Think Paris meets Berlin, with a dash of raw authenticity.
Words by Alexandra Alden
Alexandra is a Maltese singer/songwriter and former X Factor Malta judge, based in the Netherlands and Malta. Her life spent touring as a musician has allowed her to explore many corners of the world.
Poland’s capital serves up some serious charm that deserves your attention. Think Paris meets Berlin, with a dash of raw authenticity that's increasingly hard to find in Europe's cities. Last year, I was given the exciting chance to go on tour through Poland, stopping through numerous cities, including the beloved Warsaw. I went there slightly oblivious to what Poland had to offer, other than Chopin and milk bars. I try to keep my expectations low wherever I travel. When the bar is not too high, there’s less chance for disappointment, and with such a jampacked schedule of concerts, I didn’t think I would have much time to explore any of the places I was visiting. But I was impressed at how much I got to see in a few hours. Warsaw isn’t very big – I could visit all the main sites in half a day and felt inspired to perform my show later that night and tell the audience of my wonders – especially my new affinity with pierogi, the typical Polish dumplings that can be found in nearly every eatery. Warsaw serves up some serious charm that deserves your attention. Think Paris meets Berlin, with a dash of raw authenticity that's increasingly hard to find in Europe's capitals. Let's start with the obvious – Warsaw's Old Town is a knockout. The plot twist: it's actually a masterclass in reconstruction. After World War II turned most of it to rubble, the Varsovians rebuilt it piece by piece. Now that’s dedication to the aesthetic and the preservation of originality! My absolute must-visits include the Palace of Culture and Science (think Empire State Building meets Soviet chic), and Łazienki Park, where you can catch free Chopin concerts on Sundays during summer. Pro tip: pack a picnic and thank me later; sometimes, there’s quite a queue to get to the top. Once there, try and find my own sticker plastered on the wall among the other thousands. The neighbourhood of Praga is where you'll find Warsaw's hipster heart beating strongest. Once the gritty side of town, it's now home to art galleries, vintage shops, and some seriously good zapiekanka (imagine the best open-faced sandwich of your life).
But if there's one thing you absolutely must try in Warsaw, it's pierogi. These little pockets of joy have been part of Polish cuisine since forever (the Middle Ages to be exact), and they're basically the ultimate comfort food. Picture this: delicate dumplings stuffed with everything from meat to mushrooms, either boiled until tender or fried until crispy. My personal obsession? The ones filled with spinach and topped with caramelized onions (hello, vegetarian heaven!). But if you're feeling traditional, go for the meat-filled ones with crispy bacon on top. For a totally unique experience, catch an avant-garde show at the POLIN Museum, or if you're feeling fancy, make your way to Wilanów Palace – Warsaw's answer to Versailles, minus the tourist crowds. When the sun sets, Warsaw really comes alive. The city's nightlife scene ranges from underground techno bunkers to sophisticated cocktail bars. My absolute favourite discovery was the Pavilions (Pawilony), a hidden courtyard filled with tiny bars near Nowy Świat Street. Each door leads to a different vibe – one minute you're in a speakeasy jazz club; the next you're dancing to electronic music. For culture vultures, the contemporary art scene is thriving. Don't miss the Centre for Contemporary Art in Ujazdowski Castle – it's the perfect blend of historic architecture and cutting-edge exhibitions. During my visit, I stumbled upon an experimental sound installation that completely blew my mind. The nearby Multimedia Fountain Park puts on spectacular shows during summer evenings, combining water, light and music in the most magical way. If you're into alternative music scenes, clubs like Hydrozagadka and Klub Pogłos in Praga host everything from indie rock to experimental electronic nights. For something more low-key, the bars along the Vistula River are perfect for summer evenings – think beach chairs, fairy lights and local craft beers. The best part? Warsaw still flies under the mass tourism radar, meaning you can actually get those perfect shots without fighting through selfie sticks. Plus, it's incredibly budget-friendly compared to other European capitals. Warsaw is serving up that perfect mix of history, culture and contemporary cool that makes for an unforgettable city break.
My Top 5 Hipster Café Picks
- Ministerstwo Kawy (Ministry of Coffee) – exposed brick walls, vintage furniture and some of the best single-origin coffee in town. The baristas here are basically coffee scientists.
- Café Relaks – a retro-cool spot in Śródmieście with mid-century furniture and killer flat whites. The avocado toast here is chef's kiss.
- Stor – minimalist Scandinavian vibes meet Warsaw cool. Their house- made cardamom buns are worth the trip alone.
- Shabby Chic Coffee and Wine Bar – a third-wave coffee spot, with cute seating outside in the alleyway, nestled between the picturesque houses of the Old Town. Sit inside and browse through their extensive book collection, or stay there till late for a relaxing glass of wine. It's a convenient stop while wandering around, if you don't want to get stuck in the square paying for a mediocre coffee in a tourist trap café.
- W Oparach Absurdu – this quirky spot feels like your eccentric grandmother's living room met a coffee shop. The mismatched furniture and local art make it Instagram gold.
