Experience in Warsaw, Poland by Ernesto Icogo

What is it like to live in Warsaw? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Warsaw is cosmopolitan. It is one of the cities of the world comparable, maybe, to New York, Berlin, Paris and Amsterdam.

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Living in Warsaw is incomparable. The city, itself, seems not willing to sleep. A lot of noise and parties going on its the outskirts away from scrutinizing eyes. It's the city's flavor with its vibrant youth, young and restless.

In the streets, there are stores selling sandwiches 24/7 or at the store owner's choice. He/She can choose to stay longer or call it a night when (s)he felt s(he) has enough earning for the day. The transportation system is systematic and works orderly. But, the driver's voice could be loud, strong and demanding. The youth are restless, they seem rebellious with a cause.

Some scenes could be funny to a foreigner like me.

What is the student lifestyle like in Warsaw?

Student lifestyle in Warsaw is mobile. There are lots of interesting places to visit, for example, the Old Town, the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Museum, the Parade Ground, the Palace of Culture and Science, historical castles and artists' playground, the square dedicated to Poland's famous musician, Frederic Chopin.

Old Town Market Square

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There are a lot more, Złote Tarasy, the modern shopping mall, American fastfood restaurants with fast Wi-Fi services, Hard Rock Cafe Warsaw for music lovers or you might want to explore the many surprises of the underground tunnel connected to the main train station, Warszawa Centralna, with lots of things to buy in store for a shopaholic traveler.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Warsaw? Is there any advice you can give?

Yes, it's quite difficult to find accommodation in Warsaw. Since the city offers a lot to tourists and visitors, it is but normal that most hostels and hotels are fully-booked especially during tourist months.

There are lots of choices, though, of varying rate and cost as well as ease of convenience. The price, however, is very competitive compared to other cities in Europe.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The Polish food and gastronomic offering can not be taken for granted. Polish food offerings are some of the healthiest, cleanest and well-accepted in the world.

My favorite Polish foods are "zurek", "borscht" or beetroot soup. I also like "paczki" and the tradition "kanapka" (especially the "farmersku kanapka"). Of course, "pierogi z kapustą", Polish apple pie, "szarlotka", goulash and all kinds of cheese.

Goulash

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What places would you recommend visiting in Warsaw?

As a scientist, I would recommend the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Museum. It shouldn't be missed out. The area where the artists' playground is located near the Lazienki Park.

Not to be missed out is the Old Town and the rows of restaurants. Also along the river Wisla, there are places of interest away from the crowded Old Town.

Going inside the Palace of Culture and Science is recommended to see the city in perspective. Although I wasn't able to do it, myself. Shopping around the modern district near the central station, visiting Zlote Tarasy and Hard Rock Cafe Warsaw and the district where modern hotels are located. They are proximate with each other.

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Is it good to eat out in Warsaw? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes, it is good to eat out in Warsaw.

Eating out normally in American restaurant surrounding the Palace of Culture and Science is an experience in, itself. Clean, festive and happy atmosphere await those who will have the opportunity to visit Warsaw.

My favorite spot is, of course, KFC. With its courteous, polite and attentive receptionists serving food at a fast pace, the experience in Europe is something to treasure. I also like the streetside stalls selling "kanapki" and "zapiekanki". Many times, I see to it that I will visit North Fish, with its buffet-type service and clean/healthy food.

Is the nightlife good in Warsaw? Where is good to go?

Yes, nightlife is good in Warsaw. I had the opportunity to experience chilling and listening to music at the Hard Rock Cafe Warsaw. I also had the opportunity to listen to the quiet corners of Warsaw eating sandwich and drinking "napoj" (Coca-Cola and Royal Tru-Orange) in the middle of a snowy, linen land.

What advice would you give future students heading to Warsaw?

My advice is to enjoy the city while immersing themselves into the Polish culture. Notice the vibrancy of Polish youth, however restless. The young Polish population has lots to offer. They are expected to make up for lost time, a time lost somewhere along the way.