Warsaw

Although Warsaw was bombed into near-oblivion during the Second World War, the city today is a fine example of a thriving European capital. Poland’s largest city, it balances a tragic and violent history with an idealistic and charming present. Poland was occupied by the Nazis during World War II and lost a significant number of its Jewish residents to the holocaust. The city doesn’t shy away from this dark history; it’s possible to explore the old Ghettos and learn about the history of the uprisings here.

After its destruction during the war, Warsaw was successful in rebuilding itself and has developed rapidly in the last few decades following the fall of the Soviet Union. The Old Town, which was recreated from rubble, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Warsaw is home to several museums, including the Warsaw Uprising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the National Museum. History is important here, and tourists are encouraged to learn about the troubled past.  But Warsaw isn’t not all about somber reminders and tragedy. The city today is awash with opportunities for fun, with a vibrant and varied nightlife. Cafe culture is also taking off here, offering countless options for sitting on the sidewalk and sipping a drink.

Here, low-cost milk bars sit alongside high-quality restaurants, offering a spectrum of dining delights for every budget. The city is also packed with green spaces and walkways, perfect for a refreshing stroll in any season. The Vistula River winds through Warsaw, complete with its own sandy beaches. There’s a sense of toughness in Warsaw, it’s a city that has weathered many attempts to destroy it and somehow made it through every time. Beyond the pretty colorful buildings, old winding streets, and quaint squares is a city with an unbreakable spirit.