Agata and Christopher's Wedding

THINGS TO DO

Top Tips

There aren't many places that accept AMEX so bring another card.

Download (if not already) the Google chrome app onto your phone. Go into it and hit the photo button next to the search engine menu... it will translate it for you into English.

Pierogis are a must try. Old Square is a must see.

Bolt and Uber are cheaper than regular taxis.

Definitely carry some cash with you. Although the majority of places take cards, there is a chance you may need it (especially for shopping haggling). If you’re looking to exchange money, look for a sign that says Kantor (that is a money exchange place). Avoid kantors in popular tourist locations – the exchange rate will be much less favorable. What about Exchanging Money and using Credit Cards?

Do NOT exchange money at the airport. It is the worse place to exchange money because the exchange rate is always 25% less than what you will get anywhere else. Use your credit card wherever you can because you will be making purchases with the international market exchange rate. However, some cash is good to have incase you want to make a purchase at a souvenir store and they do not take cards. You can exchange money at exchange places all over Kraków which are called "KANTOR". There are usually two on every street, you can walk to both and see which one can give you a better rate. But do not exchange too much. You can usually pay with card anywhere. Ask Kinga about any further questions regarding money.

Poland's currency is "Złoty". Not Euro. The dollar is extremely strong right now so it's an excellent time to travel.

If you have a CONTACTLESS credit card (tap and go), it is definitely recommended to bring that. Most places are confused when you try to pay by putting a card into the slot. It's doable of course, but if you do not use a contactless card, you will be asked for a signature on your receipt and the salesperson is often confused. One more note about card payment, when you pay with your card, it will always ask you whether you want to pay in "Polish Złoty" or "USD". You should select "Złotych," so your bank doesn't double charge you for an exchange rate.

Sometimes, similar to other major european cities, especially when dining outside, you may encounter panhandlers who leave an item on your table with a note and walk away. That item is not for you to keep- unless you pay for it. Leave it where they left it and they will come back to pick it up.

The best way to see Warsaw is by walking, a scooter or a segway.....

Warsaw Old Town
Filled with restaurants, souvenir shops, and bars, this historic city centre is sure to keep you on your feet. Destroyed after World War II, Warsaw’s Old Town was reconstructed until the mid- 1960s. Make sure to get lost in the alleys and winding streets- you’ll find yourself being transported into a pre-war decade filled with cobblestones, music, and delicious treats. Be sure to grab a beer in the Old Town Market Place, see some astounding paintings in the Royal Castle, and walk along Old Town’s medieval city wall to see some original pieces of Warsaw including the Little Insurgent statue (paying homage to the children who fought in the Warsaw Uprising).

Old Town Market Square
This is the center of Warsaw Old Town and one of Warsaw’s largest tourist attractions. If you’re looking for some authentic Polish cuisine while you people watch, we suggest you sit outside under the umbrellas at either U Fukiera or Kuchnia Warszawska and indulge in the beef tartare, lard (don’t knock it till you try it), and pierogi! Don’t have time to sit but need a quick snack? Try one of the many famous Polish fast food booths which sell my favorite zapiekanki (toasted baguette with melted cheese, mushrooms, and topped with ketchup). Make sure to take in the Mermaid of Warsaw (Syrenka Warszawska), featured in the center of Old Town Market Square. She’s a symbol of Warsaw and is featured on the city’s coat of arms—legend has it she visited the banks of Warsaw and was captured by a rich merchant. A group of fishermen heard her cries for help and saved her—ever since, armed with a sword and shield, the Mermaid has stood ready to defend her city and people (some say she’s even Copenhagen’s the Little Mermaid’s sister and that they went their separate ways from the Baltic Sea!). If you’re looking for a night cap, we recommend the Podwale Bar and Books—it’s a wonderful multiple story jazz and cigar bar, serving up delicious cocktails, live music, and an eclectic menu.

