Should you add it to your list?

There are so many fascinating places to see all around the world especially for those who are not shy of trying the new things and meeting new people. Every time I travel to Europe, Poland remains within a "must see" category on my list; not because it is dear to my heart, but because it is a true definition of how a consistency in the innovative approach transforms things while respecting and preserving the historical aspects of its foundation. The city of Warsaw has gone through an amazing transformation and rebuilt. Once considered a home to over a million people, it became almost entirely destroyed at the end of World War II in 1945. Now it is back to its old glory with a little over 1.86?million residents and the highest number of skyscrapers amongst all European metropolitan areas.

There are undoubtedly several cities in Poland that have been rapidly developing through centuries, but the largest city of Poland is worth a special mention here. Warsaw- also labelled as a "student city" went through a huge transformation and looks nothing like it was about two decades ago when I was a student there myself. But, why do I say this? I have seen the transformation process first hand with city changing so much every year. It is the place that keeps evolving. Buildings once destroyed continue to be restored to its glory, new ones that are quite modern are going up every day, and despite all of the above, the historical importance of this city continues to be kept alive so well. You can see more foreigners who therefore help creating more diversity, more cultural mix making people more inclusive to the needs of others. All of it gives a good sense of new purpose to this place and its people that is so unique. In other words: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion served all in one. And that is huge for a place with such a history.

Despite lots of developers coming in and taking space to fit high-risers wherever possible, almost half of the city remains green (over 20,000 hectares) with an access to as many as over 90 parks with playgrounds, ponds, trails, etc. People enjoy spending time outdoors, as the green areas/parks offer many forms of recreation, from bike trails, live music concerts, outdoor exhibits through the simplest form such as walking or just indulging the open atmosphere, in general. You will surely find plenty to do there.

You can start a conversation with a foreigner anywhere as hearing other languages than Polish is not something out of ordinary in the city any more. Migration trends caused the city to open up it's heart to all and look at diversity quite differently than years ago. I am sure many would agree with me if I say that Poles really needed this to break the stereotypes built round them (and they still have a lot of work to be done ahead of them).

Did you know that there are 66 Universities with their headquarters in the Capital city of Poland and most of these educational facilities offer dormitories (which makes about 80 halls of residence in total). Quite impressive, right? Students are what makes this city so unique. Warsaw also has one of the largest rooftop gardens in Europe which is located on the top of the Warsaw University Library. (A must see for anyone when in Warsaw for sure!)

Tradition combined with modernity also seems to be the theme for Warsaw nowadays. With easy way to get around using public transportation urban nightlife is nothing but shy from entertainment. This city offers one of a kind experience that is so different from other places such as Krakow or Gdansk, for example.

I strongly encourage those who plan on visiting Poland to spend some time in Warsaw, as the raw history of this city will help you understand the charm around the Capital and the importance of preserving as much as possible of "the old" while working on adding "the new" that complements the old to the landscape of Warsaw.