Warsaw City Guide

As the clutches of winter continue, there’s no time like the present to start planning your next trip to brighten up your day, we all need something to look forward to, are we right?! And, what better way to get the low-down of the coolest spots than handing over to someone who’s well acquainted with the capital of Poland, a city that’s filled with sheer joie de vivre, Warsaw.

Enough of us here’s to our friend, Lukas Maslowski.

Weles

First up on the list is Weles, a cocktail bar hidden in the centre of Warsaw. Weles, is a beautiful bar which comes with its distinct sense of mystery that stays with you for the whole time you are there. It’s hard to find as there isn’t a sign outside and hidden doors. The name of the bar is also not a coincidence, the name derives from the Slavic god, Weles, who is the lord of the night, patron of magic, music and prosperity.

The bar is sunk in the twilight, and after guests enter, they can move to a mystical space where they can taste cocktails prepared by some of the most experienced bartenders in the city. Nothing has been missed when designing the interior – the shiny tin ceiling was imported from the USA, a beautiful crystal chandelier with a wooden cross and marble countertops which were made to order. The front of the bar is part of an 18th-century carousel from Great Britain, and all other furniture is antique and has been hand-selected. The atmosphere is topped off with live music. Additional details will be kept secret and should only be discovered by those who visit Weles.

ADDRESS: ul. Nowogrodzka 11

Syreni Śpiew Koneser – “Mermaid Singing”

Such an iconic place it has been created twice. The first Syreni Śpiew was the first of its kind in Poland - a whisky and cocktail bar with live music. Located in a modern pearl of architecture which had been refreshed and adapted for this purpose and has become the most elegant club in Warsaw. The food and drinks menu has been specially selected along with the live music program and is among the main reasons for the bar’s popularity.

In 2019, Syreni Śpiew returned in a new location, Syreni Śpiew Koneser, it’s a new name, and is located on several levels of the refurbished 19th century Koneser Factory. There are four bars, three music stages – perfect for live music performances and a menu full of Mediterranean cuisine. 

Bar Studio

Situated in the vestibule of the Studio Theatre – an icon of the city from the socialist realism period. Through its connections with the theatre, the bar hosts many cultural events and concerts throughout the year. During the summer months, the bar opens its outdoor space on Plac Defilad, where they have lots of tables for enjoying food and drink with friends. I recommend Podpłomyk – polish pizza!

ADDRESS: pałac Kultury i Nauki, plac Defiliad

Podwale Bar and Books

Consisting of two floors of climatic space and located in a historic tenement house called the “White House” at Waski Dunaj 20. Street. The interior features dark wood bars and leather sofas – think British Colonial style. Accompanied by a traditional fireplace, cigar smoke and live piano music filling the air. The bar hosts a great variety of drinks – whisky from Scotland and Japan, a wide selection of wine and champagne from Germany, France, Spain and South Africa, as well as classic and original cocktails.

ADDRESS ul. Waski Dunaj 20

SEN “Dream”

Located in the HQ of the Warsaw Rowing Association on the Vistula River, this four-story building was one of the latest designs by Polish architect, Stefan Kuryłowicz. With its iconic terrace facing the right bank of the River, it’s the perfect location for a restaurant and club and ideal spot to meet friends. On Fridays and Saturdays, you should visit to enjoy drinks and nibbles, and on Sundays, they serve a delicious brunch.

ADDRESS: Rowing 6/3

HALA KOSZYKI (Koszyki Market Hall)

“Koszyki” Market Hall is known as the Peoples Bazaar and was built between 1906-1908. It sat on the premises of the Koszyki farm. The management has changed throughout the years and the principles on which it operated but the market place, its primary purpose, has remained unchanged.

In 2012, the investors took care of the Hala building and decided to restore Koszyki to its former glory. In autumn of 2016, Hala returned to Warsaw as a unique social and culinary point. There are different restaurants and markets, along with stalls where you can buy food. Thanks to Hala Koszyski, Warsaw has joined the group of the world’s largest metropolises such as New York, Madrid, Oslo, Rotterdam, and Florence where market and restaurant halls life is vibrant under one roof and where flavours from around the world meet.

Have you got a favourite spot in Warsaw? – We’d love to know, head over to our Facebook and Instagram channels and join the conversation.