Rare tourists spend more than one day in Warsaw and we were no exception, taking a one-day break along the way. Naturally, we had previously read the reports and impressions of Warsaw from other travelers. They all come to the conclusion that they expected less from the capital of Poland; bad reviews are usually left by people who have not visited Warsaw at all.
Yes, of course, the entire city was destroyed during the war and it was not possible to restore it completely to its pre-war form. The result was a kind of mix from different centuries, since some objects were restored according to plans of the 18th century, others according to pre-war plans, some buildings were restored in a simplified version. But UNESCO still included the center of Warsaw on the list of historical heritage of mankind, because the efforts put into restoration were simply enormous.
I described how to get to the center of Warsaw in an article dedicated to We began our exploration from Charles de Gaulle Square. Let's go down the street New World(Nowy Świat), which together with Krakowskie Przedmieście Street is part of the Royal Route.
You might want to find yourself excursions in Russian around Warsaw. To do this, I would recommend that you read the article - The second and last site from the list is relevant for Warsaw.
The Royal Highway previously connected Royal Palace John III Sobieski with his Wilanów country residence. In total it will be about 10 km. We examined only a small part of this historical road from Place Charles de Gaulle to Castle Square.
An interestingly decorated house on Novy Svet Street
The Polish language immediately began to surprise us; we were in Poland for the first time and were not yet accustomed to such surprises. The day before we just talked with the landlady in a mixture of Polish, Russian and in English and we were convinced that there are definitely many similar words in our languages. Slavic languages often have the same word roots, but completely different meanings; below is an example in the photo. “Dermo” is something about skin diseases and dermatology, but I have completely different associations?
Quirks of the Polish language, pharmacy sign I was also surprised by the signs of Polish stores; in Polish the store will be “sklep”, “zoo sklep” generally brings back memories “of a pet cemetery”. The beauty salon will be exactly the opposite - Salon Urody.
Beauty salon in Polish This is where I will finish about the features of the Polish language, come and learn a lot of new things.
Near the monument to Copernicus, New World Street smoothly flows into Krakowskie Przedmieście Street. Despite the controversial issue of Copernicus' nationality, the Poles consider him one of their own. On the square in front of the monument, a diagram of the heliocentric system of the world is laid out with multi-colored stones, and the monument to Copernicus is in the center of it.
Monument to Copernicus at Staszica Palace Krakowskie Przedmieście
Kraków Przedmieście took shape as a street in the 15th century. This is one of the oldest streets in Warsaw and an absolute tourist must see. Along this street are located all the most important buildings in Poland - the University of Warsaw, the Presidential Palace, several ancient churches, many palaces of Polish magnates, simple houses and famous hotels. Churches and everything related to religion are of great importance to Poles. Krakow Przedmieście is a clot of Polish history. On this street we will meet many people who are the pride of Polish science, art, politics and religion.
For example, the heart of Frederic Chopin was walled up in the columns of the Church of the Holy Cross; the Polish musician died in Paris, but as a sign of his attachment to his homeland, he asked to bury his heart in Warsaw, which was done 39 years after his death. Frederic Chopin was born in a village near Warsaw, studied at the university, and in Warsaw many places are associated with his name.
Church of the Holy Cross (construction 1679-1696, restored 1945 - 1953) The Poles greatly revere Frederic Chopin; they even developed a special a tourist route“In the footsteps of Chopin in Warsaw”, you can pick up a brochure with a map from Turistic info. All places where the composer visited are marked with memorial plaques. In many places along the route there are memorial benches, and on each bench there is a map of the route, and such a bench also plays music at the press of a button. Warsaw has the best museum of Frederic Chopin, which is not surprising given such veneration.
Chopin's bench on Krakowskie Przedmieście The University of Warsaw was opened in 1817 under Alexander I in the building of the Casimir Palace; after the Polish uprising of 1830, the university was closed and reopened only in 1862. Polish students studied at the universities of Moscow and St. Petersburg at that time, Polish departments were opened there, but they were still forced to learn Russian, but on the other hand, how can you live in Russia and not know the language at all?
Main gate of the University of Warsaw Almost the entire Krakowskie Przedmieście street is lined with palaces of noble Poles or magnates. So on the façade of the Tyshkevich Palace, the Atlantans hold a balcony on stone shoulders. After the Tyszkiewicz Palace, look carefully at your feet, you might want to deviate a little to the left and look at the oldest garden in Warsaw -. If you go to the right at this point, you can look at the modern garden built on the roof of the Warsaw University library. You can visit both gardens for free, and then return to Krakowskie Przedmieście Street and continue your walk.
Riding a chaise with the Tyszkiewicz Palace in the background (1792) The Visitation Church is one of the few that survived the war; we can see it the same as it was after construction was completed in 1761.
Church of the Visitor or Church of St. Joseph the Betrothed Next to the Visiting Church there is a monument to the Primate of Poland Stefan Wyszynski, he was also called the Primate of the Millennium, he was in office from 1948 to 1981. He is highly respected in Poland; a monument to him was also erected in Czestochowa, the spiritual center of the country; a square in the town of Ostroleka is named after him.
Monument to the Primate of the Millennium Stefan Wyszyński 
Houses on Castle Square Polish cuisine
After visiting the palace, it was time for lunch. Naturally I wanted to try Polish cuisine. This is not difficult to do. In the center of Warsaw there are many establishments specializing in national dishes. We chose Restauracja Zapiecek, this is a chain of restaurants, there are several of them in the center of Warsaw. Prices are moderate: soup about 2€, dumplings or dumplings about 4€. The menu with prices can be viewed here.
