An incredibly fascinating and fairly young city, almost three quarters of the city was destroyed during the war in 1945, Warsaw makes for a fun holiday destination full of discovery. Packed with museums and monuments that are a harsh reminder of the devastation war can cause, old town Warsaw is also a reminder of hope and the spirit of humankind and should be at the top of your list of things to do in Warsaw. Completely rebuilt after most of it was turned to rubble, the Market Square in the old town is the ideal place to people watch passers by while with enjoying your cup of coffee. There are however many more sights and things to explore.
Warsaw city centre
You will find most of the top Warsaw attractions in Warsaw city centre. They range from grand palaces with royal grounds and a UNESCO Old Town.
Lazienki Palace and Park
One of Warsaw’s Palaces, Lazienki Palace, forms part of a royal route tour that takes in all the royal palaces in Warsaw. On its grounds you’ll find the fairy-tale-like Lazienki Park, Warsaw’s largest park. It’s got to be one of the top things to do in Warsaw and of the most famous Polish places to visit.
Starting out as royal baths (Lazienki means baths in Polish), it was further extended into the 76 hectares park it is today by King Stanislaw II Augustus in the 18th century. Within its vast grounds you’ll find an amphitheatre, promenades, pavilions and two orangeries. The Old Orangery is where the Royal Theatre is, and the New Orangery has a small restaurant when looking for somewhere to eat whilst on the grounds.
However, some of the top Warsaw attractions must surely be its monuments. Apart from the Lazienki Palace, this is where you will find many of Poland’s national monuments including a temple of Diana and an Egyptian temple. Perhaps the most prominent, located on the upper part of the park is the Fredric Chopin Monument. A large statue made in bronze, it is an acknowledgement of his place of birth, a place where he spent most of his childhood. Free concerts take place by the statue throughout the summer months.
Address: Agrykola 1, 00-460, Warsaw
Old town Warsaw
Walking around in old town Warsaw, you will be hard pressed to find evidence of the distraction caused by the war in 1939 and subsequent Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943, nor signs of the Warsaw Uprisings that followed a year later. All these wrecked devastating havoc to the Warsaw city centre, but as you wander through carefully restored burgher houses, churches and guildhalls that line its alleyways, it’s easy to understand why it’s earned its status of Old Town UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are segway tours that take up to one and a half hours to go around this fascinating part of town. Otherwise given that you are in Warsaw, do it in style, take a horse-drawn carriage whilst you drink the sights in. It’s one of the best things to do in Warsaw.
Head to Market Square, take a pew and indulge in a spot of people watching as you sip your coffee or tack into a decadent pastry. It’s the most historic part of the square at the centre of which is a famous fountain because of the mermaid figure adorning it.
It’s been fondly adopted as Warsaw’s protector and is thought to be related to ‘The Little Mermaid’ of Copenhagen. Surrounding the square from all angles are the most beautiful Renaissance and Baroque style merchant’s houses in an array of colours and lively cafes and restaurants to pick from.
Cannon Square
If you’re around the old town and would like to escape the crowds, respite comes by the form of a beautiful square just off the main streets, behind St John’s Cathedral, Cannon Square. It’s also surrounded by colourful apartment buildings that once housed the Cannons used in Warsaw’s turbulent years. Now local residences.
In the middle of the square is a huge bronze bell believed to have been made by the same person who made the statue of Zygmunt, which tops the column at the Royal Castle on Castle Square. Myth states that if you circle the bell several times your wishes will be granted, especially on one leg. I’ll leave you to be the judge of that. It’s easily one of the old town’s best kept secrets.
Warsaw best sights
One of the best things to do in Warsaw is to take the Royal Route tour. It uncovers some of Warsaw’s best sights and the perfect opportunity to see all the Royal Palaces in Warsaw, evidence of it’s elaborate past as one of Europe’s largest Empires.
Castle Square
At the beginning of this route is Castle Square, Plac Zamkowy, which is flanked by the Royal Castle but in itself quite attractive. It has such a buzzy atmosphere created by the throngs of visitors attracted to the array of free entertainment provided by buskers. This is where in 1997 Bill Clinton gave his speech welcoming Poland to NATO and where Warsaw’s Christmas tree stands in the winter.
