 A destination that has only really captured the attention of holiday-makers in recent decades, Warsaw is now one of Europe’s booming metropolises. While many of the city’s treasures were completely destroyed during WWII and the rebuilding of the city was tainted by communist blandness, nowadays the city has many additional modern features, which have enhanced the city’s character.
Situated on both sides of the Wisla River, the most popular places for tourists to stay at include City Centre and Old Town on the western bank, where most of the main sights are located; the eastern bank, known as Praga, predominantly features residential and business areas, which are likely to be of little interest to tourists. Just north of Old Town is New Town, also fast becoming a popular place to stay.
 City Centre is a bustling area with plenty of daily activity, with the opera, theatres, shops and restaurants all featuring in this district; Old Town and New Town are sub divisions of this downtown district. With the exception of the bitterly cold winter months, accommodation in Warsaw tends to fill up quickly and visitors wishing to stay in these central districts are advised to book well in advance, with booking online being the most convenient means of ensuring your accommodation.
Accommodation establishments in Warsaw vary in quality and their facilities, with lodgings of all standards available, from cheap backpacker hostels to luxury five-star hotels. Popular high-end chain hotels such as the Hyatt Regency, Le Royal Meridien, and Sofitel are favourites among those with budgets to match and are all centrally located, while cheaper alternatives in convenient locations can also be enjoyed.
History
 One of Poland’s more modern cities, Warsaw does not share the lengthy history boasted by neighbouring cities such as Kraków and GdaĆ?sk. Developed by the dukes of Mazovia in the 14th century, the city was well protected by fortified walls and the Royal Castle, which can still be seen today. By the early 16th century the last duke died, and with no heir to succeed him, the city came under the control of the king in Kraków. Later the city became a political centre, when, in 1596, the king decided to move the capital from Kraków to Warsaw. While the rest of the country fell into decline during the 18th century, Warsaw prospered and enjoyed rapid cultural and artistic development, while the following century saw the city fall under Russian control until WWI.
Warsaw during the 19th century was characterised by industrialisation and the city became linked to Vienna and St Petersburg by rail. Post WWI saw the city resume its former status as capital of Poland and the population boomed, with about 40 per cent of residents being Jewish. The city was occupied by the Germans during WWII, who created ghettos in the city in order to segregate Jewish residents. The city was heavily damaged during the five year occupation and eventually ordered to be razed to the ground by Hitler, so that when the war came to an end in 1945 with the arrival of Soviet forces, the Russian troops found very little left of the city. The city was rebuilt based on its original design; however, the city’s buildings took on an overwhelming communist appearance characterised by concrete blocks.
The modern day city is fast changing in its appearance, with new structures rapidly altering the skyline. The city now enjoys its status as capital of Poland, which became a member of the European Union in 2004.
Weather
 While Warsaw has a reputation for being seriously chilly in the winter months, it can be pleasantly warm in the summer, from June to August. The summer months are the most popular time to visit, with springtime also being ideal so long as you are prepared to brave cooler temperatures and winds. Early autumn, from September to November, is also a good time to visit, where sunny days are common as well as some damp and foggy weather.
Most travellers are not brave enough to visit during the winter season from December to February, when heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures (often below -15°C) are common. If you do come to Warsaw during this season, come prepared with substantial warm clothing.
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