Restauracja Zapiecek – Polskie Pierogarnie The waitresses of “Restauracja Zapiecek” are dressed in national costumes, they serve Polish “perogi”, as they call dumplings with berries, cottage cheese, potatoes, and Russian style “perogi” are made with meat. In addition to “perogs”, they also serve many other dishes - soups, bigos, sausages with cabbage. Everything was delicious. Poles understand the word “sour cream” in Russian; in Western Europe such a concept does not exist; there it is either cream or yogurt. And we took sangria to drink, not Polish, but very tasty and refreshing.
Pasha with perogies and sour cream During lunch, the Polish grandfather entertained us with songs, including in Russian. I remember exactly that he sang “White Roses” and “Hold on tightly to the steering wheel, driver...”, and also sang our other songs. Not only people of Slavic appearance, but also Indians gave him Russian songs. Then the nuns approached my grandfather and ordered him Polish songs, then he sang something in Yiddish, we only understood the words “Sholom Aleichem...”. What I mean is that it is believed that Poles do not like Russians, but Russian songs are successfully performed on one of the most important streets of Warsaw.
Street singer Old city
Then we continued our walk through the Old Town. The streets there are much narrower than on Krakowskie Przedmieście Street and they are completely pedestrian, it is possible that cars enter there, but only to replenish the stocks of shops and restaurants. It is impossible to photograph entire houses in the Old Town, so I took photographs of fragments of architecture that I liked.
As in all countries with access to the Baltic Sea, trade in amber products is very popular in Poland, and in such an architectural frame amber looks royal.
Nice showcase of amber in the Old Town The facade of the house on Pivnaya Street is decorated with images of pigeons. This decoration appeared on the house in 1953 in honor of the protector of pigeons, who remained to live in the ruins after the liberation of Warsaw. I think it’s very cute, the pigeons turned out as if they were alive.
Decoration of house No. 6 on Pivnaya Street The house under the ship was restored after the war in 1953.
House No. 32 on Świętojanska Street In the old town, many houses are decorated using the sgraffito technique. Below are examples.
Clock and house decorated with sgraffito near the Old Market 
House under the little black boy on the Old Market The Jesuit Church was significantly rebuilt, after the war only a pile of rubble remained. Noteworthy are the original gates (2009) by the famous Polish modern sculptor Igor Mirotai. We first became acquainted with his work on . We are still impressed and are already monitoring the opportunity to see his work in the cities we visit.
Jesuit Church of the Virgin Mary and gates by Igor Mirotai (2009) In the Old Town, all roads lead to the Old Market Square, this is where the Warsaw Sirenka or the Little Mermaid stands. It is the symbol and coat of arms of the city. About 200 years ago, a statue of the little mermaid adorned the façade of the town hall, then the building was demolished and the sculpture was installed on the square independently. All sides of the square are named after Polish politicians; their names, however, mean nothing to the average Russian.
Old Market Square There is an artificial puddle around the pedestal with the little mermaid; it is pleasant to walk on it barefoot in hot weather, which is what many children and adults do.
Warsaw Sirenka One of the cafes on the Old Market Square was decorated with boxes of Russian ammunition, the boxes are very new, are the Poles really still buying weapons from us?
In Warsaw they also sell these buns made from yeast dough with sprinkles, which in the Czech Republic are called trdlo, in Hungary kurtas-kalach, as they are called in Poland, I didn’t have time to understand, but we ate one bun with a hole for everyone.
Houses on the Old Market The Barbican separates the Old City from the New, but the New City can only be recognized as new in relation to the Old. As in Prague, Warsaw's New Town was originally a separate settlement outside the city walls and merged with the Old Town only in the 18th century.
The Barbican was restored according to 17th-century drawings after the war; ancient bricks to recreate the Barbican were collected from the post-war ruins of other Polish cities, and upon closer examination it is noticeable that the bricks are of different colors.
Barbican New town
We didn’t explore the new city completely, only the part adjacent to the Old City, and we looked at the Stalin skyscraper from the tram window on the way to our rented apartment. There are still many quite interesting buildings in a very modern style, but this is a topic for another story.
On one of the houses in the New Town there is an illustration of the Warsaw legend about the capture of the little mermaid in the waters of the Vistula by two fishermen. According to myths and legends, the Warsaw Sirenka is the sister of the little mermaid from Copenhagen.
In the New Town We never found Pyatochka Street and Winnie the Pooh, but Kozla Street caught our eye and there is something like this in the New Town.
On Freta Street, the Marie Skladowska-Curie Museum attracts attention. Maria was born in Warsaw and lived in the house where her museum is now located for only one year after her birth, then the family moved to another house, also in Warsaw.
The building of the Marie Skladowska-Curie Museum on Freta Street A special tourist route has been developed in the footsteps of Marie Skladowska-Curie in Warsaw; most of the memorable places are located on Krakowskie Przedmieście Street and in the Old Town. Russian tsarism did not allow Maria to receive higher education in Poland or Russia, and she and her husband made most of her discoveries in Paris, but she also did not forget her homeland.
Portrait of Marie Skladovskaya-Curie in the museum window Thanks to her efforts, the Radium Institute appeared in Warsaw, now it is the Institute of Oncology. Marie Skladovskaya-Curie received two Nobel Prizes - in physics and chemistry, and became the first woman professor at the Sorbonne in Paris. Moreover, her daughter Irene Joliot-Curie also became a Nobel Prize laureate along with her husband. In my youth, I read the biography of this great woman, written by her second daughter, Eva Curie. This family undoubtedly brought glory to Poland on the world stage.
Monument to Marie Skladowska-Curie over the Vistula We did not visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum; on Sundays, admission there is as free as the Royal Palace. The Polish and Russian governments have different views on this tragic moment in the history of Poland. In general, this is a topic for a separate article and I will not touch on it now.
