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Śródmieście, meaning roughly "the Inner City", is the central district of Warsaw. Although it constitutes a mere 3% of the city area, it is the most important part of Warsaw in every aspect. It contains the transit hubs, the central business district, most museums, galleries, theatres and other cultural establishments, as well as other tourist attractions, it also has the most hotel bedrooms of all districts and the highest number of restaurants and cafes.

Śródmieście also includes the historic Old and New Town, which are described in a separate article.

Get in

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Warsaw's Śródmieście district in dark red.
  • Most bus and tram routes pass through Śródmieście.
  • So are the railway stations Dworzec Centralny (for long-distance trains) and Dworzec Śródmieście (for suburban trains and Warsaw Commuter Railway).

By metro

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From the south, the last subway before entering Śródmieście is the Pole Mokotowskie metro station. The first stop in Śródmiescie from this direction is Politechnika. The last northern stop in Żoliborz before entering Śródmieście is Plac Wilsona. The first stop in Śródmieście from this directions is Dw. Gdański.

Get around

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Śródmieście is a relatively small district. The entire width of Śródmieście could be walked in roughly 25 - 35 minutes. The length of the district, however, would be longer by approximately an hour or so of non-stop and brisk walking. The district's geographical location and size makes it the easiest district to get around. Being home to many well-known businesses, governmental institutions, universities, and the center of a tourist's universe means that public transportation is well built up in the district.

By foot

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Considering that the strict city center is a flat area whose sides measure only some 2 km, it is a good idea to take a stroll through it. There are two streets that serve the purpose of a promenade, ul. Chmielna, which is fully pedestrianized and ul. Nowy Świat, which is closed to traffic on summer weekends

If you start your walk from Metro Centrum (this is a popular place where people arrange to meet one another), you can get to the other side of ul. Marszałkowska through the underpass. The round building adjacent to the intersection is called the Rotunda. It is a bank branch and the pavement in front of it is another popular meeting place. Going along the ul. Marszałkowska you'll pass some department stores and after 500 m or so, turn right into ul. Chmielna. At the end of it, turn left into ul. Nowy Świat and go straight ahead. This street, which then changes into Krakowskie Przedmieście, will lead you to Castle Square and the Old Town.

By car

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  • Main streets parallel to Vistula: Wyb. Kościuszkowskie and Wyb. Gdańskie - more often referred to as Wisłostrada, ul. Solec, ul. Marszałkowska, al. Niepodległości-ul. Chałubińskiego-al.Jana Pawła II, ul. Raszyńska
  • Main streets perpendicular to Vistula: al. Armii Ludowej - more often referred to as Trasa Łazienkowska, Al. Jerozolimskie, ul. Tamka-ul. Świętokrzyska-ul. Prosta, al. Solidarności, ul. Słomińskiego

By bus

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Dworzec Centralny is also a big bus terminus. Note that the stops are named either Dw. Centralny or Emilii Plater (the street which runs in front of the train station), but they are really just next to each other.

By tram

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By metro

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Within Śródmieście, there are five subway stations that more-or-less cut through the midsection of the district from north to south. These are Dworzec Gdański (at the district's northern border with Żoliborz), Ratusz Arsenał (at Plac Bankowy, beside Warsaw City Hall), Świętokrzyska (at the intersection of ul. Marszałkowska and ul. Świętokrzyska), Centrum (at Rondo Dmowskiego, the intersection of ul. Marszałkowska and Aleje Jerozolimskie), and Politechnika (located near the Technical University).

The sprawling Palace of Culture and Science complex houses two universities, three theaters, a movie theater, a museum, and a concert hall
Plac Zamkowy in the Old Town
The Royal Castle's clock tower

Key locations

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  • Palace of Culture and Science (Palac Kultury i Nauki), plac Defilad, ☏ +48 (0/22) 65 67 676. 9AM-6PM daily. Warsaw's most recognizable landmark, built in the 1950s as a "gift" to the Polish people by Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, and for this reason remains controversial. The gargantuan building is home to various institutions, including three theatres, a multiplex cinema, the Museum of Technology and the Congress Hall (built for communist party congresses, but mostly used for entertainment purposes now). For tourista, the most important feature is the possibility to take an elevator to the observation deck, which provides a great view of Warsaw. Admission to the observation deck: zł 18/12. 
  • Tomb of The Unknown Soldier (Grób Nieznanego Żołnierza), pl. Piłsudskiego. Built in 1925, the tomb holds the remains of a Polish soldier who died in battle at Lwów, now Lviv, Ukraine. It also holds soil from 38 battlegrounds fought at by Poles. 
  • Krakowskie Przedmieście
  • Nowy Świat
  • Aleje Ujazdowskie
  • Marszałkowska
  • Plac Konstytucji / MDM
  • Plac Zbawiciela
  • Plac Bankowy
  • Plac Trzech Krzyży

