“It’s just another big, ugly city.”
Not exactly the rave review I was hoping for as I set off for Warsaw, Poland, my final eastern European destination before flying north to Scandinavia.
While most of the cities I traveled to in Europe were lauded by other travelers as awesome places oozing with good vibes, overflowing with hip young people, and bursting at the seams with excitement, Warsaw was always shrugged off with an ambivalent…”Meh.”
But when I arrived in the city late one afternoon from Wrocław, I discovered, er, quite the opposite.
How had not one single person extolled the virtues of Warsaw’s modish restaurant scene?
How had everyone failed to mention the pulsing, indefatigable nightlife along the Wisła River?
Why was there no mention of Warsaw’s whimsical Old Town, a maze of narrow streets crowded with ice cream shops, street performers, and cafes with outdoor dining?
Why, oh why, didn’t anyone warn me of just how deeply my soul would be shaken by its devastating history?
And I have some serious questions for the guy who deemed Warsaw “ugly.” What adjective comes to mind when you see these photos?
Delightful, maybe? Regal, perhaps? Beautiful, most definitely.
But ugly? This city?
One of my favorite unintended discoveries was the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a monument built in honor of all of the unknown soldiers who gave their lives for Poland. It stands illuminated at the end of a wide open plaza, guarded by two men and adorned with flowers. 
My five days in Warsaw flew by in a flash. In my experience, when time flies it’s usually not due to boredom. When I wasn’t cruising the streets of the Old Town on the lookout for a great coffee shop or an impromptu Chopin concert (they were seriously everywhere–Chopin is practically a god in his native Warsaw; streets, museums, and even an airport are named in his honor) I was museum-going, making friends at my hostel and meeting up with travel bloggers, or indulging in incredible meals.
Or, you know, taking photos next to badass Soviet-era cars, as you do. 
And did you know Warsaw has beaches? In the summer, hanging out at the river’s beaches is a popular way to spend an afternoon (or evening, when the nightclub La Playa really gets going), though regrettably one I didn’t make time for.
Nevertheless, I truly feel like I experienced some of Warsaw’s absolute best, so I’ll leave you with a few of my top recommendations:
Where I Stayed: Oki Doki Hostel
Where I Ate: Aïoli, Dos Tacos Mexican Grill, Informal Kitchen, Abyssinia Ethiopian Cuisine
Warsaw’s Must-See Attraction: Warsaw Rising Museum
My Favorite Night Out: Exploring Warsaw’s beach bar and food truck scene.
Travel Tip: Warsaw is very easily walkable, and for longer distances you can hop on the metro. A single ride costs 3.40 Polish złoty ($0.85) and a 24-hour ticket good for unlimited rides costs 26 złoty ($6.50). Find more ticket options here.
For a more comprehensive list of Warsaw attractions and activities, click here. I couldn’t quite believe how underrated Warsaw seems to be among travelers. There are so many things to do, so much beauty to appreciate, and so much history to absorb. It turned out to be one of my favorite cities, and even one I could envision myself living in.
Don’t be fooled by the naysayers! Warsaw is a worthy travel destination, and I encourage you to see it for yourself.
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Have you been to Warsaw? What’s your take–top travel destination or total bore?