Graffiti dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising Before multimedia park We reached the fountains, but didn’t wait for the show. Usually, if you start walking around the city at 10 am, then by 10 pm or even earlier you no longer have any strength left. The next day we had a long drive to the Adriatic coast and wanted to rest before the long journey.
Light fountains We found Warsaw a very pleasant city. One day, as always, was not enough, especially in the summer, when the weather is conducive to exploring parks and suburban residences. Next time, if we drive past Warsaw, we’ll definitely stop by to look at Lazienki Park and the suburban residence of Wilanów; its palace can be visited on Thursdays for free as well. In Warsaw, an attraction of unheard-of generosity works with museums. Three very interesting museum You can watch it for free, does anyone know the same or similar promotion in other European capitals?
I read plans to explore Warsaw along with parks within 24 hours, but this doesn’t seem like a sound idea to me. We only managed to look at the city center and not completely. In 2017, we stopped by Warsaw again and spent several hours
My trip to Warsaw was a pleasant and amazing surprise for me and added another city to the list of my favorites, where I will certainly return. Poland and Warsaw are associated by many with military events, occupation, communism and concentration camps. But the city turned out to be surprisingly interesting, with beautiful architecture and rich culture. Most of all I was captivated by the majestic castles and palaces with gardens and parks, but of course the historical and central part of the city deserve special attention and walks.
Traditionally, many tourists begin their acquaintance with a European city from its historical center.
Warsaw's Old Town is a priceless monument world heritage UNESCO and has been preserving the history of its streets and alleys for more than 700 years.
Acquaintance with the Old Town begins from Castle Square, where the Royal Palace and Sigismund's Column are located - a meeting place for tourists and residents of Warsaw. Walking along the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, we find ourselves on Market Square, where the symbol of the city is located - the monument to the Mermaid (Siren). According to legend,
Dungeons of the Old Town of Warsaw
Dungeons and cellars are a separate part of the Old Town, keeping interesting legends and secrets. One of these legends is dedicated to a basement on the corner of KrzyveKolo street, where a creature named Basilisk lived. He guarded the treasures stored there and turned anyone who tried to get close to them into stone. But one day, a clever wanderer showed the monster his own reflection in the mirror, which greatly frightened him; the Basilisk itself was petrified by what he saw and ceased to be a threat to the inhabitants of the city.
The underground places of Warsaw have preserved the history of more than 700 years and the events of the Second World War.
Here are some of their addresses where you can feel the mysterious and ancient atmosphere:
- Old Town Market (28-42)
- St. Brzozova, 11/13
- St. Świętojanska 8
10 free museums in Warsaw
1. Frederic Chopin Museum– modern, with multimedia and exhibits dedicated to Chopin (his last piano, bonbonniere, mask and cast of the composer’s hand).
Details on the website chopin.museum.pl
On Sundays admission is free.
2. Museum of the Warsaw Uprising is one of the most popular multimedia museums, where you can learn about the German-occupied city and the post-war communist regime of the inhabitants of Warsaw. The museum hosts lectures, theatrical performances, concerts, and film screenings (for example, the three-dimensional film “City of Ruins” about the reconstruction of a destroyed city).
Museum website www.1941.pl. Admission is free on Sundays. And at the museum there is a Rose Garden and a plein air gallery, where I recommend viewing the paintings of leading Polish graphic artists.
3. Museum of Modern Art located in a pavilion with an interesting design, where you can not only visit interesting exhibitions, but also read books by artists and architects for free.
Museum website https://artmuseum.pl/en
Admission is free on all days, closed on Mondays.
4. Museum of the Palace of King John III in Wilanow. Wilanow is called the Polish Versailles due to the architecture of the palace and summer residence of the Polish king in the Baroque style, beautiful park with many sculptures and landscape decorations and a romantic garden by the lake.
The museum of the palace and favorite residence of the Polish king can be visited free of charge on Thursdays, and details can be found on the website www.wilanow-palac.art.pl
5. Museum in Royal Lazienki– the summer residence of the last Polish king and, due to its location on the edge of the lake, is nicknamed the palace on the island. In addition to the museum itself, I recommend taking a walk through the wonderful park and visiting all the ancient buildings on its territory - the Amphitheater, the Old Orangery, the Belvedere and the Myslewicki Palace.
Museum website www.lazienki-krolewskie.pl
6. Museum of the History of Polish Jews features 8 multimedia galleries telling the stories of the Jewish people, from the first settlements to modern communities.
Museum website www.polin.pl
Free entry on Thursdays.
7. Warsaw National Museum has collected one of the largest collections of works of Polish and world art - ancient and modern painting, sculpture, graphics, photography and design. What makes the museum unique is its LED lighting system for better presentation of the merits of each painting.
Museum website www.mnw.art.pl
Free entry on Tuesdays.
8. Museum in Royal castle – you will be able to see paintings by the legendary artist Rembrandt.
More details on the website www.zamek-korolevski.pl. On Sundays admission is free.
9. Poster Museum is located on the grounds of the Wilanova Palace and offers visitors a large collection of posters and postcards by Polish authors and artists from around the world, including Andy Warhol and Picasso.
Museum website http://www.postermuseum.pl
Admission is free on Mondays.
10. Center for Contemporary Art at Ujazdowski Castle is located near the park and Lazienki Palace. Here you can visit modern exhibitions and creative events, film screenings, and then relax with a glass of wine in an art cafe.
Castle website http://u-jazdowski.pl
on Thursdays admission is free.
Warsaw Chopin
Warsaw is the city of the great composer Chopin, as even the benches on all the streets in the center are reminiscent of. Wonderful benches are created not only for relaxation after walking, but also with the opportunity to listen to Chopin for free by pressing a button.
From mid-May to the end of September, free concerts with the composer's works are held on Sundays in Lazienki Park, gathering many fans of his work.
