Things to do in Warsaw
Warsaw may not boast the obvious charm of Krakow, but this vibrant capital is full of hidden gems and a remarkable history that will leave visitors in awe. The city's meticulously reconstructed Old Town, which was painstakingly rebuilt after World War II, stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of its people.
Much of Warsaw's historic allure is concentrated in the cobbled streets of the Old Town (Stare Miasto), with its colourful, tiered homes, Gothic and Baroque buildings and elegant palaces. The heart of it all is Market Square, a lively hub where visitors can soak in centuries of history and vibrant local life.
To truly experience Warsaw's past, visitors can take a relaxed walk along the Royal Way. This iconic route stretches from the Royal Castle in Old Town to the regal King's Palace at Wilanow, passing by museums, grand palaces and landmarks such as St. Anne's Church. Each step reveals a new story, with each building more captivating than the last.
For a more reflective experience, travellers should explore the city's historic cemeteries. The Jewish Cemetery, with its hauntingly beautiful, overgrown tombstones in the summer and snow-dusted graves in the winter, offers a poignant glimpse into Warsaw's past. Powązki Cemetery, with its stunning sculptures and intricate grave markers, provides a peaceful and thought-provoking place to wander.
When visitors are ready for some fresh air, they can head to Łazienki Park, Warsaw's lush green oasis. Perfect for a relaxing walk, a picnic or paddling in the park's tranquil ponds, it's also home to a monument to renowned Polish composer, Frédéric Chopin. Visitors to the park can enjoy outdoor concerts in the summer. And for families, the Copernicus Science Centre offers a hands-on, interactive experience that will thrill kids of all ages, especially on a rainy day.
Whether travellers are history buffs, nature enthusiasts, or simply in search of a unique experience, Warsaw offers something for everyone. It's a city that will surprise, captivate the imagination, and stay with visitors long after they leave.
Old Town (Starego Miasta)
The Old Town is a historic hub, meticulously rebuilt in the original 17th- and 18th-century style after the war. At its heart lies the picturesque Old Market Square (Rynek), surrou…
Old Town (Starego Miasta)
The Old Town is a historic hub, meticulously rebuilt in the original 17th- and 18th-century style after the war. At its heart lies the picturesque Old Market Square (Rynek), surrounded by restored buildings and vibrant three-story merchant houses with Baroque and Renaissance facades. The square is alive with open-air restaurants, art stalls and the Historical Museum of Warsaw. Buskers, painters and musicians add to the atmosphere; cobbled streets and alleyways lead to beautiful Gothic churches and palaces. The majestic Royal Castle, once the residence of Polish kings, stands proudly at the edge, and medieval ramparts and watchtowers complete the city's historic charm.
Museum of Warsaw
The Museum of Warsaw is one of the best of the city's impressive array of museums. Its three storeys are crammed with fascinating exhibitions, covering every aspect of Warsaw's his…
Museum of Warsaw
The Museum of Warsaw is one of the best of the city's impressive array of museums. Its three storeys are crammed with fascinating exhibitions, covering every aspect of Warsaw's history and life from the city's establishment to the present day. It occupies almost an entire side of a square in Old Town, housed in quaint historical buildings and boasting 52 rooms with permanent exhibitions, four with temporary exhibitions, a cinema, a library, and a reading room. A special feature is a documentary film showing the destruction and reconstruction of the city, with footage shot by the Nazis during their calculated and systematic annihilation of Warsaw, and footage of the careful rebuilding after the war. The film is available on demand during the museum's operating hours, but it's recommended to check the current schedule before visiting.
Website www.muzeumwarszawy.pl
The Royal Route
Known as the Royal Route, this two-and-a-half-mile (4 km) path stretches from the Royal Castle in Warsaw's Old Town to the magnificent Wilanów Palace on the city's outskirts. Runn…
The Royal Route
Known as the Royal Route, this two-and-a-half-mile (4 km) path stretches from the Royal Castle in Warsaw's Old Town to the magnificent Wilanów Palace on the city's outskirts. Running through the heart of the city from north to south, it's lined with galleries, museums and historic landmarks, including St. Anne's Church.
Along the route, visitors can explore the royal gardens of Łazienki Park, a tranquil oasis with lakes, peacocks and the elegant Łazienki Palace, once a royal summer residence. In the park, a monument to famed Polish composer Frédéric Chopin stands, and summer concerts are held on the lawns.
The Royal Route concludes at Wilanów Palace, an architectural gem inspired by Versailles, which houses a museum and an art gallery in its Orangery. The palace is also surrounded by beautiful gardens, making it a perfect spot to explore on a leisurely afternoon.
The Royal Route offers a glimpse into Poland's rich history, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Warsaw. Along the way, visitors will find plenty of cafés and restaurants to enjoy a break and take in the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Polish Poster Gallery
The Galeria Grafiki i Plakatu (Polish Poster Gallery) is located in the heart of Warsaw, and showcases an exceptional collection of graphic art and posters. Founded in 1975, the ga…
Polish Poster Gallery
The Galeria Grafiki i Plakatu (Polish Poster Gallery) is located in the heart of Warsaw, and showcases an exceptional collection of graphic art and posters. Founded in 1975, the gallery features over 5,000 pieces, many of which celebrate Polish culture. Its extensive collection includes theatre, music and cinema posters, as well as politically significant Polish Solidarity posters. In addition to its Polish-focused works, the gallery displays iconic posters from the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, with famous designs for classics such as West Side Story, Moby Dick and Dirty Dancing. The gallery also has a selection of vintage and contemporary prints for sale, offering both archival rarities and more recent designs. While the gallery was previously located at the University Library in Warsaw (2009 to 2024), it continues to be a major hub for graphic art enthusiasts.
Website polishpostergallery.com/polish_poster_gallery.php
Bialowieza National Park
Bialowieza National Park is a heavily protected UNESCO World Heritage site. It guards the last remnants of the primeval forest that used to cover most of Europe at the time of the …
Bialowieza National Park
Bialowieza National Park is a heavily protected UNESCO World Heritage site. It guards the last remnants of the primeval forest that used to cover most of Europe at the time of the last ice age. The park is the last place on earth that tourists can see European bison, huge beasts that once roamed across the continent, living undisturbed in their natural habitats. An ecotourism destination of international repute, the nearby town of Bialowieza has launched numerous luxury spas and elite lodgings. Bialowieza National Park is a short train ride from Warsaw (two and a half hours) making it possible to visit the park on a daytrip, but it's best to spend at least one night in the area if possible.