Warsaw's nightlife is one of the best in Eastern Europe, with a multitude of bars and clubs scattered across the city. The 'hipper' places are either truly worth visiting or too full of bravado, velvet ropes and bouncers. Posing comes in high doses in many places, so be prepared to see lots of well- (and/or barely) dressed women, with men in shirts and shoes. Big name DJs do make their way to Warsaw, and in the summer, many nightspots offer outdoor drinking areas. A good source of information on cafés, pubs and clubs in Warsaw is the monthly Warsaw Insider (www.warsawinsider.pl).
Warsaw is paradise for culture vultures. In terms of classical music, the National Philharmonic and National Opera, both based here, are the country's most celebrated. And several of the best known theatres in the country are in Warsaw.
The Warsaw Tourist Office has a useful weekly and annual online calendar of cultural events (www.warsawtour.pl). The English-language Warsaw Voice (www.warsawvoice.pl) includes a weekly listing of events, as does the monthly Warsaw Insider magazine (www.warsawinsider.pl).
In addition to the venues themselves, you can buy tickets at Eventim, Aleje Jerozolimskie 25 (tel: +48 22 591 8383; www.eventim.pl), and at EMPiK, Ulica Nowy Swiat 15/17 (tel: 022 462 7250; www.empik.com).
Bars in Warsaw
Level 27 Bar and Club
With a stunning panoramic view of Warsaw you won’t regret staying here until dawn to watch the Sun rise over the city. Level 27 is a rooftop club located in central Warsaw with a retractable roof. Make sure to go in summer, when you can truly party under the stars.
Address: , Aleje Jerozolimskie 123A , Warsaw, 02-017Telephone: +48 7 3366 1094.
Website: http://www.level27.pl/en/
Plan B
In the southern reaches of Warsaw, Plan B attracts a young, studenty crowd with regular DJs and a bohemian air. It’s most pleasant in the warmer months when the crowd makes for the outdoors and the party takes over nearby Plac Zbawiciela, a nearby circular square that was the setting for Krzysztof Krauze's 2006 film of that name.
Address: , Aleje Wyzwolenia 18, Warsaw, 00-570Telephone: +48 503 116 154.
Podwale Bar and Books
An offshoot of the legendary New York cigar and whiskey bar, this sophisticated joint is set in a historic building just off Old Town Square. The British colonial-style decor is all dim lighting and dark wood furnishings, and there's a fine cocktail and premium whisky selection (along with some bar snacks). Watch out for regular live music and burlesque shows. Decent ventilation keeps the smoke from cigar smokers manageable, but if you're sensitive to it you may find it a bit much.
Address: , Waski Dunaj 20, Warsaw, 00-256Telephone: +48 225 599 199.
Website: http://www.barandbooks.cz
Polyester Cafe
One of the hippest drinking holes within striking distance of the Old Town, this is the place to come for everything from fancy cocktails to the full range of coffees. Retro furnishings attract a motley crowd and snacks and light meals are served till the wee hours.
Address: , Ulica Freta 49/51, Warsaw, 00-227Telephone: +48 733 464 600.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Polyester-Cafe-112279168832929
Same Krafty
If you’re a fan of craft beer and in Warsaw then Same Crafty is a must. This bar/pub offers one of Warsaw’s largest verities of craft beer and when asked the staff are happy to let you sample a beer before you buy. Located in Warsaw’s Old Town, just west of the Vistula River there are some great sights to match the atmosphere.
Address: , Nowomiejska 10 , Warsaw, 00-271Telephone: +48 793 802 523
Website: https://www.facebook.com/samekrafty
Clubs in Warsaw
Luztro The Home Club
As varied as the bar scene, the late night Warsaw clubs cater to the commercial music lovers, kitsch 1970s and 80s evenings, as well as hardcore electronica and trance. Popular with the crowds and gay-friendly, Luzztro hosts top DJs and is best on weekends, though you can drink here well before the bewitching hour and during the week too.
Address: , Aleje Jerozolimskie 6, Warsaw, 00-001Telephone:
Website: http://www.luztro.pl
The View
This rooftop bar and club on two levels has to be the city's most exclusive venue, offering VIP service, top-notch local and international DJs and panoramic views of the city. Arrive before 10pm to avoid the queues.
Address: , Ulica Twarda 18, Warsaw, 00-105Telephone: +48 663 971 942.
Website: http://www.theview.pl
Live music in Warsaw
12on14 Jazz Club
Regular concerts here feature top international jazz performers as well as local performers. The setting is sophisticated and the acoustics superb. Check the website for upcoming performances.
Address: , Ulica Noakowskiego 16, Warsaw, 00-666Telephone: +48 22 635 4949.
Website: http://12on14club.com
Klub Proxima
The vast Klub Proxima is one of the most fashionable venues in Warsaw for live local and national rock performances and lesser-known foreign bands. Of course even the great and the good have to relax sometimes and Proxima has been known to host the occasional karaoke night. Steer clear unless you’re into it.
Address: , Ulica Zwirki i Wigury 99a, Warsaw, 02-089Telephone: +48 22 822 3003.
Website: http://klubproxima.com.pl
Stodoła
This barn (the meaning of its name) of a place has been a popular student club for decades – well before the change of regime in 1989. In fact it once served as the cafeteria for workers building the Palace of Culture and Science. It hosts events, club nights and touring bands both local and national.
Address: , Ulica Batorego 10, Warsaw, 02-591Telephone: +48 22 825 6031.
Website: http://www.stodola.pl
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