Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is a vibrant city where history, culture, and modern business hubs all seamlessly combine. Warsaw is one of the major economic and cultural centres in Europe offering visitors plenty to do and see, even when visiting for business. This guide will offer tips and guidance to help you balance your professional commitments and any downtime that you might have so that you can make the most of the unique charm, history, and warm Polish hospitality that the city has to offer.
Plan strategically before arrival
The key to any good business trip is preparation so take some time to plan strategically before you travel. Here are a few tips:
- Schedule Wisely – To make the most of your trip, build your itinerary so that in addition to your meetings you have downtime, and leisure activities. Where possible don’t overloading your schedule so you can explore Warsaw without feeling rushed
- Choose a Central Location – Book accommodation that is centrally located or in business districts like Służewiec, Mokotów, or Śródmieście. This will reduce travel time both when arriving in Poland and also getting around. It will also give you better access to restaurants and evening entertainment.
- Learn Basics of Polish – Many locals speak some English but learning a few Polish phrases such as Dzień dobry (Good morning) or Dziękuję (Thank you) will go a long way and enhance your experience.
It is also important to ensure you are well prepared when it comes to your packing. Poland uses Type E plugs so remember to pack a universal adaptor. You should also pack appropriate business attire; Poland is still quite formal in this respect. There are some good travel apps like Jakdojade that you may want to download. They can help you navigate public transport.
Accommodation options
Foreign travel can be full of the unfamiliar so making sure you have a good base is essential. Warsaw has a great range of hotels with something to suit every budget. If you are staying for a longer period of time, or if you would prefer a few home comforts then serviced accommodation is a great option that you should consider. This will give you access to many of the facilities you might expect from a top hotel but with greater freedom and privacy.
Start your day right
Business trips can often involve long days, so it is important to make the best start possible to ensure you can be at your most productive. If you opt for a hotel then a good breakfast will usually be included. If however, you have chosen to stay in a serviced apartment in Warsaw you may wish to avail yourself of the wealth of spots to grab breakfast and coffee that the city has to offer. Here are just a couple to inspire you:
- Hala Koszyki: A trendy food hall near the city centre. There are various cafes serving excellent coffee and pastries.
- Bułkę przez Bibułkę: The place for hearty breakfasts; perfect for a morning boost before your meetings start.
Conduct business in style
The infrastructure in Warsaw is ideal for business travellers. If you are looking for a neutral venue to conduct your meeting there are plenty of modern venues and coworking spaces offering stylish, professional settings:
- Hotel Meeting Rooms: Hotels linked to well-known international chains like InterContinental or Sheraton Grande provide excellent facilities for conferences or meetings.
- Coworking Spaces: On a smaller scale spaces such as Brain Embassy or Mindspace Koszyki are the perfect quiet space to set up a temporary base.
When meeting with Polish business partners, it is important to remember that punctuality and formality are both valued. Business cards are still relatively common so ensure that you carry a supply with you.
A business trip to Warsaw can also serve as an opportunity to network and build relationships. Before you travel, check if there are any networking events or conferences that align with your trip. Warsaw is a popular location for industry-specific events and trade shows.
Remember Poles appreciate polite conversation and are very receptive to those who show an interest in their culture. This can really help to establish a rapport.
Getting around
Warsaw has a transport system that is both efficient and traveller-friendly, this makes navigating the city incredibly easy:
- Metro and Public Transport: The metro, buses, and trams are inexpensive and reliable, making them great options for getting around.
- Taxi Services: Apps like Bolt and Uber are widely used making them convenient for business travellers who are not familiar with the city
- Bikes and Walks: Many central districts are walkable, and for the health conscious there are bike sharing schemes which are easy to use.
Take a break to explore
With so much history and culture if you can make time to explore it will definitely be worth it. A couple of places of note include:
- Old Town (Stare Miasto): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, meticulously reconstructed following World War II offering a stunning blend of charm and history. Visit the Royal Castle or stroll through Market Square.
- Łazienki Park: This serene park features the iconic Chopin Monument and Palace on the Isle.
- Palace of Culture and Science: A symbol of Warsaw, the towering building offers panoramic views of the city from an observation deck.
- Warsaw Uprising Museum: The museum offers a moving account of Warsaw’s Resistance during World War II.
Warsaw also boasts a thriving culinary scene, with everything from traditional Polish fare to modern international cuisine. Dishes to try include pierogi (dumplings), żurek (sour rye soup) and placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes). Warsaw is also home to Poland’s first Michelin star restaurant, Atelier Amaro which offers an innovative twist on Polish ingredients. Don’t discount local markets, they are a great place to sample authentic local flavours. Milk bars are also a popular place to visit.
You will also find plenty of lively bars where you can unwind, many of which are found in the Nowy Świat or Powiśle neighborhoods. Don’t forget to try some Polish Vodka.
Practical tips
- The Zloty is the currency in Poland so do remember to exchange some money before you travel.
- The consumption of alcohol in public spaces is prohibited in Poland so make sure you only consume alcohol in one of the many bars you will find here. Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited and severely punished.
- The Polish peoples may appear to be reserved at first, but they are generally welcoming to visitors, particularly those who have taken time to learn a few basic words of Polish which will go a long way towards breaking the ice, even if you don’t get the pronunciation quite right the effort will still be appreciated.