You can listen to the famous composer in the main concert halls of Warsaw at the annual International music festival“Chopin and his Europe”, more details on the website www.pl.chopin.nifc.pl/festival
For me personally, this will be one of the main reasons to return to Warsaw a second time and in warmer times.
Observation platforms
1. Library of the University of Warsaw. One of my favorite places in the city thanks to its unusual roof decorated with all kinds of flowers and plants. Entrance is free, and although from a low altitude you will be able to see the panorama of Warsaw from many angles.
2. Bell tower of St. Anne's Church overlooking the Old Town - the most popular observation point among tourists and overlooking the historical part. Entrance – 5 zlotys.
3. House of Culture and Science– a preserved Stalinist high-rise building and favorite place Warsaw youth with a panorama of the modern part of the city, which can be seen by going up to the 30th floor. Entrance – 20 zlotys.
For our holiday in Warsaw, we chose the WilanowHotel desilva.pl/en/wilanow/hotel
At first we were a little confused that it was located a short distance from the center (about 9 km), but after checking in we appreciated all its advantages and were satisfied. Cozy, clean rooms, a very tasty and satisfying breakfast, and most importantly, the Wilanowski Palace with a garden located next to the hotel, which I wrote about above. Even in autumn time it looked fabulous and conveyed the atmosphere of Polish kings.
And the center and bus station were easily accessible by public transport both day and night. Highly recommend.
Other hotels can be viewed and selected based on recent reviews and ratings through the service.
Polish cuisine worth trying in Warsaw
Polish cuisine is a mixture of Ukrainian, Russian and Lithuanian, which is quite logical due to the territorial proximity and historical features.
1. Polish soups– Zhurek, mushroom in bread, kholodnik (similar to our beetroot soup)
2. Polish pies(dumplings) PolishDumplings – many fillings from meat and potato to sweet ones costing 20-30 zlotys for a large portion
3. Polish sausages(kielbasa) is no worse than the popular German ones, and in May the taste is even tastier. In general, all meat products are worth trying.
4. Potato pancakes(placzkiziemniaczane) - similar to Ukrainian and Belarusian zrazy. Served with sour cream and additives of your choice (for example, very tasty with salmon)
5. Sweet symbols of Warsaw- “vuzetki” and “zygmuntovki”, as well as the famous shortbread cookies with jam (kolaczki)
The sights of Warsaw are so fascinating and numerous that even a whole month will not be enough to explore them. If your stay in this hospitable city is planned to be short, you should think about what to see in Warsaw in advance.
What to see first in Warsaw
3. Castle Square
View of Castle Square at night One of the most picturesque places in the capital, according to reviews from those who saw it. Made in the shape of a triangle, the square serves as a platform for various city holidays and events. During the New Year's festivities, it is established here main tree countries. Within walking distance is the Royal Castle and the ancient Cathedral St. John's. If you don’t know what to visit first in Warsaw, start your excursion route from Castle Square;
4. Market Square
Old Town Market Square in Warsaw When describing the Market Square, it is necessary to talk about its symbol - the sculpture of the Little Mermaid with a sword and shield. The siren represents the defense of the city from enemies. The square itself is surrounded by ancient stone houses with quaint facades of different colors. Here you can visit numerous cafes serving delicious dishes national cuisine, go to the souvenir shop or just enjoy the view of the fountains. This perfect place for recreation, crowded with both tourists and Poles themselves. The unique spirit of Medieval Europe reigns here, with performances by street musicians and impromptu exhibitions of local artists.
If you come to Warsaw on Christmas Eve, be sure to go to the fair in the city's main shopping area. However, on hot summer days, the bright umbrellas of street cafes, which cover a huge part of the territory, will also not leave you indifferent. It is in these cafes that you will be offered to try the famous Warsaw pastries and delicious coffee;
5. Warsaw Barbican
A powerful medieval structure to protect the entrance gate to the city Warsaw Barbican (fortification of the fortress gates, located outside the main fortress wall). Today, the Warsaw Barbican houses a museum that hosts various exhibitions dedicated to the history and culture of the city. It is also a gathering place for street musicians, performers, traders and artists. If your trip is planned in order to learn more about the life and traditions of the aborigines, a visit to this attraction in Warsaw can be recommended with full confidence;
Look beautiful views Warsaw in this exciting video!
6. Wilanów Palace
Majestic sculptures in the park near Wilanów Palace The country's national pride and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. An integral part of the palace complex are the luxurious gardens - like other attractions of Warsaw, they are open to tourists. The park contains sculptures, a winter garden, a hill, a stream with a waterfall, a greenhouse and a grove;
7. Warsaw Citadel
Inside the Warsaw Citadel - barrels of ancient Jolanta Dyr cannons Tsar Nicholas 1 had a hand in the construction of this landmark in Warsaw. The fortress was erected by his decree. We included the citadel in our rating taking into account its rich history and the scale of the construction (the complex includes lunettes, towers, a fort, the Alexandrian citadel and other objects of the war years);
8. Monument to the Warsaw Uprising
Monument to the heroes of the Warsaw Uprising of 1944 in Warsaw By visiting such interesting places Warsaw, you have the opportunity to honor the memory of the heroes who died in the battle with the Nazis in 1943. The memorial was built with money donated by local residents;
9. Church of St. John the Baptist
Facade of the Church of St. John the Baptist Dennis Jarvis The burial area of many great figures of culture and history of the country. Date of construction - 1390, architectural style - Gothic. Initially, like many other surviving architectural structures, the church was intended as a place for the burial and coronation of the royal family. Today it is the main temple of the capital;
10. Church of St. Casimir
Church of St. Casimir on the Market Square of the New Town of Warsaw Marcin Białek Part of the Benedictine Church of the Sacrament of the Holy Communion. Location – Market Square (we have already said that you should see it first in Warsaw). Inside the church there is the tomb of Maria Caroline de Bouillon. The surrounding area is a beautiful 17th century garden;
11. Church of the Holy Cross
Monument to Nicolaus Copernicus and Church of the Holy Cross The upper church of the church stores urns with the ashes of V. Reymont and F. Chopin. The burials are decorated with a bust of a banner and a heavy epitaph made of Carrara marble stone. In the lower church there are crypts with the remains of V. Sikorsky, J. Slovacki and other famous Poles;
12. Church of St. Anne
Main entrance to the Church of St. Anne A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, included in every tourist's list of what to visit in Warsaw. According to many, the interior of the church is not of particular interest. You should come here for the ceremonial services, inspection of the facade with a trio of graceful towers of exquisite shape and the same height, and a bell tower;
13. Copernicus Science Center
One of the thematic galleries at the Copernicus Science Center World3000 Where to go in Warsaw with children? Every visitor is allowed to conduct unique experiments in mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology in this wonderful scientific center with its half a thousand interactive exhibits. The list of permanent exhibitions includes, for example, a huge Foucault pendulum, demonstrating the rotation of our planet. Any exhibit can be touched and photographed. Returning to hotels in Warsaw, guests of the Copernicus are usually full of emotions and impressions.
