– The main shopping streets for tourists visiting the capital are Nowy Świat, Krakowskie Przedmieście and Chmielna, which are part of the Royal Route. They lead to the Old Town and the Royal Castle, the most important attractions in Warsaw according to the Warsaw Tourism Office. In close proximity there is also the Palace of Culture and Science, whose observation tower was visited by over 675,000 people in 2022. people. Although the number of tourists in Warsaw decreased during the pandemic, it quickly returned to previous levels and last year amounted to 4.6 million. Visitors eagerly use the potential of shopping streets. It is worth noting that the average income in most countries whose citizens visit the capital is usually higher than in Poland. For example, among US citizens it is over four times higher, Israelis have three times as much as Poles, and the British have twice as much – says Karolina Kunciak, Associate Director in the High Street Retail department, CBRE.
Luxury streets
Lovers of luxury goods in Warsaw direct their steps primarily to Trzech Krzyży Square, Mysia, Bracka and Mokotowska streets. The proximity of the Parliament of the Republic of Poland, the Stock Exchange, the National Museum and numerous embassies, while preserving or reconstructing historical architecture, gives this quarter of streets a prestige and elegant character. There are brands such as Omega, Mont Blanc, Rolex, Ermenegildo Zegna, Carolina Herrera and Philip Plein.
The second important place for supporters of luxury brands is Plac Teatralny and Plac Piłsudskiego with the prominent Metropolitan building offering access to Tom Ford, Prada, Valentino, Miu Miu and Celine stores.
Popular streets
Warsaw's shopping streets are visited not only by wealthy tourists and residents. Everyone comes to the strategically located Aleje Jerozolimskie, Marszałkowska and Świętokrzyska streets, as well as Plac Konstytucji and Plac Zbawiciela. The offer of these places is based on everyday, mid-priced products. Gastronomy also plays an important role in their development, especially restaurants and cafes at Świętokrzyska, Plac Konstytucji and Zbawiciela.
Gastronomic streets
Poznańska, Hoża, Piękna and Krucza streets also have a gastronomic offer. There are many non-chain establishments, small private businesses and services there. It is in these locations that bar and hipster concepts made their presence felt. Various forms of spending free time with gastronomy are also combined with the Norblin Factory, Warsaw Brewery, Hala Koszyki, Powiśle Power Plant, which also have a city-forming function.
The new center of the capital
An important factor supporting the development of shopping streets in the capital is the ongoing construction of the New Center of Warsaw. It began with the revitalization of Pięciu Rogów Square and the construction of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Vistula River, and also includes, among others, Chmielna, Krucza, Plac Powstańców Warszawy and Aleje Jerozolimskie.
– The reconstruction of the center will primarily connect important points on the capital's map, creating a coherent space of sidewalks and bicycle paths, which will make it easier to move around the city and increase the accessibility of its main attractions. There will be more green space, places to rest and spend time. This will make it even easier for residents and tourists to use the offer of shopping streets – says Karolina Kunciak, CBRE.
Rents depend on many factors
Rents on Warsaw's high streets vary greatly and depend on the location, exposure, nature of the place, as well as the technical capabilities of the premises and the ownership structure. For example, in prestigious places such as Plac Trzech Krzyży or Nowy Świat, rents can range from EUR 50 to EUR 200 per square meter per month, depending on the size of the room. For smaller premises in the center, prices can range up to EUR 150-200 per square meter.
In the case of catering establishments, the rental fee is approximately EUR 35-40 per square meter. However, there may be exceptions, especially for privately owned local restaurants. It all depends on the business idea and the business plan of the concept owner, and above all, exposure and foot traffic around the facility.
