Nip across the ul. Świętokrzyska intersection and ul. Krakowskie Przedmieście suddenly becomes the New World! The story of ul. Nowy Świat (New World Street) dates back to medieval times when it was traversed by Kings on their way between Warsaw and Kraków, with the first settlements appearing in the area during the 17th century. Levelled during WWII, the street found itself rebuilt in rather uniform neo-classical style, as returning it to its predominantly Art Nouveau pre-war style was simply unfeasible. Nowy Świat, along with its little off-shoot streets, has long been seen as one of THE places to be seen and is home to numerous shops, bars and eateries. Expect a myriad of modern and traditional restaurants and coffee shops, which make a ideal pitstops before shoving off to snap a pic of the former home of cult writer and Anglophile Joseph Conrad at number 45. If it’s too early in the day for a hefty German style beer, drop into the renowned Café Blikle (ul. Nowy Świat 33), famous for once serving doughnuts to a young and sweet-toothed Charles de Gaulle. Just across the street you will find super trendy ul. Foksal for more gastronomic and drinking opportunities; follow it to its end to see Zamoyski Palace (ul. Foksal 1/2/4), a neo-renaissance pearl designed by Marconi and the scene of a botched assassination attempt on the Russian governor in 1863. Infuriated Cossack troops reacted by launching a piano once tickled by Chopin out the window.

Back onto Nowy Świat you should now be in sight of our city’s famous plastic palm tree which stands on the de Gaulle roundabout at the intersection of Al. Jerozolimskie and Nowy Świat. Created by artist Joanna Rajkowska, the palm links the fauna of the city of Jerusalem with its namesake avenue ‘Jerozolimskie’ in Warsaw. Before reaching the palm tree, however, one must stop off at an oasis, and there is no place better than the legendary rat-like maze of Pawilony (The Pavilions) located behind the gates at number 22.

Once safely across de Gaulle roundabout, you will be greeted by a monument to the great General himself. Behind him stands the hulking edifice of the former Communist HQ at Nowy Świat 6. Completed in 1948, rumours that it was secretly connected by a tunnel to the Palace of Culture appear unsubstantiated, but you have to love the irony that it briefly served as home to the stock exchange. Scurry along this fairly uninspiring stretch of Nowy Świat to Pl. Trzech Krzyży, home to the beautiful 19th century classical style St. Alexander’s Church (ul. Książęca 21). The surrounding area is home to some of Warsaw’s top boutiques, including the likes of Burberry, Zegna and Escada. Continue onward along Al. Ujazdowskie and take in the great architecture as you go through an area filled with embassies and consulates. Stop off in the charming Ujazdowski Park before continuing on the Royal Route in Warsaw's most famous park...