Exploring Warsaw: A traveler’s Adventure with Mermaids

September 2026.

I’ve always wanted to just go travelling without a return ticket. So here I go. I’ve got lots of plans so we’ll see what happens.

First stop is Warsaw. Davindar and I planned a trip together to the Caucasus countries so I booked a flight with Aeroplan points. For another 5,000 points I can do a stopover. Warsaw it is.

I landed early in the morning, took the bus to the city and left my bags at the hostel Tatami a. It’s a great place to stay if you’re on a budget. We had a nice, clean room with our own bathroom, access to a kitchen and living area and it’s walking distance to old town.
I spent the day wandering the city looking for mermaids. Yes. Mermaids in a city 200 km from the nearest sea. Who says they’re salt water creatures? Apparently there were several living in the Vistula River. They would entice young men to their deaths.
There are differing opinions on which legend is the reason but the bottom line is the city is protected by a mermaid. In fact it’s named after her. A mermaid named Sawa fell in love with a fisherman named Warsz. Sawa became human and the town loved her. She was very wise and helped the townswomen with many things. Being a mythical creature she was well over 1,000 years old. As a river creature she could help the fishermen find fish. Since the townspeople were so good to her, Sawa promised to protect the city forever. Thus Warsaw is the combination of their names. Warszsawa. The coat of arms has a mermaid with a sword and shield and there are statues all over town. So I spent the day finding them.

Davindar arrived early in the evening. We found some food, shopped for breakfast things to eat in the hostel in the morning and I was asleep in no time.

A bronze statue of a mermaid holding a sword, located in a historic square surrounded by colorful buildings and overcast skies.
Just a few of the mermaids I found
Storefront window displaying the name 'SAWA' with a decorative neon sign and jewelry on display.
A decorative sign for a museum, featuring a silhouette of a mermaid and a snakes entwined around a rod, with the word 'MUZEUM' prominently displayed above.
A decorative sign featuring a dragon-like creature holding a bow and arrow, mounted on a building in a narrow street with historical architecture in the background.
A bronze statue of a mermaid holding a sword and shield, draped in a white and red flag, with a modern bridge in the background and a partly cloudy sky.

After an incredibly rejuvenating night of sleep, coffee and breakfast in the hostel, we headed out to join a walking tour in the old city. I’d walked many of the streets the day before but learning about it from a local is the best. Poland is about 1,100 years old but there were periods in history it didn’t exist. The city was completely destroyed in WW2. It was completely restored by the communist government and is now a UNESCO world heritage site. None of the buildings are more than 78 years old but you wouldn’t know it.

After treating ourselves to traditional Polish food at Zapiecek we wandered some more. While heading to the Palac na Wyspie (Palace on the Isle) we got caught in a thunderstorm, complete with hail! By the time we got to the palace we were soaked. It was worth it as the park, grounds and palace are beautiful.

Dinner that night was pink soup we picked up at the grocery store. Food here is very reasonably priced.

A view of a square in Warsaw featuring a tall column with a statue on top, surrounded by colorful historical buildings and visitors walking along the cobblestone path.
Old town
A historical brick wall with a round tower in front, surrounded by green grass and a path, alongside colorful old buildings under a cloudy sky.
A cobblestone street with colorful buildings on either side, featuring a wall decoration of a sun-like design and several street lamps.
Narrow cobblestone street lined with historic buildings in warm colors, with a distant tower visible against a cloudy sky, and people walking along the street.
Charming cobblestone street in a historic district, featuring colorful buildings with detailed facades and outdoor seating at a café.
A narrow cobblestone street lined with colorful historic buildings, including a prominent yellow building, leading to an archway in the distance under a cloudy sky.
A scenic view of a park featuring a statue on a pedestal surrounded by colorful flower beds, including red and yellow roses, with a historic building and trees in the background under a cloudy sky.
Interior of a historic church featuring tall arched ceilings, wooden pews, and colorful banners hanging from the walls. The altar is visible at the end of the aisle, with stained glass windows illuminating the space.
Narrow street lined with colorful historic buildings featuring pastel facades and decorative windows, with a cobblestone path and greenery in the foreground.
A woman joyfully poses beside a large bell sculpture adorned with decorative carvings, set against a backdrop of ivy-covered buildings.
Legend says that if you touch the bell and hop around it your wish will be granted. I wished for world peace. Has it happened yet?
A plate of traditional mixed dumplings labeled 'MIX TRADITIONAL,' with a variety of fillings, alongside a serving of grilled meat and bread in a cozy dining setting.
A serene park scene featuring a classical-style building on a hill, surrounded by lush greenery and a calm pond with a small fountain and a statue.
Palace on the Isle
A scenic view of a canal with a bridge and classical architecture in the background. The reflection of the structure in the water is visible. Autumn foliage lines the banks of the canal.
A historic building reflected in a peaceful lake, surrounded by lush greenery and autumn foliage under a cloudy sky.
Reflections of a grand building in a calm lake surrounded by colorful autumn trees.

The next day we walked over the bridge to the other side of the Vistula River and spent time in the Praga neighbourhood. We didn’t find it very interesting so went to the vodka museum and enjoyed a vodka tasting. We needed a tea break after that.
We even figured out how to take the bus back as walking felt like too much effort. It got us nice and close to Tatamka.

  • A mural depicting a person in a swimsuit with a pink cap, standing next to whimsical pink and green creatures on a brick wall, with an arrow pointing down and a graffiti-covered door beside them.
  • Colorful mural featuring the phrase 'YOU WILL NEVER BE YOUNGER THAN NOW,' with abstract images and vibrant patterns, highlighting themes of time, self-reflection, and creativity.
  • Four small glass tasting cups with vodka, placed on a black tasting menu at a bar.
  • A display case featuring various bottles of spirits, including ginger liqueur and multiple fruit-flavored vodkas, elegantly arranged on glass shelves.



That’s it for Warsaw. The next morning we took another bus to the airport and boarded a plane for Baku, Azerbaijan. Onto the next adventure

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.