Royal Residences

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  • The Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski) in the Old Town.
  • Zamek Ujazdowski
  • Pałac na Wodzie
  • Pałac Saski

State Authorities

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  • Pałac Prezydencki
  • Kancelaria Prezesa Rady Ministrów

Modern Architecture

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  • Metropolitan, pl. Piłsudskiego 1. Designed by Sir Norman Foster and erected in 2003, the Metropolitan office building blends in with the surrounding historic buildings while standing out as an architectural masterpiece. The fountain in the freely accessible courtyard remains a photo favourite with both tourists and locals 
  • Warsaw University Library (Biblioteka Uniwersytecka w Warszawie), ul. Dobra 56/66. Built in 1999, the new home of the Warsaw University Library is a postmodernist building blending raw concrete with patinated copper. The building also features freely accessible extensive rooftop gardens providing interesting views over Warsaw. The building housing the Linguistics Faculty of the University right opposite the Library is also an interesting piece of modern architecture. 
  • Supreme Court
  • Administrative Court
  • Eastern Wall
  • Rotunda
  • vitkAc
  • Warsaw Stock Exchange
  • Copernicus Centre

Churches

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Jewish Warsaw

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Museum of the History of Polish Jews
  • 1 Nożyk Synagogue (Synagoga Nożyków), ul. Twarda 6, ☏ +48 (0/22) 652 28 05, fax: +48 (0/22) 652 28 05, . Open for visitors Su. - Th. from 9AM until 3PM. Warsaw's only Orthodox Jewish synagogue that is still in operation. 6 zł. 
  • Umschlagplatz, ul. Stawki. The Umschlagplatz was the location Nazi officials herded Jews into cattle cars to be murdered at the Treblinka extermination camp. Estimates place the total number of persons transported from the Umschlagplatz at 300,000 or more. 

Galleries

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  • Galleria Na Placu Bankowym, pl. Bankowy 3/5. 
  • Zachęta Gallery, pl. Małachowskiego 3, ☏ +48 (0/22) 827 58 54. A cool little gallery that mixes graffiti, sculptures, experimental painting, and photography. 

Museums

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  • National Museum (Muzeum Narodowe), Al. Jerozolimskie 3, ☏ +48 (0/22) 621 10 31. The museum has a wonderful collection of paintings, sculptures, and depictions of the passion of the Christ. Several of Poland's most iconic paintings call this museum home. Be certain to catch Jan Matejko's Stańczyk painting, which depicts a famous jester to the Polish royalty in despair after Lithuania lost the city of Smolensk to Russia in 1514. 
  • Fotoplastikon, Al. Jerozolimske 51 (near Dworzec Centralny). M-F 12PM-5PM, Sa 11AM-2PM.. Established 1905, it is an IMAX one hundred years ago; a collection of unique 3D stereoscopic images from the 19th and 20th centuries. 
  • 1 Frederic Chopin Museum (Muzeum Fryderyka Chopina), ul. Okólnik 1 (Located in Ostrogski Castle), ☏ +48 (0/22) 826 59 35. Tu.-Su.: 12:00 - 20:00, Closed Mondays and holidays. Displays in English and Polish. The museum's design favours interactivity at the expense of information. 22/12 PLN, free on Tuesdays. 
  • Marie Curie Museum (Muzeum Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej), ul. Freta 16 (In Warsaw's New Town), ☏ +48 (0/22) 831 80 92. 
  • Technology Museum (Muzeum Techniki), pl. Defilad 1 (In the Palace of Culture and Science), ☏ +48 (0/22) 656 67 47. 
  • Polish Emigration Museum (Muzeum Wychodźstwa Polskiego), ul. Agrykoli 1, ☏ +48 (0/22) 621 62 41. 
  • Asia-Pacific Museum (Muzeum Azji i Pacyfiku), ul. Freta 5, ☏ +48 (0/22) 635 28 11. 
  • Chopin Family Living Room (Salonik Chopinów), ul. Krakowskie Przedmieście 5, ☏ +48 (0/22) 320 02 75. Open from 16 April - 15 October Tu.-Su.: 9AM - 5:30PM. Open from 16 October - 15 April Tu.-Su.: 9AM - 4PM. Closed Mondays, Easter Saturday, the first day of the Easter holidays, 1 November, 24 - 26 December, and New Year's Day. 
  • Polish Military Museum (Muzeum Wojska Polskiego), Al. Jerozolimskie 3 (just before the bridge, next to the National Museum), ☏ +48 (0/22) 629 52 71, fax: +48 (0/22) 629 52 73. 
  • Etnographic Museum (Państwowe Muzeum Ethnograficzne), ul. Kredytowa 1, ☏ +48 (0/22) 827 76 41, fax: +48 (0/22) 827 66 69, . Open from Tu. - Th.: 10AM - 6PM. Fr.: 10AM - 4PM. Sa.: 10AM - 5PM. Su.: Noon - 5PM. Exhibitions that tell the stories of various societies and cultures. Normal tickets cost 10 zł or 5 zł with a discount. 
  • History Meetings House (Dom Spotkań z Historią) ul. Karowa 20, tel. +48 22 876 51 95
  • Hunting and Horsemanship Museum (Muzeum Łowiectwa i Jeździectwa) ul. Szwoleżerów 9, tel. +48 22 628 42 05
  • Copernicus Centre
  • Centrum Sztuki Współczesnej

