My husband and I are going to Turkey on a Rick tour this summer. We found an airfare that was significantly cheaper with the catch being that on the return trip we have a 22 hour layover in Warsaw. However, we see this as a glass half full situation. We get to have a quick taste of Poland! My question is, if you only had from 7pm to 5pm in Warsaw, what would you do? I should also mention that it is on a Monday, so many of the museums are closed. We have an older copy of Rick's book and plan to at least do the walking tour. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Tulsa, OK
276 posts
The Old Town and The New Town (which is also old) as well as the Royal Way are all very charming, but there aren't that many "must see's", so in addition to Rick's walking tour, I'd suggest just wandering around and appreciating all the work that has gone into restoring Warsaw after the war. I think many have the impression that Warsaw is dreary and depressing, but the historic area is lively and colorful. Many of the homes are very colorfully decorated: some have images of people in traditional dress, others have circus scenes of jugglers, others have more abstract modern art, etc. Also in the Old Town look for ul. Kamienne Schodki which is a narrow lane of steps. Napoleon supposedly stood at the top of these steps looking over the river (can't see the river from there now:) )and contemplated his attack on Russia.
If you are intersted in Warsaw's more recent history, I'd suggest Konstytucji Square (pl. Konstytucji). It was built as a parade ground back when Poland was a Soviet Block country. Everything is built on a huge scale and makes you feel like a Lilliputian(sp?)
Of the main sites, I think The Warsaw Uprising Monument and the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes are the most moving.
Enjoy Warsaw and have a great trip to Turkey (Wish I were going:) )
Posted by
Newton, MA, USA
289 posts
I can echo what Penny has said. I had the opportunity tag along on my boyfriend's business trip last June and spent almost a week in Warsaw. Although we did go in a few museums, most of my time was spent relaxing and taking it all in, sitting in cafe's, eating tons of ice cream, walking the royal way, visiting the park (which I think is an underrated gem). I would definitely spend a day there on a layover if I got the chance. (In fact, I was trying to get a layover there for my trip this Spring!)
Posted by
San Francisco
14507 posts
Leslie,
I was in Warsaw for four-five days in July 2001, took the day train from Berlin, and stayed in rented an apt. in the Old Town. It was my first time in Poland...very interesting and poignant. The Warsaw Jewish Ghetto Uprising's and the city Uprising's monuments both are moving. Definitely go to the Old Town, just follow the numerous signs directing you to sights, I walked all over.
Posted by
Bay City, MI, USA
39 posts
My wife and I arrived in Warsaw early in the morning and personally I thought 1 day was enough.
It was a great city to see for sure.
We went to Lazienki park which was very nice, went to the old town and watched break dancers. We did go into the castle was was nice as well.
Walk to the tomb of the unkown soldier.
My wife was tired but we fought off the just lag and covered alot of ground.
Again it was a great city and worth the time if you can go.
Posted by
OP
Jersey City, NJ, USA
11 posts
Thanks, everyone, for all the great tips. It sounds like it will be the perfect city to wander for a day and decompress from the cultural whirlwind we think Turkey will be!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
48 posts
I had 48 hours there this past summer, as an add on to my 3 week trip. I would recommend the Royal Way walking tour the Unknown Soldier monument and park beside are glorious/moving on a sunny day.
Just sit back relax and people watch in Old Town.
I had no real desire to visit there, happened upon it and it is one of my highlights of my Eastern Europe tour.
Cheers