Are you the kind of traveller who enjoys taking breaks in cafés and observing locals while enjoying a bite to eat? Or do you prefer listening to local music and reading travel tips while sipping a nice cup of coffee? Our Warsaw locals know exactly which cafés to visit, so try them out and find your favourite!

1. Kafka Cafe – a perfect mix of coffee and books

Delicious coffee and cakes, a really good range of books and a laidback atmosphere make this place a favourite of many locals. Being located close to the University of Warsaw, it tends to attract intellectual types. Do yourself a favour and stop by for a drink and a snack. When the weather is nice, grab a deckchair and enjoy the sun with a book in hand. You won’t regret it!

Photo credit: Kafka

2. Wrzenie Świata – non-fiction literature heaven

This amazing café/bookstore has the best selection of non-fiction books in Warsaw (and probably in all of Poland). It was founded by some fantastic non-fiction writers who do a great job of filling the bookshelves with amazing titles. Non-fiction books have become really popular in Poland recently, with some of the best non-fiction writers in Europe residing here. The majority of books are in Polish, but they have a good selection of English titles as well.

Photo credit: Wrzenie swiata

3. Eat under colourful umbrellas at F30

With its colourful canopy of umbrellas, F30 is one of the most recognisable spots in Saska Kępa. Although the prices are slightly higher than normal, it always seems to be packed with people who spend hours chatting over coffee or lemonade. The outside area under the umbrellas is the perfect place to watch the street life of Saska Kępa, which is one of the best things you can do in the area. Old ladies walking their dogs, young families strolling down Francuska Street and friends chatting for hours while standing on the pavement – you’ll see it all.

Photo credit: F30

4. Café Kulturalna (Cultural Café) – a café in the clouds

Sometimes interesting places are right in front of your eyes. You can’t miss the Soviet-style Palace of Culture and Science – it’s one of the highest buildings in Warsaw and is visible from each and every corner of the city. Kulturalna shares the same entrance as the theatre hall, so you’ll probably bump into cultural types before even entering the café. Warm, old-world interiors with chairs and tables of different sizes welcome a mostly younger crowd. During the day you can enjoy coffee or a light lunch for a fair price.

Photo credit: Graeme Maclean

5. If you’re a coffee lover, head to Ministerstwo Kawy

“The Ministry of Coffee” takes coffee seriously. You can expect 100% Arabica from Colombia, Guatemala and Kenya, brewed by the best Polish baristas. Those who prefer less-caffeinated drinks can enjoy excellent hot chocolate, fresh fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies and a selection of premium teas. The Ministry is just a step away from the buzzing Plac Zbawiciela (Saviour Square) and is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee or meet up with friends for a weekend brunch. Try the vegetarian quiche and delicious cakes.

Photo credit: -wiktor-

6. Charlotte brings a piece of Paris to Warsaw

Charlotte is a French-style café and bakery that serves breakfast from 7 am till late. They have a great variety of breakfast sets, including bread, homemade jams, eggs and even a glass of bubbly if you’re up for it. Otherwise there’s soup, hot and cold sandwiches and a wide range of French pastries. They make their own bread, which you can buy over the counter. Try the one with nuts and raisins or the goat cheese sandwich with lavender honey!

Photo credit: Charlotte

7. Kawiarnia Moderna – a museum café without a museum

A neon sign on a side street by the Hotel InterContinental says “Muzeum”, but it actually hides a cute little café. The museum itself (the Museum of Modern Art) has not yet been built and the project keeps getting postponed. Until construction begins, you can enjoy the café and its inspiring, artistic atmosphere. It’s worth visiting, whether you fancy a quick coffee or a full breakfast. The menu includes vegetarian options, so you can get your coffee with soy milk!

Photo credit (and opening photo credit): Ildiko Rusvai

For more local recommendations read:
What locals like to do in Warsaw
Where locals like to eat in Warsaw
Where locals like to party in Warsaw

Special tip:
For a more authentic Warsaw experience, get the Like A Local mobile app