This is Info-Poland's cache of http://www.sarnow.com/poland/TOURISM/warsaw.htm. It's the snapshot that we took of the page when we last activated our link to it. The page may have changed since that time or the link to it may be broken.


The dark face of public and Stalinist housing, the modern face of new skyscrapers and business centres, the charming and romantic face of the old town and of the old restored or rebuilt buildings.



  The first impact with Warsaw may be disappointing for the tourists.
Especially so for those who arrive from Okecie airport: in fact the city appears as long rows of anonymous residence buildings rather grey and gloomy.
You need to keep in mind that Warsaw, which was one of the most lively and cosmopolite cities in Europe before the 2nd World War, was destroyed in 1945 and 90% of it was completely dilapidated.
You can then feel a deep respect and a great admiration for its surviving citizens who have been able to make Warsaw arise again from its ruins like Phoenicia arose from its own ashes.
Sightseeing in the centre of the city will enable you to discover the modern architecture which is rapidly giving the town the face of a city streched towards the future: the business development and the main multinationals have created a sound demand of buidings for offices and commercial enerprises; new modern buildings arose together with steel and glass towers, daring skyscrapers, glowing business and shopping centres.  
  But you will find the best face of Warsaw only if you are able to explore it carefully and discover by yourself that extraordinary loving act that is the reconstruction of the old city besides the old restored buildings and villas here and there, the pre-war architecture miraculously survived, the charm of its parks and gardens, the wide course of the Vistula river, the rich cultural life of this city which is both cosmopolite and provincial at the same time.

Discovering Warsaw:

Charming Warsaw - walking about the old city