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Nocny Market

Nocny Market brings together dozens of food vendors to form a patchwork of uber cool traders and hip little stands. But more than just an ultra-fun collection of ethnic cook-up spots, the Nocny Market has become the place to get tattooed in front of hollering strangers, stock up on artisan donuts, swag some crazy-patterned Warsaw-themed socks, get the whiskers waxed or simply boogie on down to side-burned DJs rescued from the Lost Years of Hipster. That this happens on a disused train platform lit by funky strips of neon lends this weekend market-party a unique energy.

Postępu 5

Poniatówka

Of Warsaw’s clutch of river-side bathing spots, then Poniatówka at the base of Poniatowski Bridge is easily the city’s fave – you know summer has officially started from the first moment you cross the bridge by tram and see hundreds of sunbathers dotted down below. Sitting practically in the shadow of the National Stadium, bringing a bag of beers here and watching the sun dip down is a local rite of passage.

Poznańska

Exciting things are happening in the office district more commonly known as Mordor, and by in large they’re happening in Postępu 5. Set around rows of disused garages, these have been infilled by a selection of vendors and food outlets that represent a radiant burst of light for the office droids more familiar with cellophane wrapped sandwiches and ready meals. And beyond good food, it’s become a place in which to gather in and savour.

Lined with pre-war tenements – some still bearing the scars of battle, and other buffed and beautified to their original best – the city’s south-central fragment has flourished over the last decade. The social radar beeps loudest on Poznańska where you’ll find a fleet of vibrant hangouts operating alongside artisanal stores selling hats and brushes, antique galleries and art studios. Highlights are many and include the 80s-themed VHS (say hi to The Hoff in the toilet), Tel Aviv, the evergreen Beirut-Kraken and late night San Escobar. With the party often carrying onto the street, it’s summertime Warsaw at its best.

Elektrownia Powiśle

Acting as a natural buffer between the riverfront and the rest of Powiśle, Elektrownia’s biggest advantage is its proximity to the water. Just steps away from both the metro and the Copernicus Science Centre, this makes it a natural gathering spot – outside, that means taking a place on the immaculate lawn by the front with the fountain tinkling away. The back, too, has also been opened up to feature an array of shaded seating as well as rooftop perches crowning the plush Dock 19.

Browary Warszawskie

Browary has utilised the surviving elements of the 19th century Haberbusch & Schiele brewery and set them against a backdrop of freshly mapped streets and fresh new build that feel contextually suited to the area. Assuming the feel of a swanky micro-district, this feeling runs particularly high around the woonerf that runs through the development, as well as a sunken plaza that finds itself framed by the Food Hall, a flagship brewpub and various other F&B points. Decked with greenery, and featuring a towering brick archway that affords protection from summer downpours, it’s simply a stunning space to enjoy.

Gatsby

Elektrownia Powiśle

Evoking the decadent spirit of the Roaring Twenties, it’s not just the drinks of Urszula Trochimiak and Karol Rychlewic that have impressed, but also a program of events that include jam sessions, jazz concerts, DJ sets and weekly English comedy nights. Set in an atmospheric basement, they’re also rolling out Gatsby Rooftop in time for July – more next issue!

Zaremba

Nowogrodzka 15

Black and white photos referencing the history of this former gentleman’s atelier gaze from the walls onto a compact interior heaving with brass, terrazzo and blue velvet finishes. A café by day, come evening Zaremba moves into cocktail territory with sophisticated drinks crafted from premium components. Overlooking the corner of lively Nowogrodzka, the wooden deck affords prime people watching opportunities.

Republica San Escobar

Poznańska 7

Run by the maverick Funky Fluid brewery, San Escobar feels like the odd one out on this list – lacking airs and graces, it’s a place where fun rules the roost. Tiny in size, find an interior filled with corrugated iron sheets, zappy neons, chunky woods and bike pedals on the footrests. The fun-loving spirits is irresistible, and the tight dimensions mean the party often spills onto the terrace outside.

Moxo

Norblin Factory

Many will remember 2023 as the year Warsaw fell back in love with the luxury lifestyle. Of the upscale openings, none made a bigger splash than the bar-club crossover MOXO, an exclusive space featuring Poland’s tallest bar (12 metres!), Nikkei cuisine, and a stringent door policy aimed at keeping the riff raff at bay.

Grace

Krucza 16/22

Split into different areas, each with its own dark and voluptuous colour scheme, the sensual, velvety Grace mixes an air of 80s excess with a design that verges on bordello chic. Operating as a late night cocktail spot, the drinks are highly affordable despite the premium clientele.