Discover Warsaw: Why Poland’s Capital Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List

Often overshadowed by Poland's well-explored city of Kraków, Warsaw remains one of Europe’s most underrated capitals – a city of resilience, reinvention, and rich contrasts.

Blending elegant architecture with bold modern design, Poland’s capital rewards you with fascinating history, thriving culture, and a fast-evolving culinary scene.

Recently, our Head of Brand and Travel Specialist, Andrea, spent two nights on a holiday in Warsaw to experience the city first-hand. From guided tours through its world-class museums to sampling traditional Polish flavours on a food tour, she discovered a destination that’s both deeply historic and wonderfully contemporary.

"When people picture Poland, their minds often drift to Kraków’s cobbled streets or Gdańsk’s maritime charm. Yet Warsaw – the nation’s resilient capital – surprised me on every level. What I discovered was a city that’s both historic and forward-thinking, elegant yet edgy, and brimming with energy."

 Andrea Godfrey

Head of Regent

Exploring Warsaw

Palace of Culture and Science

"Warsaw’s captivating fusion of old and new is striking. Compact yet vibrant, the city is perfect for exploring on foot, with colourful streets, hidden courtyards, and lively squares around every corner.

I had a guided tour that took me through a series of cultural highlights, beginning with the Museum of Warsaw, where the city’s rich history and remarkable reconstruction after World War II are brought vividly to life. We then visited the Museum of Polish Vodka, gaining insight into the country’s proud distilling traditions and tasting some of its finest spirits.

No tour of Warsaw would be complete without stopping at E. Wedel, Poland’s most famous chocolatier, where centuries-old craftsmanship and sweet indulgence combine. Each stop offered a unique perspective on Polish identity, showcasing a city that honours its heritage while embracing innovation, artistry, and resilience at every turn.

Nearby, Łazienki Royal Park offered a tranquil contrast to the bustling city - a peaceful oasis of manicured gardens, peacocks, and neoclassical palaces, all cloaked in fiery autumn foliage. And as anyone who knows me will guess, I couldn’t resist admiring the Palace of Culture and Science, that monumental “gift” from Stalin which still dominates the skyline. I’ve always had a soft spot for brutalist architecture, and this building – imposing, iconic, and oddly endearing – was easily my favourite!

I recommend capping off your day with an intimate Chopin concert at Chopin Point, where talented pianists bring the composer’s masterpieces to life, followed by dinner at the elegant U Wieniawy."

• For an even richer experience, combine Warsaw with Krakow on the 'Essential Warsaw & Krakow' tour, where you can delve into cafés, museums, and historic streets while exploring Poland’s two most captivating cities.

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Where to stay in Warsaw

Hotel Bristol, Warsaw

"Our home for the stay was the Hotel Bristol, a grand property beautifully positioned on Warsaw’s prestigious Royal Route, just steps from the Old Town and a stone's throw from the Presidential Palace.

The Hotel Bristol has been a key part of the city's history since 1901. This landmark establishment boasts classical decor and modern comfort. Featuring sweeping staircases, art-deco accents, and timeless interiors, the Bristol is where heritage and contemporary luxury come together in perfect harmony.

Beyond its elegant façade, the hotel offers everything you could wish for in a refined city retreat. You can indulge in decadent patisserie at Café Bristol, enjoy fine dining at the Marconi Restaurant, or unwind in the tranquil spa complete with indoor pool and gym.

It’s a true Warsaw icon – and the perfect base for exploring the capital’s cultural heart."

Where to eat in Warsaw

Polish cuisine at U Fukiera

"If you’re looking for a restaurant that captures the heart and history of Polish cuisine, I’d highly recommend U Fukiera.

Set on Warsaw’s atmospheric Old Town square, this is one of the city’s oldest and most iconic restaurants, and it feels every bit the institution. Owned by celebrated chef and restaurateur Magda Gessler, often dubbed Poland’s answer to Gordon Ramsay, U Fukiera brings together culinary tradition, art, and a touch of theatre.

Gessler’s artistic flair shines through in every corner of the candlelit dining rooms; she even painted the colourful murals herself. Velvet drapes, antique furniture and the flicker of candlelight make it feel like time has stood still. Her menu celebrates Poland’s heritage, with recipes passed down from her grandmother. I can’t recommend the rosół enough – a simple, clear meat broth with noodles that’s pure comfort in a bowl. On a rainy autumn afternoon, it was warming, nostalgic, and easily my favourite meal of the trip.

If you’d rather get a broader taste of the city’s food scene, the Warsaw Food Tour is a must. Over a few leisurely hours, you’ll sample everything from pierogi and pickled vegetables to cured meats and local vodkas, while wandering through tucked-away courtyards and neighbourhood cafés. The guides are knowledgeable, engaging, and full of local insights – it’s a wonderful way to eat your way through Warsaw while discovering its hidden corners."

• With the 'Foodie Weekend in Warsaw' tour, you’ll taste even more of Poland’s flavours, including a guided vodka tasting across the city’s best bars and restaurants.

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Warsaw Old Town 

Warsaw Old Town

"Warsaw’s Old Town is truly one of the city’s most captivating areas, offering history, rich culture, and resilience.

Meticulously reconstructed after the devastation of World War II, it’s almost impossible to believe that nearly 70% of the city was destroyed during the conflict. Walking through the streets, you’re immediately struck by the vibrant, colourful facades, cobbled lanes, and inviting squares – all of which stand as a testament to the city’s determination to rebuild and preserve its heritage.

Despite being painstakingly restored, the Old Town doesn’t feel like a museum or a recreated set. It has a lively, authentic energy, with cafés spilling onto squares, artisan shops tucked into alleyways, and street performers adding a dash of charm to every corner.

Key landmarks such as the Royal Castle, the Barbican, and the Old Town Market Square allow you to step directly into centuries of Polish history. Every turn offers a photo-worthy moment, whether it’s the pastel-coloured houses, the intricate details of historic architecture, or the quiet side streets that invite exploration.

Beyond sightseeing, the Old Town is also a hub for culinary delights, local craftsmanship, and cultural events, making it a perfect place to soak up Warsaw’s unique atmosphere. Strolling here, you can feel the city’s spirit of resilience, creativity, and celebration of life – a living reminder of Warsaw’s past and present."

• For a deeper exploration, the 'Germany & Poland by Train' tour lets you trace the wartime history of both countries, visiting key museums, memorials, and rebuilt cities while experiencing Warsaw, Kraków, Berlin, and more.

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A night above the clouds at Highline Warsaw

View from Highline Warsaw

"Beyond the Old Town, modern Warsaw is equally captivating. A morning visit to Highline Warsaw revealed one of the city’s most striking new experiences.

Located in the Varso Tower, the 53rd-floor observation deck offers a 360° panorama, approximately 230 metres above the ground, making it the highest publicly accessible viewpoint in the European Union.

The journey upwards is just as memorable as the view itself. Panoramic glass lifts whisk you skyward, passing through an immersive “Experience Room” that tells the story of Warsaw’s past, its near-total destruction during World War II, and its remarkable rebirth.

On the 49th floor, the “HighGarden” rooftop lounge provides a tree-lined terrace where cocktails are best enjoyed as the skyline unfolds below. From this vantage point, you can spot landmarks such as the Palace of Culture and Science, the Vistula River, and the patchwork of Old Town rooftops intermingled with modern towers."

Think you’ve seen all of Poland?

Think again. Discover the stylish, surprising, and endlessly captivating city of Warsaw: Europe’s most underrated capital awaits!

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