Historic townhouses, atmospheric cafés, hidden courtyards and places known only to insiders - the southern part of Śródmieście is one of the most authentic parts of Warsaw. A walk in this area allows you to feel the rhythm of the city, which is not imposed by the clock but by the architecture. The smell of freshly ground coffee and the sounds of conversation coming from the restaurant gardens make the time more pleasant. This is a place for those who are not looking for the attractions in the tourist brochure, but want to immerse themselves in the fabric of the city. Planning Walking tour of South Downtown? A must-read!

Streets with character - Mokotowska and Koszykowa

You should start your wanderings at Mokotowska Street - one of the most elegant in Warsaw. Its pre-war character has been surprisingly well preserved. Tenements with Art Nouveau details, elaborate portals and decorative balustrades create an atmosphere that is hard to find in other areas. Mokotowska is also a good place for delicious breakfast in Warsaw. In places like the Charlotte Menorah or the Cream, it's worth sitting down at a table and observing the city's traffic from the perspective of your morning coffee.

A few steps away is Koszykowa Street. There, next to libraries and art colleges, sits one of the trendiest places in recent years - the Koszyki Hall. The restored market hall from 1909, full of restaurants and stalls selling wine, world cuisines and local products, attracts not only tourists but also Varsovians themselves.

Saviour Square and the legacy of modernism

The next point on the walking tour of the Southern Downtown should be Saviour Square. Although it has been labelled 'hipster' in recent years, it has deep architectural and social roots. It is surrounded by 1930s townhouses, distinctive arcade arches and the majestic Church of the Most Holy Saviour. The square overlooks Ujazdowskie Avenue and the Royal Route.

Before moving on, it is worth checking cafes in Warsaw and enter one of the iconic ones for a while. Ministry of Coffee or Relax Cafe are places where you can catch your breath without feeling like a tourist cliché.

Hidden courtyards and courtyard galleries

One of the biggest surprises of South Downtown is its courtyards. You only have to enter the gates at Hoża, Wilcza or Poznańska Streets to find yourself in places that resemble film set designs. Some courtyards hide miniature art galleries, others - artisanal or tiny plants Korean cuisine pubs, Lebanese or Ukrainian. The courtyard at 32 Wilcza Street is particularly impressive - with murals and greenery that contrast with the grey of the facade. It's also a good place to understand the scale of pre-war Warsaw - low outbuildings and cobbled passageways create a labyrinth of history, still alive today.

Walking tour of South Downtown - visit the Baths!

The end of the tour can be scheduled at Royal Łazienkiwhich can be reached from Marszałkowska Street via Unii Lubelskiej Square and Ujazdowskie Avenue. The park, although formally outside the boundaries of Śródmieście Południowe, is its natural extension.

On the way, it is worth stopping by the former Savoy Hotel building or one of the modernist villas. These were built in the 1930s for government officials. Details such as the original window woodwork or the wrought metal on the balconies create the atmosphere of a city that has endured much but not lost its spirit.

Warsaw will give you a beautiful experience

Downtown South doesn't need advertising or spectacular attractions - its strength is its everyday life, history and attentiveness. It is a space that is best explored without a plan, letting intuition, scents and chance encounters guide you. For the tourist who is looking for something more than just ticking off points on a map, Warsaw is the ideal choice, as its inhabitants know all too well.