Long considered one of Europe’s most underrated cities, Warsaw has more to offer than you might guess. Criticized for its areas of less than imaginative Communist architecture, the city is now home to a vibrant cultural scene and nightlife.

The very fact that Warsaw still stands today is incredible when you consider its troubled history. By the end of World War II, the majority of the city had been destroyed. Once home to a large Jewish popluation, the Holocaust would erase almost all traces of their heritage from the city.

Under the communists of the post-war years, parts of Warsaw were recreated in their old image, including the historic center of Old Town. Somewhat ironically, many of the new buildings were closer to the city's original architecture than they were before the destruction. The feat was mpressive enough to earn this district a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Split by the Wisla (Vistula River), most of Warsaw's attractions are on the left bank, while the right bank contains the increasingly fashionable Praga district.

The famous ‘Royal Route’ is the touristic center, running from New to Old Town. Nearby one can find the fashionable shops of Nowy Swiat, the palaces and the royal gardens of Lazienki Park, and Wilanow Palace to the south of the city centre.

A city of charming images, you can see locals at cafes, outdoor concerts in the summertime and boats gently floating along the river. The city's many bars and clubs are also a source of great excitement. The days of Communist gray are long gone: Warsaw is very much a city of the present.