Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is an extraordinary city that has survived the storms of history. During the Second World War it was almost completely destroyed, yet its inhabitants rebuilt it through determined effort, and today it has become one of modern Europe's most exciting metropolises. The UNESCO-listed Old Town, the stunning parks and the world-famous museums all bear witness to the fact that Warsaw richly deserves attention. Get to know the city's 10 most important sights with us!
1. Old Town (Stare Miasto) – UNESCO World Heritage
Warsaw's Old Town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and at the same time the city's most remarkable sight. Almost completely destroyed in the Second World War, the district was rebuilt by Warsaw's people with meticulous work, based on period paintings and photographs. The Old Town Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta), lined with colourful Renaissance and Baroque houses, is the heart of the entire reconstruction. The Mermaid statue at the centre of the square is Warsaw's emblem and a favourite meeting point.
2. Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski)
The Royal Castle rises at the southern edge of the Old Town and was for centuries the residence of the Polish kings. Destroyed in the war, the building was rebuilt in the 1970s and 1980s as faithfully as possible. The interior rooms greet visitors with dazzling splendour: from the Throne Room to the Canaletto Room, every chamber tells of the former glory of the Polish aristocracy. Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy) in front of the building and Sigismund's Column are iconic sights too.
3. Łazienki Park and Palace
Łazienki Park is Warsaw's largest and most beautiful public park, covering around 76 hectares in the heart of the city. The jewel of the park is the Łazienki Palace on the Water (Pałac na Wodzie), a masterpiece of 18th-century classical architecture. As you stroll through the park, you'll come across antique statues, a flock of peacocks and the famous Chopin monument. In summer, free Chopin concerts are held around the monument on Sunday afternoons.
4. Warsaw Uprising Museum (Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego)
The Warsaw Uprising Museum is the city's most moving cultural institution, presenting the story of the 1944 uprising. The interactive exhibition brings the events of the 63-day heroic struggle close to the visitor through original objects, film footage and audio recordings. The museum is housed in a former tram power station, and its furnishings evoke that industrial atmosphere. From the rooftop terrace there's a wonderful view of the city.
5. Palace of Culture and Science (Pałac Kultury i Nauki)
The Palace of Culture and Science is Warsaw's tallest building, the 237-metre Soviet-style skyscraper is an inescapable emblem of the city. From the observation terrace on the 30th floor, an unparalleled 360-degree panorama unfolds over all of Warsaw. The building houses cinemas, theatres, museums and university institutions. Although Warsaw's people have an ambivalent relationship with the building, as a tourist you certainly shouldn't miss it.
6. Copernicus Science Centre (Centrum Nauki Kopernik)
Standing on the bank of the Vistula, the Copernicus Centre is one of Central Europe's largest interactive science museums. More than 450 interactive exhibits await young and old alike, from physics to biology. The museum's planetarium offers captivating astronomical projections with modern technology. It's a must for families and curious adults alike.
7. Wilanów Palace (Pałac w Wilanowie)
Wilanów Palace is often called the "Polish Versailles", and not without reason. Built in the 17th century for King John III Sobieski, this Baroque palace boasts fabulous parkland and gardens. Inside the palace you can see period furniture, paintings and a porcelain collection. The garden is especially unforgettable in autumn and spring.
8. Nowy Świat street and Krakowskie Przedmieście
Nowy Świat ("New World") street is Warsaw's most elegant pedestrian street, full of cafés, restaurants and shops. Its northern continuation, Krakowskie Przedmieście, is the city's most beautiful avenue, lined with historic palaces, churches and the buildings of the University of Warsaw. Together the two streets form Warsaw's "Royal Route", stretching from the Old Town all the way to Łazienki Park. Illuminated in the evening, it offers an especially atmospheric stroll.
9. POLIN – Museum of the History of Polish Jews
The POLIN Museum stands on the site of the former Warsaw Ghetto and presents the thousand-year history of Poland's Jews. The interactive exhibition leads the visitor from the Middle Ages to the present day, showing both the richness of Jewish culture and the tragedy of the Holocaust. The building is a modern, award-winning architectural work designed by Daniel Libeskind. Since its opening in 2014, the museum has received numerous international accolades.
10. Królikarnia Palace and Sculpture Park
The Królikarnia is an 18th-century classical palace that today houses the Museum of Sculpture (Rzeźba). Inspired by Palladio's Villa Rotonda, the building stands on a hilltop surrounded by a beautiful park. Modern sculptures and installations in the park make a walk here special. The place is less known to tourists, so it offers calm, quiet relaxation away from the city's bustle.
Practical tips
- Transport: Buy a 72-hour public transport ticket, the metro, trams and buses all belong to Warsaw's ZTM network.
- Warsaw Pass: With the Warsaw Pass you get free admission to the main museums and can use public transport at a discount.
- Currency: In Poland payment is in złoty (PLN), but bank cards are accepted in many places. It's worth keeping some cash for small purchases.
- Gastronomy: Try the various versions of pierogi (filled dumplings) and żurek (sour rye soup), these are staples of Polish cuisine.
- eSIM: Before travelling, it's worth getting a Polish eSIM so you can stay connected on site without paying expensive roaming fees.