Parks

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Łazienki Park on a warm spring day
  • Saski Garden (Ogród Saski). Ogród Saski is a lovely park in central Warsaw. It's small in comparison to Łazienki, but nonetheless relaxing with its forested landscape. Prior to WWII, it housed the Saski Palace, which like the rest of Warsaw was destroyed in the insane Nazi vengeance for the Warsaw Uprising. Plans to rebuild the palace have failed to materialize due to funding. Nowadays, one of the draws aside from the escape of the city is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is on the park grounds. 
  • Łazienki Park (Park Łazienkowski), ul. Agrykoli 1, ☏ +48 (0/22) 621 8212, fax: +48 (0/22) 629 6945. Łazienki Park was built and designed for a Polish politician, but became King Stanisław Poniatowski's, the last king of Poland, residence for much of later half of the 18th century. During Poniatowski's reign, much of the buildings on the park grounds were built. The most interesting buildings are the Łazienki Palace, Roman theater, and the so called Little White House, where the King sought the worldly comfort of mistresses. The park is a wonderful escape from hustle and bustle of the city streets that surround the park and can be the setting for a picnic or a wedding. Strangely, it's a great place to find peacocks and occasionally, a rat. 
  • 3 Ujazdów Park (Park Ujazdowski), Al. Ujazdowskie (Lies south of ul. Piękna, east of Al. Ujazdowskie, and north of Al. Armii Ludowej). Ujazdów Park, another beautiful park, lies just north of Łazienki, but is far less known and visited by tourists. One of the big draws to the park is the Ujazdów Castle, which dates it orgins back to the 13th century. Over the centuries, the castles has housed princes, politicians, queens, kings, soldiers, and it's current resident - The Center for Contemporary Art. Free admission to park grounds. 
  • Park Agrykola
  • Ogrody Sejmowe / Frascati

Other

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ul. Kubusia Puchatka or Winnie the Pooh Street in Warsaw's central district.
  • 4 Ulica Kubusia Puchatka (Enter from ul. Świętokrzyska, 100m west of the intersection with Nowy Świat). A nondescript street in central Warsaw, whose claim to fame is that it's named after the children's book character Winnie the Pooh. 
  • Greetings from Jerusalem Avenue (Pozdrowienia z Alej Jerozolimskich), Rondo Charles'a de Gaulle'a (at the intersection of Aleje Jerozolimskie and ul. Nowy Świat; tram stop: Muzeum Narodowe). Also known as the "Artificial Palm" (Stuczna Palma), as it is not a real palm tree, it is probably the only palm tree in the world that has its own website. 

Performing Arts

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  • The Warsaw Philharmonic (Filharmonia Narodowa), ul. Jasna 5, ☏ +48 (0/22) 551 71 11. 

Theaters

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  • Ateneum ul. Jaracza 2, tel. +48 22 625 73 30
  • Bajka ul. Marszałkowska 138, tel. +48 22 826 69 66 (for children)
  • Kwadrat ul. Czackiego 15/17, tel. +48 22 826 96 37
  • Polonia ul. Marszałkowska 56, tel. +48 22 622 21 32
  • Polski ul. Karasia 2, tel. +48 22 826 79 92
  • Prochoffnia ul. Boleść 2, tel. +48 22 635 89 64 (unorthodox)
  • Roma ul. Nowogrodzka 49, tel. +48 22 628 03 60 (musical)
  • Studio Buffo ul. Konopnickiej 6, tel. +48 22 625 47 09 (unrelated to the one above)
  • Syrena ul. Litewska 3, tel. +48 22 628 50 93
  • TR (Rozmaitości) ul. Marszałkowska 8, tel. +48 22 629 02 20 (unorthodox)
  • Współczesny ul. Mokotowska 13, tel. +48 22 825 59 79
  • The National Jewish Theatre (Teatr Żydowski), plac Grzybowski 12/16, ☏ +48 (0/22) 620 62 81. Jewish theatre located adjacent to the Nożyk Synagogue. Teatr Żydowski is the only theatre in the world that regularly performs plays in Yiddish. 

