Warsaw gets a tourist boost after royal treatment of Prince William

Warsaw is on the verge of a much-needed tourism boost after being awarded the Royal Seal of Approval by Prince William.

Often overlooked by British tourists because of its more popular neighbor Krakow, Poland’s vibrant capital was visited by the Prince of Wales last month.

William visited the town a few weeks ago to thank Polish and British troops for their service during the Ukraine conflict – and accidentally served one himself.

The future king wowed the public as he posed for selfies, dined at a funky-filled LGBT restaurant and grabbed some treats at the hipster Koszyki food market in the heart of the city.

Tourism officials, who had previously worried that Poland could avoid crowds because of its proximity and involvement in the war in Ukraine, were encouraged by the visit and may increase their numbers. They hope this, along with a glitzy social media campaign launched last year, will show the world that Poland, and Warsaw in particular, is very much open for business.

Royal fans and well-wishers waited patiently with plates for the Prince’s visit in the dining room

Local residents are very proud that their hometown has risen from the rubble – a particular wonder is the old town, where expert architects have recreated 90 percent of the area brick by brick

Dorota Huk-Królikowska of the Polish Tourist Board told MailOnline: “I believe that the visit of the British heir to the throne was very important for the positive image of Warsaw.

“Young Britons who followed the trip through TV, newspapers and social media got a chance to see a small but authentic picture of Poland’s capital.

“Warsaw is a city with friendly people.

“They are tolerant and open to everyone, regardless of race, country of origin or sexual orientation.”

William is the modern face of the monarchy, so it was fitting that he visited Warsaw – a city keen to show that it can be both modern and full of love for its tradition and history.

Although the Polish city is the birthplace of Chopin and Marie Curie, it will also be known to film fans as the setting for Roman Polanski’s The Pianist or Netflix’s The Witcher starring Henry Cavill.

Polanski’s 2003 Hollywood blockbuster starring Adrian Brody was filmed in the Praga district, which served as the backdrop for the recreation of the Jewish ghetto.

But it wasn’t always a city open to tourists and filmmakers.

Warsaw enjoys a new life; from young crowds sipping Polish vodka to strolls along the river

Every Sunday from June to September, the public can enjoy free open-air concerts dedicated to Warsaw’s most famous son, composer and pianist Chopin, in Royal Łazienki Park

The Instagram-friendly observation deck of the Palace of Culture and Science (Photo)

The Prince of Wales met British troops and thanked them for “defending our freedoms” during a surprise visit to Poland – just miles from the Ukrainian border

READ MORE: Prince William lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Poland disappeared from the map of Europe between Russia and Prussia for 123 years before reappearing on the map in 1918 – and when Warsaw regained its independence.

During World War II, the Nazis leveled the city, and by the end of the war, Warsaw was 85 percent destroyed.

But local residents are very proud that their hometown has risen from the ruins – a particular wonder is the ancient city, where experienced architects recreated 90 percent of the area brick by brick.

Then came Covid when Warsaw, like every city worldwide, suffered huge economic losses amid a series of crippling lockdowns.

The city was only beginning to return to normal when Russian hostilities began in Ukraine, leading to an increase in travel cancellations to the country.

Tour guides launched a social media campaign last year to lure tourists back and convince visitors that it is safe to visit despite the problems in neighboring Ukraine.

Now Warsaw enjoys a new life; from young crowds enjoying Polish vodka and the Instagram-friendly observation deck of the Palace of Culture and Science, to the trendy Koszyki Market dining room, where guests like Prince William can enjoy everything from authentic Polish cuisine to burritos or a side of fries.

Every Sunday from June to September, the public can enjoy free open-air concerts dedicated to Warsaw’s most famous son, composer and pianist, Chopin, in the Royal Łazienki Park – and see an exact replica of the Chopin monument, the former of which was destroyed. was used by the Nazis because they believed his music would inspire Polish uprisings.

Local residents are very proud that their hometown has risen from the rubble – a particular wonder is the old town, where expert architects have recreated 90 percent of the area brick by brick

On the second day of his visit, he arrived in Warsaw, where he visited the grave dedicated to Polish soldiers who lost their lives in the war.

The prince was greeted by dignitaries and a guard of honor made up of members of the army, navy and air force

Prince William said the two-day trip was meant to personally thank the troops and show his support and gratitude to the Polish people who helped Ukrainian refugees.