Ironically, the majority of the pubs in Warsaw are clustered in and around the Old Town Square, and once you venture too far from this hub, you will find that establishments serving refreshments are a rare commodity. Interestingly enough, this is not the case in any of the other major Polish communities and cities, so one often wonders what the reason is for this anomaly. Needless to say, if you stick within these parameters, you will not lack for entertainment, food, and libation. The following is a listing of the best pubs to visit while in Warsaw.

1. Browarmia

Contemporarily designed and food-oriented, this is an “up-market” pub located in ritzy section of town

2.  Pub Staromiejski

Being situate directly opposite the Warsaw royal castle, this pub is simple to find and resembles a pub you would see in merry old England

3. Bawarski Pub

Originally called Piwna 2, Bawarski Pub got its first name from the alley situated close to the Warsaw Royal Palace

4. Pozegnanie z Afryka

Located in the “New Town” and has smacking of Western Civilization, this pub appears café-like but is extremely cozy to spend time in considering being rather up-scale compared to other establishments

5. The Irish Pub

A well-loved destination of locals and international travelers alike, this “imitation” Irish pub has literally become the McDonald’s of the pub arena in Warsaw and is always crowded

6. Morgan’s

One of the oldest Irish-style pubs in Warsaw and one of the last places that you can still get a pint of Beamish

7. Nora Pub

The biggest variety of bottled beers (10) and draught beer (14) anywhere in Warsaw and one of the most frequented places by students

8. Bierhalle

Located slightly outside the city center but easily accessible by tram and despite being located in a shopping center, the place will delight you with its quaint atmosphere and libation available

9. Soma Restauracja i Browar

Brand new to the area as of 2001, current rumors have it that the establishment has closed and moved to another locale unknown at the present time. The Mini-Soma Restauracja i Browar Spiz is supposedly the newer pub and also serves food now as well.

Photo of Irish pub in Warsaw, Poland by leo980

Even if enjoy isn’t the right word then fascinating certainly would be. As one of the largest concentration camps used during the Second World War, the sheer size is the first thing one notices when arriving.

The camp is split up into three areas, named in short 1, 2 and 3. Auschwitz I is the administrative centre, Auschwitz II is called Birkenau and is perhaps the most infamous part as it’s the extermination area. Then Auschwitz III, also called Monowitz is the work camp. All three areas are vast. They are said to have killed over 1.5 million Jews during the war and housed many thousands more too. It’s a huge and intimidating place to arrive at but you wouldn’t be one your own. It’s a group outing and it’s all very much in the safety of feeling like a school trip.

There are a number of tour operators that take coaches out the both Auschwitz, Krakow and the other camps. The tours are run daily and leave from the major tourist parts of in Krakow. The coach then takes you out to the camps in groups and usually arrives for around 9.30am. The journey to the camp takes roughly an hour and a half. There is an English speaking tour guide onboard to talk you through the journey. Upon arrival at the camp you will usually make a beeline for the museum, which was made part of the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 and details many aspects of the camp and has plenty of interactive screen and audio and visual footage to make the learning more interesting and easier to digest.

As a group you will then follow your guide to the three different areas of the camp, where there are museums in each. Auschwitz I takes roughly two hours to navigate and then Auschwitz II a little less at 1 hour. The latter is the most emotive and grueling. Here you will see the gas chambers and the so-called medical experiment rooms so an hour is usually quite enough for people. There is a very interesting documentary in the museum that screens throughout the day and is well worth a watch in order to contextualize everything you’ve seen.

Finally the coach leaves at roughly half past three in the afternoon and drops you back at the hotel areas in Krakow. It’s closed for three days a year but open for all the others and will usually charge around 40 Euros admission.

Photo of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp by chany14

You just need to discover the city in your own way. Here we are to give you some nice tips on how to dive into the beauty of Warsaw and visit some really nice spots some of which are hidden in such a way that a usual tourist would never be able to find them. You have to discover it all: from gentrified polished architecture to those streets that managed to avoid the demolition of war and were used as a set for Oscar winning “Pianist” directed by Roman Polanski.

1. Exploring Old Town

Start your day in the city from here! You would thus get the real Warsaw feeling. The Old Town is the place where you can really enjoy architecture and especially the art of reconstruction. Most of buildings have been restored here; however, this work has been done lovingly. Narrow streets with crowded colorful buildings, state of art charming lamp stands, and small coffee shops some of which do not clear away the tables outside for winter and offer a warm lap robe for you to enjoy the view. But do not stay there for too long: it is time to change the sets and get to know another Warsaw area.

2. Warsaw-style student lunch

What we suggest is that you go for a lunch to some of Warsaw milk bars. These are very special establishments. Milk bars are among those things that have been left over by the communist past of Poland and they still look pretty much the same. They can offer you a very cheap lunch and you can bury yourself in the atmosphere of those Soviet times when not so many people could visit this country. Now Poland is wide open and its story is changed. However, you can find some rests of the curious but disappearing past in such places like Warsaw milk bars. Get yourself a portion if hearty “pierogi” – a dish of the traditional Polish cuisine. If you are really interested in that part of Polish history, you can also go to see what Propaganda Shop is like and have a dinner in a real deal communist restaurant called Jas i Malgosia.

