www.Photos.com

Doing business
Though it’s tough, learning even a few words of Polish will be much appreciated by one's hosts. The Poles respect hierarchies, so it's important to find out at what level the person being dealt with is at and send an employee of an equivalent level. It’s normal to exchange small gifts when concluding negotiations and visitors will often be expected to socialise with contacts after hours.

Cool hotel
Too many of Warsaw’s hotels are lacking in character, but that’s not a criticism that can be levelled at the Rialto. Billed as Poland’s first boutique hotel, this converted townhouse is a monument to early 20th-century design and craftsmanship. Expect all the usual mod-cons in  a smart art nouveau or deco style. Double rooms start from £115. See:www.hotelrialto.com.pl

Hip restaurant
Red brick, teak and terracotta décor along with dark-brown leather benches and a garden terrace make for a laid-back atmosphere at Sense – a deeply cool restaurant and bar in the capital. Expect a Polish twist on an oriental vibe (00 48 22 548 87 00).

Happening bar
Paparazzi on ul Mazowiecka 12 is a sleekly styled and seriously trendy café bar with a bewildering diverse menu of cocktails. Expect sharp-suited clientele and framed photos of Polish icons.

Must-see sights
While the Palace of Science & Culture dominates the skyline, it’s the back streets of the Old Town that reward a wander. Lunch in Old Town Square, the main tourist area, is a good place to soak up the atmosphere.

Getting downtown
A taxi from Warsaw Frederic-Chopin Airport costs less than £6, but give unlicensed touts a wide berth. There are also buses and transfer minibuses if you’re in a group.

The details
There’s no problem getting into Poland, especially since the country joined the European Union in 2004. The currency is the Polish Zloty: £1= 5.6PLN. Poland’s a good-value-for-money country and you won’t find anything more expensive than at home. Warsaw is an hour ahead of the UK.
See: http://london.polemb.net

Getting there
British Airways, LOT Polish Airlines and budget operators Wizz, easyJet, Ryanair and Central Wings all fly to Warsaw's Frederic Chopin Airport. The budget carriers tend to arrive and depart at the Etiuda Terminal. A good fare is £100 return on a low-cost carrier, £130 on a legacy airline. If you have the time and inclination, Warsaw is an easy train journey from the UK via Brussels and Berlin, but this will cost around £300 return.

INSIDER’S TIP
“The Intercontinental Hotel is in the heart of the city, only 20 minutes by taxi from Warsaw International Airport, and Warsaw Central Railway Station is only a street away“
Capita Business Travel

cultural TIP
“Above all other things Poles are Catholics and respect for the last Pope is essential in forming fruitful relationships. This recent EU member welcomes investors and business travellers who show a curiosity in the extraordinary history of the country. Commercial success can be helped if you recognise their heroism and sacrifice, and speak in facts. Come prepared to socialise (drink one or two vodkas) and listen to the stories and tales of a complex people.”
Farnham Castle – an operator of intercultural briefings and language training for every country in the world

Compiled by Tom Hall on behalf of Lonely Planet. www.lonelyplanet.com

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