In the centre of the square, you’ll find the Sigismund Column, one of the most famous Warsaw landmarks built in 1644 in commemoration of King Zygmunt III who’s whose statue adorns it. He’s attributed to having moved Poland’s capital from Krakow to Warsaw in 1596. After destruction in 1944, with the statue badly damaged, a new column set in granite was re-erected in 1949 and the statue repaired. Fragments of the old column can be found near the castle. It’s a cool meeting place with plenty of restaurants and bars nearby. Seeing the Royal Castle lit up on the outside from the square is a sight to cherish.
Royal Castle
Right on the Royal Square is the Royal Castle . It was built in the 15th century as the official residence of Polish monarchs after the capital was moved from Krakow to Warsaw. Take this opportunity to visit and tour the Royal apartments, a chance to see how the other half lived. The castle houses some incredible art including works by Rembrandt and canvasses by Canaletto from which it’s believed the city was restored. One of the castle’s main attractions is the Senator’s Hall from where the first ever constitution in Europe, and the second in the world, was passed in 1791.
The beautiful gardens, restored in 1920s and 30s styles with their fountains and flower beds, provide a delightful sanctuary to immerse all your senses into whatever the season. Get lost in the high-hedged mazes for an entertaining afternoon. Enjoy it in the night when it’s lit up in illuminations if you’re looking for something to do in Warsaw at night.
Address: plac Zamkowy 4, 00-277, Warsaw
Palace of Culture and Science
One of the most famous buildings in Poland is also it’s tallest, the Palace of Culture and Science . A gift from the Soviet Union in the 50s, its visible from anywhere in town and one of the things to see in Warsaw. It has a fascinating façade with lifelike statues depicting different fields of science, technology, art, and culture. From its 30th floor, you can see some of the best views of Warsaw, head there at night to see the city’s lights.
The area around the palace is a host to music concerts, shows, and films in the summer. Whilst in the winter, you will find a large skating rink on which you can skate for free admiring the illuminations that light up the building on special occasions. It’s a spectacular sight lit up at night even without the illuminations.
Address: plac Defilad 1, 00-901, Warsaw
Warsaw best restaurants
Warsaw’s restaurant scene, ignited by the renewed interest in Eurasian and Eastern European cuisine, is thriving and rivals any other top European city’s. Thanks to its young progressive community with a reputation for good hospitality, the city is fast becoming a foodie’s top European destination. The food culture celebrates the rich and bold flavours of traditional Polish food with a modern twist. Choices range from the famed milk bars, street side cafeterias serving traditional fares in large portions that gave the world the famed kefir, to Michelin acknowledged restaurants, of which there are plenty.
Alewino
Having started life as a wine shop, Alewino is now an acclaimed restaurant serving modern and seasonal Polish cuisine. The heart of its concept is pairing food with the right wines, and you have a whole 250 to choose from. Apart from a pea hummus, other dishes served include beetroot with hazelnut and labneh and a tiramisu served with an apple and dill ice cream.
While Poland’s love for potatoes is elevated with a potato with truffle and watercress. The courtyard is one of the best places to enjoy your lunch in the summer months, whilst the cosy casual interior setting is perfect for winter. One of Warsaw’s best restaurants.
Address: Mokotowska 48, 00-543, Warsaw
Nolita
Nolita could easily be one of Warsaw’s trendiest restaurants, but the food is what you go for. With an open kitchen from which you can see your food prepared, this stylish restaurant with colourful artwork serves modern dishes with influences from across the world. With a menu featuring dishes like Bluefin tuna taro, venison ossobuco and a pear, almond and goat milk dessert, you’d be wise to put yourself at the chef’s mercy and go for the tasting menu.
