Travel Warsaw Guide

Warsaw is a quickly growing city, economically and culturally. Warsaw is trying its best to shed its image as a Communist wasteland, and has been more than successful, as the GDP is far above average for the European Union. Warsaw is home to old and new, from skyscrapers to the ancient Old Town, from electronica to accordions, Warsaw is a complex and inviting city for every traveler.

Warsaw's beautiful Old Town was established in the 13th Century. The highlight of Old Town is the city square. This cobble stoned square is home to numerous Polish restaurants and cafés and, in the summer, vendors, performers and on-lookers abound. Strolling through the ancient, narrow streets will bring you to St. John's Cathedral, and by the remains of the ancient city walls. Most of old town is closed to vehicular traffic, making it an excellent place for a walk and a picnic.

Warsaw's New Town is only slightly newer than Old Town, as its construction began in the 14th Century. The New Town is also closed to traffic, and is home to such attractions as the Citadel Museum. The Citadel Museum was once a Russian fortress and later a severe Polish prison. On the banks of the Wisla river, this museum houses a great exhibition of Polish history. In the New Town you will also find the lovely Traugutta Park, home to sculptures by such famous Polish artists as Waclaw Szymanowski.

During WWII, the Germans created a "Jewish Ghetto" inside of Warsaw. Though the neighborhood currently houses few Jews, it is home to such memorials as the Jewish National Theater, the Jewish Historic Museum and the "Path of Remembrance". This is one of many Warsaw neighborhoods packed with personality and history and is, in itself, a museum.

Walk Warsaw's "Royal Route" from Castle Square to Nowy Swiat and see some of the city's great neo-classical mansions. The Praga district in Eastern Warsaw is like a tribute to Communism, with the most remains of the Communist-style block buildings; this is the area of the city in which the majority of its citizens live. Many other Communist remnants can be found on Marshall St., including the Palace of Culture and Science and the Warszawa hotel.

From ancient cathedrals to enormous communist buildings, Warsaw has a wealth of contrast, history and intrigue. Warsaw is a city that should not be overlooked.