What to see in Warsaw: the 16 best attractions and things to do

Warsaw is the capital of Poland, a beautiful city full of history and charm . In the past also known as the “Paris of the North”, it is one of the most fascinating capitals of Europe, even if it is often overshadowed by its best known colleagues, such as London, Paris and Berlin. This city lends itself very well to being visited in a long weekend and is certainly a low cost destination , ideal for a short escape from everyday life.
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So, to better prepare your itinerary, let’s find out together what to see in Warsaw , the best attractions and things to do!
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1 – POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
Photo by Adrian Grycuk. We recommend a visit to the POLIN, or the Museum of the History of Polish Jews . The museum was born from the commitment of the Association of the Jewish Historical Institute which has gradually obtained recognition both in Poland and abroad. Over the years, thanks to the support of both individual donors and institutions from all over the world, it has been possible to carry on the project and open this imposing museum.
At POLIN you can discover 1000 years of history of the Polish trees. Through 8 galleries, the visitor can learn about the history of the Jews from the Middle Ages to the present day. In addition to the permanent collections, there are numerous temporary exhibitions every year. This is a must to get to know not only Warsaw, but the history of Poland!

When to visit : The best times to visit are when it opens or closes. The ideal would be to combine this museum and the Jewish ghetto on the same day, to get a general overview of the history of Jews in Warsaw. To shorten the times, we recommend purchasing the ticket online
. Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Mordechaja Anielewicza 6. Easy walking distance from the Market Square (1.2 km, 15 min). Nearest bus stop Nalewki-Muzeum 02 (line 111, 180). Muranow 05 Tram Stop (Lines 4, 15, 18, 35) – Get Directions
• Hours: Mon, Sat and Sun 10: 00-18: 00, Wed, Thu and Fri 10: 00-16: 00, closed Tue
• Ticket price: full 27.00 PLN (€ 6.00), reduced 17.00 PLN (€ 3.80)

2 – Old Town and Market Square
The discovery of the city and, above all, of the Old Town, or the historic center, can only start from the Market Square, in Polish Rynek Starego Miasta. For years, this square has been the heart of Warsaw, the place where everyday life was concentrated . Here, in fact, fairs, markets, ceremonies and executions were held. You can reach it on foot or by bus and tram, the closest stop is Stare Miasto 02 (Get directions).
The square is enclosed by many colorful houses, which were entirely rebuilt after the bombing of the Second World War which destroyed a large part of the city. In the center is the Little Mermaid Statue, considered the sister of the famous Copenhagen statue. According to the legend, the little mermaid lived in the Warsaw river and continued to annoy the fishermen, who caught her. Later then she was released and, from that moment, she protects the city. We recommend visiting it on a guided walking tour, during which a local guide will provide you with curiosities and anecdotes not found in printed guides.

Visit it in winter : during the winter season the Piazza del Mercato becomes the hub of the Christmas holidays. Traditional markets are set up and a part of the square becomes an ice skating rink

3 – Archcathedral Basilica of San Giovanni Battista
The Archcathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, in Polish Bazylika archikatedralna Swietego Jana Chrzciciela, is a historic church in the city . In Gothic style, its construction began in the fourteenth century and the works, including restorations and extensions, continued until the twentieth century! Some important figures of Polish history
are buried in the Basilica , such as cardinals, painters, artists and prominent people of political life. Moreover, over the years it has also covered an increasingly important role in the field of sacred music, thanks to its large organ. In fact, concerts and musical reviews are often organized ,
practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Swietojanska 8, in the Old Town. Easily reachable on foot from Piazza del Mercato (270 m, 3 min). Nearest bus and tram stop Stare Miasto 02 – Get directions
• Hours: visits allowed Mon-Fri 10: 00-12: 00 and 16: 00-18: 00
• Ticket cost: free

4 – Castle Square and Royal Castle Castle
Square, in Polish Plac Zamkowy, is the point that connects the Old Town and the New Town . It owes its name to the fact that the Royal Castle is located here and in the center is the Sigismund’s Column, built in honor of the king in 1664, who moved the capital from Krakow to Warsaw.
As for the Royal Castle, the first castle, the original one, was built by the Dukes of Mazovia , but over the centuries it has undergone various renovations, various expansion works and, unfortunately, also numerous looting and a great fire. Finally, during the Second War it was completely destroyed by the Nazis. The reconstruction took place from 1971 and ended in 1984. Today it is an important museum that can be visited inside, which houses several permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.

