The Austrian Cultural Institute sponsors many fine events. A few of them are held at the institute itself, while others (that require a larger space) are held in one of Warsaw's many acoustically excellent churches (often sw.Anny or sw.Brata Alberta). Concerts tend to feature Austrian performers or Austrian music. Typical programs are music by Handel, Mozart, Haydn and so on, but sometimes the music will be relatively little known.
Checkered and flourishing, the buyer's market on Hoża Street is an accurate reflection of the neighborhood's demographics. Worn-out buildings rub shoulders with newly renovated structures that reflect the historic quality and architectural conventions of the area and make the street a lovely place to stroll and either window shop, dine or enjoy a contemporary art exhibit. If you're in the gallery-hopping mood, visit Raster Art Gallery (at number 42/8) or Galeria Leto (at number 9) for new Polish artists displaying their eclectic works of art. The street also boasts a fine selection of small clothes and shoe shops, antique and second-hand bookstores, modern furnishing stores, plus a significant number of locally-owned specialty shops. - Anna J. Kutor
Teatr Ateneum features fine actors and commercial plays. Many of the plays are successful foreign dramas which are translated into Polish; for example, "The Dresser" or "Tea With Stalin". Some of Poland's most famous actors appear here, to boot. Also featured at the theater are cabaret and musical performances by renowned artists and groups. Tickets can be bought in advance from the theater's box office.
While cash-splashing tourists flock to Nowy Swiat, Warsaw's chief commercial promenade, penny-pinching travelers and local artsy-types head straight for Zabkowska Street in the heart of the budding Praga precinct. This pleasant street retains its old-world bohemian aura and features in the several family-owned stores, hairdressing salons and interior decoration shops. While producing massive quantities of the infamous sultry spirit, the bare-brick neo-gothic Koneser Vodka Distillery, about half way up the street at number 27/31, is also home to a photography-centric Luksfera Gallery and the design boutique Magazyn Praga. Grab your caffeine fix at Łysy Pingwin (The Bald Penguin) or W Oparach Absurdu (literally "In the Vapours of the Absurd"). - Anna J. Kutor
Populated with fashionable restaurants and bars, décor boutiques, the top-end Rialto Hotel, clothing stores and family-owned shops selling handmade treasures and unique gifts, Ulica Wilcza is a central, compact shopping and dining destination. Starting at the heart of embassy-land, the street stretches straight for one kilometer (about half a mile), making it clear and easy to navigate. It's an eclectic yet stylish sort of street that embodies the changing dynamic and vigor of the capital, where people wander about from bookstores to sushi spots or a massage salon to a hot club in funky-fancy clothing. Don't miss the two most artfully lovely locations: the café-bookstore combo Numery Litery (at number 26) and the seductive Nobo Bar & Lounge (at number 58a). - Anna J. Kutor
Named after Countess Emilia Plater, a 19th-century Polish-Lithuanian national hero and revolutionary, this street exudes a mixture of historic and creatively modern ambiance. Warsaw's most popular high-end hotels (The Intercontinental and the Warsaw Marriott Hotel), newest and glitziest shopping center (Zlote Tarasy) and architectural icon (Palace of Culture) all reside on this kilometer-long stretch. Beyond the recognizable brands like Marks & Spencer, Zara, Hugo Boss and Swarovski that fill the levels at Zlote Tarasy, there are also numerous low-key and affordable fashion-forward boutiques, antiques, gift shops and home design outlets sprinkled throughout the street. For a light lunch or a head-spinning cocktail, stop in at Clubistro Sofa (at number 28) or at the Indian-themed Mandala Klub (at number 9/11). - Anna J. Kutor
Opera lovers pay heed: Poland's Grand Opera, the Teatr Wielki, knows how to put on a show. Performances are always elaborate and sometimes over-the-top huge. Among favorite performances are Zorba the Greek with full choir accompaniment, La Traviata and a fabulous Nabucco. Set designs have been known to be so elaborate that the audience applauds spontaneously upon seeing them! This is definitely a fine night out. Proper dress is recommended.
The Zacheta gallery was built in 1900 as the headquarters for the Warsaw Fine Arts Society, who were active in promoting and popularizing Polish talent. The building was designed by Stefan Szyller and its architecture is predominantly Renaissance with Classical elements. Originally, only part of the design was actually finished, but in 1998 a new wing was added. During the Second World War, the gallery's collection was sent to the National Gallery for safe keeping, but it was never returned and the Zacheta now hosts high quality temporary contemporary art exhibitions.
The Austrian Cultural Institute sponsors many fine events. A few of them are held at the institute itself, while others (that require a larger space) are held in one of Warsaw's many acoustically excellent churches (often sw.Anny or sw.Brata Alberta). Concerts tend to feature Austrian performers or Austrian music. Typical programs are music by Handel, Mozart, Haydn and so on, but sometimes the music will be relatively little known.
Teatr Muzyczny Roma seems to have found the formula for success: mix popularity with excellent content and the result is a successful challenge to even the National Opera. The theater presents everything from opera to musicals to contemporary concerts and any other performance that seems to fit. For the epic production of Peter Pan, the set designers created one of the most elaborate stage sets in Polish theater history. The building has recently been renovated, giving it a classy edge with an elegant flair.
Checkered and flourishing, the buyer's market on Hoża Street is an accurate reflection of the neighborhood's demographics. Worn-out buildings rub shoulders with newly renovated structures that reflect the historic quality and architectural conventions of the area and make the street a lovely place to stroll and either window shop, dine or enjoy a contemporary art exhibit. If you're in the gallery-hopping mood, visit Raster Art Gallery (at number 42/8) or Galeria Leto (at number 9) for new Polish artists displaying their eclectic works of art. The street also boasts a fine selection of small clothes and shoe shops, antique and second-hand bookstores, modern furnishing stores, plus a significant number of locally-owned specialty shops. - Anna J. Kutor
Teatr Ateneum features fine actors and commercial plays. Many of the plays are successful foreign dramas which are translated into Polish; for example, "The Dresser" or "Tea With Stalin". Some of Poland's most famous actors appear here, to boot. Also featured at the theater are cabaret and musical performances by renowned artists and groups. Tickets can be bought in advance from the theater's box office.