Warsaw's gastronomic facilities on the list of the capital's biggest tourist attractions in 2024

Warsaw's gastronomic facilities and food halls have been included on the list of the capital's biggest tourist attractions in 2024, alongside places such as the Copernicus Science Centre and the National Stadium. Culinary arts are also the second, after culture, element of Warsaw's offer that tourists rate best.

According to research, the most recognizable dishes among Warsaw residents are schab po warszawsku, tripe po warszawsku or zrazy po warszawsku. When it comes to sweet treats, the most popular are Wedel chocolate, tubes with cream, wuzetka and pańska Skóra. The capital is a place where traditional Polish delicacies are combined with modern culinary ideas and trends from around the world. According to research conducted among foreigners who have visited Warsaw, the expectations they have before their arrival regarding the culinary offer are met, and the food is considered tasty and relatively cheap.

Culinary tourism

Culinary tourism is a growing trend that attracts tourists looking for unique flavors and unforgettable experiences. Warsaw offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars that serve both traditional Polish cuisine and modern interpretations of dishes from around the world. Many establishments focus on fresh, local products and innovative approaches to traditional dishes. For lovers of good food, Warsaw also offers numerous events, such as culinary festivals, food fairs, food halls and culinary workshops - lists Paweł Moras, director of the Warsaw Tourism Office.

Culinary tourism is gaining popularity around the world, and many travelers choose to discover local cuisine during their trips. Among the tourists who visited Warsaw in 2024, 91% took advantage of the city's gastronomic offer. Thanks to its increasingly rich offer, the city offers many opportunities to be remembered as a valuable culinary destination. In 2024, new restaurants distinguished by the Michelin Guide appeared on the culinary map of the capital. Currently, two Warsaw establishments can boast one star, 6 restaurants received the Bib Gourmand distinction, and 12 more were recommended by the Guide.

Warsaw residents love eating out

Residents of the capital city are keen to visit restaurants, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. As many as 36% of the respondents declare that they visit restaurants several times a month, and 33% use them at least once a week.

Research shows that as many as 78% guests are regular customers who prefer places located close to home. These are often cafes and restaurants in housing estates located far from the city center, which attract local residents, creating an emotional bond with them. The owners and employees know their customers, which builds an atmosphere of closeness and trust. This model of operation is similar to Italian, family restaurants, where guests feel at home, and thanks to the family atmosphere and hospitality, they often return, even including these returns to their regular elements of planning their time.

More information on Warsaw gastronomy can be found in the report "The status and directions of the Warsaw gastronomy market in the context of culinary tourism, together with recommendations", which, together with other reports on tourism in Warsaw, is available for download at https://go2warsaw.pl/raporty-i-badania/.

More information: https://um.warszawa.pl/-/rozsmakuj-sie-w-warszawie