14. Palace of Culture and Science
Palace of Culture and Science against the background of modern skyscrapers of Warsaw Our recommendations telling you about the main attractions of Warsaw , would be incomplete if we did not mention the tallest building in Poland (42 levels). The skyscraper houses an exhibition center and office buildings of the country's global corporations, bookstores, a swimming pool and a cinema. But most importantly, there is an open for tourists Observation deck. Buy a ticket for it, and you will see everything you can see in Warsaw in 1 day immediately from a bird’s eye view;
15. Frederic Chopin Museum
Frederic Chopin Museum at night If you like classical music, visit the museum dedicated to the famous Polish composer. In a building built in the Baroque style, he once gave his first concert. The exhibition of 15 rooms will show you a piano, autographs, letters, portraits and other personal belongings of Chopin.
We have listed only the most visited attractions of the capital. If you are lucky, you will have time to see them all.
Sights of Warsaw: what else to visit in Warsaw
If after visiting the above-mentioned sights of the capital you still have some free time, you should see:
16. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Museum
Exhibition at the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Museum Adrian Grycuk The only museum dedicated to the discovery of radium and polonium, sponsored by the Chemical Society. The exhibitions will give a complete picture of the works of the famous female physicist, her relationship with the world of science and the people around her. Every year in June an event called “Night at the Museum” is organized here. Every week, admission for everyone is completely free (traditional practice for museums in the country);
17. Museum of the Polish Army
Open-air exhibition of weapons from other countries User:VargaA The second largest museum in the country, after the national one. Exhibition topics – military history and memorable victories of the Polish army. Most of the items (uniforms, weapons, etc.) are dedicated to the participation of the Poles in the Second World War. In addition, there is a unique collection of battle paintings;
18. Ujazdowski Castle
View from the park to Ujazdowski Castle Royal Palace of the 13th century, the current director of which is F. Cavallucci. Over the past 25 years, over 600 exhibitions have been held here. Educational seminars and concerts, and thematic exhibitions are regularly organized. The Castle also houses a Center for Contemporary Art;
19. Lazienki Palace
Lazienki Palace artificial island surrounded by a pond A former royal residence with an adjacent area of more than 70 hectares. The main building is the Palace on the Island, famous for its works of art (more than 2.5 thousand pieces), art gallery th, neoclassical ballroom and Solomon's hall. On the territory there is an original bathhouse from the 17th century, canals, greenhouses, pavilions and other structures of Baroque and French classical architecture;
20. Lazienki
Arch bridge in Lazienki Park A huge park called Royal Lazienki near the center of the capital. On the way to it you can see Ujazdowski Alley, New World and Krakowskie Przedmieście streets. The palace and park complex is considered the best monument of early classicism. The landscaped area has benches for relaxation, jogging paths, a small pond and even its own attractions, such as the Royal Palace and the Chopin monument.
If you want to come to Warsaw to explore its historical and architectural masterpieces, we recommend that you hire an experienced guide. Or develop a detailed excursion route in advance, because... The number of interesting sights in the city is really large. Read also about and get inspired for your further travel around Poland.
The city of Warsaw lies along the banks of the Vistula, it is the ancient and majestic capital of Poland. Having set the goal of visiting all the sights of Warsaw, and not knowing what to see and where to go, an inexperienced tourist should remember that Warsaw became the capital of Poland in 1791.
This year was significant for the Poles; unfortunately, there is practically no evidence left from that historical era. The architectural structures in the part of Warsaw called the “old town” were built just over a century ago. Most of them were also rebuilt due to the events of World War II.
Arian Zwegers / flickr.com
It is hardly possible to plunge into the medieval past of the city. Tourists are invited to visit a number of castle buildings, rebuilt and open to public access as art galleries and museums. The city has several extensive park areas, a metro network, comfortable public transport, cafes and restaurants offering various delights of European and even Asian cuisine.
You can view possible excursions and book tickets for them on the portals and.
One day excursion
The most popular among tourists are one-day excursions around Warsaw, allowing you to explore most places worth visiting and take photos with famous monuments art and architecture. Unfortunately, not many tourists have an idea of what to see in Warsaw in 1 day.
Google Maps / google.ru
During the excursion you should definitely visit:
The Palace of Culture and Science is a 231-meter building, which is a real complex of museums, libraries, observatories and offices. The building was built by order of J.V. Stalin and was a gift from the Soviet people to Polish workers. Luxury high-rise is the most tall building in the city. From the top floor there is a breathtaking view of the old and new parts of the city.