Cinemas

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  • Kinoteka, pl. Defilad 1 (Palace of Culture and Science with the entrance facing Al. Jerozolimskie), ☏ +48 (0/22) 551 70 70, . Comfortable cinema in the heart of the city. 
  • Multikino, ul. Złota 59 (On the top floor of the Złote Tarasy mall), ☏ +48 (0/22) 201 16 11, . It can get obnoxiously crowded in the evenings or on the weekends. That aside, it's one of the most advanced cinemas around. 
  • Kino Luna, ul. Marszałkowska 28, ☏ +48 22 628 98 64, . This cinema's marquee displays a wide variety of films from Polish films to Hollywood productions to other more independent and "foreign," that is to Poland, films. On Thursdays, the films are shown with English subtitles. 

Off-the-beaten-path shops

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Neat little shops can be found all over Warsaw, especially for those who are looking for a shopping extravaganza in Warsaw other than snobby upscale shopping malls, where the experience becomes lost.

In Śródmieście, and the Centrum area, in fact, there are several streets that see fewer tourists, but have interesting boutiques of all sorts. These same streets boast some of the best and most intimate restaurants and cafés. Plac Trzech Krzyży is an excellent starting point. The streets that branch out from the square are host to numerous of such shops and restaurants. Ul. Bracka, ul. Nowogrodzka, ul. Żurawia, ul. Krucza, ul. Mokotowska, and ul. Hoża would all be great streets to start wandering up and down. As you progress down ul. Hoża, drawing closer to ul. Marszałkowska, the shops will likely become of less interest, but the closer you remain to Pl. Trzech Krzyży the more boutique shops you'll find.

Malls

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  • 1 Złote Tarasy (Adjacent to the Warszawa Centralna train station). This large shopping mall sprawls over four levels and is covered by a unique glass roof. It is located right next to the Dworzec Centralny and is accessible from its underground level. It may be convenient for some last-minute shopping if you are departing Warsaw by train. 
  • Arkadia, al. Jana Pawła II 82 (Metro Dw. Gdański). Hours: M-Sa 10AM-10PM; Su 10AM-9PM. Arkadia has an interesting collection of shops, plus a much better selection of restaurants in its food court than Złote Tarasy. Arkadia also has several restaurants located on its outside, at its main entrance. 
  • Wars Sawa Junior, ul. Marszałkowska 104/122 (Metro Centrum). The three former 1970s department stores form the so-called "Eastern Wall" (Ściana Wschodnia) of Marszałkowska Street between Aleje Jerozolimskie and Jasna Street, facing the Palace of Culture and Science. They buildings have now been broken up into separate retail spaces, housing popular local and international chain stores. "Opening hours vary per store - every store has an independent entrance 

Budget

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  • Szwajcarski ul. Nowy Świat between Al. Jerozolimskie and pl. Trzech Krzyży
  • 1 Prasowy, ul. Marszałkowska 10/16, ☏ +48 (0/22) 628 44 27. Mo. - Fr.: 10AM - 9PM. Sa. - Sun.: Noon - 9PM. Prasowy is a comical place, where the insane gather for meals, so if you stake out a seat and wait, you'll see someone do something insanely stunning and comical. It's recommended that your seat is arranged so you dash out of the milk bar, should too many crazies come in simultaneously. As for the food, it's cheap and decent. In its better days, it was frequented by journalists, hence the name. Temporarily closed. 10 zł. 
  • Bambino ul. Krucza 21
  • Złota Kurka, ul. Marszałkowska 55/73, ☏ +48 (0/22) 622 46 78. Mo. - Fr.: 7AM - 7PM. Sa. - Su.: 9AM - 5PM. Small milk bar located near Plac Konstytucji. This particular milk bar serves up decent, but not good food, although it can be a tad difficult to find a place to sit and the kitchen can take a while. 10 zł. 
  • Wook, al. Jerozolimskie 65/79 (Housed in the same building as the Marriott. The entrance is below street level and should be approached from ul. Chalubinskiego), ☏ +48 (0/22) 630 7474, . Wook is a good and cheap place to grab Chinese. Soups and sides cost 4 zł, while all main courses cost only 6 zł. Wook also throws off the stereotypical European restaurant experience. OK, so while the service isn't amazing, it's effective, but the trademark difference between Wook and nearly any other restaurant on the continent is that the food will be on your table before you've even completed ordering. About 27 zł for a three course meal. 
  • Zapiecek. 11-23. A network of budget eateries scattered around the city, mostly in the Old and New Town. They serve light food, such as soups, pierogi, and pancakes. Not many meat dishes on the list, but in Poland you can have a good dinner without it. Limited choice of alcohol may be a bigger problem, though. They tend to have seasonal selection – only mulled wine and hot beer in winter, for example. Other than that, the place is great, and in addition to the food you will certainly enjoy pretty young waitresses, even if their English could be more fluent. 15-25 zł. 
    • Świętojańska 13 (Old Town)
    • Freta 18 (New Town)
    • Podwale 1 (Old Town)
    • Nowy Świat 64
    • Al. Jerozolimskie 28 (metro Centrum)