3. Open air cinema

You should definitely go to Warsaw’s Open Air Cinema, if you share some of these passions: rivers, movies, and open air romance. There in Warsaw there is Guerilla cinema that is run by Ja Wisla. This is the foundation of the river Vistula admirers that offers to watch independent movies screened on an old parachute that is stretched between the pillars of the bridge. You can also watch old propaganda and some other enlightening motion pictures there. They start showing movies every Friday when the lights go out, from May to September.

4. Cheap and chic bars

There is a succession of trendy and shabby bars located in strange building called Pawiliony that you should definitely visit. This is one of the most favorite and popular places of students, hipsters, artists and other people looking for pretty cheap drinks, company and inspiration. The funky décor of these teeny-weeny bars and groovy mood of the places attract customers starting from the midday. Pawiliony is located in the back of the touristiest streets such as Nowy Swiat and fancy Foksal. To get there do not miss the right turn from Nowy Swiat, 22.

5. Downtown ice rink

Warsaw’s ice rink is situated in front of the most remarkable building of Warsaw, it symbol and icon: Palace of Science and Culture. This Stalinist skyscraper was built in the 50s and look very much alike famous Stalinist skyscrapers in Moscow. Palace of Science and Culture was a present from the Soviet Union to friendly Poland and it changed its landscape for ever. This 30-story edifice with clock tower on the top is located in the very center of Warsaw and is equally loved and hated. People still cannot make up their minds concerning the Palace, but love to see the panorama of Warsaw from top floor, check monstrous sculptures and impressive interiors. And of course, while visiting in winter, enjoy the ice skating rink in front of the palace, especially in the evening when the surroundings are nicely illuminated and music plays.

Photo of Palace of Science and Culture in Warsaw, Poland, by logofag

Times changed and now there are a lot of things and places to enjoy. Bother to turn on your gaydar and visit the following gay spots in Warsaw and you will not regret!

1. Szpilka Café Bar

This is the place where we recommend you to start your evening or go to the after party. Szpilka is a gay friendly café located close to the cruising area. Two thumbs up for its trendy interiors and nice breakfasts: Polish pierogi are great there!

Trzech Krzyzy Square, 18 – at the corner of Bracka Str

Opening hours: daily 7 am till early morning

2. Fantom Club

Then you should definitely go to Fantom Club. This place is one of the most popular and high rated gay spots in Warsaw where you can go cruising in. The sign says: MEN ONLY! Fantom Club incorporates a cozy gay bar, back rooms with lockable doors, video rooms, sex shop and a sauna. It is very hard to find, though. It is one of the places that are famous for what they offer inside and not for their outdoor signs. So, do not look for one and go look for a door bell: third backyard, left gate. The staff in Fantom is friendly to tourists and foreigners, though almost 90% of the men there are locals. The place also hosts theme parties on Sundays such as SM parties, under 26 parties and some other.

Bracka Str, 20a – located in the very downtown, in the basement of the Brzozowski Palace

Opening hours: daily from 2 pm till 2 am, Fridays 2 pm till 3 am, Saturdays 2 pm till 2 am, Sundays 6 pm till 2 am

3. Tomba Tomba

This place has suffered and number of government attacks attempting to shut it down. However, Tomba Tomba survived and now keep on cheering the gays up. It is straight-friendly gay club with non-stop parties on weekends. The best time to visit Tomba Tomba is in the morning starting from 4 am. The club has a very nice snug atmosphere, the staff is courteous and besides, there is also a Jacuzzi, where some people prefer to go naked inside. If you are in the mood for some crazy things, you might love this place!

Brzozowa Str, 37 – go down from the Old Town Market to Kamienne Schodki

Openig hours: daily from 4 pm til 2 am, nonstop on weekends

4. Rasko

If you are looking for some nice conversations and want to make some new friends, you should go visit Rasko that consists of a welcoming and intimate café, bar and art gallery. This place is famous for its clientèle, gays ranging mostly from 18 to 30. Rasko also hosts some Drag Queen shows and strip-tease that can be so much fun and make your evening. Besides, you can sing karaoke there.

Krochmalna Str, 32a – turn right from Aleja Jana Pawla II

Opening hours: daily 5 pm till the last guest

5. Utopia

This is the place that is known for the strictest face control and dress code in the city. The doormen are known for being the most picky. That is why you have to stay cool in the lineup and if you are lucky enough to get inside, you can enjoy an evening being surrounded by beautiful people, sitting in the nicely decorated place and listening to some of the most famous DJs in Poland. There is also a VIP room in Utopia that can make you enjoying your party even more.

Jasna Str, 1 – turn right from Marszalkowska Str.

