19 Apr 2011 18:06
It is not so long ago that a trip to Warsaw would seemed like a strange choice for the typical foreign tourist. The Polish capital sat firmly behind the Iron Curtain and conjured images of a harsh communist regime. 85% of the city, including the Royal Castle and much of the Old Town, was destroyed during the Second World War, before the occupying army wilted under the pressure of the resistance and the advancing Red Army.
Today, Warsaw is a thriving city and is growing ever popular as a city-break destination. Although most of the city is relatively new, there are plenty of things to do and places to see in Europe’s 8th largest city.
All the large car hire companies are represented in Warsaw if you want drive yourself, but be warned, the city is a confusing place for the foreign driver with unfamiliar sign posts, strange one way systems and hardly any convenient parking spots. The use of taxis is a possibility when traveling around the city, but you must book your taxis to get the best rates.
Getting around the city is more convenient and cheaper by public transport, which can get you anywhere in the city cheaply. 1600 buses serve the city morning, noon and night, while the tram system has over 800 cars servicing over 400km of tracks.
Although Warsaw boasts one of the newest subway systems in Europe. Opened in 1995, there is only a north-south line in place at the moment. More additions are planned for the future, but most estimates suggest the subway system will most likely still be in progress when Euro 2012 gets underway.
There are numerous hotels in Warsaw to cater for the relatively recent influx of foreign visitors and tourists. All budgets are catered for - from 5 star, big chain luxury hotels to cheap hostels and campgrounds.
Flights to and from Warsaw are plentiful. The city is served by the Frederic Chopin International Airport about 10km south west of the city center.