When one thinks of Warsaw, many imagine a bustling center with skyscrapers or the historic Old Town. But the true life of the Polish metropolis lies along the banks of the Vistula. Join us on an adrenaline-filled Vistula River on Footbikes. It will reveal a completely different view of this city.
We spent the morning consuming contemporary art at Ujazdowski Castle and walking in the endless parks of Warsaw’s Belvedere and Łazienki Królewskie. Literally walking. There was a ban on scooter movement throughout the park, and I personally admit that we were fed up with pushing after two or three hours.
Vistula River on Footbikes
We started the ride around the Vistula with the most natural need a senior on a Kostka scooter can have: “Look, there’s a bush and right behind it some canal. Turn off.”
And so we found not only rescuers on the Vistula but also Kanał Portowy. This former industrial canal has in recent years turned into an attractive recreational zone, full of houseboats, canoes, and paddleboards.
After a short stop by the trees, a new disaster awaits us. Johnny is hungry. Very hungry. Those who know Johnny and understand what this means would rather hurry to a store. As proper connoisseurs, we head to the first Biedronka, although I know it’s not a good idea. Johnny loves mega discounts, and it could happen that we won’t be able to carry the purchase, or in the best case, the bag handles will tear off.
Miami Wars
We set off on scooters along the river when we spot many bicycles at the mouth of the canal. We turn and our first stop awaits – Miami Wars Club. This beach bar with an exotic atmosphere is an ideal place for kebab and grilled octopus, which gives us optimism for the next ride. I admit, looking at the bar counter, the sight of black tight leggings also gave me optimism. Whoever invented these garments has my sympathy.
Warsaw Promenade
We continue along Warsaw Promenade, a long embankment lined with cafes, restaurants, and green spaces. We watch tourists and local Varsovians who are thoroughly enjoying the river and sunny days. The promenade leads us to Bulwar Jana Karskiego, which seems to call: “sit down for a beer and enjoy views of the river, bridges, boats, and city panorama.”
Warsaw National Stadium
At first, I was only interested in the roof: “It’s like the spokes of my bike wheel.” Then the dimensions. Colossal. The stadium, also known as PGE Narodowy, can accommodate over 58,000 spectators. The imposing sports arena dominates the panorama of the eastern bank of the Vistula. Its unique red and white facade is said to resemble a waving Polish flag and has become an iconic symbol of modern Warsaw.
Besides football matches, it also hosts large concerts, conferences, and other mass events. The stadium has a retractable roof that allows its use in all weather conditions. In winter months, the field turns into a huge ice rink.
Vistula Tango
Tourist vessels on the Vistula are really bizarre. Fake two-masted ships, s;hacks, motorized houseboats, and copies of Viking boats. No Dresden perfection. We had to stop. Partly for hydration, partly for the spectacle all around.
In front of us, a racket. A guy fell to the ground on a bicycle: “Kurwa, to jest tyłek.” A Polish monologue as it should be. I quickly looked around and truly, I almost fell on my Kostka myself. In front of us was a bicycle with the most beautiful butt in Warsaw in a white overall.
A bit to the side, boys are playing chess. Many boys, much concentration. In front of the tables is a large chessboard with the challenge: “Zrobisz mat drugim ruchem?”
Zabka experience
We decided to run to Żabka instead. If you find mega-discounts in Biedronka, in Żabka by the Vistula you’ll find mega-queues. We stood in a twenty-meter line among the youth for our 4 cans of Tyskie and one pack of Haribo gummy bears. Let’s head to the Vistula steps. Along the entire Vistula, there are stairs on the embankment. Smiling couples in love, athletes, families with children sit on them… You can feel their ease.
They probably left geopolitical strategies at home today.
Finally, we discovered the main program of the evening. Three connected tugboats with a dance floor, gentlemen in jeans and tuxedos, and ladies in summer dresses and gowns. Sensual pre-war Argentine tango flowed from an old gramophone across the river. It was such a spectacle that we stayed there for almost an hour. A row of seats for ladies, a row for gentlemen. The one for gentlemen was empty, and in front of the boat were crowds of dance-eager girls with twinkling eyes saying: “Ask me. I want to dance too.”
Vistula pedestrian and bicycle bridge
We’re athletes and we like goals. We did it all, Vistula River on footbikes, riding a scooter around the Vistula, all the way to the other end of the promenade to the Gdansk Bridge. The highlight of our journey was the return trip across the new pedestrian bridge: Vistula pedestrian and bicycle bridge. This impressive bridge, designed exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists, offers breathtaking views of the Vistula and the surrounding landscape. In the middle of the bridge, of course, there’s seating. An ideal place to stop and take unforgettable photos. From there, it’s just to Old Praga and the train from Otwock. I haven’t mentioned yet, we’re staying in Otwock and we’re really enjoying it. I’ll write to you someday why.
Vistula Poetry
Every drop of the river is a fragment in an endless image that the river continuously composes. Like an ode to life, to transformation, to eternity captured in the stream of water that never stops, never tires, always flows on, carrying our stories and those from the past.
Sometimes I wish I could fly. But maybe a drone is enough. These beautiful shots of the Vistula were provided to us by photographer Viktor Strumillo at an exhibition about the life of the Vistula right on the embankment.
Kostkovic Warsaw
Riding a Kostka scooter around the Vistula (we love it) reveals Warsaw from a completely different perspective. It combines adrenaline, nature, and city life. In the city, Kostka is actually unbeatable. Sidewalk, bike path, road, traffic lights, you don’t worry about it. No getting off, getting on, no standing or gaps. No fatigue, yet an action radius of up to 30 km is a piece of cake for a scooter rider. If you want to take photos, you just put your foot on the stand. Those who don’t try it won’t believe it.
Whether you’re a lover of active recreation or just looking for a new way to explore the city, this route will certainly provide you with unforgettable memories of Warsaw.
