Almost completely destroyed during the Second World War, Warsaw rose proudly to become one of the most interesting cities on the Old Continent. Its tragic past marked its strong personality and today it is a lively, cheerful city full of contrasts. Are you planning a getaway to the capital of Poland? In this article we are going to tell you the best 25 things to see and do in Warsaw :
What to see and do in Warsaw
Poland was one of the European destinations that we still had to discover. But we finally solved that problem by travelling to Warsaw, the country's capital, which turned out to be a great surprise. We've already told you a few times that we're more drawn to the "south", but it's undeniable that this city won us over with its contrasts, its street atmosphere and its history.
Do you want to discover its most interesting corners with us? Here are the 25 must-sees in Warsaw:
1. Stare Miasto
Walk up and down the old town of Warsaw , which was completely destroyed during World War II. The Stare Miasto (Old Town) was rebuilt in the same way it looked before it was devastated.
It was such a meticulous reconstruction that UNESCO decided to give it World Heritage status. Do it on your own or on a free tour . You can also sign up for a free mystery tour to discover the most hidden side of the city.
2. Runek Starego Miasta
Although the best thing to do is to wander around and get lost in the old town, you have to go to Runek Starego Miasta square , its epicentre and with a lot of atmosphere. There you can meet the great protagonist of Warsaw: the little mermaid .
3. Piwna
If we had to choose, Piwna takes the title of the most beautiful street in Warsaw . Its charm lies in its perfect cobblestones, its colorful facades and that atmosphere that transports you to another era.
Located in the heart of the Old Town , Piwna is one of the oldest streets in the city and has survived (with restorations, of course) the ups and downs of Polish history. Along its length, you will find small craft shops, cozy cafes and traditional restaurants where you can try a good pierogi or żurek soup served in bread.
4. Royal Castle, one of the best places to see in Warsaw
Don't try to learn the name of the Royal Castle in Warsaw (Zamek Królewski w Warszawie), just look at it. The former residence of the Polish monarch until 1795, it is now one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
If you have time, it is worth going inside and exploring its luxuriously decorated rooms filled with works of art , which tell the history of Poland through paintings, tapestries and period furniture.
5. Column of Sigismund III
Right in front of the Royal Castle , in the middle of Castle Square , stands the Column of Sigismund III Vasa , one of the great symbols of Warsaw. This king was responsible for the transfer of the capital of Poland from Krakow to Warsaw in 1596 , so it is not surprising that he has his own monument in the heart of the historic centre.
The column is 22 metres high , and if you look at the statue above, you will see Sigismund III with a sword in one hand and a cross in the other , as if saying: “I'm in charge here.”
6. St. John's Cathedral
Another must-see stop in Warsaw is St. John's Cathedral , the oldest temple in the city. At first glance, its façade makes it clear that it is not an ordinary church. Although it was originally Gothic in style , when it was rebuilt after World War II, the communist government decided to give it a more sober and austere look , far removed from its original design.
Even so, the cathedral remains a place full of history. Coronations, royal funerals and key Polish events have all taken place here . If you have time, it is worth going inside and taking a look at the solemn atmosphere and tombs of Polish historical figures .
7. Finnish houses, something curious to see in Warsaw
There is a little corner of Warsaw that will blow your mind. It is a residential area with typical Finnish wooden houses . After the disaster of WWII, Finland agreed to build these houses as payment to the USSR. On Jazdów Street, 3/12 there is one where you can visit its garden.
8. Wilanów Palace
The Wilanów Palace , apart from being a perfect example of Baroque art , is a highly recommended visit and is part of the famous “ royal route ” of Warsaw. This palace, which could well be called “ the Versailles of Poland ” is one of the few buildings that remained standing after the bombings of World War II.
9. Barbican
Warsaw may not be the first city you think of when you imagine medieval walls, but it was once fully fortified . What remains of that defensive system is the Barbican , an imposing red brick structure that, in its day, was one of the main entrances to the city.
Today, this corner has become a perfect place to walk through the history of Warsaw . During the day, it is a great place to walk between its arches and see the remains of the old wall, but at night, illuminated, the Barbican takes on an even more magical and picturesque touch . A place that seems taken from a medieval tale in the heart of the old town.
10. Monument to the Little Insurgent
On one side is the monument to the Little Insurgent , which commemorates all the children who had to suddenly grow up during the Warsaw Uprising and were buried under the rubble.
During the revolt against the Nazi occupation, hundreds of children had to grow up suddenly and take up arms, acting as messengers, lookouts or even fighters. Many of them died and were buried in the rubble of the city , which was practically destroyed after the German repression.
At the foot of the statue is a plaque with the words “To the children who fought” , a reminder that the war took away the childhood of many and that their bravery will never be forgotten. It is one of the most haunting places in the city and a must-see for understanding Warsaw’s history.
11. New Town Square
Once past the Barbican, after a short walk, we can reach the New Town Square ( Rynek Nowego Miasta ). A statue of Marie Curie welcomes us. A native of Warsaw, she was the first person to receive two Nobel Prizes in different disciplines (chemistry and physics).
The square is surrounded by colourful buildings, churches and cafés with terraces, perfect for taking a break. Although it is a quiet place today, it was once an important commercial point and, like much of Warsaw, was badly damaged during World War II , so most of its buildings are faithful reconstructions of the original design.
