My New Favorite Neighborhood in Warsaw (I Did NOT Expect This) 🇵🇱

Today, I met up with my friend Aleksander, a Warsaw native and a guide. Together, we set out to explore a really interesting, artistic and diverse neighborhood on the northern edge of the city.
As someone who had been exploring Warsaw extensively, I thought that I had seen it all. However, this neighborhood was truly unique and interesting with a particular "artistic" vibe about it. I will be returning.

[@planetjames95]

Huge shoutout to Aleksander for showing us this amazing neighborhood!

[@BM-ur4je]

Absolutnie ! Czołem P. Aleksandrze i wielkie dzięki za 'oświecanie' inostrancow którym dzięki zainteresowaniu się Polską promują ją w języku angielskim. Kanadyjka z. Toronto.

[@annabanana5057]

He’s great!

[@macias15]

"Pay attention to the details - you've got benches, you even have a place to throw away the trash" - James makes an impression of a kid visiting Disneyland :)

[@Liebgott23]

Great episode. I am from Warsaw and I must admit that Aleksander has a great knowledge of Warsaw!

[@marekkwapisiewicz2675]

In Cracow there is also a part of town called Bielany - due to the same reason. Bielany can be translated as 'spot of the white' - as both Bielany were built as monasteries of cameldoli monks who wear white ropes. These nice tiny houses were their cells because cameldoli live as hermits and they limit contact and talks with the other brethren to necessary minimum - each of monks has his own tiny house (with tiny garden) where spends most of days for prayer (8 hours a day), work (8 hours) and rest (also 8 hours). I don't think Warsaw Bielany are still occupied by the cameldoli, but those in Cracow do, the monks still live there.

[@marianpazdziaoch7509]

Zapiekanka, nice, i go check it. Thanks James/ Aleksander

[@AndrzejewskaAnna]

If you go just outside of Warsaw in north-west direction you will get to Kampinos National Park. It is second biggest National Park in Poland. There are mostly forests and meadows, forested dunes and wetlands. There is wild nature and if you are lucky you may meet there not only wild boar but also moose (elk) or wolf and many other wild species. These is really something special for Warsaw since only few capitol cities in the world are neighboring with National Park. To get there you have to go to last metro station - Młociny and then take normal city bus no. 210 to Truskaw. It is only about 40 minutes’ drive. In the national park you are allowed to walk only on marked waking trails but there are hundreds kilometers of them.

[@planetjames95]

Awesome!

[@anetabo9300]

@@planetjames95when you reach the upper mentioned Truskaw, you will find the restaurant Dziupla with superdelicious food 😋😋😋

[@pamelajaye]

watch out for the moose. A friend of mine in Colorado got run into by one last week. She ended up on the news. So it's still not commonplace. But she was planning on running a race the next day and she was too bruised. she's fine now. No more bruises.

[@monikakacprzak4721]

We have in Warsaw even managment for "Lasy Miejskie Warszawy” (Forest of Warsaw) and 2 quite big forests: Las Bielański (when you were) and Las Kabacki (it starts at Metro Kabaty). Warsaw is surrounded by forests (except west side) .

[@monikakacprzak4721]

And the wildest is Puszcza Kampinoska in the north (one of the biggest national park in Poland). City transport from Metro Młociny to Truskaw or Izabelin. But beware of mosquitos and other insects...

[@quant2011]

during the plandemic in 2020 polish gov (loved by its people) banned entry to the forrests. You could not walk only by yourself in the forrests. Communist mentality is still alive there.

[@marski2629]

Hi James. Thanks for a great tour. Your polish pronunciation is getting incredibly good 👍

[@planetjames95]

Thank you!

[@MrTommys4]

Super odcinek poznałeś spoko gościa fajnie Ci pokazał okolice. Pozdrawiam

[@natalia001]

Nice expedition! Different face of Warsaw. Oh yes, Kora, she was an icon and still is. On for a million.

[@Vetiver999]

Very cool tour ☀️!!! I would like to watch more episodes with your guide 🙂

[@radiozelaza]

Stanislaw Staszic is very important for my region, Świętokrzyskie. He basically brought modern industry there in early 19th century.