Tom Graham / flickr.com
The building is available to visitors from 9.00 to 18.00, in summer time until 20.00. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the observation deck, located on the top floor of the palace, can be visited until 23.00. entrance fee is 4.76 euros (20 zlotys) during the daytime, 5.23 euros (22 zlotys) at night. The Palace of Culture is the best place you can see in Warsaw in 2 days.
Royal Palace of Sigismund III Vasa - construction of the palace ended in the first half of the 17th century, the last renovation of the significantly dilapidated walls was carried out by Stanislav Poniatowski, in this regard, in some guidebooks the building is called the palace of this last Polish king. The palace is located on Castle Square (“Castle Square”), which is also the center of historical and cultural life cities.
IN holidays Noisy festivities begin in the square and fairs are organized. This place looks most interesting on New Year's Eve and Christmas. You can get there on your own - by renting a bicycle, using the metro, or taxi. You can walk around the entire palace and its surrounding areas in 3-4 days.
Krakowskie Przedmieście is a picturesque district of Warsaw with attractions that attract tourists with their colorfulness, abundance of souvenir shops and restaurants.
Jorge Láscar / flickr.com
Here you can buy souvenirs to suit every taste and pocket, as well as admire nearby architectural monuments, such as:
- Chap Palace.
- Tyszkiewicz Palace.
- Hotel Bristol.
- Academy of Fine Arts (many students from other European countries study at the Warsaw Academy).
- sculptural compositions depicting Mickiewicz, Poniatowski, Proust.
- University of Warsaw.
- Krakow Przedmieście is a paradise for tourists; it is recommended to all visitors who don’t know what to see in Warsaw in one day.
Market Square - Old city(Rynek starego myasta) is a place for shopping and a regular walk, which also attracts tourists due to the presence of an ancient statue of a siren. The sculptural composition was created in the mid-19th century by sculptor Konstantin Hegel (the siren is depicted on the coat of arms of Warsaw and is a symbol and protector of the city).
According to the author's idea, the siren was depicted with a sword and a round shield raised above her head. A piece of rock acted as a pedestal. Modern tourists are offered a copy of the sculpture; the remains of the surviving original are kept in the city museum. Market Square is one of the best places, where to go in Warsaw is a must, regardless of how many days the visit is planned.
Gabriela Fab / flickr.com
If you wish, you can extend your stay in the city and find other attractions in Warsaw:
- Ostrogsky Palace;
- Lazienki Palace;
- Ujazdowski Castle.
Dennis Jarvis / flickr.com
Jorge Láscar / flickr.com
You can easily find these buildings on a city map, even without knowing the Polish language and without hiring a guide.
The excursion can be planned even in winter. Excursions through park areas or night walks are popular among tourists. The described places are not all that can be seen in Warsaw.
Camping
Warsaw has several vast park areas, on the territory of which there are lakes, palaces, art galleries, museums, charity evenings, and musical performances.
Most popular place“Royal Łazienki” is considered a place for relaxation – palace and park ensemble. The central place in the ensemble is given to the Lazienki Palace, the majestic walls of which are reflected on the transparent surface of the lake.
The palace is surrounded by green spaces and is a grandiose structure, against which you can take beautiful shots. The palace houses a museum that displays collections of paintings collected by the royal family over the centuries.
The park is decorated with sculptures by Chopin and Henryk Sienkiewicz. On holidays, concerts and celebrations are held in the territory adjacent to the palace, and famous artists come. The territory of the complex is huge, so it’s easier to walk around by bike.
Justine Jablonska / flickr.com
The price of a ticket to visit all museums does not exceed 20-25 zlotys. On Thursday you can visit all exhibitions and complexes completely free of charge. The park is vast, one day is not enough for an excursion; you cannot get around it in 3 days.
There is something to see in Warsaw even with children. When planning a walk, you should definitely purchase a ticket to Botanical Garden, crashed on the roof of the University of Warsaw.
Walk through the city at night
Warsaw at night is no less interesting. The most popular place among lovers of night walks is Fountain Park. It is located on the banks of the Vistula, open in spring and summer, in the autumn season only until the end of September. Fountains flow to the music, all this is illuminated by lasers, resulting in an enchanting show.
Juan Antonio Segal / flickr.com
At the same time, up to 30 thousand liters of water are thrown into the air, illuminated by 300 multi-colored reflectors. Entrance to the park is free; many explanatory signs are written in Russian.
Leszek Leszczynski / flickr.com
Enrico Strocchi / flickr.com
In winter you can visit Palace Square, located at the same address as the Royal Palace. At this time there is a huge spruce on it, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow. Traditional New Year's processions, Christmas carols and other entertainment events also take place here. It is better to go to Warsaw in winter, when nothing else will distract you from walks and entertainment.
Museums
The main attractions of Warsaw are museums. The most famous museums in the city are:
- National Museum. Opened in 1862. It is considered one of the oldest museums in Poland. The museum displays over 800 thousand exhibits. A number of rooms are dedicated to painting and various areas of art. The museum houses the largest painting in Poland, “The Battle of Grunwald,” painted by Jan Matejko. The museum is located on the banks of the Vistula, cost entrance ticket is 15 zlotys.
- Museum-palace in Wilanova. The Jan Sobieski Palace, built at the end of the 17th century, is used as a museum. IN different time The castle was owned by Izabela Lubomirska and the Potocki princes. The museum displays a collection of portraits of Polish kings. The palace is located on the shore of a pond surrounded by gardens. The place deserves close attention from tourists. The entrance ticket costs 20 zlotys.
- Historical Museum. Available to all visitors to the market square. The museum building is located in 11 adjacent buildings. The presented composition tells about the history of Warsaw. The museum has been operating since 1939. The ticket price is 9 zlotys. This is one of the best places to go with the whole family.