Mid-range

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  • Casa Mia, ul. Poznańska 37 (Located just a few steps from Al. Jerozolimskie and the Hotel Polonia Palace), ☏ +48 (0/22) 621 61 01. A small, cozy pizzeria, Casa Mia is a great little restaurant to seek refuge and satisfy your hunger. Somewhat appallingly, Casa Mia doesn't serve alcoholic beverages, though they have non-alcoholic beer. 
  • Chłopskie Jadło, Plac Konstytucji 1, ☏ +48 (0/22) 339-17-17. A chain of restaurants from Kraków, literally: "peasant's food". Good place to taste traditional Polish fare and enjoy wooden rustic environment. Soups are served in bread, while complementary smalec (lard) is free, so that you have no choice but trying it here. 25-40 zł. 
  • Krokiecik, ul. Zgoda 1. fast food, but pre-prepared on premises. Very good soups, steaks, pancakes with fruits and whipped cream. Try bogracz, a hungarian hot soup or żurek, a traditional Polish soup. 12-20 zł. 
  • Sunanta, ul. Krucza 16/22, ☏ +48 (0/22) 434 22 16, . Thai restaurant with well designed decor and good food, albeit a bit pricey. The lunch menu, however, has some good deals. 

Splurge

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  • Absynt, ul. Wspólna 35. French. 40-60 zł. 
  • Akashia, ul. Jana Pawła II 61. Japanese and Korean, including sushi. 
  • AleGloria, pl. Trzech Krzyży 3. 
  • Belvédére, Agrykoli 1. Main courses: 50-90 zl;. Sunday Brunch: 145 zl. 
  • Bruno, ul. Wierzbowa 9/11. Italian. 
  • El Popo, ul. Senatorska 27. Mexican. 
  • Karczma na Grzybowie, pl. Grzybowski 12/16. A kosher Jewish eatery. 
  • Kużnia Smaku, ul. Mazowiecka 10. 
  • Melodia, ul. Nowy Świat 3/5. 
  • Le Cedre, al. Solidarności 61. Lebanese. 
  • Papaya, ul. Foksal 16. Japanese and Thai. 
  • Puszkin, ul. Świętojańska 2. Russian. 
  • Rubikon, ul. Książęca 6. Italian. 
  • Ryżowe Pole, ul. Zgoda 5. Japanese, sushi. 
  • Santorini, ul. Egipska 7. Greek. 
  • Sense, ul. Nowy Świat 19, ☏ +48 (0/22) 826 6570, fax: +48 (0/22) 826 9071, . Hours: M - Th.: Noon - 11PM. F - Sa.: Noon to 12:30AM. Su.: Noon - 10PM. 
  • Smaki Warszawy, ul. Żurawia 47/49. Polish and International. 
  • Tandoor Palace, ul. Marszałkowska 21/25 (The entrance is on Al. Armii Ludowej), ☏ +48 (0/22) 825 23 75, fax: +48 (0/22) 825 76 77, . Great Indian restaurant not too far from the Centrum. 
  • Tradycja, ul. Belwederska 8a, ☏ +48 (0/22) 840 09 01, fax: +48 (0/22) 840 09 50. 

Drink

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Nowy Świat

Located about a ten minutes' walk from the Palace of Culture and Science is the street Nowy Świat. The street is lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops. If you're intent on visiting the Old Town, you can walk down Nowy Świat and follow it as it turns into Krakowskie Przedmieście – which will take you directly into the Old Town. It's an excellent walk, especially if you'd like to stop for an espresso or some food on your way to or from the Old Town. Chances are you'll find the prices better at the cafés and restaurants on Nowy Świat rather than in the Old Town.

