Sign in with FacebookFort Wola 22, Warsaw, 00-961, Poland
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Polish palm
Another fountian in Lazienki Park
The Barbican, gateway to the old town
We're visiting Warsaw next month and would appreciate some help on the airport/hotel transfers (any shuttle buses or trains?) Also, as we'd like to do some sightseeing, perhaps somebody happens to know where to ask for good English speaking guide, unless we don't need one?
As for shuttle buses (no railway line going to the airport), you'd better ask at your hotel. There is some public transport to the centre - it's not that far - bus 175, which, however, is infamous for pickpockets. The best way to get to your hotel is by taxi. Take one from the taxi-rank just outside arrivals hall. If you accept an offer of one of the drivers that are likely to approach you in the hall, you may be ripped off. The taxi fare to the centre should not be more than around 40 PLN, a little more if you are staying near the Old Town.
We took the tram (number 7) to the end of the line - just to see what Warszaw was like in the outer areas. There was nice average people, living thier lives in the suburb. We managed to get away from all the commersal stores and found the real Poland.
If you love to be outdoors to see natures many blessings then Lazienki Park is a definate must. You can be among the crowds at the Palace on the Water or relax over a drink and snack at the two outdoor cafes. Forget the crowds and have a walk through the many trails which criss cross the park taking you through tree lined paths, usually with many benches where you can sit and relax, pondering the greatness of nature. The peacocks calls always took me by surpirse with their shrill cries. The horse who shyly and inquisitively came to see us as we did him. Don't be surprised as you sit on a wall if the cheeky sparrows come and sit beside you with their merry quirp and their gallant attempts to beat the pidgeons to a free meal. Last but not least, the tiny red squirrel who stood at my feet, I was so in awe in seeing her I couldn't take a photo but captured her on her flight as she sped from the whir of my camera. The best memory of Warsaw would have to be the delight on the young boys face as he enticed the pidgeon to land on his hand.
The Royal Castle is probably the best known landmark of Warsaw. From the outside it is a simple, huge five-wing early Baroque structure with a tall clock-tower. It's painted in unique colour but... looks somewhat strange down (not up) the Castle Square and adjacent to more beautiful, decorative tenement houses. Well, it's very rare in Europe example of early Baroque with decently decorated exterior but tremendous interior which is a must see!
For unknown reasons it's called a castle instead of palace. There are no defensive bastions, towers, no moats and other defensive stractures typical for every castle. Probably the first wooden structure on this place (seat of Masovian dukes) built in 14th century looked more castle-like.
The castle had become a constant seat of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth's Sejm in 1573. The term "Sejm" referred to the entire three-chamber parliament, comprising the lower house (Chamber of Deputies; Polish: Izba Poselska), the upper house (Senate; Polish: Senat) and the King. In 1918 Poland regained independence after over 100 years of being divided and ruled by Russia (Warsaw), Austria (Krakow) and Germany (Gdansk) and the castle became the residence of the President of the Republic of Poland. During World War II the Royal Castle was blown up by the Nazis as well as 85 % of the buildings of the city. It took several decades to restore the castle from ruins and make it look exactly like the original. The works completed in 1988. Now the luxurious castle is a pride of Warsaw. The Royal Castle represents a lot of fascinating history of both Poland and Lithuania, Russia, Sweden, Prussia, and Germany as well. Nowadays it hosts a museum where carefully recreated interiors of that time are represented and the impressive art collection is treasured. There are 3 options od self-guided tours for an individual visitor:
1. Route 1 (10 zl; about 1 hour) - The Court Rooms, The Houses of Parliament and The Apartment of Crown Prince Stanislaw.
2. Route 2 (18 zl about 1 and half hour) - The Great Apartment and The King's Apartment.
3. Pernament exhibitions (8 zl, about 1 and half hour) - 12 various exhibitions.
Add usually very interesting temporary exhibitions, soon the Gardens and the Royal Library (temporarily closed).
I didn't visit everything in one day. It would be too much for me. For the first time visitor I recommend to join the most impressive Route 2 first. For a foreign visitor not familiar with Poland's and Central Europe's history I recommend to think over hiring a guide (add 70 zl = 18.4 euros for each tour). Well, there are explanations displayed in English in each castle room but they not always show historical background. Keep in mind that on Sunday admission is free but no guides are available.
It's not a beautiful building but it's very important. Here is where the President of Warsaw works. City Hall is full of people who take a lot of taxpayers' money just for making things more difficult and time consuming.
Warsaw has quite a number a spacious and pleasant city parks. I visited the Saxon Gardens, Krasinski Park, Ujazdowski Park and the vast and impressive Lazienki Park. I've read travelogues that were written in the Communist Era that always described Warsaw as drab and "full of dreary cement structures," but at least the people living in those times could find a little escape in these enjoyable green spaces.
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