Warsaw, the stunning reconstructed capital

Coming to the Polish capital, you have to keep its tumultuous history in mind. What once was called ‘Paris of the East’ as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, was razed to the ground in World War II. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Warsaw has rebuilt itself over the past decades. What you can visit today is once again one of Europe’s great cities. A holiday in this remarkable city is an excellent way to pay tribute to Warsaw.

Warsaw is the country’s undisputed centre. It was the last residence of the Polish royalty and the place where the 1944 uprising happened. It has become a vibrant cultural space that clings to its important past. Whether you are into history, classical music, contemporary art, or a fitness fan, Warsaw is bound to offer something you will enjoy. Four NephroCare clinics in the Warsaw area provide ample opportunity to get your dialysis treatment and still experience an inspiring vacation in this impressive city.

Activities & Sights

The Old Town resurrected

Warsaw’s historic city centre does not have the genuinely original architecture you know from other cities, as almost nine tenths of the city were flattened due to the bombings in World War II. Yet, the quarter redeveloped its own magic in the detailed and faithful reconstruction. The Old Town’s rebirth was an incredible accomplishment that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage Status. Walk along the alleys and passageways, past guildhalls, churches and burgher houses. Enjoy the market place with its colourful Renaissance and Baroque merchants’ houses. And then try to imagine the enormous feat of reconstructing all this fineness from debris.

From the Observation Tower you have one of Warsaw’s best views, looking back down the Royal Way and overlooking Castle Square and the Old Town. So, climbing the 150 steps up to the top is worth the effort.

Royal footprints

The Royal Walk links nearly all of Warsaw’s historical landmarks on a single axis. Beginning at the Castle Square, it continues south for about 15 kilometres to Wilanów Palace. Churches, parks, palaces, academic institutions and plush townhouses along the way turn it into a fantastic sight-seeing experience. The three historically essential residences that give the route its ‘royal’ title are the Royal Castle at the top, Łazienki Palace and Wilanów Palace at the southern end. All three are absolutely

The Royal Castle is the large, reddish building that looks rather plain on the outside. Consider taking a tour of the castle, though, as the inside is very opulent. The building dominates the open Castle Square. Surrounded by colorful buildings and cafes, Sigismund III proudly stands in its centre. He was the Polish King who moved the seat of government from Krakow to Warsaw in 1596.

The delightful Royal Łazienki Park is Warsaw’s biggest park. It was designed in the 17^th  century in the Baroque style. On your walk you will come across several elegant palaces, including the main Palace on the Water.

Treat yourself to a gorgeous experience at the Wilanów Palace’s outdoor premises. During the winter months, thousands of colourful diodes mimick the baroque-shaped plants, turning them into a magic garden. The Wilanów Royal Garden of Light has come to be a wonderful tradition for the Varsovians from mid-October to mid-February. On weekend evenings, 3D projection shows attract even more visitors.

Modern history on display

The Warsaw Uprising of August to October 1944 was crucial for the development and the end of World War II. The Warsaw Uprising Museum covers this important part of Warsaw history under the motto ‘We wanted to be free – and owe this freedom to ourselves.’ Using multimedia design and various authentic elements, it replicates the atmosphere of the uprising.  

The Museum of the History of Polish Jews (POLIN) stands in the centre of the former Jewish ghetto of World War II. The interactive and vibrant museum also serves as a cultural centre. The main exhibition depicts the history of the Jews in Poland from the middle ages to the present time. The very modern museum provides a great history lesson and is absolutely worth a comprehensive visit.

Accommodation

Warsaw provides all types and categories of lodgings, from luxury hotels to bed and breakfast and hostels. Holiday homes and apartments at reasonable prices can be booked nearly anywhere in the city and its outskirts as well. Four NephroCare clinics are located in quiet neighbourhoods outside the city centre.

Culinary & Culture

Music and food for the soul

During the annual Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival, Beethoven’s music is played in Warsaw’s leading concert halls in either classical interpretations or jazz adaptions. If you are more into Mozart’s operas, the Festiwal Mozartowski will be just your thing. From the middle of June to the end of July, all his operas are performed by one ensemble. Warsaw also pays tribute to its famous son Frederic Chopin. The open-air Chopin Summer Concerts take place in Lazienki Park throughout the summer.

Polish cuisine is famous for being simple and hearty. The dishes’ pronunciation might twist the untrained tongue, but the substantial food makes it all better. A favourite dish is called Gołąbki, which translates to ‘little pigeons.’ Boiled cabbage leaves are stuffed with beef, onion and rice before being baked and served in a tomato or mushroom sauce. A Polish legend claims that King Kazimierz took an unlikely victory because he had fed his army the invigorating Gołąbki before the battle.

Żurek, another typically Polish dish, is a unique sour rye soup with sausage, potatoes and occasionally a hard-boiled egg. Order it in one of the restaurants and enjoy the experience, as Żurek is often served in a bread bowl. Barszcz is a nourishing beetroot soup served with potatoes and vegetables, with a croquette or miniature pierogi floating in it. You can also drink it from a mug as a simple broth.

Pierogi should be mentioned as an integral part of the Polish menu. The doughy dumplings go with any kind of hearty or sweet filling, traditionally potato, sweet cheese, meat, mushrooms and cabbage, strawberries or plums. The possibilities are truly limitless, though. Pierogi are served almost everywhere in the city.