Cafés

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  • Cafe A. Blikle, ul. Nowy Świat, ☏ +48 (0/22) 826 66 19, fax: +48 (0/22) 826 05 69, . A café and confectioner, stepping inside elicits memories of a turn-of-the-nineteenth-century café, which is more than charming in Warsaw, where a well-made coffee has been replaced by iced mochas and in-and-out coffee shops. This particular building is divided into two parts: the café/restaurant and the confection shop. Walking into the confection shop may stun your senses with the wonderful smells of delicious sugary treats. 
  • Cafe Bar Bla-Bla, ul. Nowogrodska 22 (The cafe isn't on a proper street and is actually next door to the Novotel), ☏ +48 (0/22) 621 35 76. A cozy cafe in the center of town. Cafe Bar Bla-Bla is a great place to hang out with friends. 
  • E. Wedel (Pijalnia Czekolady Wedel), Szpitalna 8, ☏ +48 (22) 827 29 16. 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; 11 a.m.-20 p.m. on Sunday. The best hot chocolate in Warsaw, with prices starting at 10-11 PLN. The interior is old style and reminds you of pre-war Warsaw. Wedel's shop with stylish sweets is adjacent to the cafe. 
  • Pożegnanie z Afryką, 4/6 Freta. Winter: 7-21, summer: 7-22. This inconspicuous place with a tiny sign above the door is a true paradise for coffee-lovers. Here, you don't choose the type of coffee. You first select the type of beans, and then decide whether you want it espresso, cappucino, or perhaps as Turkish-style coffee cooked on hot sand and flavored with cinnamon, ginger, or other spices of your choice. They also have a good selection of cakes and pastries, not to mention coffee beans and coffee-making tools sold in the adjacent store. Prices are a bit high by Polish standards, but the coffee is well worth it. Also at 62 Krakowskie Przedmieście. 
  • Starbucks, ul. Nowy Świat 62. Within minutes of opening Starbucks became an instant hit in Warsaw with quite a queue forming inside. The service is actually relatively speedy, which may come as a shock for those who have ever experienced a line in Poland and what's more is that there actually seems to be something called customer service here. 

Bars

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  • Cafe Kulturalna, Plac Defilad 1 (Located in PKiN, in the entrance to the theater, which is to the left of the main entrance of PKiN), ☏ +48 (0/22) 656 62 81. A really cool bar in the Palace of Culture and Science. A DJ spins the beats which is occasionally enhanced by a drummer and keyboard player. They also host live music on occasion. Kulturalna attracts the college aged intelligentsia type, but can bring in the elderly, but hip too who all end up grooving on the dance floor or chill out on chairs all night. Occasionally charges a door fee. 
  • Chłodna 25 (corner with Żelazna), ul. Chłodna 25. Bar - institution. 
  • hours= Jimmy Bradley's Irish Pub, ul. Sienna 39 (Ground floor of the Warsaw Towers, behind the Holiday Inn), ☏ +48 (0/22) 654 66 56, . A decent Irish bar located in the dead center of the city. It's one of the few decent places that claim to be Irish (there's even an Irish guy that works here, although, most employees are Polish!). Bradley's is great for a drink, but don't order food, as it's expensive for the portions and quality that you receive. If you need to catch a soccer match, this will be the place to go. 
  • Jazz Bistro, ul. Piękna 20 (Located on the same street as the U.S. Embassy and on the same side of the street), ☏ +49 (0)22/ 627 41 51, fax: +49 (0)22/ 627 41 501. M-Fr.: 8AM - Midnight, Sat. & Sun.: 10AM - Midnight. Good restaurant in the city center, near the US Embassy and comes equipped with free Wi-Fi access. The restaurants hosts live musicians several times a week. The only downside to the restaurant is a side door, which leads into an office building. Bright lights from the office building shine into the restaurant, which somewhat diminishes the atmosphere of the restaurant and its music. 
  • Tam Tam, ul. Foksal 18 (Just off of Nowy Świat), ☏ +48 (0/22) 828 26 22, . A fairly large bar/restaurant. Good place to hang out with friends over a beer. 
  • Przekąski Zakąski, Krakowskie Przedmieście 13. 24/7. All drinks 4 zł.. 
  • Warszawa Powiśle, ul. Kruczkowskiego 3B, ☏ +48 (0/22) 474 40 84, . The cool factor of Powiśle lies in the fact that its essentially an outdoor bar. There are no tables inside and most people either grab up the limited number of chairs that sit on the sidewalk or they straggle around underneath the nearby bridge, on the staircase leading upto the train station above (from which the bar takes its name), or off on a side street. Powiśle attracts huge crowds nearly every night. 