Castle Square
Here you can find the famous Zygmunt column which marks the beginning of Warsaw’s Old Town. This column commemorates Poland’s King Zygmunt III Waza for moving Poland’s capital from Krakow to Warsaw in 1596. It faces the Royal Castle which formerly served as the home of Poland’s past kings. It now functions as a national museum and hosts many international leaders. If you plan on visiting the Royal Castle, set aside at least 2 hours— there is A LOT to see

Wilanow Palace and Surrounding Park
Now serving as a museum, this palace was once home to many notable Polish families. Originally built for King John Sobieski III, this estate now houses a large art collection from around the world for your sightseeing pleasure. The Wilanow Palace is about a 30-minute drive from Old Town and admission is free on Thursdays! You’ll most likely spend a couple of hours at the Palace so bring comfortable shoes!

Stroll the Vistula River (Wisła River)
Walk along the riverbank peppered with waterside bars and cafés. A few steps back from the Vistula River, Warsaw University’s library is an incredible sight and houses one of the largest roof gardens in Europe.

Lazienki (Wah-zyen-key) Park
You’ll get to experience this breathtaking park during our wedding- the Belvedere is located within the Lazienki Park! That being said, the Lazienki Park is the largest park in Warsaw and has plenty more to offer, from an amphitheatre, to palaces, to orangeries, this park guarantees you a memorable walk filled with water works and beautiful foliage. Be sure to check out the Chopin Monument on a Sunday to enjoy a free piano concert! Walking distance nearby is the Belvedere Palace, a building which from 1989 to 1994 served as the official residence of Polish presidents. Looks familiar? You may recognize it as the building featured on the Belvedere vodka bottles!

Presidential Palace
Stop by the equivalent of the Polish White House if you have a chance!

Polish Vodka Museum
You can pretend you’re here for the history lesson, but really you’re here for vodka, the medicine of Poland ;)
muzeumpolskiejwodki.pl/en/polish-vodka-museum/

Neon Museum
Dedicated to the documentation and preservation of cold war era neon signs. Very “instagrammable”.
www.neonmuzeum.org/english

Warsaw Rising Museum
This museum documents the Warsaw Uprising, a military effort led by the Polish underground resistance in an attempt to liberate Warsaw from German occupation in 1944. The uprising lasted over 60 days with little to no help from outside forces. Unfortunately, the uprising failed, and it is estimated that over 16,000 members of the Polish resistance were killed, and a large portion of Warsaw destroyed. This museum allows visitors to interact with the memories of those who fought in the uprising. From pre-war telephones that allow you to hear from the survivors to replicas of the sewers that the resistance used to get around, this museum will give you a sense of the bravery and honor behind the Warsaw Uprising. If you’re interested in the Warsaw Uprising, you should also check out the Warsaw Uprising Monument. This monument is located at the entrance of what used to be a canal used by the Polish resistance to fight the German soldiers.
www.1944.pl/en/article/the-warsaw-rising-museum,4516.html

Zachęta – National Gallery of Art
For contemporary art lovers.
zacheta.art.pl/en

POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
This museum fully opened in 2014 and documents the history of the Jews in Poland. Exhibitions range from artifacts from 1272 to the terrors of the Holocaust. Highly recommended for those who want to learn about the history of Poland! Nearby the museum you will also find the Jewish Ghetto Memorial, commemorating those who fought and died in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943.
polin.pl/en/about-museum

Fryderyk Chopin Museum
Pays homage to the city’s most famous luminary.
muzeum.nifc.pl/en

Palace of Culture and Science
This is the tallest building in Warsaw gifted by the Soviet Union in 1955 (as you can imagine, there are many mixed feelings about this building). That being said, if you want a beautiful panoramic view of Warsaw, head to the observation terrace on the 30th floor!
warsawtour.pl/en/project/palace-of-culture-and-science-2/

We recommend you try as much authentic Polish food as possible! To assist with this, one of our dear friends is going to organize a Pierogi and Vodka tour on Friday for anyone interested.

Bar Rascal-
Our favourite restuarant and Wine Bar. If you can only go to one spot, this is it.

Gospoda pod Zygmuntem
Super authentic polish cuisine. Get the Zurek soup in the bread bowl and the pierogis.

Polka
Michellin Star restaurant in a sumptuous dining room

Selvani
More modern and 'hip' with a DJ playing while you eat.

Hala Koszyki
If you want to try a variety of different foods we recommend Hala Koszyki. Poland's first (and only) covered food market. This is a food hall with all different types of international cuisine. Grab a bottle of wine from the bar and take a stroll through the hall as you decide on what to eat!

