Think Paris, but cooler (and cheaper): How to explore Warsaw like a local

In Paris, you wandered along the Seine, browsed the aisles of Galleries Lafayette, savoured meals at café terraces watching the world go by, and stood in awe of Monet’s Water Lilies at the Musée d’Orsay. It was everything you hoped for, maybe even more. But once you’ve visited the big-name cities, you might find yourself looking for something different. A place with character, charm, history, and good food – just without the crowds and clichés. Warsaw could be that place.

Once overlooked, it’s now quietly stepping into the spotlight. For travellers mindful of budget and eager for fresh experiences, Warsaw is an unexpectedly captivating alternative to popular European destinations Singaporeans usually visit, and it might just surprise you!

What Singaporeans will love about Warsaw

A perfect blend of history and modernity

Before World War II, Warsaw was known as “the Paris of the East” thanks to its thriving cultural scene, and refined architecture, with grand palaces and Baroque buildings that echoed the elegance of Paris. Though after being nearly reduced to rubble during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, the city rose from the ashes.

Today, Warsaw is a modern metropolis that blends historic restoration (its Old Town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and contemporary development, with many innovative urban projects. For Singaporean travellers looking for a European destination rich in culture, history, and affordability, Warsaw offers a fresh alternative to the usual hotspots. You will discover a city where timeless elegance meets modern energy, a perfect blend of the familiar and the new.

Delicious and affordable food scene

Polish cuisine is hearty, comforting, and full of flavour – think rich stews, beef tartare, and roasted meats. But Warsaw’s food scene is far from one-dimensional.

In recent years, it has evolved into something much more refined, with a growing number of restaurants, and farm-to-table concepts offering beautifully plated dishes and creative interpretations of traditional recipes, not unlike the sophistication you’d expect in Parisian bistros. One dish Singaporeans might enjoy is the Pierogi, otherwise known as Polish dumplings. Much like dim sum, they come in a variety of flavours and are served boiled, or pan-fried. You’ll find savoury versions filled with pork, duck, cheese, mushrooms, or spinach, and sweet ones with seasonal fruits like strawberries or blackberries, topped with sour cream and sugar.

What makes dining in Warsaw especially appealing is the quality you get for the price. Upscale restaurants serving contemporary Polish cuisine, often in sleek, design-forward spaces, offer tasting menus and wine pairings at a fraction of what you’d pay in Paris or Rome.

Add to that a lively café culture, with artisanal coffee, pastries, and long, relaxed brunches, and you’ve got a city that understands how to eat well. For food-loving Singaporeans, Warsaw offers the perfect mix of indulgence and value.

Luxury shopping experience and beyond

If you love the buzz of luxury shopping in Paris, like Galeries Lafayette or Le Bon Marché, then VITKAC might just hit the spot. This sleek, high-end department store in the heart of Warsaw houses top international names like Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Jacquemus, Dolce & Gabbana, as well as more accessible favourites like GANNI, Lacoste, and more. It’s where Warsaw’s fashion crowd goes for a mix of big labels and fresh finds.

Looking for something with that Parisian flair? Head to Mokotowska Street, a place that’s often compared to Rue Saint-Honoré. Lined with elegant boutiques, this stylish stretch is where Polish designers, artisan jewellers, niche perfumeries, and beauty brands shine. Stop by Maison Sisley for a little skincare indulgence, or browse racks of tailored pieces and luxurious textiles that echo the “quiet luxury” vibe Singaporeans are loving right now. It’s also a creative pocket of the city, where Warsaw’s cool crowd lives, works, and dresses well.

And when you’re ready to recharge, make your way to Bistro Charlotte, a beloved local spot serving fresh, French-inspired breads, pastries, and preserves. Perfect for a mid-day coffee break or a light bite between boutiques.

Safety first (and always)

Let’s face it. Singaporeans are used to feeling safe, and we like not having to clutch our bags in a death grip every time we step into a crowd. As exciting as cities like Paris or Rome are, they can also feel a little chaotic, especially when it comes to pickpockets and petty crime.

That’s what makes Warsaw such a refreshing change. According to the EU’s official statistics agency, Eurostat, Poland ranks among the countries with the lowest crime rates in Europe, and you really feel it when you’re there. Whether you’re strolling through the Old Town at night or hopping on the metro, Warsaw feels calm, clean, and secure. It’s one more reason this underrated capital is such a great choice for your next getaway.

Where to stay in Warsaw

Raffles Europejski - where modernism meets history

Nestled at Krakowskie Przedmieście, Raffles Europejski is right in the heart of the city. Housed in a 19th-century neoclassical building that has long been one of Warsaw’s most iconic landmarks, the hotel is wrapped in contemporary elegance. And if you’re feeling a little homesick? Grab a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar, a familiar drink that will taste just as good.

Hotel Bristol

Compared to the sleek modernism of Raffles, Bristol leans more into classic elegance, where you’ll be transported into a different era. It has hosted royalty, politicians, and artists over the decades, and its Old World charm is very much part of the experience.

Where to eat in Warsaw

Epoka

Epoka is one of Warsaw’s brightest culinary stars, a Michelin-listed gem tucked inside Raffles Europejski that brings Poland’s rich gastronomic history to the table. Each dish on the tasting menu draws inspiration from centuries-old Polish recipes, reimagined with modern finesse, offering a journey through the 17th to 20th centuries, one course at a time.

Restauracja Baczewskich

Restauracja Baczewskich is a vibrant homage to Poland’s interwar glamour, set in a grand neo‑Renaissance palace that remarkably survived WWII. The menu celebrates local authentic flavours: imagine house-smoked meats, freshly baked breads, and homemade sweets alongside traditional soups like Lviv-style borscht and tripe, plus hearty mains such as lamb neck or goose leg. It’s classic Polish cuisine, elevated and refined.

Bibenda

Bibenda is a farm-to-table concept, celebrated for its original, seasonal menu and a lively, communal atmosphere. Located at Nowogrodzka 10, this restaurant has become a favourite hotspot among locals and visitors alike, often drawing queues due to its popularity. While it is not strictly vegetarian, meat appears sparingly, allowing vegetables to shine bright in unique combinations. The food menu is complemented by an impressive selection of natural wines and craft beers. And the best part? You’ll pay just a fraction of what you’d typically spend in Paris’s 8th or 6th arrondissement.