Nightlife area : this is one of the liveliest squares in all of Warsaw. It is also an ideal place to discover the nightlife and nightlife of the city.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in plac Zamkowy 4, in the Old Town. Easily reachable on foot from Piazza del Mercato (140 m, 2 min). Nearest bus and tram stop Stare Miasto 02 – Get directions
• Hours: always accessible square / Castle Tue-Fri and Sun 10: 00-17: 00, Sat 10: 00-20: 00
• Ticket price: square free / full castle 30.00 PLN (€ 6.70), reduced 20.00 PLN (€ 4.50), free Wednesday

5 – Warsaw Zoo
Photo by Erko. If you are traveling with children , then you definitely can’t miss the Warsaw Zoo in the Praga district. This large green island is home to many species of animals and many plants and follows numerous projects for the conservation of nature and animal habitats . Its purpose is in fact to preserve species and introduce people to the animal world.
Inside the zoo, in addition to seeing the different animals in perfectly recreated habitats, you can attend different workshops and see how they are fed. There are also many activities organized for children , such as games and discovery activities with the park animators.

Visit time: Given its size, we recommend that you have a map at the entrance and dedicate almost a whole day to it. Check the exact times for the day you will go, as closing times often vary
Practical info: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: in Ratuszowa 1/3, Praga district. Nearest metro stop Dworzec Wilenski (red line M2). Ratuszowa-ZOO 01 tram stop (lines 6, 20, 28) – Get directions
• Hours: every day from 9:00, closing time between 15:30 and 18:00 depending on the month and days. Consult the official website
• Ticket price: full from 20.00 PLN (€ 4.50), reduced from 15.00 PLN (€ 3.50). Rates also vary according to periods and activities, consult the official website

6 – Praga District
Photo by Elena Franchini. It is a case of homonymy with the very famous city, but this “Prague” has nothing to envy to its Czech twin . The Warsaw neighborhood takes its name from the Polish word prazyc, which means to burn or roast: an entire forest was burned to build it . It is located on the opposite bank of the Vistula River and the reference railway station and Warszawa Wschodnia (Get Directions).
If some time ago it was not a recommended place, today it has become the artistic and trendy district and one of the most suitable for showing the real Warsaw to tourists . Here you can get to know the Polish nightlife, have a few typical drinks and stay up late.

Curiosity : escaped from the bombings of the Second World War, it was re-evaluated in 2002, when Roman Polanski chose it as the location to set his famous film “The Pianist”.

Area to stay in : this is an ideal neighborhood to stay in if you are looking for nightlife and entertainment. In addition, reaching the historic center of Warsaw is very simple, also having the train available, so you will have no problem getting around

7 – Radziwill Palace
Photo by Nutaj. The Radziwill Palace is the official seat of the president of Poland and the largest palace in Warsaw. The construction of the palace dates back to the 17th century and over the centuries it was the residence of important Polish aristocratic families, as well as a place where public meetings, shows and dances were held. Today it is an important institutional seat . Furthermore, right here a young Chopine, at the age of 8, performs for the first time in front of an audience.
Since this is the presidential palace, obviously it cannot be visited inside . But not for this and to be overlooked during a trip to Warsaw! Being in the historic center, make sure you pass by at least to take a souvenir photo!
It is located at Krakowskie Przedmiescie 48/50. Easily reachable on foot from Piazza del Castello (550 m, 7 min). Nearest Bus Stop Hotel Bristol 01 (116, 128, 175, 178, 180, 222) (Get Directions).

