Warsaw Gift Guide

Warsaw as the capital is the first place you should definitely visit in Poland. Feel free to contact our office and let us handle it all for you. Sightseeing of a new city isn’t complete without souvenirs of course! Let me suggest you a true Warsaw Gift Guide.

“Do it in Warsaw” is a true inspiration for an interesting way to spend your free time.  It is very alternative and it focuses not only on sightseeing, but mostly on making the best out of every moment in Warsaw – it is also super fun for people who are Warsaw citizens.

As we speak about original guides, here comes one more “Get your head around the city”. This one is more about things we can but in Warsaw, where to eat or drink. Also fun, but less creative.

Crumpled City Map of Warsaw. When I travel, my biggest problem is to hold the map in this way that it won’t tear up or crumple too much. With this gift all of this kind of worries just go away! Light, extremely durable and waterproof map that you can bend without fear of tearing. It is very convenient, handy and the most important – fun!

Next idea is very functional, because who doesn’t start a day with a cup of hot coffee? MamSam creates fun cups with a wide variety of texts on it – you can choose just “Warsaw” or your favorite district, like “Żoliborz” or “Mokotów”. The style of the mugs reminds of polish communism times, where you could drink out of cups like this in all local pubs and restaurants. Now they have become super trendy!

Do you have enough boring socks? You can choose from dozens of versions of the Palace of Culture, graphics with a mermaid or a Chopin monument. And you get them at a machine (just like the ones with water and snacks) in the hall of the Warsaw Library.

Something for food lovers – honey! Since 2013 on top of Warsaw skyscrapers, you can find beehives, it sounds pretty weird, but it is true. You can buy a jar of honey from all districts and I can promise you that each one tastes differently! Not only delicious, but also very eco.

Warsaw is a very touristic city, so everyone will find something perfect for a unique gift.  Contact us, and we promise you won’t regret this marvelous adventure that is about to happen!

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Extraordinary hotels in Poland

Most hotels are very similar and if you are traveling often it’s just getting bored. You start to know exactly how your next room will look like. But what if I would suggest you something you have never seen before?

Places which never stop to amaze and surprise, where everything looks mysterious and memorable. Take a look at polish most bizarre hotels.

  1. Author’s Room in Warsaw is a paradise for design lovers. It is unusual for many reasons. It is placed in a historic tenement house in the city center and consists of only 4 rooms each designed in a unique style. Everything here is thought through, there is no place for accidental objects – not only furniture or fittings, but even bathrobes, cosmetics and cutlery have been specially selected and created by Polish artists.
  2. Salt Mines in Wieliczka and Bochnia– yes, I know you have heard of sightseeing tour in these places, but they offer rooms as well! In Wieliczka you can spend the night at a depth of 150 meters in the Słowacki Chamber. In Bochnia, there are chambers available, located even 250 meters underground. It is pretty cold down there (16 degrees Celsius) but think of it as a good SPA and wellness area – the unique micro climate has a very positive effect on the respiratory system and strengthens immunity.
  3. Wool Factory (Fabryka Wełny), Pabianice– This place has a fascinating history, it has been built by German industrialists in the 19th. The Pabianice factory was also one of the locations in the film “Promised Land” by Andrzej Wajda. After 1989 – like many industrial facilities in the Lodz region it has been closed. And years later a hotel opened here. Wool Factory hotel has a standard of four stars and apart from accommodation in the post-industrial atmospheric spaces, it also offers the possibility of using the conference and entertainment center.
  4. In the trees (W drzewach) in Nałęczów is a real-life dream of every child. Who didn’t want to live in a tree house as a kid?! This place is also perfect for people who can only truly relax surrounded by nature. In a quiet, wooden house among trees you can really escape from your everyday life.
  5. HT Houseboats, Mielno – you can decide whether to choose a hotel or a boat? Well we found an option tailored to your needs. A hotel was created at Lake Jamno in Mielno, allowing guests to constantly contact the water. The object consists of wooden houses, placed on water. Each of the houses has a panoramic window with a view of the lake and its own terrace. Some cottages have a fireplace and a sauna, could you imagine something better?

