To coincide with the online publication of “Buying Property in Eastern Europe” – a book providing advice on buying property in Eastern Europe – HowTo.co.uk takes a look at some of the best places to buy property in Poland…and one of the worst….
The expansion of the EU has opened up new and exciting destinations for those looking to buy property in Eastern Europe. Since Poland’s accession to the EU, Britain and Poland have resumed their close relationship, with citizens of both nations visiting the other to travel, and to live and work. If you are considering starting a new life in this fascinating country, here are three cities that come with a personal recommendation – and one that is best avoided…
WARSAW
Poland’s capital was decimated during WW2, with virtually every street reduced to rubble. Formerly one of Eastern Europe’s most beautiful cities, much of modern Warsaw is a vast expanse of unassuming flat blocks and motorways, with the monstrous Stalinist creation The Palace of Culture and Science looming overhead. It is, however, churlish to focus on Warsaw’s shabby appearance given it’s history.
The secluded Starowska, or Old Town district was destroyed under Nazi occupation and painstakingly reconstructed from the rubble following WW2 – the elegant central square in particular is truly breathtaking. Back in the city centre, Warsaw positively buzzes with activity – it is one of the EU’s ten largest cities, and possesses great public transport links and a thriving business district. If you’re looking for seriously affordable living in an ultra-urban setting with a strong sense of its own identity, Warsaw could be well worth a look.
KRAKÓW
While the neat architecture of its Old Town is initially underwhelming, the true Krakow reveals an artistic, spontaneous town. The Old Town has cellar bars and arthouse cinemas round every corner, while the bohemian former Jewish quarter of Kazimierz mixes modern bars and restaurants with sombre monuments to the city’s troubled past. Moving back into the Old Town through its perimeter of parkland as night falls, you will find the central Rynek Glowny square transformed from an overcrowded tourist trap into a serene, moonlit arena; a perfect view while you relax at an outdoor bar, enjoying the Mediterranean summer weather. Krakow may not be the best value location in the expanded EU, but it is surely one of the finest.
ZAKOPANE
Nestled in the glacial splendour of the Tatra Mountains and just an hour’s train ride from Krakow, Zakopane is one of Poland’s most desirable locations. Despite its relatively small population, the main drag bustles with as much fervour as any other place in Poland, whilst still retaining the cosy charm of a tourist destination. Zakopane’s chief asset is its alpine setting – a vertiginous cable car trip from the edge of the town takes you directly into the mountains, where skiing, hiking and more gentle strolls are all possible. Back in town, during the summer season colourful market stalls spring up on every corner and the smell of barbecues wafts through the tree-lined streets.
… and one to avoid
Lodz
Lodz is Poland’s second city, having muscled between the nation’s traditional powerhouses of Warsaw and Krakow courtesy of an industrial population boom. Nevertheless, it remains little more than a dot on the map to many – it hasn’t earned the cultural kudos afforded to other large Eastern European cities, and attracts very few tourists.
Lodz has close to a million restaurants, yet pubs, clubs and restaurants are effectively restricted to one central street, the admittedly pleasant Piotrkowska Street. Away from this area, Lodz feels like a depressed industrial town struggling to progress, and combines the murkier elements of a large city with the attractions of a small town. The central strip does boast attractive architecture and friendly locals, but after a couple of days it begins to feel like an oasis in a forlorn concrete desert. If you’re looking at relocating in Poland, my advice is to look elsewhere.
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