The Polish capital is having a moment, but the magnitude of history,
culture and hipster hangouts can be hard to navigate. Here’s where to get the
most out of the ‘phoenix city’ during a short weekend visit.

by Anna J. Kutor

Palace of Culture and Science

Since much of the appeal of Warsaw lies in its rough-and-tumble history, start by walking
around the ‘wedding cake’ palace, a Socialist-Realist monolith that was gifted
to Poland by Stalin in the 1950s. What was once seen as a Communist-era eyesore
now an instantly-recognizable city icon, which upholds its role as a culture
venue by boasting two museums, a cinema and a 3000–seater concert hall. Ride to
the 30th floor viewing platform to see the city and its evolution
laid out beneath you like a map or save the entrance fee and admire the brawny
young Communist statues and stone-clad colonnades for free.

Plac Defilad 1, Viewing Platform open every day
from 9:00-18:00, Adult admission: 20 PLN

Zlote Tarasy

When strolling around the Stalinist skyscraper turns stodgy, it’s time to step
across the street to see Warsaw’s shiniest beacon of retail excellence.  Beneath a massive wave-shaped glass dome, you’ll find a premium lineup of branded clothing boutiques, jewellery shops and
entertainment outlets. If you don’t feel the urge to splash some cash, grab a seat near the fountain and
watch as go-getting Poles strut their stuff in style.

MiTo Art. Café. Books

To have enough power for the late afternoon activities, it’s best to stop by this sleek
café-cum-culture emporium off of Plac Konstytucji for a quick fuel-up of coffee, cake and
contemporary art. Crisp white walls, black and red furnishings and a smattering
of avant-garde Polish art blend together to create an atmosphere that is
sophisticated and cosmopolitan.

Chopin Museum

There’s plenty of places around town to soak up the musical genius of Chopin, Poland’s
most cherished composer who spent his formative years in Warsaw, but none quite
so interactive and engaging as the recently revamped museum dedicated to him.
Housed inside the 17th-century Ostrogski Palace, the museum charts
the life, travels and timeless classics of the composer through eleven
high-tech, multi-media exhibits.

Ulica Okolnik 1, Open Tues-Sun 12:00-20:00; Adult admission: 20 PLN (adult)

Multimedia Fountain Park

As the sun sets, make your way through the historic Old Town to the edge of the
Vistula River, where a multimedia fountain park has been making a splash since
summer. The fancy water show, held every Friday and Saturday at 8pm, sees over
350 water jets, 300 LED lights and fine-tuned Chopin classics come together in
perfect harmony.