8 – Royal Route
Another area of ​​the city not to be missed is the famous Royal Route, in Polish Krakowskie Przedmiescie. This wonderful and historic road is 4 km long and, between ancient churches and historic buildings, connects the Old Town and the Royal Castle with the Lazienki Krolewskie park and the Belvedere Palace, in the southern part of Warsaw.
Walking along this street means immersing yourself in the atmosphere and architecture of the city. Walking or traveling by bus or tram you can admire ancient churches and palaces such as the Palac Kazimierzowski, or the Warsaw Public University, the Staszic, seat of the Polish Academy of Sciences with the statue of Nicolaus Copernicus, or the Church of the Holy Cross , in Polish Kosciol sw. Krzyza, where Chopin’s heart rests.
The road runs through the city from north to south, connecting the Royal Castle to Lazienki park. At the extremes are the tram stop Stare Miasto 02 and the station bud Lazienki Krolewskie 01. The whole street is served by various public transports (Get directions).

9 – Saxon Gardens
Photo by Marcin Bialek. Between one visit and another, in Warsaw you cannot absolutely miss the Saxon Gardens, that isthe oldest gardens in the city and one of the first public parks opened in the world , back in 1727! Located right in the center of Warsaw, the main entrance is on Pilsudski Square.

This place is also very popular with locals , ideal for getting away from the traffic and noise of the city for a moment. In the center there is a beautiful fountain and throughout the park there are several statues and monuments, such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in memory of the victims of the war. Perfect to visit even with children , thanks to the play area dedicated to them!
In Marszalkowska, 00-102. Easily accessible on foot from the Presidential Palace (1 km, 12 min). Nearest metro stop Ratusz Arsenal (blue line M1). Krolewska 06 tram stop (4, 15, 18, 35) (Get directions).

10 – Jewish Ghetto
Before the Second World War, Warsaw was the home of a large Jewish community which numbered more than 400,000 Jews. It was the second largest community in the world right after New York .
However, the Jewish ghetto was destroyed by bombing and today only a few buildings in ruins remain of the original buildings.. In via Mirow, for example, part of the original ghetto wall is visible. The only original buildings that can still be seen today are mainly located along Pozna Street. In memory of this sad story, a street bearing the name of Via della Memoria was dedicated to the Jews of Warsaw, as well as a Monument to the heroes of the Ghetto .
The Ghetto area is located west of the historic center, between via Mirow and via Pozna (Get directions).

Guided tour : to better discover this place and its sad history, we recommend the touching private tour of the Jewish ghetto

11 – Museum of the Insurrection
An unmissable stop to get to know more and more the history of Warsaw and the Museum of the Warsaw Uprising, in Polish Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego, which tells, through photos and documents , the insurrection of the military and the Polish people of Warsaw to Nazi rule of 1 August and 2 October 1944. This event is a fundamental moment for the history of the city and of all of Poland, which in those years was more and more deeply marked during the Second World War due to German domination.
Inside the museum there are many documents and testimonies about the revolt , outside instead you can visit the Wall of Remembrance, on which more than 10,000 names are engraved. The interior of the whole museum is vertically crossed by the work called the Heartbeat of the museum.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Grzybowska 79. Nearest metro station Rondo Daszynskiego (red line M2). Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego 05 Tram Stop (Lines 1, 9, 14, 22) – Get Directions
• Hours: Wed-Mon 10: 00-18: 00, closed Mon
• Ticket price: full 25.00 PLN (€ 5.60), reduced 20.00 PLN (€ 4.50)

12 – Palace of Culture and Science
In addition to the Jewish ghetto, there is another place that tells the difficult history of the city . We are talking about the Palace of Culture and Science, a palace built at the behest of Stalin and which was defined as a “gift from the Soviet Union to the Polish people”. However, the palace is not loved by the Poles , who call it The Monster.

It is the tallest building in Warsaw and Poland and which tells the Communist period under the Soviet Union after the Second World War. The architecture of the building is in fact the typical Soviet one, gray and square. This skyscraper has 42 floors, currently occupied by offices, museums, a swimming pool and a cinema. However,the real attraction is its panoramic terrace on the 30th floor , from which you can admire a wonderful view over the whole of Warsaw.

