The City
Warsaw is the largest city and capital of Poland, as well as its economic, political, and cultural center. This metropolis is located in the heart of Europe, at the junction of the trade routes from West to East and from North to South. Its population is estimated at 1.8 million residents within a greater metropolitan area of about 3.1 million residents, which makes Warsaw the 9th most-populous capital city in the European Union. The symbol of the city is the Mermaid, featured on the city seal (http://www.um.warszawa.pl/en).
The first historical reference to Warsaw dates back to the year 1313, at a time when Kraków served as the Polish capital city. Warsaw became the capital of Poland when King Sigismund III Vasa moved his court from Kraków to Warsaw in 1596.
Warsaw is a city full of contrasts, where historical monuments and modern architecture coexist on every street. Historical places, buildings and architectural structures destroyed during World War II have been faithfully reconstructed. The urban structure of the city is set in open spaces of green squares and municipal parks.
Tourist Information
Weather
The weather in Warsaw is quite unpredictable in early spring, it would be advisable to bring warm clothing, as temperatures may not be much above zero, particularly at night.
Safety
Warsaw is a safe city, provided one behaves sensibly.
Money
Foreign currency can be exchanged for Polish zlotys (PLN) at ‘kantors’ (currency exchange), it is not advisable to change a lot of money at the airport, as the rates offered there are much lower than those offered at kantors in the city centre. It is also possible to pay by card in most shops, pubs and restaurants.
Shops
Most shops are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at weekends, though grocery stores will usually open earlier and close later. Shops in shopping centres are open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m every day except Sunday, when they close at 8 p.m.
For more information on the city’s history and monuments, upcoming events and traditional Polish restaurants please visit this website: http://www.warsawtour.pl/en
