Warsaw: 4 places that you should visit (and that, maybe, you can't find in the guidebooks)

“Man, it’s nothing special. Friends told me that is boring, not charming and exciting at all”; but also: “You Know? It will surprise you. For real! It shocked me, and I wasn’t expecting it”.

I heard different comments about Warsaw. Fair enough, I guess. I’m pretty sure that the absolute beauty is yet to be revealed.

That’s why, when I arrived at the Polish Capital, I was ready for everything: from complete disappointment to exaltation.

Three days are not enough to express a definitive opinion. But I can say that Warsaw, from my humble point of view, is not bad; at all. At least if you live it as I did: no rush, just roaming around with a map and a lot of enthusiasm.

To live there is probably another story, maybe without happy ending, but, well, I can’t judge it.

The old city offers a lot of suggestive spots that well balance the unusual and surprising mix of ultra-modern skyscrapers and sovietic blocks. This part of Warsaw, in fact, is lively, crowd and charismatic.

The new town – actually the real heart – it’s a never-ending row of shops, restaurant, lights and “bella vita”. The perfect “trick” to attract the common tourist, even 'cause – c’mon, we don’t have to be always snobby – there you can find a lot of nice places.

Let’s cut the cord: Warsaw deserves a good mark. And, if you live it in the proper way, it will give you many intriguing moments. You just need to plot your course cleverly.

That’s why I decided to give you some tips that, probably, you wouldn’t read in a guidebook. Unassuming. I’ve been in these places and I enjoyed them. That’s all

Narodowy Stadium

We know that Poland hasn't an astonishing football tradition. I mean: they made something good with National Team, but considering clubs’ results…

Legia Varsavia is the main team. It has a decent heritage conquered thanks to local success; that’s all. That’s why it’s surprising that Warsaw can show off one of the most beautiful and modern stadium of Europe. 

The Narodowy Stadium is a real pride. Built in 2012 for Euro Cup, it hosts soccer matches, but also concerts, events and shows. I guess Legia would not be enough. 

The Narodowy Stadium

It took four years to build it, replacing the older one (some fragments have been saved), and renewing all the surrounding area. Quality time. In a football lover’s eyes it is just amazing. For other people it could be just an usual stadium, but believe me: it’s not.

It has almost sixty thousands seats and hosted the Final of Europe League in 2015. I’m pretty sure: the Narodowy deserves, and will have, more.

Biblioteka Universytecka

You mustn’t be deceived by that violet shadow: the soul of Warsaw’s Bibliotecka Universytecka is green. Deeply green. Starting from the front side, coloured and surprising. The double paint “softens” the strict structure of the building. That’s why, maybe, it appears out of common schemes. 

The fron side of the library

The inside is modern, fascinating and - trying to guess – interesting for architecture’s fan. This is what I can say about the main hall. Actually, if you want to visit the “real library”, you must show you badge. Or something similar. 

The entrance of the library

No pass, no tour around the floors. So, straight to the other side of the library, where the “green heart” triumphs. There’s a big garden that looks like a park, where you can lay down, read something, take a break and chill out. 

The roof garden

The best is yet to come: the natural space continues on the top of the building. You have just to take the roof’s stairwell to find yourself surrounded by flowers, grass, plants, hedges, small bridges and some benches hidden by the leaves.

This spot offers you one of the best view of the city. 

  

Cuda Na Kiju 

A small square on the top of a staircase, beach chairs, wide beer selection and a modern, casual an confortable atmosphere: could a place need more?

The Cuda Na Kiju (literally: “wonder on a stick”) caught my attention from a tram’s window. Why so many tables in front of a museum? What could it be? Google has all the answers: one of the most renowned bar of the city. 

The Cuda Na Kiju (image from the web)

The museum I was talking about is the Muzeum Narodowe. The Cuda is right there, in the big portico. I went there the same night. I discovered that - no doubts about it - the Cuda Na Kiju is really worth it. It seems that kind of place that, maybe, could become posh during the weekend, but, in a random week day, it’s the best you can ask for. Even ‘cause it’s well planned: take your beer, chill outside and “bye bye stressful world”. With a privileged point of view on skyscrapers and all the rest of Warsaw.

Eat and drink. Beer snacks, including a delicious focaccia, even if more similar to a pizza’s pasta (it’s Warsaw, not Genova), and grissini. Be careful: they can open a sinkhole in your stomach. There's also pizza: at first sight, it’d not be so bad..

If after a long day without breaks, your only desire is to reconcile yourself with life, this will be the place for you.

 

 

Wrzenie Swiata

Library and café at the same time: nothing new, but always a good connection. Especially if the atmosphere is cozy.

The Wrzenie Swiata is a small book shop where you can drink a coffee, or other cold and hot drink, and eat something. From sandwiches to sweets, usually healthy and vegan-friendly.

Before filling your stomach, take a look to the shelves full of books, written in Polish or English. Whether you want to buy something or just “taste” it. 

The Wrzenie Swiata (image from the web)

It is cute, welcoming and calm. It’s sounds a bit like “I’m an alternative guy and o I read a book sipping my coffee with my posh attitude”, but not all costumers are like this. Hope so. Enjoy it as it is and spend here hours and hours.

It’s right back one of the most touristic streets of the town, so it could be a smart loophole. A small “shelter” for a breakfast or a brunch. Even if, but it’s just my humble opinion, it’s perfect for the late afternoon, just before dinner.