Clubs

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Concert venues

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  • 2 Tygmont, ul. Mazowiecka 6/8 (Located on a side stree off of ul. Świętokrzyska), ☏ +48 (0/22) 828 34 09, . Open Sa. - Th. from 6PM - 4AM; Friday 6PM - 5AM. Tygmont is Warsaw's best known jazz club and for good reason – the musicians it hosts are good, however, there are a few caveats. On occasion, Tygmont has a weird atmosphere and can be disappointing. There are nights when one floor will be dedicated to hip hop, which seems completely out of place, while the other is dedicated to musicians playing obscenely loud music. If the club brought the decibels down, it would be near perfect. 

Sleep

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Budget

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  • Emma Hostel, ul. Wilcza 25, ☏ +48 22 6297695, . Hostel named after Emma Goldman (anarcho-feminist activist) is run by a cooperative according to ecofriendly, sustainable rules. Five dorms and several doubles on two storeys in a historic tenement house, communal bathrooms, kitchen, free fair-trade tea, coffee and breakfast. Pets welcome. Discounts apply to NGO workers, activists, students and persons aged 55+ (do not apply to persons using on-line booking portals). Around 50 zł per dorm bed. 
  • Hostel Helvetia, ul. Kopernika 36/40. Helvetia is a cool hostel, a stone's throw away from the University of Warsaw's main campus, Nowy Swiat, and a ten minute walk to the Old Town. The staff are pleasant and helpful and the hostel occasionally hosts vodka and beer parties for its guests. 
  • Karolkowa Youth Hostel, Karolkowa 53a (Bus lines 171, 190, 422; Tram lines 20, 23, 24, 26, 27 - station DT Wola), ☏ (+48 22) 632 88 29. Check-in: 5 pm, check-out: 10 am. An educational institution, mainly used by Polish pupils, students, teachers and education workers. Foreign students and teachers are also welcomed. If a room is available, they can accommodate people who are not connected with education. 18-105 zl. 
  • Nathan's Villa Hostel, ul. Piękna 24/26 (Located on the same street as the main entrance to the U.S. Embassy). This hostel offers a cable tv room, and free laundry service, however, since they do not have a dryer it may take a day or two for clothes to dry. The manager will sometimes take guests to clubs. This hostel is open all day and is located only a few blocks from the city center. 
  • Oki Doki Hostel, pl. Dąbrowskiego 3, ☏ +48 (0/22) 82 65 112. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. From the outside this big grey, ugly building doesn't look promising, but once inside you are greeted by a friendly, chatty member of staff on the 24hr reception. Directly opposite is the bar/café/breakfast room which serves some very cheap drinks. Each room has been individually decorated by a different artist and they are given names such as 'House of the Maiden'. Also equipped with kitchen, free Internet access, car/bicycle rental and a little shop. 5 bed dorm: 50 zł; double room: 90 zł. 

Mid-range

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  • 1 Etap Hotel Warszawa Centrum, ul. Zagórna 1, ☏ +48 (0/22) 745 36 60, fax: +48 (0/22) 622 55 01. Etap is a bare minimum, every-expense-spared budget hotel chain. Don't expect the door to manned all night and if you will arrive after the check-in deadline, you better arrange to be let into your room, because Etap hotels may or may not have anyone on duty to let you in after a certain time. 159+ zl. 
  • Mercure Warszawa Grand, ul. Krucza 28, ☏ +48 22 583 21 00, fax: +48 22 583 21 21, . The Grand Hotel became a part of the Mercure chain after its recent refurbishment. The swimming pool has been removed, but it remains at a relatively peaceful location among government offices, but at the same time close to most areas of touristic interest. starting at 215 zł. 
  • Mercure Warszawa Centrum, ul. Złota 48/54 (Steps away from Warszawa Centralna train station), ☏ +48 (0/22) 697 3999, fax: +48 (0/22) 697 3899, . This Mercure was operated as a Holiday Inn until recently and will be known to many as such. It is very close to the Dworzec Centralny, separated from it only by the Złote Tarasy shopping centre, which provides for an almost entirely covered walkway between the two. The former Mercure Fryderyk Chopin up north in Jana Pawła II Avenue has been closed down and its building demolished. From 195 zł. 
  • Hotel Metropol, ul. Marszałkowska 99a (Adjacent to the Polonia Palace Hotel and opposite the Novotel and the Palace of Culture and Science), ☏ +48 (0/22) 32 53 100, fax: +48 (0/22) 628 66 22, . Don't expect much of a view, unless you consider an intersection and the Novotel a view. Single: €99; Double: €119. Suites are also available. 
  • Novotel Warsaw Centrum, ul. Marszalkowska 94/98 (About a two - three minute walk from the main train station and the Palace of Culture and Science), ☏ +48 (0/22) 621 02 71, fax: +48 (22) 625 0476, . Comfortable rooms. If you ask for room one of the higher floors, you are more than likely going have an amazing view in any direction. 

