Warsaw in early spring—a time to relax
Warsaw in March is a unique place where you can feel spring in the air and see how the city comes back to life after the winter, because it is an exceptionally “green capital”. Although this greenery is still not too apparent in early March, it is a great time to play detective and set out “in search of spring”. The European Environment Agency lists Warsaw as one of the top ten most tree-covered capitals in Europe. Almost 40% of Warsaw’s area is green space.
Green Warsaw comes alive… the perfect place to relax
And not necessarily in the height of summer, but in the so-called ‘pre-spring’ it is worth going to places like Skaryszewski Park, which perfectly blends nature, history and art in a way that will delight anyone who visits. Opened at the beginning of the 20th century, it is one of the oldest parks in the capital. Its design, full of nooks, ponds and walkways, is intended to create a space for relaxation, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Today, despite the passage of time, the park still delights with its harmony and tranquillity. At the heart of the park is a picturesque lake with an island that gives the place a unique charm. Walking around the water, you can feel as if you are in a different reality, away from the city’s clamour. In spring, the lake provides a habitat for many species of waterfowl, and the serene atmosphere makes this an ideal spot for walks.
Park Kaskada also has a fascinating history. It was here that King Jan III Sobieski built a palace and two pavilions for his beloved wife, Marysieńka, in the 17th century. The name ‘Kaskada’ (Cascade) comes from the natural fountain that is the park’s main attraction, and being situated on an escarpment gives it a picturesque, hilly character. So while walking along the pathways, you can not only relax in the bosom of nature, but also admire the interesting landscape.
Saska Kępa—a little paradise in a big city—both for the eyes and for the palate
While strolling around Skaryszewski Park, you can visit the nearby Saska Kępa, which is actually part of Warsaw’s Praga Południe district, though it looks more like a resort from the south of France. It is worth paying attention to the area’s unique architecture—villa buildings from the early 20th century are associated among other things with the fashionable notion of the time of creating a ‘garden city’. This part of Warsaw has remained virtually intact and many buildings in the modernist style dating from the 1920s and 1930s have retained their pre-war charm. Walking along streets such as Francuska is a real journey through time. Before World War II, Saska Kępa became home to many artists, writers and painters who gave it a unique character. Saska Kępa is also a real paradise for foodies. Here you will find a wide range of cafés, restaurants and bistros offering a variety of dishes, from traditional Polish cuisine to international flavours. It is a great place to relax with a cup of coffee and a nice cake. One such ‘sweet’ and atmospheric place is the ‘Irena’ patisserie, which has existed since 1937 and is inextricably linked with Saska Kępa.
It is a patisserie where traditional pastries reign supreme, the taste of which would make the best confectionery maestro proud. At 29 Walecznych Street in Saska Kępa, you will find one of the ‘Lukullus’ cake shops, which base their philosophy on three elements of ‘Taste. Beauty. Warsaw.’ Lukullus pastries are real ‘works of art’; the beautiful modern interior design and, above all, the old-world Warsaw tradition, will certainly entice you to visit. If you fancy something less sweet, one of the very interesting modernist 20th century villas houses an unusual and original eatery—‘Bistro Eden’. Interesting interiors, delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes inspired by international cuisine, tranquillity, and a unique atmosphere, plus the chance to eat in a… greenhouse.
Springtime relaxation against a backdrop of art
Contemporary art—it may not seem too inviting, especially when juxtaposed with the word ‘relaxation’ in the same thought. And yet you can relax fully, breathe and wander while visiting the Centre for Contemporary Art at Ujazdowski Castle. The Centre for Contemporary Art collection, curated since 1985, pursues an ambitious goal with great dedication: to present the characteristic features of Polish art of recent decades while emphasising its relationships with key trends and themes in art worldwide. The castle, originally a royal residence, has an impressive Renaissance architecture outside, but its interior hides modern exhibition spaces. It is a unique blend of old and new. The centre is surrounded by beautiful grounds such as Agrykola Park and Royal Łazienki Park. It is the perfect place to stroll among awakening nature after a visit to the art gallery.
Author: Brian Bonini, Warsaw guide
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