The Vistula District

29 May 2022 You won’t find a river like it in any other European capital! The left bank is the place to go for entertainment, delicious food and interesting cultural events, while the right side of the river is a Natura 2000 area – a natural habitat for many breeding species of birds threatened with extinction. The river’s clean and well-maintained beaches also attract not only sports enthusiasts but also people who just like to spend time in a relaxing environment. 

Vistula Boulevards 
The Vistula Boulevards are a friendly space for everyone, including cyclists. The main attractions include viewing platforms, a mini-beach and food pavilions with international cuisine from all around the world. There are also river jetties where you can take a cruise down the Vistula to admire Warsaw’s panorama from a different perspective.

Beaches 
Warsaw’s beaches have been recognized by such respected publications as National Geographic and The Guardian as being among the most beautiful urban beaches in the world. Clean, tidy and well maintained, they have proved a massive hit with locals, visitors and sports enthusiasts alike. 

Culture 
Copernicus Science Centre 
A true paradise for all science buffs, and most definitely not just for the younger members of the family. You can conduct experiments yourself, watch a show in the Heavens of Copernicus Planetarium or visit the High Voltage Theatre. Nearby is the Mermaid statue, the symbol of Warsaw. 

Modern Architecture on the Vistula 
This stretch along the river is home to two unique places. One is Museum on the Vistula – the temporary home of the Museum of Modern Art – which houses exhibitions by Polish and foreign artists. And the second is the multiple award-winning University of Warsaw Library. Be sure to go to the roof garden, which is divided into several sections, each with its own design, colour, smell and mood.

Multimedia Fountain Park 
The Multimedia Fountain Park is located on the left bank of the Vistula, at the foot of the Old Town. During the summer, water shows take place there every afternoon, and on Friday and Saturday evenings there is a stunning laser show combining water, light and sound.

Nightlife 
If you like outdoor fun and live music, head to the Vistula River. Most of the clubs and bars are on the section between the Poniatowski bridge and the Czerniakowski promontory on the Vistula Flotilla Boulevard.   

Sporty Vistula 
Cycling lanes, jogging lanes, harbours – enthusiasts of active leisure on the Vistula River have plenty to choose from! A special fitness trail winds along the “wild” right bank. If you happen to cycle in this neighbourhood, for example, you can use the climbing wall by the Świętokrzyski Bridge, do flatland skimming near the zoo, play volleyball and other things by the Poniatowski Bridge, or try your hand at archery once you reach Gocław.

The left bank of the river is primarily boulevards. On their new central stretch, you can find, among other things, trampolines and spraygrounds. It is well worth stopping at an outdoor gym and a workout zone by the Flotylla Wiślana Boulevard or the Czerniakowski Port, where you can find a volleyball courts. More and more sailing opportunities are opening up all the time.

From May onwards, the river is open both to large vessels, which will take you on an all-day cruise out from the city, as well as traditional wooden boats and kayaks offering hour-long pleasure cruises, e.g. at sunset. Also available are free ferries joining the opposite banks, which can be used for transporting bikes. This coming season will see open-air training sessions of yoga, roller skiing and tai chi.   

For foodies 
Over the past few years Warsaw has undergone a real revolution and become a popular culinary destination. The city has literally filled with eateries – from elegant, starred restaurants to unpretentious bistros and milk bars, where soups, dumplings, tripe soups and cream pies reign supreme. all kinds of culinary events are frequented by many visitors.

On the Vistula Boulevards you will certainly have a great time visiting one of many festivals, food truck events or street food markets, where in a casual atmosphere you can try American burgers, Asian dumplings, pancakes, and desserts in jars.