[@alh6255]

Also, he opened the first technology university in Poland (in Kielce, the capital of Świętokrzyskie region), mainly focused on mining, and metallurgy

[@davidmoser3535]

James great video as always. Now you are on BABY WATCH. GOOD LUCK TO ALL 3 OF YOU

[@planetjames95]

Thanks David

[@elfeintwentyfives1620]

@@planetjames95 you should visit wola...and take a look at it some of western neighborhoods still have old houses and depending where you go you can walk 200 meters in one direction you will find places to eat enjoy music go to movies joy small bars and small stores...but if you want to see some weird places there go and take a walk along lustrzana by school 30 6and start from there but ui must know this it is a unique street especially the trees and as far as i know they grow no where else trees are from maple family and as far as i remember they are never trimmed and still grow only one way...round also if you go toward siemiatycka there are few places you may want to take a look at especially open spaces with two sledding hills and little tree islands you may find wild apple trees black cherries and walnuts if you head a bit north to czlohowska there is a old style communist era hala or shopping center. also czlohowska and dzewortynikow(?) there is one of a kind place you will love since you do have a sweet tooth rurki i lody place just ask any one they will tell you where it is...have fun ohh and visit a church not to far from there Kościół pw. Podwyższenia Krzyża Świętego church was build in 70s but design is so contemporary that folks say that it must had been build less than 5 years or so when they see it for first time...

[@elfeintwentyfives1620]

ohhh forgot to tell you that church is hegehog heaven there was not a day i did not come across one when i was a kid

[@pamelajaye]

That sounds so cute! hedgehogs.

[@TomaszJakubKusienicki]

If you ever decide to visit Vienna feel free to let me know, I would love to show you the city and maybe talk how it compares to Polish cities.

[@TomaszJakubKusienicki]

​@Jessy Mustard I am a bit too young to know how was to live in any of those major cities in 90's but since 2008 I lived for 4 years in Wrocław, 8 years in Kraków and after that I have moved to Vienna and I have been living in here for 2 years already. I still love those Polish cities but for me nothing can compare to Vienna, it's majestic beauty and the quality of life here.

[@nataliawagner3368]

Wow finally you visited Bielany. It is my neighborhood( not quite that part but still close) and I was waiting for you to visit it. About Bielany it is quite far from city centre but with Metro it got better and bielany definitely has some pros. It is greener than most areas and has that city within the city feel to it. The retro shop you visited is the nearest shop from my mother's workplace and kinda cool to see you guys being there. Also it is fun to see someone explore areas that are near you that you haven't seen like for me when you were walking those small streets on Stare Bielany that I've never been to living in Bielany for more than 20 years. Definitely it's time for me to go for a walk some time and explore my lovely Bielany.

[@agnieszkakowalska7564]

Hi Mr Nice Balconies! 😃🍀❤ Going into forests, esp. Kampinos better be prepared against ticks and mosquitos. I'm watching your channel for a while, it is funny. I could help you understand Warsaw a little bit more, under the surface. We can make an appointment at your favourite Grzybowski square. Let me know, if you are interested ☺

[@pamelajaye]

Ooh! That was louder than my previous ooh! I was about to say that you would be happy with the coffee shop when Aleksander mentioned the old shop. (thanks to him by the way!)

[@yakeosicki8965]

In the heart of Warsaw you will find a small village. Enter the name Jazdów.

[@planetjames95]

Thank you 🙏

[@emes1501]

@@planetjames95 And if you're already on the topic of small villages in the center of Warsaw find and visit Osiedle Przyjaźń (Bemowo district), really worth. It's worth getting acquainted with the history of this surprising estate (actually a settlement)

[@quant2011]

Charming place. Probably because it was designed by a Finnish guy , not some communist, like 99% of Warsaw

[@yakeosicki8965]

@@quant2011 Coś słyszałeś ale nie masz zielonego pojęcia. To osiedle jak i osiedle Przyjaźń na Jelonkach postawili sowieci! Po pierwsze, to były domki fińskie (trybut wojenny dla ZSRR z Finlandii) Osiedle zaprojektowała, królowa Bona, bo cały zarys osiedla nakłada się na zarys ogrodu królowej Bony.

