Stroll through Warsaw’s Old Town and the old “New” Town
Immerse yourself in the eclectic confluence of Warsaw’s past and present by roaming the historic streets of its new “Old Town”. Painstakingly rebuilt after World War II using original bricks and materials recovered from the rubble, Warsaw’s Old Town appears convincingly authentic with its arched alleys, cobblestone streets and medieval buildings.
This picturesque and historic place contains some of the oldest buildings in the city including the Royal Castle and the Barbican. Look out for the Warsaw Mermaid statue, the symbol of the city, in the elegant Old Town Market Place. The view from the bell tower at St Anne’s Church is one of the best in the city and well-worth the 147-step climb.
Walk through the Royal Route
Starting from the Royal Castle in the Old Town, walk the Royal Route to discover Warsaw’s beautiful palaces and gardens. This route leads you through the most beautiful part of the city, encompassing 5 connecting streets on which many culturally and historically important buildings and monuments are located. Discover the trendy and quirky Nowy Świat alongside Aleje Ujazdowskie, walking through Łazienki Królewskie before ending your journey at the Wilanow Palace.
Discover Chopin
Once home to the world-renowned composer and pianist Frédéric François Chopin, Warsaw is full of monuments to her beloved son. Learn more about the composer at the fascinating Chopin Museum, or attend one of the nightly recitals held throughout Warsaw to listen to various pianists play his dramatic and romantic music. Dedicated fans of Chopin can also track down the resting place of his heart at the Holy Cross Church (along the Royal Route). Placed there after his death at his request, this takes the saying that “home is where the heart is” to a whole other level.
Visit Wilanow Palace
Commissioned by King John III Sobieski in 1677, Wilanów Palace is a breath of fresh air from the post-communist architecture that dominates the Polish capital. While much of Warsaw was razed to the ground in World War II, this beautiful palace survived the turmoil of history and is regarded as one of Poland’s most important national treasures. Called the “Little Versailles”, this magnificent 17th-century Baroque palace is ornately decorated and furnished with eye-catching sculptures, paintings and ceiling frescos. Surprisingly, the decorations in some rooms have clear Asian influences with dragons, Japanese ink paintings and pagoda-like structures being among the Palace’s best kept secrets.
Enjoy Polish Fare at Milk Bars
For a traditional and local food experience, head to one of the city’s milk bars (bar mleczny) – no-frills, cheap cafeteria-style eateries serving recipes passed down through generations. Beyond serving delicious food, these state-sponsored diners also offer a glimpse into the city’s communist past. Many milk bars don’t have English menus or English-speaking assistants, but don’t let this deter you – pointing at items on the large display boards yields surprising results. Serving an assortment of mouth-watering Polish foods at cut-throat prices, milk bars are a uniquely Polish experience that are sure to leave both your wallet and stomach happy.
Visit the Palace of Culture and Science
The controversial Palace of Culture and Science (PKiN) was built as a gift from Stalin to the Polish people, and its gargantuan structure stands tall in the very centre of the city, dominating Warsaw’s skyline. Emitting a dystopian vibe that is both exciting and unnerving, the PKiN now serves as an exhibition and cultural centre, as well as an office complex. Make your way up to the observation terrace on the 30th floor (20zł/15zł) for an astounding bird’s eye view of the city.
Explore Praga
Venture across the Vistula river to the artsy, less-touristy Praga district. Once considered off-limits by many locals and visitors, this part of the city was left relatively untouched during the war and many classic buildings have been converted into clubs, bars, cafés and museums. Walk along the original cobblestone streets and soak in the distinctively alternative vibe of this neighbourhood with its street art and graffiti littered buildings. While Praga comes to life at night, there is plenty to do during the day. Immerse yourself in Warsaw’s quirkier and most artistic side by exploring the street art or visiting the Neon Museum. Chocolate-lovers can also visit the Wedel Factory, home of Poland’s finest chocolate.
Learn about Warsaw’s Jewish History
Warsaw has a rich and deeply tragic history which remains documented in the many museums throughout the city. Delve into the city’s darkest days by learning about the struggles and fate of the city’s Jewish population.
Explore the site of the former Jewish ghetto or visit one of the city’s many museums. The popular Warsaw Rising Museum and the award-winning POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews painstakingly recount the tragedies of war, paying tribute to the contributions of the Jewish population through an immersive range of interactive displays. The harrowing photos depicting the near complete destruction of Warsaw leaves one in awe of the city’s transformation from rubble to its current state as a dynamic European capital.
Enjoy the View from the Library Rooftop
Hidden behind the University of Warsaw, the university library (Biblioteka Uniwersytecka w Warszawie) is a beautiful and eye-catching building. Surprisingly, the BUW’s crown jewel is its rooftop garden. Open to the public, the library has one of the largest roof gardens in Europe, consisting of 1 hectare of garden space. Offering sweeping views of the Praga district, the Vistula river and the Świętokrzyski Bridge, the roof garden is an ideal spot for relaxation among the bustle of city-life.