Maybe while choosing your next hotel think about something extraordinary? There is so much more on the market than just huge hotel chains, which look just the same no matter in which country you’re staying.

Picture source: www.fabrykawelny.pl

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Ice cream heavens in Warsaw

 There is no better season than Summer – sun, cold drinks, long walks, late sunsets and outdoor cinemas. It sounds like a dream come true, but there is one thing missing in this counting – ICE CREAM! At the current temperature, you can’t stand a day without a scoop of cold ice cream.

While being in Warsaw there are a few ice cream heavens you definitely must visit! Everyone can find something perfect, no matter if you are young or old, vegan or not, team sorbet or team cream.

  1. “Roszki” – the best cream ice cream in the world! No kidding! You can choose a classic one like cream flavor (36% fresh cream) or go crazy with something new like mascarpone combined with Jagermeister. And for all the kids (and adults as well) you can even choose the color of your ice cream cone.
  2. “Frank” – you still didn’t have chance to eat breakfast? Well, let me suggest you an ice cream sandwich! This place was created by two sisters from New York and they have started their business by selling ice cream at a local market. You can choose both ice cream flavor as well as cookie dough!
  3. “La Bomboniera” – well let me just say – Molto Bene! Italian bakery, where you can now also get ice creams which taste like straight from Sicily. Don’t underestimate their sorbets, they are truly delicious.
  4. “Ulica Baśniowa” translates as Fairytale Street and it surely is. Located in a beautiful and green district ice cream café serves a lot of flavors. You can try also the sugar free kind or cremino (cake ice cream). Definitely a must, but be aware that whole Warsaw knows how good they are, so the queue can be sometimes really long, but it is totally worth it!
  5. “Syrenka” is something for vegans. You can buy them in several cafés and shops. They are produced on the basis of coconut milk and cashew – this combination makes them very creamy and delicious. The flavors are unique, for example black coconut, peanut butter and double chocolate.

There is nothing left to say. Just Smacznego and let me know which is your favorite ice cream spot!

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Most Popular Museums in Poland

In the whole world there are plenty of fascinating and interesting museums. Everybody knows Luvr in Paris, MoMa in New York or National Gallery in London. But did you know that Poland has also some amazing ones? Thanks to the difficult history, talented artists and powerful kings, after many decades and centuries, you can now admire their work and legacy.

  1. The Museum of the Palace of King Jan III in Wilanów – if you are visiting Warsaw it is a great opportunity to visit this museum. It is not only a magnificent building with lots of sculptures and painting. It has a wonderful and big garden, which is an ideal spot for a long walk during the summer season. Every year almost 3 million people visit this museum!
  2. The Royal Łazienki Museum – its mesmerizing gardens have appeared in many books and novels. Thanks to its location in the Warsaw city center, locals come here often to relax after a long day in work. Museum is combined here with a lot of attractions, there are organized many concerts, exhibitions and meeting. You can also sail a real gondola on the pond in front of the Palace on the Island. For sport amateurs there is a stable where you can have a horse ride. Definitely a magical place!
  3. Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum in Oświęcim. This museum is well-known also abroad. It is a reminder of the horrible war experiences. To visit this museum you have to prepare yourself.It is not easy to be here but is worth it. It is a place which warns you, that people are capable of the worst in the name of an ideology.
  4. Wawel Royal Castle in Cracow – while visiting Cracow, this is ‘a must”. You won’t find here giant gardens (like in Wilanów), but a chapel, courtyard and a cathedral which will take your breath away. The Cathedral is a very important place, because it is filled with priceless works of art, including tombstones of kings. An absolute masterpiece of Renaissance art is also the Sigismund Chapel. Entering the walled castle complex is a journey in time – you can feel the spirit of a really ancient age.
  5. The Cracow Saltworks Museum in Wieliczka is something you have probably never experienced. The Wieliczka Salt Mine was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978 as one of the first 12 objects in the world. The deepest corridor of the Wieliczka mine is located 327 meters underground, and the total length of all underground pavements reaches 300 kilometers. Visiting the Wieliczka mine, you can see not only pits but also real works of art, like salt sculptures or chapels. Fun fact – in the Chapel of Saint Kinga you can even get married.