[@Schulstand]

Oh man, I was in that shop and never knew all that

[@ea6398]

You have to come to Konstancin the most expensive area of Warsaw

[@gryglakk]

Another great video James. I've been to Bielany a few times but not enough to know all the cool spots to check out but you had a great guide. :) If you ever want a tour of Powiśle/Solec hit me up man, I'd be more than happy to show you around!

[@pamelajaye]

It makes me think of The Secret Garden. I never saw the movie but I read the book. With the houses with the red roofs there and all of the greenery over the walls.

[@beverlypearson5332]

I haven’t seen the lovely Marina for a while. Is she well? Hopefully just getting ready for the new baby. I enjoyed this video with your friend. It looked like you were walking in a story book.

[@planetjames95]

Thank you Beverly!

[@ThaddeusPL]

You will never feel 70-90 Poland if u dont get Pepsi in 1L bottles :)

[@radiozelaza]

Geez, I'm also in a non-alcoholic beer mood lately. Something must be in the air...

[@pamelajaye]

That was awesome!

[@alh6255]

You have a great guide, another episode with him and another very interesting one

[@BM-ur4je]

....and I certainly hope he is getting some of the KZbin earnings !

[@aven7gg213]

When i saw this store i felt like im 4 again

[@sgebert]

Great episode! Ive been waiting for you to Discovery Bielany:) if peace and quiet is what youre looking for, its probably the best district of the affordable ones.

[@tripledsm3195]

Forest of Bielany is really impressive, this is worth it to visit Warsaw's woods when visiting the city :)

[@przewoz83]

On the eastern side of Warsaw (Wawer district, and more precisely Warsaw Międzylesie) we have a wilder forest: Mazowiecki Park Krajobrazowy with marshes (Macierowe Bagno) and small lakes. It is also a popular destination for hiking and biking tours. Actually all of Wawer, Międzylesie, Anin are estates in forests :)

[@ligeatkwong-jedrzejczak1499]

Nice video. Explore Muranow, Nowolipki area, near where you live.

[@aakash672000]

Welcome to the Donkey's world... in the woods. Happy days.

[@ukaszlotek3380]

go by metro to the south and visit Las Kabacki. Big Forest in Warsaw

[@supreme3376]

Kabacki National forrest

[@alinamaria7176]

While summer lasts, come to Wawer, it is the biggest Warsaw district, yet the least populated due to huge amount of nature. Forests (huge amount of landscape parks, like Mazowiecki Park Krajobrazowy), south-east bank of the Wisła river with lots of nature reserves like Wyspy Zawadowskie, cool wild beaches and countles bike and tourist trails. It has got enormous diversity of wild animals that you can meet radomly: mooses, deers, boars, foxes, beavers (near the river), weasels and countles kind of birds. When the child will be born I'm sure you would love Helenów- mini zoo in the middle of the forest with fun animals (like mini kangaroos, alpacas, horses, sheeps, goats, rabbits, hens, ducks etc) and lovely park with small lake, outside gym and playgrounds, compeletly free of charge and open every single day. I live here all my life so am not objective but I hear from the people from different districts that it is a great place to recharge and taste different kind of Warsaw than more centric areas ;)

[@rhalfik]

I waited 11 minutes but it was worth it. 11:16

[@pamelajaye]

Martin is on balcony watch :-) (Those windows are really something, though)

[@mariostepien4526]

dobre wideo, dzięki

[@nicetryazzh0le]

4:30 It's always good to listen to a wise people. Donkey thought the same thats why he was behind you Guys ;)

[@planetjames95]

😆

[@tjblues01]

