Warsaw lies in the heart of east-central Poland in Central Europe. Its long history as a thriving cultural center is reflected in the grand palaces and parks along the Royal Route, imposing post-war architecture, Jewish heritage museums, performing arts scene, and the capital city’s love for all things Chopin. Old meets new in Warsaw’s historic neighborhoods spruced up by graffiti or street art and fine-dining restaurants serving traditional Warsaw cuisine with a modern twist.
The Royal Castle in Warsaw is a historic building located on Castle Square in Old Town that once served as the official residence of the Polish monarchy for centuries. Originally built in the Middle Ages, the Royal Castle was completely destroyed during World War II but was reconstructed from 1971-1984 and currently operates as a museum. In front of the Royal Castle’s main facade, stands the Sigismund's Column, one of Warsaw's most famous landmarks.
Łazienki Park is a 76-hectare complex situated in the central district of Warsaw on Ujazdów Avenue, adjacent to the Ujazdowski Castle. Also known as Royal Baths Park, this public park is a popular space for picnics and leisurely walks especially during the summer months when the weather in Warsaw is relatively mild. The park’s best-known attractions are the Palace on the Island, the Old Orangery amphitheater where live shows and concerts are held, and the Art Nouveau monument dedicated to Polish composer and virtuoso pianist Frédéric Chopin.
Standing at 778 feet, the Palace of Culture and Science is the tallest building in Poland. This high-rise building in central Warsaw, inspired by Polish architecture and American Art Deco style, is currently an exhibition center and office complex. It also houses a multiplex cinema, theaters, museums, book stores, the Congress Hall auditorium, and the Collegium Civitas university. There is a viewing terrace on the 30th floor where visitors can get a panoramic view of the capital city.
The former palace of King John Sobieski III, the Museum of King Jan III's Palace is a baroque-style compound located southeast of central Warsaw in Wilanów Królewski. It is considered to be one of Poland’s oldest museums, housing art collections amassed by its influential royal residents over the centuries. Aside from grand apartments, galleries, and libraries, the museum is also surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens. Every year from October to February, evening visitors are treated to an outdoor luminous exhibition called the Royal Garden of Light.
Located within the restored Ostrogski Palace, the Fryderyk Chopin Museum is touted as one of the most modern biographical museums in all of Europe. Collections related to the celebrated Polish composer are made available to the public in acknowledgment of Chopin’s profound legacy. Among the interactive exhibits are Chopin’s personal items such as his sheet music, the last letter he wrote to his family, and even a lock of his hair. Visitors can also listen to all of Chopin’s masterpieces in the Composer's Hall.
Market Square is the oldest part of Warsaw’s Old Town, established at the same time as when Poland’s capital city was founded. The general outline of the Old Town Market Square dates back to the 13th century but the current buildings are reconstructions of the original renaissance-style architecture that were leveled during World War II. Quaint cafes and restaurants line the square while a sculpture of the city’s symbol, the Mermaid of Warsaw, stands at the center.
A short walk from the Old Town Market Square is another historical Warsaw civic hub, the Castle Square. This cobbled open plaza is a popular meeting point for locals and an ideal starting point for visitors exploring Warsaw’s Royal Route sightseeing trail. On the east side of Castle Square stands the Royal Castle and right across rises Sigismund's Column, a monument honoring the king credited for moving the capital of Poland from Kraków to Warsaw in the 17th century.
Dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, the namesake museum features exhibitions that chronicle the struggles of the Polish Resistance Movement during the German occupation in World War II. Right next to the museum is Freedom Park which showcases photographs taken during the uprising, street art inspired by the movement, and the Memorial Wall where names of nearly 11,000 fallen soldiers are engraved. The Warsaw Uprising Museum is located near the city center in the Wola District and is accessible via tram and bus.
Built on the site of the former Warsaw Ghetto in the Muranów district, the POLIN Museum was conceived as a venue to commemorate the rich history of Polish Jews. This copper and glass structure houses a permanent exhibition spread across eight galleries that highlights various eras, from the arrival of the first Jewish traders in Poland all the way through the tragedies of the Holocaust. The Monument to the Fighters and Martyrs of the Ghetto is located on the same square as the POLIN Museum.
The National Museum in Warsaw or MNW showcases an extensive gallery of paintings and sculptures by Polish and international artists as well as as ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman artifacts. MNW is one of the oldest museums in Poland and houses notable permanent exhibitions such as the Faras Gallery, touted to be one of Europe's largest collection of early Nubian Christian art.
The Royal Route sightseeing trail, which stops at the famed Wilanów Palace, tops the list of things to do in Warsaw. The iconic multcolor buildings and cobbled streets of Old Town give the city is charming flair. Polish milk bars that hark back to the Cold War era are frequented by locals and tourists looking to get bargain, Polish comfort foods like borscht soup and pierogi fried dumplings.
Make the most out of your time in Warsaw by visiting between June and August. Despite the large crowds, the mild summer temperature allows for full enjoyment of outdoor activities such as walking tours and even lounging in open-air cafes in the historic Old Town Market Square. March, April, and October are also ideal months to visit with the spring and fall colors decorating the cityscape.
Majority of Warsaw hotels are located is the busy northern downtown area of Srodmiescie Północne. This district is bordered by the Vistula River and is just a 20-minute walk from the Old Town Market Square. For a more laidback atmosphere, Śródmieście Południowe offers both high-end and budget accommodation. Thanks to Warsaw’s extensive public transportation system, there are multiple options to get to popular attractions and landmarks regardless of where you stay.