Natalye Childress offers some interesting ways to enjoy the Polish capital…
There are plenty of reasons for Berliners to visit the Polish capital, Warsaw, the least of which is its status as twin town of Berlin. With regular trains that connect between the two cities daily (via the Berlin-Warszawa Express), traveling is easy and comfortable. But once you’re there, how do you keep busy without getting overwhelmed? To help you navigate the city and enjoy a rich experience, here is a personal list of some slow-related things to do…
Eat at a Milk Bar
Contrary to what the name might suggest, a milk bar is not a drinking establishment. Rather, it’s the literal translation of the Polish term bar mleczny. The first milk bar was created in Warsaw in 1896, and much like the German concept of a Mensa, was a place where residents could go for cheap, hearty fare. The ‘milk’ in the name is intentional, however, as initially many of the items on offer were made with dairy products. Today, milk bars still exist, perhaps as a nostalgic nod to the past, and in fact, many are making a comeback. They are mostly popular among the working class, along with students and the elderly. But for visitors, they represent an authentic and inexpensive way to fill up on traditional, homemade Polish cuisine. Consider visiting Bar Bambino, Mleczarnia Jerozolimska, or Wiking, though there are handfuls of others waiting to be discovered.
Wander Through Praga
Situated on the eastern bank of the Vistula, Praga is today known as the up-and-coming quarter of Warsaw, with its vaguely bohemian vibe. But it wasn’t always that way. Long before young folks took over the area with their galleries, coffee shops, and clubs, Praga was seedy and run-down, a place to be avoided. Similar to the Neukölln of five to ten years ago, people would steer clear of the area, issuing warnings about walking the streets alone at night.
As an example of what’s on offer today, check out the artist settlements in old warehouses such as Koneser Factory and