Splurge

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Hotel Bristol is a landmark in its own right
  • 3 Hotel Bristol, Krakowskie Przedmieście 42/44, ☏ +48 (0/22) 551 1000, fax: +48 (0/22) 625 25 77. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: Noon. The Bristol is a Warsaw landmark in its own right, imbued in history. Heads of state, royalty and various celebrities of different eras stayed here during its many decades in operation. It is also directly on the Royal Route, a short walk from Old Town and not far from many other historic attractions. Recently renovated again, it joined Starwood' Luxury Collection of prestige hotels. Rates start at PLN 420. 
  • Hyatt Regency Warsaw, Belwederska 23, ☏ +48 22 558 1234, fax: +48 22 558 1235, . Outside of the city centre and on the border of the Mokotów district, it requires a bus or taxi ride to get to most attractions. The Hyatt nevertheless remains a firm favourite with frequent travellers due to a combination of lush comfort, large bathrooms and a location at the doorstep of the Łazienki Park. €55+. 
  • InterContinental, ul. Emilii Platter 49 (Around the corner from Holiday Inn, near the Warszawa Centralna station, and just steps from the Palace of Culture and Science), ☏ +48 (0/22) 328 8888, fax: +48 (0/22) 328 8889, . The 5-star InterContinental is one of Warsaw's tallest, best designed, and most luxurious hotels. The hotel optimizes it's commanding height by using wide windows to provide breathtaking panorama views of Warsaw. Be sure to stop by the fitness center for the best view. All rooms have at least 32 square meters of space, spacious bathrooms that come equipped with a bath and a separate shower, and minibars. High speed internet connection is available for a fee for those staying in the standard rooms. Each of the three restaurants have welcoming atmospheres and the E. Wendl cafe on the ground floor would be a great place to kick back to a coffee and some chocolates. €120-180 during the week, as low as €60 if booked in advance; Apartments from €2500/month. 
  • 4 Hotel Le Regina Warsaw, Kościelna 12, ☏ +48 (0/22) 531 60 00, fax: +48 (0/22) 531 60 01, . Very comfortable hotel, that wants to go out of its way to make its guests comfortable. The hotel is located in the Old Town, but can be a little confusing to find, so be sure to take a cab or have the front desk to arrange for you to be picked up. €120-1,200. 
  • 5 Warsaw Marriott Hotel, Al. Jerozolimskie 65/79 (next to the main train station), ☏ +48 (0/22) 630 6306, fax: +48 (0/22) 830 0041. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: Noon. If you want a room with a view, you can't go wrong here, because the building is one of the tallest in Warsaw. Depending on the location of you're room, you may have a view of the Palace of Culture and Science. The Panorama cocktail bar at the top floor provides great views of the city to the patrons, accompanied by steep drink prices. €69-350. 
  • Polonia Palace Hotel, ul. Jerzozolimskie 45 (The hotel is located on the same side of ul. Jerzozolimskie as the Marriott, but is at the opposite end of the Palace of Culture and Science). Luxury hotel in the center of Warsaw. Police warn to watch out for prostitutes that congregate in the area and occasionally approach guests in order to take advantage of the wealthier travelers. €149+. 
  • Radisson Blu Centrum Hotel, Grzybowska 24 00-132 Warsaw, ☏ +48 22 321 88 88. The hotel is situated in the heart of the business district and tourist quarter of the city. It is close to the Palace of Culture and Science and Warsaw Central Station. 
  • 6 Hotel Rialto, ul. Wilcza 73, ☏ +48 (0/22) 584 8700, fax: +48 (0/22) 584 8701, . In a less touristy area of the town and might be equally hard to find. €98+. 
  • Sofitel Victoria Warsaw, ul. Krolewska 11, ☏ +48 (0/22) 657 8011, fax: +48 (0/22) 657 8057, . Located a short distance from Nowy Świat, the Sofitel Victoria Warsaw Hotel is the prime real estate for visitors who would like to tour the Old Town on a whim. Rooms facing Plac Piłsudskiego have a really nice view. 

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This district travel guide to Śródmieście is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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