City Cents Warsaw
Warsaw-based travel writer Rory Boland blew €100 in the Polish capital. Here’s what he bought…
1 Antique medal
Perhaps the best forget-menot from Poland’s stint under communism, these shiny red medals were awarded to the proletariat, as they toiled in mines, fields and factories. Pick one up at the weekend antiques market in Kolo.€4
2 In Your Pocket city guide
The best city guide in town, In Your Pocket has informed and insightful reviews of Warsaw’s bars, restaurants and cafés, warts and all. Pick one up at Traffic bookstore (25 Ul. Bracka).€1.50
3 Alicia Keys concert ticket
Warsaw’s music fans were once left in the cold, but today the city is a magnet for inspiring acts. Alicia Keys stopped by in October – pick up future tickets at Empik (Zlote Tarasy, 59 Ul. Zlota).€35
4 Zubrówka
Flavoured with real bison grass and once the favoured late-night lubricant for Poland’s royal court, Zubrówka is Poland’s most famous vodka. Perfect just with apple juice, you’ll find it in flashy bars from Madrid to Manchester.€7
5 Under the Red Hog menu
This souvenir menu tells the history of this excellent communist-themed eatery, which local folklore claims is where Poland’s leaders entertained red brethren like Castro and Brezhnev.€6
6 Katyn DVD
This Oscar-nominated movie (2007) by Andrzej Wajda was shot partly in Warsaw, and follows the murder of Polish POWs by the Russians in 1940. Wajda’s own father was one of those killed.€15
7 Poster art
Poland dominates the world of poster art and many of its artists have a cult, worldwide following. The best stuff came out in the 1960s and 1970s. Buy replicas at Wilanów Poster Museum’s shop.€6
8 Kashubian tablecloth
This richly embroidered tablecloth comes from the Kashubians, a distinct ethnic group famed for their needlework. More folk art can be found at Cepelia (8 Chmielna).€15
9 E. Wedel chocolates
E. Wedel is Poland’s answer to Willy Wonka, and his family have been cooking up sublime confections since 1851. Wedel Café is at 8 Ul.Szpitalna.€5