Video: sights of Warsaw.
Warsaw is not rich in attractions, but still this city has a lot of interesting things, for example:
- In the 1960s, a building 1.5 kilometers long was built in Warsaw, called the Beijing building. The house consists of 22 two high-rise buildings interconnected, which occupies a total of 88 thousand square meters. Up to 7 thousand people live in the building. The house is the pride of the Poles and one of the attractions that attracts tourists. There is no other high-rise building like this in all of Poland.
- The residential building located on Warsaw's Golden Street is one of the tallest residential buildings in the European Union. Its height reaches 192 meters, the area is 72 thousand square meters, residential premises are located on 52 floors. The building was designed by an American architect, Daniel Libeeskind.
- A skyscraper built in 1908 has been preserved in Warsaw. The building, 51.5 meters high, was intended for the Polish Telephone Joint Stock Company.
- The tail of the mermaid (siren), whose sculpture is installed in the market square (old town), is considered magical. The person who strokes it has his wishes come true. All tourists are in a hurry to see the mermaid.
- Warsaw is the only Polish city with a metro.
- There are 66 universities and various educational institutions in Warsaw.
- The sweets produced at the oldest caramel factory in Europe are famous throughout the world.
- There is not a single circus in the city, but there are many theaters, the locations of which are indicated on the map.
- One of the streets is named after Winnie the Pooh (you need to make a note here - “I’ll watch it with my child”; children under 10 years old will be delighted).
A tired tourist is invited to try the famous Polish soup with sausages, as well as stewed vegetables. Poles are big fans of mushrooms and berries; many residents of Warsaw specifically travel outside the city to search for them in the forest and then store them for the winter.
Paul Sableman / flickr.com
Poles consider Warsaw to be a rather noisy city, but in reality this is not the case. The capital is full of secluded places. Compared to other European capitals, Warsaw is a completely remote province, but at the same time it is not deprived of the attention of many tourists who prefer slow walks to noisy entertainment. The map of Warsaw is replete with such places.
The main Polish city of Warsaw is located on the Vistula River. It is a center for the development of science, industry and business, as well as cultural center countries. The city was first mentioned in the chronicles of the 14th century. But only in the 16th century did this ancient medieval fortress receive the status of a Royal residence.
Over the course of several centuries, Warsaw was developed magnificent palaces, houses, monuments and sculptures.
But during the hostilities of World War II, the city was practically destroyed. And only thanks to the enormous work of architects, builders, and restorers, Warsaw was restored. Ancient cultural monuments were restored with the help of photographs, drawings, and paintings.
And now the central part of the city is almost the same as it was in the 17th century.
This city is considered an excellent option for a short weekend trip. And the prices in Warsaw are not very high.
Let's look at what attractions and places you should see when visiting the city.
City squares.
Palace Square.
First, you should walk through the Royal Square, the historical central square of the city. This is the most beautiful square in Warsaw. It serves as the border between the Royal Palace and the old town. From the Royal Square begins the Royal Route, connecting the Royal Palace and the country residence of King Jan III Sebeski-Wilanów. A branch of the National Museum is now located here.
In the center of the square is Sigismund's Column. In 1644, King Władysław erected this column in honor of his father Sigismund III Vase. This is the figure of a king, dressed in knightly attire. In the right hand of the figure is a saber, embodying courage, in the left hand is a cross - a symbol of readiness to fight evil.
Market Square in the Old Town
The most favorite place for tourists and the main attraction of Warsaw is rightfully considered the Market Square in the Old Town. 8 streets flock to the square located in the very center. The facades of ancient buildings are intricately decorated and do not resemble each other.
It's relatively quiet here, even though it's a square. And the silence can only be broken by the playing of a street saxophonist or an organ grinder with a parrot.
Since ancient times, the symbol of the city, adorning the city’s coat of arms, has been the little mermaid.
A bronze monument in her honor adorns the Market Square. There are also city museums here - historical and literary.
Market Square of the New Town.
In 1408 the New Town of Warsaw was founded. And for him at the same time the Market Square was built. Until the 18th century it was considered main square cities. The city hall was located on the square, demolished in 1817. A fountain was built at this place.
In 1958, the Cast Iron Well was installed, which today serves as the main attraction of the Market Square.
The houses here were mostly wooden. But after a fire that occurred in 1607 and destroyed a large number of houses, the city authorities issued a decree allowing the construction of stone houses in the city center. Houses built during this period were destroyed during the Second World War.
Modern houses located on the Market Square are the work of restorers based on old drawings and photographs.
City palaces.
Royal Palace.
The Royal Castle is considered the most majestic symbol of historical heritage and the main attraction of Warsaw.
It was built when King Sigismund III Vase ruled the country, in 1618, on the site where a wooden fortress stood.
In Warsaw, the castle became the official residence of the king. The Constitution was adopted here on May 3, 1791. From here, since 1918, the country was led by the Presidents of the Polish Republic and the temporary heads of the country.
During the hostilities it was destroyed. Only one arch survived.
Reconstruction of the castle took place until 1988.
Its building is modest and unremarkable from the outside. And inside, the wealth and luxury of the palace interiors make an indescribable impression. The most beautiful room is the Throne Room.
The Art Museum, located in the Castle, exhibits works of art that were preserved during the war. Here you can see paintings by such great artists as Bellotto and Rembrandt.
Wilanów Palace.
The national pride of the Polish people and a special landmark of the city is the Villanus Palace.
This palace was considered the country residence of King John III of Sebeski. It combined a French palace, an Italian villa and a park estate.
The palace was destroyed by Russian troops in 1733. Count Stanislaw Kostke Potocki completely restored it and made entrance to the residence free. Paintings by the greatest artists Rubens, Velazquez, and Rembrandt appeared here.
