About city :
Warsaw also referred to as Warszawa in Polish, is the largest city in Poland. The city holds an approximate population of 1.7 million people, which makes it the ninth most populous city in the European Union. Warsaw is sprawled over an approximate area of 516.9 sq. km. Warsaw is considered to be the cultural, political, and economic center of Poland. This bustling metropolis is noted for its glorious history.
Geography :
Located in east-central Poland, the city lies at a distance of 300 km from the Carpathian Mountains and 260 km from the Baltic Sea. Situated in the main hub of the Masovian Plain, the city has an average elevation of 330 feet above sea level. The city is located on two chief geo-morphologic formations: The Vistula Valley and the plain Moraine plateau.
How to reach (transport) :
You can reach Warsaw by flight, train, or bus.
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By Air :
The Fryderyk Chopin Airport lies at a distance of 10 km from the city center. Flights from all major airlines arrive and depart from here.
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By Train :
Warsaw houses three railway stations, which serve international and long-distance routes, i.e., Warsaw Central (Warszawa Centralna), Warsaw West (Warszawa Zachodnia), and Warsaw East (Warszawa Wschodnia).
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By Bus :
You can also avail long-distance and international buses from the Warszawa Zachodnia Bus Station. Besides, you can also avail yourself of private carriers to reach the nearby towns.
Weather :
The city enjoys a continental climate where summers are crisp and warm, autumns sunny, and winter chill. Summers may range from mild to extremely hot. The city experiences minimum rainfall all through the year, and July turns out to be the wettest month ever. The weather in winter differs, however – it may get cold and snowy. The climate is the coldest from December to March.
When to Visit :
The best time to visit Warsaw is from May to September as the climate is most favorable during this point time.
Culture (fairs and festivals) and traditions :
The city of Warsaw is noted for its cultural embrace. The entertainment agenda of the city is packed with innumerable events that define the cultural glory of the city. Some of the fairs and festivals of this city are:
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Carnival :
Held in March, the pre-Lent season is an exciting one to relish in Warsaw. The Carnival is noted for its exotic drinks, great food, and not to mention, immense merriment.
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Topienie Marzanny :
If you want to enjoy the true essence of Slavic fashion, then make sure to be a part of this event.
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Anniversary of the Ghetto Uprising :
Every year on the 19th of April, residents honor the brave people who gave away their life during the Ghetto Uprising of 1943. The day starts with paying homage to the monument to these unforgettable heroes.
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International Book Fair :
Organized in the month of May, every year this is the finest place where you can find librarians, politicians, and publishers under a single roof.
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Jazz in the Old Town Festival :
Throughout July and August, you can expect some jazzy extravaganza every Saturday. The jazz parties are held at the best venues in the Old Town and you’ll find the streets coming back to life.
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Piano Festival :
Held in the month of November, the Piano Festival is organized at The Royal Castle. A series of remarkable recitals are organized for this event.
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Warsaw Christmas Fair :
If you are eyeing the perfect holiday gift for your loved ones, then there can be no better place than the Christmas Fair in Warsaw.
Points of interest (places to visit) :
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Old Town :
To keep off from the hustle and bustle of city life, make sure to walk down the streets of the Old Town. The streets are noted for the comfy cafes, squares, and alleys. You can also witness some theatrical and musical performances on the streets.
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Łazienki Królewskie Park-Palace Complex :
Founded in the 17th century, the park and palace complex here carve a niche for their architectural monuments. For instance, the Palace on the Island constructed for King Stanislaw August Poniatowski is something that deserves a mention.
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Warsaw Rising Museum :
Inaugurated in 2004, this museum was opened to pay homage to all brave heroes who lost their lives fighting for their nation’s independence.
Accommodation :
Warsaw offers accommodation for people with varied budgets – from lavish apartments to youth hostels. For a lavish stay, you can choose from the 5-star hotels – the InterContinental Hotel Warsaw, H15 Boutique Apartments, Mamaison Hotel Le Regina Warsaw, Hyatt Regency Warsaw, and Sofitel Victoria Warsaw. On the other hand, if you have an eye on something cheaper, then stay options like the Start Hotel Aramis, Première Classe Varsovie / Warszawa, Campanile – Warszawa Varsovie, and Chmielna Guest House are available.