This is a short introduction to Warsaw and Poland for guests visiting either for the first time.

What is the difference between Chopin and Modlin airports?

Chopin is the bigger and more convenient airport with better links into the city centre.

Most airlines will fly into Chopin.

Check when booking but it is usually only Ryanair that flies into and out of Modlin.

How do I get from the airport to the city centre?

From Chopin, the easiest way is to take a taxi. Personally we have always used Uber and it is around £10 into the centre and takes 25 minutes.

There are also buses available with details here

https://www.lotnisko-chopina.pl/en/public-transport.html

Will people speak English?

In the city people will speak fantastic English and you will not have any issues in cafes, hotels and restaurants.

Taxi’s may not be as fluent which is why we recommend Uber or showing the address on your phone screen to your driver if hailing a cab.

We would recommend a few YouTube videos to learn some of the basic expressions and greetings to enrich your stay.

How do I travel around Warsaw?

There are two metro lines which intersect in the centre of town. The metro is very clean, reliable and relatively cheap to travel.

What is the weather in Poland like in May?

Poland is very similar to the UK when it comes to May weather - unpredictable.

We could have 20+ degrees and sunny or 10 degrees and not so sunny, unfortunately we will have to wait and see the forecast nearer the time.

What is the currency and do they take card?

The currency is Zloty, most places will take card, we strongly recommend the usual traveller cards Starling, Revolut, Monzo etc…….

Is Poland expensive, would you recommend shopping?

Eating out, taxis and hotels will be cheaper than the equivalent in the UK, it is unlikely you will notice any difference in shopping for designer brands, perfumes etc.

What will the food be like?

Warsaw is an international city and there are plenty of world dishes. Meat, potatoes and vegetables feature heavily in Polish cuisine and although some will feature on the wedding menu we recommend guests to try local dishes when in the city.

These are some of our restaurant recommendations

Gościniec - traditional polish pierogi in the old town (see below)

Orzo - various locations in Warsaw, great for breakfast and lunch.

Der Elefant - fish and meat restaurant

Paradiso - asian fushion with great cocktails

Norblina Foodhall - an international food hall close to Paradiso above

If you fancy trying Polish food we would recommend the following dishes

Pierogi: Dumplings filled with various ingredients such as potato and cheese, sauerkraut and mushrooms, or meat, then boiled or fried.

Bigos: A savory stew made with sauerkraut, various meats, and often mushrooms, creating a rich and hearty flavor.

Golabki: Cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, meat, and spices, typically served with a tomato or mushroom sauce.

Kotlet schabowy: Breaded and fried pork cutlet, similar to a schnitzel.

Should I stay longer than just the wedding party?

Yes definitely you have travelled this far take time to enjoy Warsaw and beyond.

What is there to do in Warsaw?

There are plenty of websites which will help with this but for starters;

Old Town: Warsaw's charming Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its picturesque cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic architecture.

Palace of Culture and Science: This ‘present’ from Stalin is a relic of the Soviet era. It is the second tallest building in Poland and there is a lift to a viewing platform on the 30th floor.

Royal Residences: Warsaw is home to several magnificent royal residences, including the Royal Castle and Wilanów Palace, which are renowned for their architectural beauty and historical significance.

Vistula River: The city is situated along the banks of the picturesque Vistula River, which provides a scenic backdrop for leisure activities, river cruises, and outdoor events.

Can I go to other places outside Warsaw?

Again there are many websites that will help with the method and timing but it is possible and not too difficult to fly in/out of other cities and travel to/from Warsaw.

For instance it is around 2.5 hours by fast train to Krakow. As with any international travel, be mindful of difficulties navigating railway stations and arrive with plenty of time before your trains.

Similar to the metro, trains are clean and reliable and considerably cheaper than travel in the UK. Be mindful that many long distance trains will require you to have identification for the named ticket holder.