Entertainment in Warsaw
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Centrum Hadlowo-Usłagowe
Dive through the archway at ul Novy Śiwat 26 and you'll discover Centrum Hadlowo-Usłagowe, a collection of bars, eateries and shops in stark contrast to the rapidly modernising face of 21st-century Warsaw. Here tiny drinking holes with names such as Pemek and Windigo fill a T-junction of squat concrete bunkers, attracting a young, bohemian crowd eager to avail of the relaxed vibe and cosy retro furniture.
There's also outdoor seating, but the open-air party moves inside at 22:00 due to city regulations. Lining the stomach is no problem either, with Turkish available from Kafefajka and Antalya, sushi from Besuto, and Asian from Cô tú.
reviewed
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ul Dobra 33/35
Close to the university at ul Dobra 33/35 is a concentration of bars appealing to the city's student population. Here you'll find Aurora, Diuna, and Jadłodajnia Filozoficzna, all housed in what looks like old construction-site offices. Each has its own distinctive musical flavour (live or DJ-supplied), whether it be punk/rock, experimental electronica, or reggae and jazz, but on almost any given night of the week the atmosphere is lively and the beer cheap.
reviewed
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Coffee Karma
Coffee Karma ‘Karma, you nuns and monks, are your intentions’, so the Buddhist saying goes. Few truly religious folk frequent Karma, but at least the café owner’s intentions are pure and simple – thick smoothies, strong coffee and an easygoing air. The intentions of guests are to secure an outdoor table in summer or a low couch behind large bay windows in winter, something that can often prove hard to do.
reviewed
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Fantom
Poland’s longest-running gay club, Fantom has been on the go since 1994 and stages a huge party every Saturday starting at 10pm. It’s a steamy, full-on experience, complete with sauna, Jacuzzi, sex shop and video lounge; the inconspicuous entrance (a black door with ‘Fantom’ stencilled on it) is in the courtyard behind Między Nami.
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Jadłodajnia Filozoficzna
Jadłodajnia Filozoficzna housed in what look like old construction-site offices.It has its own distinctive musical flavour (live or DJ-supplied), whether it be punk/rock, experimental electronica, or reggae and jazz, but on almost any given night of the week the atmosphere is lively and the beer cheap.
reviewed
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Teatr Dramatyczny
Polish theatre has long had a high profile and continues to do so. Warsaw has about 20 theatres, including some of the best in the country. Most theatres close in July and August for their annual holidays. The leading playhouses, all of which lean towards contemporary productions, include Teatr Dramatyczny.
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Teatr Powszechny
Polish theatre has long had a high profile and continues to do so. Warsaw has about 20 theatres, including some of the best in the country. Most theatres close in July and August for their annual holidays. The leading playhouses, all of which lean towards contemporary productions, include Teatr Powszechny.
reviewed
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Teatr Ateneum
Polish theatre has long had a high profile and continues to do so. Warsaw has about 20 theatres, including some of the best in the country. Most theatres close in July and August for their annual holidays. The leading playhouses, all of which lean towards contemporary productions, include Teatr Ateneum .
reviewed
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Enklawa
Red and orange dominates this space with comfy plush seating, mirrored ceilings, two bars and plenty of room to dance. Check out the extensive drinks menu, hit the dance floor or observe the action from a stool on the upper balcony. Wednesday night is 'old school' night, with music from the 70s to 90s.
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Pożegnanie z Afryką
Pożegnanie z Afryką ‘Out of Africa’ is a tiny café offering nothing but coffee – but what coffee! Choose from around 50 varieties, served in a little pot, and a range of tempting cakes. This is the original shop in a chain of about 20 branches scattered around Poland’s major cities.
reviewed
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Filharmonia Narodowa
Home of the world-famous National Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir of Poland, founded in 1901, this venue has a concert hall (enter from ul Sienkiewicza 10) and a chamber-music hall (enter from ul Moniuszki 5), both of which stage regular concerts. The box office entrance is on ul Sienkiewicza.
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Green Coffee
The rich aroma of coffee pervades your senses as you enter this relaxed café on an otherwise nondescript section of Marszałkowska. The coffee is reputedly the best in town, and the food an inviting mix of cakes, quiches, sandwiches and muffins. Service apparently depends on the weather.
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Café Belle Epoque
This atmospheric café is a fairyland of chiffon, velvet and lacy lampshades, crammed with bric-a-brac and dusty antiques – you can buy pretty much anything you see here. An excellent range of speciality teas is accompanied by a menu of cakes, snacks and light meals.
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Między Nami
A mix of bar, restaurant and café, ‘Between You & Me’ attracts a trendy set with its designer furniture, whitewashed walls and excellent vegetarian menu. There’s no sign over the door; look for the Gauloises Blondes awnings.
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Foksal 19
Ultramodern playpen for Warsaw's bright young things. Downstairs is a cool drinking zone with a backlit bar, subdued golden lighting and comfy couches. Upstairs is the nightclub - a blue-lit contemporary space with DJs playing a variety of sounds.
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Chopin Society
The society organises piano recitals in the beautiful auditorium in Ostrogski Palace (also home to the Chopin Museum, p97). Every Sunday from May to September, piano recitals are held at Chopin’s birthplace in Żelazowa Wola.
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Plan B
This small bar squeezed into a stretched attic overlooking Plac Zbawiciela borders on dingy, but the mix of students and young office workers don’t seem to mind. Find some couch space and relax to smooth beats from regular DJs.
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Aurora
Aurora housed in what look like old construction-site offices. It has its own distinctive musical flavour (live or DJ-supplied), but on almost any given night of the week the atmosphere is lively and the beer cheap.
reviewed
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Diuna
Diuna housed in what look like old construction-site offices. It has its own distinctive musical flavour (live or DJ-supplied), but on almost any given night of the week the atmosphere is lively and the beer cheap.
reviewed
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Teatr Wielki
This magnificent neoclassical theatre, dating from 1833 and rebuilt after WWII, is the city’s main stage for opera and ballet, with a repertoire of international classics and works by Polish composers, notably Stanisław Moniuszko.
reviewed
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Teatr Żydowski
The Teatr Żydowski derives its inspiration from Jewish culture and traditions, and some of its productions are performed in Yiddish – Polish and English translations are provided through headphones.
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M25
M25 ‘In Electronica We Trust’ is M25’s motto, and in M25 we trust. This cavernous place has one of the best sound systems in town and is to the fore in dance and cultural events in Warsaw.
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Klub Tygmont
Hosting both local and international acts, the live jazz here is both varied and plentiful. Concerts start around 9pm but it fills up early, so either reserve a table or turn up at opening time (6pm). Dinner is also available.
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Warszawa Opera Kameralna
The Warszawa Opera’s repertoire ranges from medieval mystery plays to contemporary works, but it’s most famous for its performances of Mozart’s operas – the annual Mozart Festival is staged here.
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NoBo
A sumptuous mix of crimson and maroon décor and comfy sofas, all set to a chilled-out backbeat. Whether you’re here to enjoy the fusion menu or an evening with friends, don’t forget those mojitos.
reviewed
