Where to go in Warsaw (Poland)

Warsaw, the capital of Poland is a amazing city is full of surprises. You will find it exciting, educating and inspiring.

As I wrote in my introduction, the people of Poland and Warsaw have not had an easy life - broken up in the 1700's only to rebel, then overwhelmed in the 1st World War and again in the second. The capital has emerged again with a beautifully re-constructed Old Town that is a testament to the love the people feel for their country.

You can take a Warsaw tour with a knowledgeable local guide, who is eager to tell you all about Warsaw's turbulent past and show you the best of its present-day delights. Begin your day with coffee in hand as your guide leads you through the cobblestone streets of Old Town, past Baroque palaces, numerous Gothic churches and masterfully reconstructed tiered houses. Stop for lunch in the lively Market Square , filled with street vendors, cafes, shops, galleries and some of Warsaw's top restaurants. Be sure to visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum at the edge of the former Jewish Ghetto, where you can learn about the intense Polish struggle to liberate Warsaw from Nazi occupation during World War II.   Here are some of the highlights you should see.


1. Royal Castle

The Royal Castle (Polish: Zamek Krolewski) in Warsaw is the official residence of the Polish monarchs, located at the Plac Zamkowy, at the entrance to Old Town. The King's personal offices and the administrative offices of the Royal Court of Poland were located there from the 16th century until the Partitions of Poland in the late 1700's. In its long history the Royal Castle was repeatedly devastated and plundered by its neighbors.

2. Palace of Culture & Science

The Palace of Culture and Science (Polish: Palac Kultury i Nauki, also abbreviated PKiN) in Warsaw is the tallest building in Poland, the seventh tallest building in the European Union, and the world's 187th
tallest building at 237 metres (778 ft). The building was originally known as the Joseph Stalin Palace of Culture and Science (Palace Kultury i Nauki imienia Jozefa Stalina). It is used today as an exhibition center and offices. The visitor should be aware that the building has been controversial from its beginning. It was hated initially because it was considered a symbol of Soviet domination - some of that negative feeling persists today. Some argued that the building destroyed the aesthetic balance of the old city and imposed dissonance with other buildings. You decide.

3. National Gallery of Art

Zachęta National Gallery of Art is the oldest exhibition site in Warsaw,  with a tradition stretching back to the mid 19th century. It is located in the heart of Warsaw, next to the Saski Park, and in the immediate vicinity of the University of Warsaw and the Academy of the Fine Arts. The origins of Zachęta can be traced back to 1860, when the Society for the Encouragement of the Fine Arts was founded in Warsaw.

4. Old Town Market Place

The Old Town Market Square (Stare Miasto or Starówka in Polish)  is the most historic location in the city and the most popular of Warsaw's tourist attractions. If you are only in Warsaw for a short trip, then the Old Town is a must-see location. A visit to the Old Town is worthwhile just to take in the Medieval architecture and the character of the Old Town Market Place with it's abundance of cafés, restaurants and bars. At times, it is difficult to believe that the whole area is in fact a near-total reconstruction as the original was destroyed during the second World War.




5. Lazienki Krolewskie Park- Palace Complex
The park and palace complex at Łazienki are one of the most beautiful of this type in Europe. Established

in the 17th century, the landscape gardens feature many interesting architectural elements, the most important of which include the Palace on the Island built for King Stanislaw August Poniatowski – Poland’s last monarch. It served as his summer residence and was famous for the Thursday dinners.






6.Wilanow Park-Palace
The summer residence of King Jan III Sobieski and then Augustus II as well as subsequent aristocratic families is an excellent  representation of European Baroque at its height and a homage to the former greatness of the Republic. The palace is surrounded by a magnificent, two level Baroque Italian garden and a romantic park in English style. Wilanów is the venue of important cultural events and concerts. The former stables house the Poster Museum.



7. The Grand Theater
The Teare Wielki or Grand Theatre is in my opinion the most beautiful building in Warsaw and believe me it has a lot of competition. The theater's neoclassical facade is stunning with beautiful art work and five
stallions which seem to gallop atop its roof. The Theatre plays host to the National Opera and guest Ballet Companies from Poland and abroad dance their way on the biggest stage in all Europe. As you can see, it is amazing at night.

The Box Office is open Monday - Friday 9.00am - 7.00pm
Saturday - Sunday 10.00am - 7.00pm





8. Warsaw Uprising Museum 
Commemorating the Polish struggle during World War II, the Warsaw Uprising Museum collects interactive exhibits, photos and video to document the city's war years. It opened its doors to the public in 2004. It is one of the city's most innovative and popular attractions, and a must-see for history buffs. Located just a kilometer away from the Radisson Blu Sobieski Hotel, the Warsaw Uprising Museum is a popular stop-off point.


I hope this will help and have a great time!