Hey James. I wanted to share with you a little tiny poem which perfectly fits your fetish for balconies 😀 There is also a song with this lyrics by *Grzegorz Turnau* . You can find it on YT... Hope you'll have fun with translating it to English or Ukrainian. So lets go: *Brzechwa Jan - **_Na ulicy Słowiczej_* Na ulicy Słowiczej, na ulicy zmyślonej Nie ma wcale kamienic, tylko *same balkony.* Pozawieszał je nigdyś na pozornych zawiasach Obłąkany architekt, który nie żył w tych czasach. Nikt z przechodniów nie dotarł do zmyślonej ulicy; Unikają jej szklarze i wędrowni muzycy, Tylko księżyc zarzuca na *balkony* swą pełnię I przepływa bez cienia, niewidzialny zupełnie. *Na balkonach są róże,* a na różach słowiki; Róże mdleją po nocach od słowiczej muzyki, I to wszystko się dzieje, jakby działo się we śnie, A zarazem istniało poza snem jednocześnie. I odróżnić nie sposób mgły od snu, co tak ściśle Mgłą się staje jak dotąd w żadnym innym zamyśle. A ty błąkasz się nocą po ulicy Słowiczej Pełna westchnień tłumionych i niewiernych słodyczy, I ku górze wyciągasz przezroczyste swe dłonie, Bym ukazał się tobie na zmyślonym balkonie. cheers! 🥂

[@pamelajaye]

A lot of the times when you look at something and say look at those buildings! I'm like yeah those are nice. But right now I'm going "Ooh!" (I should have looked at the timestamp.)

[@quant2011]

Next time, go to Park Szczesliwicki , Ochota district. Go around the entire park. The other cool little spot is Berezynska street in Saska Kepa.

[@sallowdesertwalker8085]

Summer is coming, time to see the "domki letniskowe" in Russian " dachas" . Z mojej strony aglomeracji polecam dolinę rzeki Liwiec . Miejscowość Urle ( trasa kolejowa Warszawa Wileńska - Małkinia) i dalej do ujścia. Rzeka jest płytka, woda ciepła, a dno pokrywa żółty piasek, idealna do peelingu stóp:)

[@magdalenawiszniewska2825]

That moment when i know u gonna pass my vet for a change:) on my fav street.

[@andysm1964]

Guys,this is a fab place..worth coming back to Warsaw ..is this `village` dorf ,in the forest,is it lived in or/and a living museum? keep safe you four

[@charonboat6394]

It's not a dorf for sure but a quarter.

[@andysm1964]

@@charonboat6394 do u know if its lived in or just an attraction?

[@morbidboy77]

Holy crap. Those are my old stomping grounds.

[@radiozelaza]

Yeah, there are bores in Warsaw. Fortunately, James is not boring

[@planetjames95]

Thanks bro! 🤝

[@kkania]

So yeah

[@wladyslawbukowski]

The question is, are these Warsaw buildings similar to those in California, or are those in California similar to those in Warsaw? Regards.

[@szastek]

You need visit Jazdów

[@Fghfgh392]

Im indonesian in Poland, I have been living in Warsaw for a year and yes it is a fun city but for me it’s super lonely city

[@roberturbanczyk204]

If you like stare bielany You should finally give a chance to Milanówek, its better version of pre war Bielany. Be carefull when you see boars

[@Lechoslaw8546]

Alexander is not just in respect to King Michał. He has not done anything wrong but his rule was short, 4 years only, and he died being 33 years of age.

[@pamelajaye]

Aww, donkey! And there's a sidewalk in the woods.

[@Lechoslaw8546]

Sidewalks everywhere, these greedy city rulers trying pour asphalt or concrete in the middle of woods. They are being paid by square meter out of taxpayer pocket. A disease of BETONOZA what its called.

[@krzysztofkobron9702]

freedom for Marina! and fight for your rights (to parties)! 😉 -Beastie Boys -

[@robertkukuczka9469]

Corpus Christi is Swieto Bozego Ciała.

[@robertkukuczka9469]

Shingle roofs - dachy gontowe, not rather tiles?

[@Aneczka911]

Aleksander mogl by pracowac jako przewodnik tak duzo wie o Warszawie

[@jajajejehjune4301]

When you will check Ursynów at last;)

[@charonboat6394]

Nativity Scene- Szopka.

