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- Destinations
- Europe
- Poland
- Warsaw
Warsaw
As the capital of Poland, Warsaw was one of the most beautiful
and sophisticated cities in central Europe until it was almost
totally destroyed during the Nazi occupation of World War II. The
end of the war saw most of the city reduced to rubble and ruins,
and the large swathes of the population had either been killed or
interred in Nazi concentration camps.
The city underwent a major regeneration following the havoc of
destruction, and the buildings in the heart of the old city were
meticulously restored. Most of the historic Old Town was
painstakingly rebuilt from a pile of debris, restoring it to its
original 17th and 18th Century appearance. The charming Old Market
Square, the centre of the rebuilding process, is now a major World
Heritage Site attraction.
Warsaw is divided into two distinct halves by the Vistula River,
with the Old Town, the modern city centre and most of the
attractions on the western side. The eastern side of the river is
comprised of uninteresting residential suburbs and business
districts. The post-war appearance of Warsaw is a modern urban
landscape of high-rise buildings, and the years of communist rule
have left an uninspiring architectural legacy of drab concrete
structures and uniform prefab-style housing. Dominating the skyline
is the city's major eyesore: the massive shape of the Palace of
Science and Culture, Stalin's bequest to Polish citizens.
Lying in determined contrast to the concrete greyness are traces
of Poland's grand past, including castles and palaces, open
parklands, impressive churches and the restored streets of the
historic old centre. Signs of former political austerity have been
replaced by modern progression, with dreary state shops turned into
fashionable boutiques, and consumerism a growing trend.
Although many people give scant regard to Warsaw as an appealing
tourist destination, it is still Poland's largest city and the
political, economic, scientific and cultural hub of the country. It
has many museums and historical monuments, galleries and historic
attractions, a variety of restaurants and open-air cafes, and an
energetic nightlife. With green open spaces and classical music
concerts, this modern bustling city is a far cry from the severe
communist-era images of post-war Warsaw.
Information & Facts
Climate
Warsaw has a continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and
mild summers. On average, summer temperatures range between 47°F
and 73°F (9°C and 22°C), while winter temperatures range between
25°F and 42°F (-4°C and 6°C). July is the wettest month, though
rain does fall sporadically throughout the year.
Getting Around
The Municipal Transport Board in Warsaw operates an extensive
bus and tram network and a single-line metro system. Buses and
trams ply the streets from 5am to 11pm each day and are the
cheapest way to get around. Tickets are valid for all modes of
public transport and must be bought in advance from Ruch kiosks,
post offices, hotels or restaurants. Travellers must then punch the
ticket on the machine inside the bus or tram, one ticket for every
change of vehicle. One day passes and group tickets are available.
The metro trains run every five minutes to and fro between the
southern suburbs and the city centre and is the fastest way of
getting around Warsaw. Metered taxis can be hailed on the streets
or ordered by telephone from a number of different companies.
Visitors are sometimes overcharged, particularly at the airport and
central station so it is best to agree on a price before getting
in. Taxis ordered by phone are usually a lot cheaper.
Language
The national language is Polish. English is widely
understood in tourist areas.
Money
The official currency is Zloty (PLN), divided into 100 groszy.
Poland is essentially a 'cash country', and it is difficult to
negotiate credit cards and travellers cheques in the cities, and
well nigh impossible in rural areas. American Express, Diners Club,
Visa and MasterCard are, however, accepted in places frequented by
tourists. ATMs are also beginning to proliferate in Polish cities,
where the sign 'Bankomat' indicates them. Money (preferably US$ or
Euros) can be exchanged in the cities and larger towns at banks,
hotels or bureaux called 'kantors', which offer the best rates.
Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and some are open
on Saturday till 1pm.