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Privacy Notice When it comes to booking a trip away, you can never go wrong with a city break. Whether you’re a fan of cramming your holidays with wall-to-wall activities or you prefer to take things at a slower pace, going urban on your vacation is the perfect opportunity to unwind while discovering something new. Cities such as Barcelona and Paris may be familiar destinations among those looking to escape to one of Europe’s finest metropolis, but why not opt for something a little different? As the capital of Poland, Warsaw is known for its eye-catching architecture, beautiful parklands and incredible culinary scene. But if that wasn’t enough to tempt you, OK! has compiled five of the top reasons to give the Polish capital a visit…
Warsaw is ideal for anyone looking to jet off on a city break
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The journey is a holiday in itself Flights to Warsaw are cheap, costing from £9 return from London. But travel by train is kinder to the environment and allows you to take in a breathtakingly diverse landscape on the way. We broke up the 20-hour journey from the UK capital with a stop-off in Berlin at the legendary five-star Hotel Adlon Kempinski. Built in 1907, it has 307 rooms and 78 suites, and hosted our late Queen – twice – and US presidents including Obama, Bush and Clinton. It was even the subject of a 2013 German TV series, Hotel Adlon, which brought its history to life. It’s currently offering the Adlon Experience Anniversary Package, which includes a bottle of Ruinart anniversary champagne, a chocolate replica Brandenburg Gate and an added “surprise gift”.
Break your journey by train with a stopover in Berlin
Restaurant Quarré boasts an incredible view of Brandenburg Gate
Our seasonal three-course menu, paired with an anniversary wine from renowned producer Robert Weil, was served in Restaurant Quarré, accompanied by a dramatic view of said gate. In the morning we tucked into a gourmet breakfast buffet at Restaurant Bel Etage, and although there was not enough time to see much of the city, we used the hotel spa ahead of our journey to Warsaw. Warsaw is steeped in history If there’s a European city that’s seen prosperity and horror in equal measure, it’s Warsaw. The Polish capital was a cultural and geographical hotspot known for its elegant architecture and boulevards. But in 1944, following the failed Warsaw Uprising to free Poland from German occupation, Adolf Hitler ordered the city be razed – and 83% of it was destroyed. The Poles rebuilt a near-exact replica of the Old Town, using historical city planning and maps, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting Warsaw while conflict rages in Poland’s neighbouring Ukraine is a reminder of the fierce resilience of the human spirit.
Warsaw Old Town is now a UNESCO World Heritage site
Polin, which is the Jewish museum, and Powstanie Warszawski museum, about the uprising, are both a must, as is Lazienki Park for some verdant respite from the vibrant, buzzing city. You can dance the night away The modern city also has a burgeoning art and music scene and lots of trendy restaurants, where you can enjoy meals including pierogi (filled dumplings) for £1 and beers for even less, before dancing until sunrise. But Warsaw is also a clubber’s paradise, so check out techno clubs Tama Sfines, Prozak 2.0 and Szpitalna 1. The food is second to none Peckish? The Moxy has delicious pizzas while Mamaison offers fine dining in La Rotisserie, with a blend of French and Polish cuisine served up by chef Artur Grajber, who once cooked for the Queen of Spain. To experience typical Polish food, head to a bar mleczny – the “milk bars” are a throwback to the communist days and offer a canteen- style experience. We tasted traditional delicacies for just £1.
La Rotisserie blends Polish and French cuisine for the ultimate fine dining experience
The Moxy is the perfect place for a quick bite
(Image: Cathrine Stukhard)
Drink in retro bars, follow art trails and, most importantly, stay at the Moxy Warsaw Praga, a hip new addition to the Marriott brand that once housed a 19th-century vodka distillery. The rooms are spacious and fun, and there are pool tables in communal areas that have a modern industrial vibe, plus a low-key, self-service bar for grab and go snacks. You’re spoiled for accommodation choices Mamaison Le Regina Hotel, in Warsaw’s Old Town (Stare Miasto), is quaint and smart with oodles of charm. Situated on a cobbled street that ends with a spectacular view of the city, Mamaison is the perfect place to rest and recuperate with a spa, sauna and swimming pool. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful squares, restaurants and quirky cafés that serve vast varieties of teas in cosy candlelit spaces. Shop for Baltic amber, known as the Gold of the North, Bolesławiec pottery and krówki (“little cows”) which is a Polish version of fudge, then seek out the quirky store selling vampire repellent!
Mamaison Le Regina Hotel is full of charm
The Moxy is full of vibrant and energetic interiors
(Image: Cathrine Stukhard)
If you prefer your hotels less traditional, head across the Vistula river to Praga on the right bank. This working-class district has long been unwelcoming and even unsafe for tourists, but is now art-focused, with a flourishing bohemian culture that has transformed the area. Oh, and all guests are treated to a complimentary drink on arrival. Always a winner! How to book The Adlon Experience Anniversary Package at Hotel Adlon Kempinski starts at £521pp. See kempinski.com. For info on the hotels in Warsaw, see mamaisonleregina.com and moxy-hotels.marriott.com READ NEXT: Superyachts to unspoilt beaches – why Holly Willoughby loves the Algarve Beckhams’ holiday favourite Croatia is ideal for restoration in the winter sun Alternative Ibiza is the new pleasure island for reality stars and you’re invited Dorset’s unexpected hidden treasures from boujie bars to glam seaview retreats Sign up to our daily newsletter for the BIGGEST exclusive celeb interviews, TV news and more Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnTravel
