The year 2010 was the year of the famous Polish composer and pianist Frederic Chopin. Chopin dominated Warsaw. Chopin concerts, Chopin posters, Chopin benches, Chopin gadgets, Chopin murals. Everything Chopin. There were contests for young designers to create the most interesting 'chopinities' and to make classical music cool again. Some were great, some not so much, but my absolute favorite can still be seen and used (!) in Warsaw today.
So: what's white, black and stripy? A crosswalk? Piano keys? Yes and yes! Two girls, Klaudia and Helena, studying design at the Warsaw Academy of arts, designed the Chopin crosswalk. It was received with delight by Warsaw and Varsovians alike, and (after many battles with the Ministry of Infrastructure of course...) two such cross-walks were painted on one of Warsaw's main streets, Emilii Plater.
It just goes to show that not everything in the cities' infrastructure has to be all strict and boring. Even a thing as simple as a crosswalk can be brilliant and fun.
It's really nothing much – all you can do is walk across it. And smile.
Emilii Plater
PLN
no-price
Find your way with 164 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Flora Caffe" in Łazienki Park in Warsaw is a great cafe to head to if it's raining or windy in the park. It's perfect for a beer or a coffee in the garden
by
"Czerwony Rower" in Warsaw is restaurant that provides good food while helping those in need. Many of my Pragian friends love it and it's my new favourite!
by
"Hydrozagadka" is the best place to listen to live alternative music in Warsaw nowadays, and the hottest place in Praga in summertime! I would know...
by
"Muzeum Domków dla Lalek" is one of two dollhouse museums in Europe. The Warsaw one opened recently and has over 100 exhibits! I just love the entrance...
by
"Pastrami" in Warsaw is my new discovery, in the neighborhood of Powisle. Amazing eggs, original breakfast - and everything surprisingly affordable!
by
"Matylda Zielińska Bizu" in Warsaw is a handcrafter jewelry maker. One thing's for sure: you will find great gifts for yourself and loved ones here...
by
"Bar Wieczorny" Warsaw is a meeting place/bar for many neighbors for their "last one" before bed. Check out the "surprise me" drink, and so they will...
by
Big Book Cafe, run by the people behind one of the youngest and most innovative literary festivals under the name Big Book Festival, was opened in the Summer of 2017.
by
"Wydawnictwo Tajfuny" in Warsaw is a small publishing house that aims to bring Japanese & Asian culture to the Polish market. You can stay all day here!
by
"Proces Kawki" in Warsaw is one of my favorite coffee places in Praga, both for its offering and relaxed atmosphere, esp. the large garden and sunbeds!
by
"Między Nami" Warsaw is one of the oldest modern cafes in town, having been opened in the '90s. It's also known for being LGBT friendly and is a popular...
by
164 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 164 Insider Tips