Opening hours: daily 12 pm till 12 am, Friday 12 am till the last guest, Saturday 2 pm till the last guest

6. Wild Club

This is definitely your destination if you want to really go wild. This is a two-level sex club for men that has a video bar, video rooms and cruising labyrinth. Wild Club hosts delirious theme parties with special dress code that can be: naked, underwear, fetish. On Saturday nights the club gets really packed and the party goes on till the sunrise.

Prozna Str, 8 – this is a small street behind Marszalkowska Str, close from Swietokrzyska Metro station

Opening hours: Monday closed, daily 7 pm – 2 am, Fridays and Saturdays longer.

Photo of Drag Queen show at Rasko, Warswas, originally posted by pipp.pipp

Unlike Prague, however, it is not suffering from excessive tourist pollution and the local population has not been driven of the historical center of Krakow.

The prices here are very much in line with the average pricing experienced in the other main Polish cities, and life itself still buzzes around the old Central Square. Make no mistake about it, there are times when there is a throng of tourists in the area, but its location far away from the surrounding European borders is the main reason that the area is yet to be inundated with foreign visitors.

Since the late 1980’s and the end of Soviet domination in Eastern Europe, the pub industry has improved dramatically. Suffice it to say, the standards exhibited by these pubs are not all of the highest quality and there are the dives that you want to avoid. However, still there are some good ones to be sure and visit while you are touring this lesser publicized Polish city. Here is a list of the more recommend Krakow pubs to visit despite some of the negative comments (all are noted for good beers and some even have a decent menu):

1. Piwiarnia pod brama

Located 2 stories below ground level, you’ll feel like a construction helmet should be worn as you enter this bricked-in underground vault. To say the least, it is one of the more frequented places but it is very tight quarters and not recommended if you’re the least bit claustrophobic.

2. Student’s Pub U Piwersow

Talk about a claustrophobic’s nightmare, this pub is located 100 meters below ground level. You might want to have a flashlight handy as you wind down the windy, dimly lit stairway. There is some beer paraphernalia, a dart board, and a pool table but these do not overcome the fact that the place is a bit dismal.

3. U Kakpra

Another below ground vault/pub, this one is furnished quite well with a lot of wooden amenities and serves good beer and meals. Unlike the two prior below ground locations, this one is well lit and traversing up and down the staircase is not the challenge that #’s 1 and 2 above are.

4. Piwnica Pod Ogródkiem

Decorated like the early 1970’s, this Krakow pub is sure to please despite being yet another underground location. The service is above average, the beer assortment is relatively decent, and the food is a nice mixture of both standard Polish cuisine and snacks.

Photo of “free beer man” in Krakow, Poland originally posted by leafar.

Almost every city in Poland will have at least one of these canteen-style eateries. They began as, and still remain, as much of a necessity as a luxury. During the 1960s, the communist authorities closed down almost all restaurants in Poland and a new system for eating out emerged. It was simply either eating at home or eating in a canteen, along with all the other workers at your place of work. The meals at these canteens were paid for from the particular employer’s salary but not all the factories in Poland were big enough to house such a canteen. Rather than have workers starve, Poland began to build smaller and very basic diners dotted near the factories and warehouses that were subsidized by the communist party and were very cheap as a result.

They were called Milk Bars because most of the food available was dairy orientated. They served the people of Poland brilliantly at the time, but were quite functional and never thought of as a novelty. Some might consider them little treasures now, even though thousands of people still rely on them.

When the communist party collapsed in the 1989, Poland saw a return to their dining experience in restaurants. This resulted in a lot of the Milk Bars falling into bankruptcy but some were kept open by the state to make sure certain members of the community were provided for.

Nowadays these quaint canteens fed the pensioners, the homeless, the students and the backpackers and are often rather colourful places for that reason. The food is very cheap and perfect if you are on a budget but don’t want to end up in McDonalds or a vending machine. For a three-course meal, with a pudding too, you won’t pay much more than about £2, which might explain why it’s so popular with the people listed above.

Don’t think you’ll be getting anything but the finest Polish cuisines either. It might be cheap and it might have a history of feeding the queues of factory workers just to keep them alive and well, but there’s no shortage of traditional and very edible Polish meals in a Milk Bar. Pierogi dumplings and cabbage are almost a definite to feature. The menu is bigger than it was during the mid-60s (although still not a drop of alcohol in sight just in case there are any workers dining there) and they have had to expand their range just slightly to cope with the competition from the other fast food outlets formerly out of range in Poland.

There is a worry that these national treasures might be in a decline but in many you will still find queues of people and there is a national subsidiary in place to help them survive. The Polish government pays for the raw ingredients in the Milk Bars such as the cooking oils and the vegetables. There are also tokens you get from the local authorities allowing you to cash in and get a free meal.

They might not be needed in the same way any more, but the output and the atmosphere of these Milk Bars hasn’t changed a bit over the years. If you’re in Warsaw and you fancy some authentic Polish food for next to nothing then head down to a Milk Bar and you’ll never forget the experience. Just remember to ask for the bill not the dill. They seem to put dill in absolutely everything and certainly not very sparingly either!

Photo of bar in Warsaw, Poland originally posted by magnusfranklin