For pavement facing people watching opportunities, nowhere does it better than our hotlist of faves – from Old Town beer gardens to fancy cocktail dens, these are the places that simply can’t be missed.
For pavement facing people watching opportunities, nowhere does it better than our hotlist of faves – from Old Town beer gardens to fancy cocktail dens, these are the places that simply can’t be missed.
Terrace
Krakowskie Przedmieście 42/44 (Bristol Hotel)
Set on the Royal Route that runs towards Old Town, the Lane’s terrace shields from both the sun and prying passersby courtesy of huge overhead canopies and a phalanx of shoulder-high greenery. Feeling suitably luxurious, visit to enjoy best-in-class cocktails that include the definitive taste of the English summer: Pimm’s. Not just the preserve of hotel guests, the crowd is often young and affluent.
Courtyard
Waryńskiego 9C
Emitting a warm red glow that can be seen from Mars, this Venetian-themed space (think golds and operatic reds) excels at preparing Italian-inspired cocktails that are subtle works of art. With indoor seating severely limited, the summer is a godsend that practically triples capacity. Though the outdoor bit lacks the overt design touches found inside, it’s a fizz of effervescent energy.
Courtyard
Nowy Świat 6/12
Warsaw’s first multitap craft bar can no longer claim to be the city’s most adventurous, but is it the most popular: hell yes! Offering an understandable choice – plus a few mad mavericks – the craft tipples are complemented by on-tap cider and Prosecco. At the weekend, hundreds of people gather to splay on the deckchairs and watch the sun shrinking over General de Gaulle’s statue.
Garden
Kruczkowskiego 15B
Nestled inside the base of one of the pillars that prop up Poniatowski Bridge, Macondo presents the finest of Colombia: crispy empanadas, plantain pancakes and so forth. This isn’t just an eatery though, and the cheerful drinks include party tipples such as pisco sour and passion fruit michelada. As weekend strikes, the party moves outdoors to a fun-filled patio that resounds to Latin tunes.
Garden
Rynek Starego Miasta
Same Krafty dominate the Insider’s Old Town agenda thanks to two scuffed and boisterous craft pubs, and their Tolkienesque Same Fusy tea room. When the weather turns though, it’s the terrace on the north-western corner of the square that becomes the default choice. Watching the sun slope down over the Old Town’s tiled rooftops while accordionists play in the distance is an experience in itself.