As you can see, museum don’t have to be boring and visited only in rainy days. They are fun, beautiful and perfect for families. You can enjoy yourself in their gardens or just stop by to slow down a bit and focus on the moment.

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Warsaw night life

This summer is going to be long and warm, so if you are a party animal Polish capital – Warsaw, is your place to be!

Only here you can enjoy the atmosphere, the variety of flavors, aromas, creativity and inspiration. Thanks to the courtesy of Westin hotel (Marriott group) which is our business partner already since its opening we can share with you these amazing pictures of the most marvelous Warsaw by night. Sink in the crazy and fast life style which this city guarantees, go clubbing and dance like nobody is watching and have a unique cocktail with a view on the city or Vistula river. Let’s have some fun!

Picture by Marcin Łuniewski

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Perfect Mother’s Day in Warsaw

Mothers are the most important human beings in our lives. They support us through our whole life, stand by us and love us no matter what. They deserve to be treated as princesses the entire year, but there is one totally special day just for all the brave Moms – the Mother’s Day. In Poland, we celebrate this day on 26thof May.

I am sure that not only I have a huge problem with getting to an idea for a unique gift every year. Flowers and something sweet are a must, but what else? Well, let me help you and introduce you to my “Perfect Mother’s Day in Warsaw” Guide.

First things first – breakfast! Warsaw is a real breakfast capital, there are more and more spots, where you can have a fancy meal in a beautiful spot. Let’s start the day in an  luxurious restaurant located in one of the most important hotels in Poland – Bristol. It has opened in 1901 and over the years a lot of politicians and famous people have stayed there. The architecture is truly unforgettable and it will definitely help you and your mom get in a great mood for the whole day.

While being in the heart of Warsaw, you can have a nice walk and admire the Royal Castle and the Old Town. Feel the real atmosphere of Poland and it is really easy, when you are surrounded by these marvelous buildings. Beside sightseeing the most popular places, I suggest to just get lost in the small streets, it can be really magical!

It is a celebration day so there have to be presents! I would suggest buying something made by polish local people, just like Risk Made in Warsaw. High quality material, beautiful and unique design and very friendly staff is the key to their success. These clothes are made for any age and any size – perfect for Mother and Daughter!

You can also pop into a great cosmetic store – JEJU with only natural products, a lot of them are being made in Poland. If you are read our articles, you might know this place from the Cracow issue.

For lunch take your Mom for a real dumpling feast – Le’pię is a fun variation about this polish traditional meal. It is a very cozy and small restaurant with delicious food.

What sounds more like mother day than a SPA session! Natur Lov is a place like no other, your Mom will have finally a moment of full relaxation. The SPA owner uses only natural cosmetics and treats each client very individually. You can enjoy the pure calmness and be able to forget about the whole world.

Warsaw is full of beautiful squares and parks. Spend some time in Łazienki park, feed the squirrels or have a coffee at the Grzybowska Square with a view on the mix of the old church and new skyscrapers. If you are interested in giving your mom flowers and by the way see some locals, go and check out Hala Mirowska – you can find there not only fresh and colorful bouquets, but also fishes, meat, fruit and vegetables.

After this long tour through the nicest parts of Warsaw, you will probably start to feel hungry – grab a taxi and go straight to Stary Dom Restaurant, which in polish means “The Old House” and inside it really is! You can feel like at your grandparents house with lots of dark brown furniture and flowers everywhere. If you want to taste real polish cuisine – this the place to be! You should definitely order a tartare, because the chef will come to your table and prepare it right next to you.