[@marekkwapisiewicz2675]

This old shop is not from communism times - otherwise shelves would be empty. The shop looks like got frozen 90's - when communism already fell but supermarkets and Żabkas were not so plenty.

[@BM-ur4je]

Exactly!

[@robertkukuczka9469]

nativity scene - szopka betlejemska

[@krzysztofkawajtys2120]

Kora has never been a punk singer. Kora is Polish rock of the eighties (and later)

[@alh6255]

She was mainly a punk rock singer. In the late 1970s and 1980s, she sang with the band MAANAM (outstanding, a legend of Polish rock), with which she gained great popularity. They had a big and long punk rock episode, the most outstanding in the careers of MAANAM and Kora.

[@krzesimirchrzastowicz4833]

Maanam was a new-wave rock band. New wave derives from punk. Saying that Kora was a punk-rock singer is just an admissible simplification.

[@krzysztofkalwajtys4291]

@@alh6255 Maanam wasn't a punk band. I can assure you what a huge Maanam fan from the beginning of this band's career.

[@alh6255]

​@@krzysztofkalwajtys4291 You have no bloody idea, what the punk rock music is. And here - famous Kora words: "By�o to [muzyka punk] drugie po hippisach zjawisko socjologiczno-kulturowe tak pi�kne, estetyczne. Zachwyca�o nas z ka�dej strony [...] Nie istnia� wtedy w Polsce jeszcze �aden punkowy zesp�." Jak jesteś taki znawca, zgadnij, skąd jest ten cytat. A skoro niby byłeś z Manaamem od początku, to pewnie masz ich najsłynniejsze płyty (uprzedzam - klasyka polskiego punk rocka): "Maanam", "Nocny Patrol", "O!". Przypominam tez, że gdy latem 1983 r. Kora na koncercie zatańczyła z "poppersem", cała Polska była zszokowana, bo poppersi to było takie miększe i bardziej mieszczanskie wydanie punków, co miliony polskich punkow odebrały wtedy jako zdradę. Ale ty takich rzeczy nie pamietasz, bo w ogole nie wiedziales, o co chodzi wtedy, i nie wiesz dziś. Sluchales ich w radiu i do tej pory nie rozróżniasz co to punk, co to new wave itp., i nie znasz historii Maanamu czy historii muzycznej Kory.

[@krzesimirchrzastowicz4833]

Nie ma się co unosić. Prawdą jest, że po latach 90', gdy przez punk-rock zaczęto rozumieć komercyjne beztalencia pokroju Green Day, Offspring czy grających jeden i ten sam utwór w kółko Bad Religion, nazwanie artystycznych zespołów, takich jak Maanam "punk-rockiem" może być odbierane przez niektórych jak obelga. Mało osób dziś zdaje sobie sprawę, że u zarania dziejów punk był po prostu wszechstronnym ruchem artystycznym o wielu twarzach i taki Manaam się w to jak najbardziej wpisywał.

[@joannaszczepanska2099]

W tym lesie znajduje się Uniwersytet im kard Stefana Wyszyńskiego

[@zlykogut]

Mehh, Old Mokotow > Zoliborz

[@robertkukuczka9469]

When your wife is expecting the delivery of baby? Thank you.

[@sylwiatime]

The guide didn't tell you that the king Michał Korybut Wiśniowiecki was Ukrainian!

[@marekkwapisiewicz2675]

Because he wasn't 😒

[@sylwiatime]

@@marekkwapisiewicz2675 A Rurykid prince from the Kievan Rus? Of course he was!

[@cathulhu3772]

That was kinda shitty tour - guy doesn't know that district or what? I would take you through a beeline that i take almost every day after and before (i wake up 1.5h early so i can vent a bit) work. Starting from Grunwaldzki, through Sady Żoliborskie, Kaskada, skwer Wołyński, Kellera, potok and then through Bielański, Lindego, Płatnicza, park of Jarnuszkiewicz and Herbert's and finish at Olszyna. Maybe 3 hours tops. That trip was kinda lame. ;)

[@marcinpiotrowski6666]

It looks kind of like Sosnowiec.