Warsaw is the capital of Poland, and it’s also the largest city with nearly 2.7 million inhabitants. The city was founded in the 14th century but has been destroyed several times throughout history, especially during World War II when it was nearly leveled. While it’s not easy to see this today, visiting one of the city’s many museums can give you a glimpse of what Warsaw looked like at the end of the war. Fortunately, not everything was destroyed, and the reconstruction efforts also saved many of the old historical buildings and monuments. Since the city is so large, there’s almost an endless list of things to do in Warsaw, but here are some of our favorites.
Explore the Old town
A visit (which often turns into several visits) to Warsaw’s Old Town is almost obligatory when you’re here. It’s also hard to miss because it’s the heart of the city. Everything here was meticulously reconstructed after World War II in such an impressive manner that it has been included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The Old Town is an impressive blend of narrow cobblestone streets, charming cafes, tourists, and souvenir shops. The main square is always bustling with life, and especially in the summer, it’s perfect for enjoying a beer and a bite to eat.
Vist Lazienki Park
Lazienki Park is more than just a park; it’s a palace park spanning almost 80 hectares right in the heart of Warsaw. The park was designed in the 17th century and was originally intended as a bathing park but was later transformed into what it is today: a collection of palaces, villas, and monuments for the nobility. There’s not much nobility left here; everything has now been turned into tourist attractions. For example, visit the Palace on the Water, one of the most popular attractions. It was built in the 1680s as a bathhouse but remains equally popular today.
Don’t forget to see The Royal Castle
If you approach the Old Town from the south, you’ll be greeted by the Old Royal Castle from the 14th century. This was the main residence of Polish monarchs for hundreds of years but has now been transformed into a museum. The castle has been completely destroyed twice, first by the Swedes in the 18th century and again more recently during World War II. Today, the castle has been fully restored, and when you visit the museum, you can see how King Sigismund II Augustus’s apartment looked during his reign in the 16th century. The museum also houses a large collection of paintings from the 16th to 18th centuries by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Gainsborough, and Joos van Cleve.
Make a stop at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Visiting a grave might not be what you typically associate with a holiday, but the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw is a memorial you should not miss. It’s not a cemetery but rather a symbol representing all those who have fallen while fighting for their country. The monument was built in 1925 and was originally meant to house the remains of an unknown soldier who lost his life in the Polish-Ukrainian War, but it remains a significant symbol to this day. Outside the monument, soldiers stand guard, and every hour, the changing of the guard is a spectacle in itself.
Wilanow Palace
After World War II, large parts of Warsaw were completely destroyed, but miraculously, Wilanow Palace survived and became one of the few landmarks that remained intact. The palace exudes luxury, featuring lavish rooms adorned with priceless art and decorations. The palace was built in the 17th century and was heavily inspired by the Palace of Versailles. During a tour here, you’ll be able to see how the nobility lived and the opulence that surrounded them.
Shopping in Warsaw
When you visit Poland’s largest city, you won’t be short of shopping opportunities. There are gigantic shopping centers and streets filled with shops everywhere. We’ve created a guide to shopping in Warsaw that can help you navigate through the jungle of shopping possibilities.
The Jewish Cemetery
As mentioned earlier, a cemetery might not be what you associate with a vacation, but we still recommend a visit to the Jewish Cemetery in Warsaw. It holds symbolic importance and evokes strong emotions. It’s also one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in the world. The cemetery is located in a large and beautiful forest, giving the visit a somewhat adventurous feel. Guided tours are also available if you prefer not to wander aimlessly.
Castle Square
On the outskirts of the Old Town, you’ll find this large triangular square with the dominant column of King Sigismund III Vasa placed in the center. This king is responsible for moving the Polish capital from Krakow to Warsaw in the 17th century, making this statue highly symbolic. The king holds a sword, and it’s said that if the sword falls, Warsaw will fall too. The original column was destroyed during World War II, but you can still see the remnants of it near the castle wall. The square itself is a cozy place to visit year-round, with plenty of small cafes, exhibitions, and performances.
Nightlife in Warsaw
A big city offers many opportunities, and Warsaw is no exception. Where you should go depends on what you’re looking for. Pubs are everywhere, but finding the best nightlife spots can be a bit more challenging. If you’re not sure what you want, I recommend starting in Nowy Świat street and Foksal street, where you’ll find bars, clubs, and lounges lined up one after the other. Your chances of finding something you like here are quite high. Alternatively (or if you’re staying closer), Mazowiecka street is a good option. Here, you’ll also find various music styles and types of nightlife venues.
