Top 10 in Warsaw to see

Before going on a journey you should know that:

1. Warsaw has existed for more than 700 years
2. Before WW2 our city was called the “Paris of the East”
3. Warsaw was almost totally destroyed and then rebuilt twice in its history: during the Swedish occupation in the 17th century and after the Uprising 1944
4. In 1980 the Old Town was inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage list

Check our Warsaw city tours and take a look at our overview of the best places to visit in Warsaw:

Palace of Culture and Science

Built 10 years after the war as a “gift from Stalin to the Polish nation”, the Palace of Culture and Science is the highest (and the most controversial as well) building in Poland. You will find here more than 3000 rooms, including a very popular multiplex cinema, 4 theaters,  2 museums, and several bars and cafes. But what attracts people the most is the viewing terrace “Thirty” located on the 30th floor where you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the city.

Old Town

After the war, US General Dwight Eisenhower came to Warsaw and said: “I have seen many towns destroyed, but nowhere have I been faced with such destruction.” It’s true. WW2 and 1944 brought unbelievable destruction – on Hitler’s personal orders the historic center of Warsaw was razed to the ground. Fortunately, today the Old Town is a place full of energy where you can take a rest, try local dishes, admire musical performances, visit open-air galleries…

Krakowskie Przedmieście (try to pronounce it 🙂 )

No visit to Warsaw would be complete without a stroll along the Krakowskie Przedmieście street (literally: Cracow Suburb).

Surrounded by squares and filled with amazing historic buildings (like for instance Holy Cross Church with the Chopin’s heart), monuments, cafes, bars, restaurants and shops, it is one of the most beautiful and famous places in Warsaw. Moreover, it is also known as the most expensive street in Poland.

Łazienki Park

You can’t come to Warsaw without visiting Łazienki Park which is placed among the top sites in our city. This very unusual name – Łazienki which means baths – comes from the most recognized attraction of the park, summer royal residence, Palace on the Island.

Łazienki Królewskie is a 76-hectare area located in the city center, with the park (our favorite place to spend a Sunday afternoon) and numerous historic buildings:  Palace on the Island (as I have already mentioned),  Theater on the Island or White House (do not confuse with the White House in the USA!).

Warsaw Uprising Museum

James May, British journalist and co-presenter of the “Top Gear”, wrote on Twitter: “Went to the Warsaw Uprising Museum today. One of the best exhibitions I’ve been to for ages, and very sobering”. Need I say more? Dedicated to the heroes of the Warsaw Uprising 1944, this museum is without any doubt one of the best and the most visited places in Warsaw. If you want to learn more about the history of Poland, feel the atmosphere of those tragic years and be involved in the process of learning, do not hesitate and come to the museum!

Powązki Cemetery

Let’s be honest, when you are thinking of what to see in Warsaw, the Powązki Cemetery probably isn’t the first site you come across. But, actually, why not? Whether you are interested in the history of the necropolis, the architecture of the tombs or simply looking for a grave of a famous person, Powązki is a worthwhile destination. Many notable Poles were buried at Powązki Cemetery, including family, friends, and teachers of Frédéric Chopin.

National Stadium

As a football fan, there’s clearly no better place to visit in Warsaw than National Stadium. It was designed and constructed for Euro 2012 and today is the largest football arena in Poland.

While visiting the National Stadium you will have a chance to:

• check the amazing acoustics
• see the room where Cristiano Ronaldo prepared for a football game
• climb to the top of the Stadium

Warsaw University Roof Garden

Don’t miss this place during your stay in Warsaw! It’s just a few steps from the Old Town and the Cracow Suburb. This is one of the biggest roof gardens not only in Poland but also in Europe, a perfect place to relax, read, study, or just enjoy the beautiful weather. In addition, from the viewing terrace, you can admire the exciting and breathtaking panorama of the Vistula river.

Praga district

Do you want to see another face of the city? Then you should cross the Vistula river and visit the Praga district which used to be an independent city until the 19th century. The list of attractions located in Praga is so immense that I don’t know where to start. When visiting Praga you certainly should not miss:

• post-industrial and innovative space for culture and business (SOHO Factory)
• the oldest existing city market (Bazar Różyckiego)
• Warsaw Vodka Factory “Koneser”
• Museum of Warsaw Praga is located in the oldest building in Praga, dating back to the 18th century

Wilanów Palace and Garden

As you already know, Warsaw was approximately 85 percent destroyed during the war. But there is one very important object that survived this terrible period practically intact – it’s Wilanów Palace, the summer residence of King John III Sobieski, also known as the “Polish Versailles”. The Wilanów complex, situated 10 km from the city center and composed of the palace, garden, numerous buildings, and monuments, is a place where you can spend almost the entire day.

Can’t wait to see all these outstanding attractions? See what we have prepared or just contact us and we will organize a memorable Warsaw city tour for you!

Author: Monika Makiej