Stary Dom
It does not get more authentic than this. The place, the service, the nalewki (infused vodka with fruit) is beyond phenomenal. We recommend the pate board, zurek, and the ribs (but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu). Make sure to save some room for a nalewka and a piece of their homemade bez!

Ale Wino
This is a great small hidden restaurant with outdoor seating. Try wines from all around the world as you eat Polish cuisine with a modern twist!

U Fukiera
This restaurant located right in the Old Town Market Square is conveniently there for all your Polish cravings.

Panarama Sky Bar
A bit more touristy. If you want to sip a fancy elaborate cocktail while taking in 360-degree views of Warsaw, then this is the place for you!

Other Restaurants
KLONN
Restauracjia Swietoszek
Bibenda

Polish Must Haves

Pierogi (Pyeh-row-gee): Polish dumplings filled with anything from meat, sauerkraut and mushrooms, potatoes and cheese, blueberries etc. These can either be steamed or fried so make sure to specify!

Zapiekanka (Zah-pyeh-con-cah): A baguette topped with melted cheese, mushrooms, ketchup (and even kielbasa).

Kielbasa: A type of smoked Polish sausage. Can be eaten cold!

Paczek (Poew-check): A type of Polish donut usually filled with jam. Try these at a local bakery for the most authentic paczki!

Polski Kebab (Que-bob): This is a greeeeat fast food- basically a gyro with the best sauce ever! Ask them to mix the sauces for you and you will enter condiment heaven.

Zurek (Zue-wreck): A sour soup with kielbasa and eggs, served in a sourdough bowl if you like (recommended)!

Beef Tartare: Fresh and deliciously made, this raw meat dish is typically served with a raw egg yolk, pickles, and onions! Try this dish at different restaurants, I’m sure each one will have their own special twist!

Golabki (Go-womb-key): Stuffed cabbage with meat and rice topped usually with tomato sauce- for those who are looking for a healthy meal!

Grzyby (Grr-jeh-beh): Polish people pride themselves on picking their own fresh mushrooms and for good reason! They're delicious!! Try all and as much as you can.

Bez (Behz): This is an amazing light cake filled with the freshest of fruits.

Milk Bars ("bar mleczny"): such as Bar Bambino, are historic communist-era spots for dirt-cheap, delicious Polish comfort food.

Bar Rascal
Our favourite place in Warsaw. Wine Bar & Restaurant.

Raffles Long Bar
Before it became Raffles Hotel, Hotel Europejski, a neo Renaissance palace first opened in 1857 and hosted everyone from Robert Kennedy to Marlene Dietrich. It was known as the watering hole of the arty elite when it first opened in the 19th century, and it is where the Rolling Stones stayed when they ventured behind the Iron Curtain in 1967.

Weles (Veles) Bar
Speakeasy chic vibes, hard to find with almost nightclub lounge vibes.

Belle Epoque Champage Bar
This is an intimate, chic bar on a small, cupola terrace atop the Hotel Bristol. It has the most amazing views of old town

Bar at Nobu Hotel
Built inside the former 1920s Rialto hotel, one half of the building is firmly Art Deco (with original ornate furnishings from the former hotel scattered through every room and windows heaving with hanging manes of rusted red ivy), while the other is neat and minimalist, featuring Nobu’s trademark wood panelling, mirrored ceilings, concrete walls, brass flourishes and spherical wall lights. Japanese and Polish cultures are intertwined throughout.

MORE BARS
BackRoom Bar
The Roof
Panaroma Sky Bar (touristy)
Loreta Bar

Komis Label
Designer Second Hand Consignment Shop.
komislabel.pl/pl/26-torby

Chosen By
Designer Second Hand Consignment Shop.
chosenby.eu/

Mysia 3
Boutique shops in a contemporary space.
mysia3.pl/en/

Złote Tarasy

Large scale shopping mall sure to have everything you need ;)

zlotetarasy.pl/en/

Elektrownia Powiśle

Historic power plant turned development with shops and a food hall.

elektrowniapowisle.com/en/

Lapidarium Antyki

Antique shop (including some maps and books)

www.lapidarium.pl/