With full stomachs go to Weles, a secret bar hidden in one of the streets in city center for the last cocktail and relax after a whole day of attractions. Cheers to all Moms!

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Fully kosher hotel in the heart of Kazimierz District in Cracow

Kazimierz district in Cracow is well-known for its jewish history. Now it is about to get a step forward. Between ul. Dietla and Podbrzezie, next to the Temple synagogue with the Jewish Community Center, a 4-star hotel is about to open. It wouldn’t be unusual, if not for the fact that is going to be completely kosher!

The opening is planned for autumn next year. Hotel will have 117 rooms, a kosher kitchen and a mikveh (used for ritual washing of the body).  The hotel will be on a standard of 4 stars. The height of the building was adapted to the surroundings.

The investment includes reconstruction of the tenement house at ul. Dietla 59 and the creation of a new building with an underground garage for 25 parking spots at ul. Podbrzezie 4. The new hotel will have a historical façade with numerous decorations and a characteristic balcony.  The hotel will have a courtyard, a conference and banquet area with a total area of nearly 500 m2.

Only kosher meals will be served at the restaurant in the hotel. The kitchen won’t use pork or any non-kosher products. In the restaurant there should be separate cutlery sets for the meat and milk meals, because in the kosher kitchen these dishes can’t be mixed. Orthodox Jews do not eat meat after eating milk for six hours.

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The Royal Castle and its beautiful garden

The Royal Castle has always been an important symbol of Poland. Today, the former residence of rulers and kings of Poland is one of the most recognizable monuments of the city.

The culmination of his many years of reconstruction is the opening of the castle gardens. The restoration project for the lower gardens started in 2017. Archaeological, construction and gardening works were carried out thanks to co-financing from the EU and the Ministry of Culture. The garden is now more beautiful than ever.

            The arrangement of the Lower Garden lasted 482 days. It started on September 6, 2017, ended December 28, 2018. In this short time, the unused 1,9-hectare space in the foreground of the Royal Castle, between Arkady Kubicki and busy Wisłostrada, has changed beyond recognition. A modernist garden was created here with a lawn deep in the ground, a granite terrace with fountains, a system of paths, decorative vases, flowerbeds, rows of trimmed bushes and trees, and a complex technical infrastructure hidden in the ground.

For the first time in its history, the Royal Castle in Warsaw has fully decorated gardens. Their finished lower level was waiting for it over 200 years, from the time of Stanisław August Poniatowski. The grand opening has taken place last Saturday – 11thMay.

You can Visit Poland to see the garden or just click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-rg4uMD2ZM

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Obwarzanek Krakowski – delicious tradition festival!

Let’s talk about something super delicious and one of the reason to visit Cracow! – Obwarzanek Krakowski.

Braided ring-shaped bread that is boiled and sprinkled with salt, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, etc., before being baked. It has a white, sweetish, moist and chewy crumb underneath a crunchy golden-brown crust. You can get it nearly at every street cart in Cracow streets. It has the status of a regional food with protected geographical indication by European Union.

Now the best part of it all – this year will be the first festival of Obwarzanek ever! On the 26th and 27th of May at Szczepański Square and Planty – masters of pastries from Krakow and the surrounding area will present their products. The date of the event is not accidental – it refers to the privileges granted by Jan Olbracht on May 26, 1496, under which the bagels could be baked and sold only by the Cracovian bakers.

Each visitor will be able to try an obwarzanek – both sauté or with traditional additions of poppy, salt and cheese, as well as in the form of culinary variations created by the best restaurateurs. Local restaurants will start in the competition for the best variation from obwarzanek. At the stands, you will be able to taste various of other specialties from the region. Beside eating, everyone will enjoy a Street Theater performance and many other artistic events, workshops on drawing, preparing obwarzanek from salt mass or baking laboratory.

