Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
network will look highly confusing at first. Before trying to decipher the system on
your own, ask at your hotel reception for specific directions and tram numbers.
BY BUS Buses supplement the tram network and run pretty much the same hours
and use the same ticketing system. The bus layout is even more confusing than the
trams, so get specific directions to your destination and write the numbers down.
BY METRO Warsaw has a small subway (metro) system, but you'll probably never
use it or see it. There's only one line and it connects the center of town to the residen-
tial area of Mokotów. Tickets are the same as for the buses and trams, and must be val-
idated before boarding the train.
BY TAXI Taxis are a cheap and reliable way of getting from point A to point B. The
meter starts at about 6 z l ($2/£1.10) and will go up another 4 z l ($1.35/.75p) for each
mile or so. Expect to pay 15 z l to 20 z l for in-town destinations ($5-$6.65/£2.70-
£3.50). Dishonest drivers have been a problem in the past, but the situation is improv-
ing. Nevertheless, only use clearly marked cabs, and always make sure the driver has
switched on the meter.
BY BIKE Biking is not an option on Warsaw's heavily trafficked, dirty, and danger-
ous roads. Marked bikeways are few and far between.
VISITOR INFORMATION
The main tourist information office is the MUFA Warsaw Tourist Information Cen-
ter, situated just at the entrance to the Old Town, near to the Royal Castle (Zamkovy
1/3; & 022/635 18 81; www.wcit.waw.pl). The Warsaw city authorities ( & 022/94
31; www.warsawtour.pl) also maintain a helpful network of tourist information agen-
cies at entry points to the city, including the airport, central train station, and Old
Town. You'll almost always find an English speaker on hand to help with general
directions and hotel advice, and provide maps and brochures.
Warszawa Centralna Train Station (May-Sept 8am-8pm; Oct-Apr 9am-6pm)
Frederyk Chopin Airport (May-Sept 8am-8pm; Oct-Apr 9am-6pm)
Krakowskie Przedmie 1 cie 39 (Old Town) (May-Sept 8am-8pm; Oct-Apr
9am-6pm)
Marzurkas Travel (D l uga 8/14; & 022/389-41-83 ) offers daily 3-hour sightsee-
ing trips with pickups from all of the major hotels. The 140 z l ($46/£25) fee per per-
son is steep, but if you've only got a day, it's the best way to cover ground (given the
fact that Warsaw so large and spread out). The tour includes the Old Town and Jew-
ish ghetto area, and finishes up with a rousing church organ concert (but alas no
lunch!)
Warsaw is blessed with a number of English-language publications that include cul-
tural listings, restaurant reviews, and general information. Look out particularly for
the cheeky monthly Warsaw Insider (available at hotels and some restaurants) and very
comprehensive Warsaw in Your Pocket, published every 2 months.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotels here can be frightfully expensive. Warsaw is skewed toward high-end four- and
five-star corporate places—a reflection of the fact that most visitors are here to make
money, not spend it. Nearly all of these are grouped in the skyscraper zone of 2 ród-
mie 1 cie and offer similarly high standards. Try looking for deals on the Internet and
booking in advance. Many hotels slash rates on weekends.
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