Things to do in Warsaw

Warsaw’s attractions are predominantly historical and architectural, or both, while there is also a number of scenic locations in which to chill out and watch the world go by while getting to grips with Warsaw lifestyle.

The Old Town

This was rebuilt after its destruction during WWII. Today, the Old Town Square is once again the centre of the city. There are a wide range of attractions, restaurants and bars to be found here. The suburbs can best be described as grey and characterless, but armed with knowledge of Warsaw's history, especially the tragedies suffered during the WWII, the dullest of areas can take on a whole new meaning. Warsaw is developing at a fast pace and new construction can be seen everywhere. Modern skyscrapers, department stores and new Metro stations now grace the city.

Former Jewish District

The huge area of the Mirów and Muranów districts is infamously known for the ghetto that was established by the Germans during WWII. The majority of the city's Jewish population were confined here and it was eventually razed to the ground following the 1943 uprising. A memorial route has been established and tours can be arranged to learn about the ghetto’s history. The route begins at the Monument to the Heroes of the Ghetto and is marked by 16 black granite blocks commemorating the events and people.

Wilanow Palace

This former summer residence of King John III Sobieski was badly damaged during WWII and subsequently reconstructed. It is one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in Poland and contains mementos of the Sobieski family including period furniture, a gallery of Polish portraits and collections of 16th to 19th century china. It is now a branch of the National Museum.

The Royal Castle

This Gothic castle served as a residence for kings as well as a seat of important state offices. It originally belonged to the Mazovian dukes during the 13th and 14th centuries. It was enlarged shortly after this period and then converted into a magnificent stately home in the 17th century. During WWII, the castle was deliberately destroyed on Hitler's orders.

It was finally rebuilt between 1971 and 1984, incorporating thousands of original architectural fragments and surviving artworks. The rebuilding of the castle block is in the early Baroque style, although it contains earlier architectural styles as well. One of the most impressive features is the Great Apartment, dominated by the Assembly Hall and its gilded stucco and golden columns.

Lazienki Park

This English-style park was a former summer residence of King Stanisaw August Poniatowski. It was originally attached to Ujazdów Castle and used as a hunting ground. The area was acquired by the king in 1776, and turned into a magnificent park complete with a palace, amphitheatre and various other buildings. There are several entrances to the park, the easiest being from al Ujazdowskie. A stroll around the gardens will reveal some splendid neo-classical buildings, among them the Palace on the Water (the former residence of the king), pavilions, an orange orchard and an Egyptian temple. Theatrical performances are staged during the summer months at the amphitheatre.

National Museum

Although it's called the National Museum, this is actually a collection of some of the best Polish paintings in the country. There are three art galleries, each covering a different period. Make sure you see the Gallery of Ancient Art, which includes Byzantine frescoes from Faras.

Palace of Culture and Science

The palace was built in the early 1950s, and this monumental skyscraper is still the tallest building in Warsaw. It was built as a gift of friendship from the Soviet Union to the Polish nation and is probably the city's most prominent landmark. The building contains 42 floors and stands over 800 feet tall. A high-speed lift will take you to the viewing terrace on the 30th floor for a bird's-eye view of the city.

Old Town Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta)

This market is considered to be the heart of the Old Town. The four sides of the square are named after the most famous 18th century Polish parliamentarians. Fairs and occasional executions were held here, and representatives of guilds and merchants met at the Town Hall until it was demolished in 1817. Many of the buildings were destroyed during WWII, but restoration work ensured that it looks much as it did when rich merchant families lived here in the 17th century. It's an interesting place to visit with some great cafés and restaurants. Sit back, relax and admire the architecture and talented street performers.

Museums

The Adam Mickiewicz Museum of Literature is housed in six old town houses that are post-war reconstructions. The exhibits follow the history of Polish literature, from the era of Romanticism to the present day. There is a wide collection of works of art, manuscripts, drawings and first editions.

The Katyn Museum is a memorial to the thousands of Polish reserve officers killed by the Soviets and buried in the Russian forest of Katyn. There are a few other war-related museums including the Gestapo Headquarters Museum and the Polish Army Museum. However, for something a little different, visit the Marie Curie Museum. The well-known Polish physicist and chemist was a winner of two Nobel Prizes and a pioneer in the study of radioactivity. The museum chronicles her life and work with some good exhibits.

Finally, the Historical Museum of Warsaw can be found on the north side of the Rynek. It offers a comprehensive portrayal of the history of the city with many fine collections and displays. There is also a section devoted to the events of WWII and a documentary film about the city’s reconstruction after 1945.