, I visited Kultury Palac, and I was absolutely impressed by the views you get from the top.
Palac Kultury (Culture Palace) is a large, iconic building located in the heart of Warsaw, Poland. It is a multi-purpose venue that is home to a variety of cultural and artistic events, including concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and conferences. The building was completed in 1955 and was intended to serve as a center for the promotion of socialist ideology and culture. It was designed in the Stalinist style, which was popular in the Soviet Union and its satellite states during the 1950s. The building is notable for its grand, neoclassical design and its prominent location in the center of the city. It is a popular tourist destination and is considered a symbol of Warsaw’s rich cultural heritage.
Later in the day, I decided to try something a little different and visited a shooting range. It was a fun experience and something I had never done before.
To end the day, I had dinner at Specjały Regionalne, a restaurant specializing in regional specialties from different parts of Poland. It was a great way to try more diverse dishes and learn about the culinary traditions of the country.
Overall, my trip to Warsaw was a fantastic experience. The city has a rich history and culture, and I enjoyed exploring all that it had to offer. From the delicious food to the fascinating museums, there was always something new and exciting to discover. I would highly recommend a visit to Warsaw to anyone considering a trip to Poland.