When to visit : the tamonto is the best time to admire the view from the terrace. Unfortunately it is also one of the busiest times, so we recommend purchasing a priority ticket
. Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in plac Defilad 1. Easily reachable on foot from the Jewish Ghetto (350 m, 4 min). Nearest metro stop Centrum (blue line M1). Close to Warszawa Powisle Train Station – Get Directions
• Hours: terrace every day from 10 am to 8 pm
• Ticket price: full terrace 20.00 PLN (€ 4.50), reduced 15.00 PLN (€ 3.50)

13 – Frederick Chopin museum
Photo by Jorge Lascar. The history of Warsaw is also linked to that of Chopin , the very famous Polish composer who was born right here. This is a source of pride for the city, which was the first stage of this child prodigy. The Frederick Chopin museum is also dedicated to him, with the largest collection on the composer in the world .
The visit to this museum corresponds to immerse yourself completely in Chopin’s life, through musical performances and manuscripts, personal relics and musical instruments. Also exhibited here is the Pleyel piano , an instrument that the composer played in the last years of his life.

Concero by Chopin: Warsaw is proud to have given birth to Chopin and in the city you can, in addition to visiting the museum, also attend Chopin concerts in the historic center
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Palac Gninskich, Okolnik 1. Easy walking distance from the National Museum in Warsaw (850 min, 13 min). Closest metro station Nowy Swiat-Uniwersytet (red line M2). Nowy Swiat 03 Bus Stop (Line 102, 106) – Get Directions
• Hours: Tue-Sun 11: 00-19: 00
• Ticket price: full 23.00 PLN (€ 5.10), reduced 14.00 PLN (€ 3.10), free Wednesday

14 – National Museum
Photo by Adrian Grycuk. Among the museums, the National Museum of Warsaw is absolutely unmissable. Founded in 1862 as the Warsaw Museum of Fine Arts, today it is the largest museum in the city and one of the most important in all of Poland .
Inside there are more than 800,000 works of art from different eras , such as paintings, sculptures, photographs, engravings and coins. In addition, by visiting the museum you can learn about the history of the city and all the obstacles it faced in the past, such as the years of the Second World War. In fact, in this terrible period the museum was a victim of the war, as many works, including important paintings, were stolen. Fortunately, they were recovered and brought back to the museum in the following years.

When to visit : we recommend that you insert it at the beginning of your itinerary and go at the opening hours to avoid the queues for the following hours
. Practical info: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: in aleje Jerozolimskie 3. Easily accessible on foot from the Palace of Culture and Science (1.7 km, 13 min). Close to Warszawa Powisle train station (300m, 4 min). Nearest Tram Stop Muzeum Narodowe 06 (Lines 7, 9, 22, 24, 25) – Get Directions
• Hours: Tue-Sat 10: 00-18: 00, Thu 10: 00-21: 00, closed Mon
• Ticket price: full 15.00 PLN (€ 3.50), reduced 10.00 PLN (€ 2.30)

15 – Park and Lazienki Palace
The Lazienki Park is competing with Wilanow for the prize as the best palace with park in all of Warsaw. Also reachable through the Royal Road, over the centuries it has also been a summer residence . Today it is a museum, as well as being one of the most visited places by tourists who decide to stop in Warsaw.
The palace is surrounded by the wonderful Lazienki Park, a green area to be discovered. Here, in addition to the Lazienki Palace, there are also several museums and historic buildings, such as the Palace on the Water, the Myslewicki Palace, the White House, the Orangery and the Belvedere Palace. Close to the latter, there is the Monument to Fryderyk Chopin, dedicated to the famous composer born in Warsaw, a real source of pride for the city! In fact, he is one of the best composers of romantic music and, as a tribute to him, concerts of more or less famous pianists take place here every Saturday and Sunday.
While strolling through the narrow streets of the park, we recommend that you also stop for a coffee and a cake at the suggestive Flora Caffe, a small place completely surrounded by greenery in which to relax after long walks.

