Warsaw, Poland: top five things to do

Although most of Warsaw was tragically razed to the ground during the Second World War, the Polish capital was given a nip ’n’ tuck by architects who used artwork by 18th century court painter Bellotto to try to recapture its former glory. Even so, Warsaw will never win a pretty city award, but its historic centre has clusters of handsome buildings, as well as a rich offering in terms of art, culture and nightlife.

Here are TNT's top five things to do in Warsaw

1. Warsaw Museums

The Warsaw Rising Museum commemorates the definitive event in the city’s history, when plucky Polish freedom fighters were annihilated by the Nazis in 1944 after battling for an independent Poland. The events unfolded in front of a backdrop of underhand Stalin-led Soviet dealings, who later tried to hush the whole thing up. Most of the city was destroyed and pictures show a Hiroshima-like landscape.

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2. Chopin Memorabilia

Warsaw’s most famous resident, Chopin, is paid tribute to in the recently revamped Chopin Museum, which boasts a concert hall and Chopin memorabilia. Get your fix of serious culture with a trip to the opera or ballet at Teatr Wielki Opera Narodowa. Tickets are a steal at 20-100 zloty (£4.40 to £22).

3. Polish cuisine

Polish food is hearty and tasty, perfect fodder for a cold winter’s day. Tuck into pierogi, dumplings stuffed with everything from mushrooms to mince. If it’s comfort food you’re after, visit Bar Krokecik. For generous portions at affordable prices, head to Kompania Piwna in the Old Town.

4. Sights

You won’t be able to miss the 231m-high Palace Of Culture And Science, which has dominated Warsaw’s skyline for 55 years. The highest building in the country was Stalin’s unwanted ‘gift’ to Poland to remind people that the state was bigger than the individual. After communism ended in Poland in 1989, this cavernous Palace was transformed into a multiplex. The viewing platform on the 30th floor offers great views.

5. Polish vodka

Drinking vodka in Poland is a custom going back centuries, and you’ll soon discover that everyone from young hipsters to grannies is partial to a shot or two of the stuff. Drink vodka neat and chilled in 50ml measurements. Before knocking it back in one gulp, make friends by saying a toast to good health: “Na zdrowie!”

Famous brands include Zubrówka, flavoured with bison grass from the Białowieza Forest; berry- flavoured Wisniówka and Jarzebiak; and lemon- infused Cytrynówka. Warsaw has a jumping club and bar scene.

Big name DJs spin tunes at post-industrial-style club 1500m2 Do Wynajecia.

Need To Know

WHEN TO GO: Warsaw throngs with tourists from May, so go sooner to avoid the crowds.
GETTING THERE: Wizz Air and British Airways fly direct to Warsaw from London.
VISAS: South Africans need a Schengen Visa.
CURRENCY: Polish Zloty.
EXCHANGE RATE: 1 GBP = 4.6 PLN.
LANGUAGE: Polish.
GETTING AROUND: Explore the city by bus, tram or metro. Taxis are cheap.
GOING OUT: A beer costs 6-10 PLN.
ACCOMMODATION: A dorm bed from 40 PLN; a double room is about 240 PLN.

For more information:  warsawtour.pl/en