Sustainable handbag brand MANDEL was created by Polish designer Monika Kalicińska between Zurich, Copenhagen and Warsaw.
Whilst studying and working as an architect in these cities, she noticed a gap in the market for multifunctional designs suited to the multifaceted lives of modern women. Her thoughtful, practical bags are a tribute to her studies as a landscape designer and her clever designs have functional compartments for your most needed belongings.
Here, Monika gives us exclusive insider tips into her hometown of Warsaw.
The best time to visit Warsaw?
July and August when it’s really warm and green outside. You can truly enjoy the city: bike around, sit in cafés and on terraces or enjoy the outdoor parties around the Vistula River.
Our first pitstop should be…
The Palace of Culture in the centre of Warsaw, it’s a must-see. And then head to the Old Town.
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Your favourite hotel to check-in at is…
Hotel Warszawa for its style and statement. A 1934 office building, which until 1955 was the tallest in Warsaw. It survived the war and in 2012 was transformed into a hotel; renovated with a lot of taste, that combines its history with contemporary architecture using authentic materials.
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For an early morning workout head to…
Quantum Gym in the centre or go jogging in the Royal Łazienki Park.
Where should we go for breakfast?
Być Może which is located in one of the remaining few pre-war buildings on Bagatela Street and is known for its delicious French baguettes and unpretentious, cool vibe.
How about for a long, lazy lunch?
Soul Kitchen or Gessler Vodka Na Widelcu – I go to these a lot as both are close to my work, but mainly because they offer delicious traditional Polish food. They allow you to get a feeling of how life in Warsaw was before the war. The waiters are dressed in white blazers and black bow ties, and they really value respectful service while making sure your meal is an experience. Sometimes they even have a piano player while you eat.
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Your favourite restaurant in town?
Italian restaurant Boscaiola perfectly satisfies my never-ending love for spaghetti aglio olio, or Wi-Taj is a Vietnamese and Thai restaurant – visit it for the best Tom Yum Kung soup in town.
And for dinner with friends?
Bibenda – for the casual-cool New York feel with vegan and gluten-free food and a dog-friendly atmosphere. They don’t take reservations, so prepare to wait in the queue.
The drink to order at the bar…
Moscow Mule, which we now like to call Warsaw Mule.
The best place for people watching…
Charlotte Plac Zbawiciela or Charlotte Bouillon. Both places thrive in summer when people sit outside, slowly drinking their coffee or Aperol Spritz, while checking out the passers-by.
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The culture spot to rave about…
Museum of the History of Polish Jews (POLIN).
The best place to treat yourself is…
Na Temat Piękna – an unpretentious city spa hidden in a green courtyard and offering massages and facials.
Where can I go shopping?
Your first stop should be the Mandel showroom, hidden on the third floor of a beautiful early 20th-century building, located in the centre of Warsaw. Apart from checking out the bags, you can experience how Warsaw architecture looked before the war. I also recommend Mokotowska and Koszykowa, plus Mysia Street to admire the young local designers. For big brands, go to the contemporary department store: Vitkac
For the best views head to…
Pałac Kultury – the symbol of communism in Poland. Regardless of its negative connotations, it has become quite the staple for its terraces and the views of the city are impressive.
One place only locals know about…
Restauracja Muzealna (at the National Museum) or LAS (Lokalna Atrakcja Stolicy) – a restaurant hidden in the vegetation overgrowing the railways.
A book to read before we go…
The King of Warsaw, by Szczepan Twardoch, is a story about a man’s drive for power amidst the most difficult period of the 20th century.
For a change of pace try…
Bikram Yoga or a walk along the river.
Souvenir to take home?
A piece from the Mandel collection, of course!
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In one word, Warsaw is…
Cool. It’s a big city, but not overcrowded. You will always find a way to relax or to be active.
A must-try spot for date night?
Loreta Bar with its roof terrace or Regina Bar with unique drinks, fusion food and a chilled atmosphere. This place attracts a lot of artists and fashion lovers.
For a change of pace try…
Powiśle, it’s in the south of the centre located next to the Vistula River. It’s full of parks, beautiful historic buildings and cool cafes and restaurants. In the summer it’s the best place to be in Warsaw.
Great day trips include…
A 45 minute ride to Zegrze Lake, for a day sailing trip.
How should we spend the final day of our trip?
Go to Nowy Teatr, it gives you a nice mix of culture and yummy food, and it’s just a nice place to hang out and take everything in.
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Essential items to pack?
A slip dress for the night and day, a light jacket or blazer in case of chilly nights, a pair of flats and mid-heels. And of course, Mandel’s ‘Almond Bag’ for its multifunctionality and the new Large Vessel Bag which also serves as a brilliant travel bag.
Monika’s portrait by Lukasz Kus
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Any Questions or Tips to add?