Krakow was chosen the European Capital of Gastronomy Culture 2019. The advantage of Krakow’s cuisine is its diversity, gastronomic tradition is derived from many cultures. It’s not only one of the most beautiful cities in Poland, with a great history, but also a magnificent place to eat.

In June last year, the European Gastronomic Academy unanimously decided that Krakow will be the European Capital of Gastronomy Culture 2019. In the strict finale of efforts for this title, the capital of Lesser Poland defeated even Lisbon.

Picture source: https://www.thespruceeats.com/jewish-polish-krakover-bagels-recipe-1135425 (btw, you can find a recipe how to make a real Obwarzanek here)

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Street art taking over Polish walls

Street art in Poland is growing rapidly and the design and concept is definitely world-class. It is not only a way of expressing yourself, but also a form of freedom, tribute and message, which can be seen and understood by everyone. It has become one of the most popular trends in contemporary art.

In Poland there are being festivals organized in every major city, galleries and auction houses exhibit works of street artists, dozens of murals are created, publications are published, debates, workshops and lectures are held. It is a trendy issue already for several years. We have selected just a few of them, there are many more!

  1. Etam Cru – Mateusz Gapski and Przemek Blejzyk, both are graduates of the Academy of Fine Arts in the department of Graphics and Painting in Łódź, so as you can see they are highly educated in the area that they create. They are the most known duo in polish street art, thanks to years of work and studies together, they created a unique and recognizable style. They started in Bydgoszcz, now you can admire their paintings in Olsztyn, Łódź and Warsaw. Over time, they began to spread their talent abroad – Bulgaria, Germany, Russia, Portugal and the USA.
  1. M-city– his real name is Mariusz Waras, and he is also very close to the university life. He graduated from the Graphic Department of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk an currently he works as the assistant to one of the professors at the faculty of painting. His style is based on working with templates. M-city works are very well-known world-wide and his work was featured at the opening of Urban Nation Museum in 2017.
  1. Sepe – Michał Wręga. Since 1996, he has been associated with graffiti art and the Polish street art scene. He currently lives and works in Warsaw as a graphic artist, painter and illustrator. His works can be seen on walls in such cities as: Munich, Oslo, Prague, Berlin, Lille, Lucerne, Warsaw, Gdańsk, Łódź, Wrocław, Bydgoszcz, Szczecin, Katowice.
  1. Natalia Rak – finally a girl in the business. She has started her adventure with art long before she graduated from Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź. She grew up in a small village and out of boredom started to create. Now she is one of the most known street artist in Poland, her hallmark are very bright colors.
  1. Chazme – Daniel Kaliński currently living and working in Warsaw was born in Switzerland. He is a graduate of Faculty of Architecture on the University of Warsaw. His art is very architectonic and full of straight shapes. He sometimes cooperates with Sepe. Their styles are really opposite, but that is just what makes it unique and breathtaking.
  1. Pener started working in the street art surrounding already in the middle of the 90s. He focuses on the shape, frame and mixing various materials. His artistic achievements contain paintings, walls and animations. His style can be defined as large format abstractionism.

While talking about polish street art, we have to let you know about the new amazing works than we can now admire in the streets of polish cities. First of all the giant mural that has been created this September in Częstochowa. It is a marvelous outcome from a very fascinating duo cooperation – Stefan Rybicki is a local watchmaker and originator of the whole idea and Tomasz Sętowski is an artist known not only in his city. The unveiling ceremony of the mural, which is called “Guardian of Time”, was at the same time the opening of the 15th Cultural Night in Częstochowa. Another amazing, artistic initiative have been created in Warsaw as a tribute to Kora – a great singer who died of cancer last year. What is so unique? It changes every season. The “hair” of the singer makes it special, the author of the mural presented it as a crown made of branches. The rest of her hair consists of the branches of a real tree growing next to it – now, during spring, she has a beautiful green “haircut”.

 

Picture source: https://www.etamcru.com/etam/madamme-chicken

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