Warsaw
Guide by Paul Scottyn
 Dating
back to the 9th century the Polish Capital has had a long, eventful and,
at times, tragic history. Many who have not visited the city will associate
it with dour communist regimes but since the Victory of Solidarity in 1989
the city has transformed itself in to one of the most vibrant and colorful
capitals in Europe.
Due to the booming economy
of the city it's not as cheap as it once was for western backpackers but
there are still plenty of bargains to be found and it is definitely a cheaper
option than French, German or Spanish cities.
And one of the things that
keeps prices low is the variety of excellent youth hostels in Warsaw on
offer. Hostel Helvetia, Nathan's Villa Hostel and Hostel Orange all more
than match the requirements of the backpacker in the city.
And in addition to the range
of fantastic hostels in Warsaw , the city also has a couple of good value
hotels and guesthouses like the Hotel Dom Literatury and Boutique Bed and
Breakfast.
The Old Town
One key area travelers will
probably want to see is the 'Old Town'. This term of a bit of a misnomer
as much was destroyed and the buildings on show today have been lovingly
restored to their former glory by the people of Poland.
In fact it was a job so well
completed that the area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
1980, despite most of the construction being no more than 30 years old.
Those planning on staying
in this area might want to take a look at the Old Town Apartments - your
own apartment with kitchen, bathroom and fantastic location for a price
of a hostel.
Beyond the old town quarter
lies the Royal Castle, King Sigismund's Column, Market Square, and the
Barbican. Further south is the Warsaw University campus, which is a good
place to seek out some of the more idiosyncratic bars and clubs in the
city.
Nightlife and Events
Being a young city, Warsaw
has a night spot to suit every taste. Bars range from atmospheric and dingy
drinking dens, right through to ultra hip lounge-style bars. Foksal 19
split over two floors is popular with the late-20 and 30-something crowd
while 20 @Pole Mokotowskie features an outdoor grill and live music.
Clubs are also plentiful
with Club 70 living up to its name and offering disco classics, while Ground
Zero offers a more modern take and for the completely outlandish check
out Le Madame.
Befitting any capital city
Warsaw has its fair share of festivals and events, both international and
local. Notable ones are the international Film Festival in October and
the carnival in March.
Another unique event is
Noc Swietojanska (Midsummer's Eve). For this pagan fertility festival,
buxom Polish maidens throw wreaths into the Vistula River before fireworks,
music and local food help you party into the night. Hostel Orange on Poznanska
near the train station offers those travelling to Warsaw for a night out
a good base.
Food
Food is something the Poles
rightly take pride in and almost every dish is nothing if not good value.
Local specialties range from the famous beetroot soup, 'borscht', stuffed
dumplings ('perogi') and all manner of pork dishes. However, if you fancy
something more international there are plenty of foreign eateries from
Chinese to Indian and Moroccan to Italian.
Top
About the Author: Before
settling down and becoming a copywriter for HostelBookers. Paul Scottyn
did a backpacking tour of Poland , he checked out a variety of the country's
budget accommodation, including a number of most youth hostels in Warsaw.
www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/poland/warsaw/ |