Visit it in the fall: Lazienki Park and certainly autumn, when the trees are tinged with yellow and red, creating wonderful reflections in the lake and in the canals. It does not follow precise timetables, it generally opens at 6:00 and closes at sunset, so we recommend that you visit it in the middle of the day, perhaps after visiting the Palace
. Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in the Lazienki Park, south of the historic center. Reachable on foot along the Royal Road. Nearest bus stop Lazienki Krolewskie 01 (lines 116, 166, 180, 195) – Get directions
• Hours: Park every day from 6:00 am to sunset / Palazzo Lazienki / opening hours of the various palaces and museums available on the official website
• Ticket price: Free park / Lazienki Palace full 30.00 PLN (€ 6.70), reduced 15.00 PLN (€ 3.30) / entrances to the various palaces and museums available on the official website

16 – Wilanow
Residence The Willanow Residence is definitely one of the must see in Warsaw! Due to its beauty it is also called the Polish Versailles and is one of the most beautiful architectural complexes in Poland , as well as one of the most visited. To better discover it, we recommend the private tour of the Wilanow Museum and the park with a local guide!
The palace was built in the late 1600s at the behest of the Polish king Jann III, thus becoming the home of several Polish kings and nobles over the years. Inside you can admire a gallery full of paintings, while the rooms are full of frescoes and period furniture . Visiting the residence means taking a real step back in time!
After the residence, it is impossible to miss a walk in the wonderful park that surrounds it, full of ponds, fountains, statues and paths for relaxing walks . You can also rent a boat and sail on the river behind the residence, which overlooks the park.

Visiting time : between the residence and the gardens, we recommend that you stay here at least half a day
. Practical information: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Stanislawa Kostki Potockiego 10/16, at the end of the Royal Route. Nearest bus stop Wilanow 01, through which numerous bus lines pass. From the center, line 519 is recommended – Get directions
• Hours: every day, variable hours depending on the season and midweek or weekend days. Generally winter 9: 30-16: 00, summer 9: 30-18: 00. Consult the official website
• Ticket price: full 25.00 PLN (€ 5.60), reduced 20.00 PLN (€ 4.50)

Other attractions to visit
In addition to the attractions mentioned so far, which are essential for getting to know the history of Warsaw, there are others that can be visited according to your interests !
For example, in addition to the Archcathedral Basilica of San Giovanni Battista, you can admire other wonderful churches , such as the Church of Sant’Anna, the second most important (free), the Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo and San Floriano (free), the Church of Santa Trinita (free) and the Church of Santa Croce (free).

There are also numerous museums to visit, such as the Copernicus Science Center with interactive science exhibits (33.00 PLN / € 7.40), the Neon Museum of art (15.00 PLN / € 3.50), the Museum of Perhaps Polish Armed For lovers of the genre (20.00 PLN / € 4.50) and the Museum of Modern Art (5.00 PLN / € 1.10).

5 Things to Do in Warsaw Warsaw
Nightlife

Sightseeing Bus Tour

Gastronomic Specialties from Polska Rozana

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1. Chopin concert : the well-known Polish composer was born in Warsaw and here he studied and trained. We recommend attending a Chopin concert in the historic center, an experience not to be missed
2. Discovering Nightlife : Warsaw has a vibrant nightlife! Don’t miss a pub crawl with drinks included, for an unforgettable night out in the wee hours
3. Tourist bus tour : the best way to get used to the city is by taking a tour on the tourist bus, being able to get off and on unlimited at all stops for the duration of your ticket
4. Enjoy a tea at the Odette Tea Room : one of the most photographed places in Warsaw, where you can eat excellent desserts and take instagrammable photos, thanks to the decor
5. Taste local specialties : taste traditional dishes revisited in the famous Polska Rozana, located near the Lazienki Park in a wonderful setting

Plan your stay in Warsaw: flights and hotels
Warsaw, like many cities in Poland and Eastern Europe, is a very economical destination . From Italy there are several direct flights (starting from € 40.00) and the city is served by Chopin Airport (10 km south) and Modlin Airport (40 km, airport of the Ryanair company). The best time to visit the city is summer , as in addition to the most pleasant temperatures and sunny days, there are also numerous events and festivals!

The best area to sleep in is certainly the historic center (accommodation from € 35.00 per night), as the main attractions are concentrated here, there are all the services and it is easy to get around on foot! The nightlife areas are the center and the district of Prague, the latter young and trendy!

If you are traveling with children , the attractions not to be missed are the Warsaw Zoo and large city parks, such as Lazienki Park.
Most of the attractions are very affordable, or are completely free: for example the Old Town, the city parks, the Royal Route and Prague. In addition, several museums have free admission time slots, such as the Royal Castle on Wednesdays.