Questions and Answers on Warszawa?

Q. Why did I choose Warsaw to spend my summer? 

A. On every visit to Poland Warszawa was always a quick stop before I set off to go somewhere else in Poland.  This trip I have decided to spend longer here and get to know the city better.  This city is loud, noisy and always busy, people are out and about from early morning to late in the evening, but that’s what makes it appealing to me.   

Q. What is my favourite thing to eat in Poland?  .

A. I have spent the last three weeks eating cherries, watermelon, blue berries and mangos.  Seasonal fruit is very cheap here and can be bought at the local outdoor markets which in my case are right behind my apartment, Hala Gwardi is just one of many.

Q. What is my favourite tourist attraction in Warszawa?   

A. Has to be the old town, walking through the cobbled streets is my absolute favourite thing to do I never get tired of it.  Stopping for an aperitif in the square and going to a Chopin concert makes for a great evening.  These concerts are daily at 6pm, here in one of the old brick houses off the square a pianist will take you back to a different time, Chopin is one of Poland’s national treasures.

Q. What is the weather like now? 

A. The first two weeks temperatures were up in the 30c this last five days its rained exactly at 4pm each day.  One night there was thunder and lightning like I have never seen fork lightening and electrical storm it was truly spectacular.  However today we are back to blue skies and temperatures are up around 29c.

Q. What is my average day? 

A. Usually, coffee from the café in my building, then a walk through the Saski Gardens, there is something about walking through that park with its tree canopies just makes me feel alive.   I suppose like breathing the air and walking somewhere so picturesque is a good way to start my day.  Wellbeing moments you could call it.    I have been checking out hotels in this area as I think it’s a great location for next year’s tour options, so on average I am doing around 9K steps per day. 

Q. How do I get around in Warszawa? 

A.This city has two fairly new metro undergrounds, you pay around $1.19 NZ for a ticket and they are very easy to navigate, they are clean and very safe to travel on.  There are buses and trams which seem to be able to take you anywhere you would like to go, so the city has lots of options.  Ubers are very cheap here with a trip to the airport a 15-minute ride costing around $10NZ, using them in the city most are around $5.00NZ.  Considering petrol is very expensive here the cost of travel is still very cheap.

Q. What is my favourite restaurant in Warszawa? 

A. Has to be hands down Alewino, this is situated in the upmarket suburb of Mokotowska Street, with its Michelin Star you can’t go to Warszawa and not eat here.  The garden bar and a wine tasting area and seats in side it has it all.  The atmosphere service and wine selection are second to none.  Although this restaurant is on the high side in Polish terms, compared to NZ prices it’s well worth the cost.  There are so many places to eat here, my local is Charlotte, it’s a great place to meet friends for a wine, and offers a tapas style of eating. All four restaurants in the street offer outdoor dining. There are many food markets around this area offering all types of food, these are usually in renovated brick warehouses, great atmosphere, and the average meal is around $16.00.  From burgers, to mezze plates, sushi and pasta it’s a great way to eat. 

Q. The best coffee in Warsaw? 

A. Cafes are on every corner here from Starbuck to Costa Coffee, but it’s the local cafes that I prefer with their array of beautiful cakes, polish donuts, croissants and juices that I prefer.   Coffee is the same price as NZ, but I think most Poles still enjoy their tea.

Q. What is my favourite shopping spot?   

A. I am always looking for another new shop, but my favourite stores are the local polish designer jewellery stores.  These offer a range of unique pieces at a great price.  Not far from here there are two designer outlet stores offering brands at a good price, but you have to spend time there to go through the racks. There are also the large shopping malls offering all the fast fashion brands, but overall clothing, jewellery and shoes are reasonably priced here.  Everything is on sale here.

Compared to New Zealand what are the main differences?  Food prices, house prices and travel costs. I think the cost of food here is more realistic than at home, buying direct from the markets, vegetables, cheese, bread and meats are inexpensive not to mention fresh. House prices are lower here and apartment living is now the norm.  There is an excellent transportation system throughout the country with their fast trains again inexpensive. Although air travel I noticed has definitely got more expensive. The best thing about Poland is its location in Europe it makes it accessible to all European countries in a matter of hours you can fly anywhere.