Address: Wilcza 46, 00-679, Warsaw
Prasowy Milk Bar
A milk bar is what to do in Warsaw if you want to truly appreciate traditional Polish food. First opened in 1896, they are the birth of the modern restaurant scene in Warsaw, and Poland for that matter. Mix in with the locals at Prasowy to try your first pierogi, those morish stuffed Polish dumplings. It’s one of the trendiest in town with black and white scrawls on the walls adorned with Polish comics strips and food served on red and white gingham place mats.
Address: Marszalkowska 10/16, 00-590, Warsaw
Warsaw at night
Warsaw may easily have the best nightlife in Eastern Europe. Warsaw at night is a variety of bars and clubs scattered throughout the city that attract some of the best crowds, often with international DJs spinning at the decks.
Level 27 Bar and Club
For some of the best views and club nights, head to Level 27 Bar and Club at the Atlas Tower in the city centre. With a retractable rooftop, summer is just perfect to watch the sun set and rise the next morning, it’s open until 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The stylish venue also hosts music and dance performances and has an extensive drinks and cocktail list with antipasti menu choices for when you feel peckish.
Address: Atlas Tower, Aleje Jerozolimskie, 123A, 02-017, Warsaw
Podwale bar and books
During winter months, you’ll not find a better place to be than at “The White House” near the old town in Warsaw. Here, spread on two floors – on the ground and first floors, is located the Podwale bar and books . Amongst its oak panelled walls lined with bookcases, you can smoke your cigar and sip whisky in class. Modelled on the Whiskey and Cigar Bars of Prague and New York, you’ll find plush leather sofas on which you can sip a glass of champagne whilst enjoying a burlesque show or live music played from Thursday to Saturday nights. It has a garden that can be used during the summer months.
Address: Waski Dunaj 20, 00-256, Warsaw
Polyester Café
And close to the old town on Freya Street is find one of the trendiest bolt holes in town, the Polyester Café. Attracting a motley crew of everyone from the young bohemian types to well-heeled smartly dressed ones, it’s the place to grab a coffee, a drink, or a bite to eat anytime of the day until 1:30 a.m. in the morning.
Address: Ulica Freta 49/51, 00-227, Warsaw
Finding secure accommodation in Poland
It isn’t difficult to find secure accommodation in Poland. Well-known hotel chains have branches in many of its major cities. However, there are also various local boutique hotels with fabulous accommodation, and apart from supporting the local economy, you will usually receive top class services.
In Warsaw for example the fabulous H15 Boutique Hotel is centrally located on Srodmiescie street, and is within a 15-minute walk to the Palace of Culture and Science. Local hotels are some of the best ways in which to learn local cultures whilst mingling with the locals. That is after all part of the fun of travel, right? Staff will also have first-hand knowledge of the places to go and things to do.
Your questions on why you should book a trip to Warsaw answered
If you’re hesitating on booking a trip to Warsaw, the answers below should help you make up your mind.
Is Warsaw worth visiting?
Warsaw is without a doubt one of the top cities you need to visit in Europe. It offers cultural experiences in a manner that is unique to it as a rebuilt city. Young and cosmopolitan, the nightlife is vibrant and the food scene offers some of the best restaurants in Europe. There are over 20 Michelin recognised restaurants in the city alone.
Warsaw vs Krakow
Both, if you want a straight answer. Warsaw if you’re looking for a cosmopolitan break mixed in with historic monuments. Having been nearly decimated in WWII and its subsequent troubles, most of the city has been fully restored. It’s therefore a younger city compared to Krakow in that aspect. It however packs its weight in attractions with a buzzing nightlife and trendy restaurants to visit and much more spaced out than Krakow.
Krakow, if what you’re after is mainly historic architecture. Formerly the capital of Poland until 1596 when it was moved to Warsaw, it’s one of the few cities of Poland that was spared bombing. You’ll therefore find many buildings dating back centuries centred around a fairly small town, making it walkable. Amongst the most exciting places to visit is the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz in the old town.
Are 3 days enough in Warsaw?
Absolutely. Though a spread-out city, it’s quite easy to pack in enough things to do on a three-day trip to Warsaw. Most of the top attractions are centred around the old town, with museums, top restaurants and the Royal Route all covered.
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