The Second World War led to the destruction of the palace. After Warsaw was liberated from the German occupiers, the state began work on its restoration.
The palace was opened for tours in 1962.
Palace of Science and Culture.
This palace was built by order of Stalin. It was considered a gift from the Soviet Union to fraternal Poland. This is the tallest palace not only in Warsaw, but throughout Europe. There are 3,000 rooms here. But the most important room is the conference room, which can accommodate 3,000 participants.
Malbork Castle.
It is considered one of the largest castles in Europe. It consists of 3 castles - the Upper Castle, the Middle Castle and the Lower Castle. They are connected into one whole by a system of defensive fortifications. During the war it was completely destroyed. After the war, restoration began, which continues to this day.
The splendor of the castle amazes with its beauty and works of art.
The museum, located on its territory, houses 23 collections of art, architecture, crafts, and history.
At night, the castle hosts enchanting light and music performances. You can also stroll through remote halls and corridors with a guide.
City museums.
Barbican.
A semicircular structure designed to protect the city, the Warsaw Barbican was built in 1540. The author of the project was the Venetian architect Giovanni Batista. The walls of the Barbican were 14 meters wide and their height was 15 meters. The Barbican did not escape destruction during the war. But later it was completely restored.
Today there is a museum here where contemporary artists exhibit their paintings.
Museum of the Polish Army.
Close to national museum The Polish Army Museum is located. It was founded in 1920. It has a rich collection of military objects. The entire military history of Poland is stored here - from the period when the Kingdom of Poland arose to the present day.
Warsaw Museum.
Founded in 1936, it was called the Warsaw Historical Museum, and was located in three buildings on the Old Town Market Square. By decision of the city authorities, after the Second World War ended, 7 restored buildings were added to the three museum buildings.
By visiting a modern museum, you can learn the entire history of Warsaw, from the moment it was founded to the present.
House-Museum of Marie Skłodowska-Curie.
In 1967, members of the Polish Chemical Society founded a museum about the life and work of the great scientist Marie Skłodowska-Curie. She was the only woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize twice for her greatest scientific discoveries. The scientist's centenary served as the occasion for the opening of this museum.
Frederic Chopin Museum.
In memory of the work of the great Polish composer, Frederic Chopin, a museum was founded in Warsaw in 1954. It occupies the premises of the Ostrogsky Palace, which is located in the central part of the city. In 2010, for the celebration of the composer’s bicentenary, a reconstruction was completed, which lasted 5 years. The museum has a rich collection occupying 5 levels of exhibition space.
The museum is created in such a way that each visitor can choose the type of excursion according to his interests. Children can visit a capsule room designed specifically to transport them to Chopin's home and experience his music.
Museum of the Warsaw Uprising.
The pride of the people of Warsaw, the Warsaw Uprising Museum was founded in 2004. This is a relatively young museum in the city.
Its opening is dedicated to the uprising of the Polish people against the occupiers, which happened in 1944. The rebels wanted their state to become independent. During the riot, approximately 150 thousand citizens died, and half a million people were expelled from Warsaw.
The old tram depot was used to house the museum. By visiting it, everyone can feel themselves in that time.
Museum of Caricature.
The only caricature museum in Europe was opened in Warsaw in 1978. Its founder is considered to be the Polish artist E. Lapinski. This is a very famous museum. Its collections are replenished with works not only by Polish artists, but also by foreign ones.
Churches of the city.
Cathedral of John the Baptist.
The main church of the capital of Poland - the Cathedral of John the Baptist was built in 1930. It was built in the Gothic style. There are tombs inside the cathedral.
The cathedral now hosts music festivals.
Church of St. Casimir.
The church is located on the Market Square of the New Town of Warsaw. Its construction took place in the 16th century according to a decree issued by King John III and Queen Maria Sebeski. The construction of the temple took place under the leadership of Tylman of Gamera. Thanks to him, the church became a real masterpiece of world architecture.
The magnificent view of the church from the outside is decorated with a beautiful garden.
Church of the Holy Cross.
The construction of the Church of the Holy Cross began with the construction of a small chapel in 1267. The chapel was later built into a wooden church.
Construction of the church was completed in 1696. The author of the project is Josef Shimono Bellotto. The church was built in the Baroque style.
A little later, a statue of Christ carrying a cross was installed in front of the temple. The church was destroyed several times. But it was constantly revived.
The Church of the Holy Cross was elevated to the rank of a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II. This event happened in 2002.
Krakow suburb.
The main street of Warsaw is Krakowskie Przedmieście. It is a link between the new areas of the city and the Old Town. Walking along the avenue, you can see various sights of Warsaw.
City garden.
Saxon garden.
In Warsaw, the most delightful park is the Saxon Garden. Founded in the 17th century, the park is the oldest park in the city. It was designed like the French Versailles. The park houses the Operalnia Opera Theatre. Designed by Karl Friedrich Popelmann, the theater was built in 1748. It could accommodate 500 spectators.
Families with children, as well as high Polish society, prefer walks in the Saxon Garden.
City parks.
Prague park.
Designed by Jan Dobrovolski, Prague Park was founded in 1871. The park is located in the oldest part of the city.
Previously, the park's territory was almost 30 hectares, but a little later part of the territory was given to the Zoological Garden.
Live bears roam in enclosures here. In the park you can see an iron figure of a giraffe. It was installed as a gift to the children of Warsaw in 1981.
Lazenovsky Park.
Lazienowski Park is considered the largest park in Warsaw. It is located in the central part of the city. The park occupies approximately 76 hectares of land. Tilman van Gameren is considered the founder of Lazienki Park.
A bathing pavilion was built here, after which the park was named.
In the center of the park there is a small residence of the king - Lazienki Palace.
Here you can visit the island amphitheater, an art gallery, and a small white house.
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