A city break to Warsaw reveals all its contradictions, from cobbled alleys in the Old Town, to socialist edifices in the centre; your ticket to Warsaw buys admission to this enthralling living museum.

Things to do

The Old Town is filled with churches and museums, while a tour of The Ghetto Wall and Jewish Heritage is a poignant reminder. Don't miss the aerial view across the centre from the Palace of Culture & Science.

Shopping

P. Trzech Krzyzy has the boutiques and Old Town the antique stores. Shop for jewellery on Nowy Swiat, or pick up a bargain to take on your flight from Warsaw at Bazar na Kole.

Restaurants

Book airline tickets to Warsaw and you couldn't be anywhere else when you sit down with a traditional plate of dumplings and cabbage in front of you in central Chlopskie Jadlo. Check out the Polish restaurants in the Old Town, or go international around Nowy Swiat.

Nightlife

A holiday in Warsaw provides plenty of opportunity to put the local vodka to the test, and you won't find many better venues to do so than Balsam. Live it up in the Theatre Quarter, or drink alongside budding playwrights in Praga.

When to go

KLM has frequent flights to Warsaw. Check what's on before you book airline tickets to Warsaw. Buy tickets for both Chopin and Jazz festivals in July/August, or the Film Festival in October.