12. Marie Curie's birthplace
By the way, there is a small museum in Marie Curie's birthplace at 16 Rue Freta .
Today, this building houses a small museum dedicated to his life and legacy. Here you can see personal objects, documents, photographs and exhibits about his discoveries in the field of radioactivity.
It is an interesting place to learn more about this pioneer of science , who had to make her way in a world dominated by men and who achieved historic feats, such as being the first person to win two Nobel Prizes .
13. Chopin Museum
And since we are talking about famous citizens, we cannot forget the great Frédérik Chopin . We can learn more about this legendary composer at the Chopin Museum.
Located in the Ostrogski Palace , this museum is a total immersion in the composer's universe. Here you will find letters, original scores, his last piano and even a cast of his hand . In addition, the exhibitions are interactive, so you can listen to his music while discovering his story.
If you're a classical music lover, this is a must-do in Warsaw. And if you're not, you might just want to put some Chopin on your playlist.
14. Łazienki Park, another top place to see in Warsaw
You can also stroll through Łazienki Park , where there are several “ musical benches ” in his honour. Here, on Sundays at 12 and 16, there are concerts in his memory, right in front of a statue in his honour.
This is the largest park in Poland, where it is very easy to get lost, but don't leave without visiting the beautiful Łazienki Palace (Palace on the Water).
15. Copernicus Science Center
If you love science or are travelling with small children, a good plan is to visit the Copernicus Science Centre , with interactive and educational exhibitions and a large planetarium . By the way, Copernicus was not born in Warsaw, but in Torun, 200 km to the north, but he can be considered another great character.
16. Markets to see in Warsaw
It is one of our favorite plans, the markets of the world's major cities are being reconverted into places where the traditional meets the modern , and you will be able to see traditional vegetable stalls next to restaurants with chic foodie proposals. In Warsaw these are the 5 markets that we recommend you visit:
✓ Night Market
in the former Warszawa Główna railway station. It is very popular with young people. It is open from Thursday to Sunday from 5 pm during the warm season (closed in winter), see more information here .
✓ Breakfast Market (Targ Śniadaniowy)
If you wake up the next day with a hangover (and it happens to be a Saturday), the best thing to do is to have a good time at the Breakfast Market (Targ Śniadaniowy) in the Mokotów district. It has become popular among Warsaw residents, but be careful because it is outdoors and if it rains, the plan is ruined, as happened to us.
✓ Hala Mirowska
If, like us, you love local markets, you have to go to Hala Mirowska where you can rub shoulders with Polish grandmothers in search of the best fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meats, fish...
✓ Hala Gwardii
The twin building right next door is Hala Gwardii , and it is one of the oldest markets in the city, renovated to offer a true gastronomic experience, with stalls selling different cuisines from around the world (there is even one selling Spanish tapas!).
✓ Hala Koszyki
Another of these large and increasingly popular markets is Hala Koszyki in the centre of Warsaw. There are many restaurants with different types of food and it is a perfect place to have a drink. The restaurants of the famous chef Mateusz Gessler are particularly noteworthy: “Ćma” and “Warszawski Sen”.
17. Uprising Museum, one of the best things to do in Warsaw
If there is one place in Warsaw that gives you goosebumps, it is the Uprising Museum . This is not your typical museum where you look at display cases and walk past. Here, you feel history . You are immersed in Warsaw in 1944, when thousands of citizens, with more courage than weapons, rose up against the Nazi occupation.
From the moment you enter, the atmosphere envelops you: sounds of gunfire, first-person accounts, shocking videos and even a replica of the narrow sewer channels through which the insurgents tried to move undetected. Every corner tells a story, and some of them hurt.
One of the most moving spaces is the steel wall with the names of the fallen , a brutal tribute to those who gave everything for the freedom of their city. There are also original objects, letters and diaries that reflect the fear, hope and resistance of the Warsaw residents.
This museum is not a light visit , but it is one of the most necessary to understand the spirit of Warsaw. You leave with your heart in your mouth, but also with enormous admiration for the people who, against all odds, refused to give up.
For us, it is one of the best things to see in Warsaw , without a doubt.
18. Prague neighborhood
The neighbourhood that surprised us the most in Warsaw is the Praga district, the most alternative area of the city. For us, the most representative street is Brzeska , with brick buildings and a decadent air. Keep an eye on the entrances to the small courtyards, because the surprises are almost endless!
19. Soho Factory (Neon Museum and Czar PRL)
The Soho Factory is one of the most striking examples of the transformation of the Prague district. What was once an old industrial area has now become a lively cultural and artistic space . This area houses small galleries, designer shops, modern cafes and, of course, two museums that are worth a visit:
Neon Museum
If you've ever wondered what happened to the colorful neon signs of the communist era, here's the answer. The Neon Museum (Muzeum Neonów) is a space dedicated to preserving old advertising signs from socialist Poland. Once used to decorate theaters, shops, and restaurants, the neon signs are now pieces of art that tell a fascinating visual story. It's a super photogenic and nostalgic place that's worth a visit.
Czar PRL, a trip to communist Poland
Right next door, the Czar PRL is a museum that takes you back to everyday life in communist Poland. Here you can see recreations of typical apartments of the time, classic cars such as the iconic Fiat 126p and all kinds of objects that marked the life of Poles in those years. It is not a traditional museum, but an immersive experience where you can touch and explore the objects freely, which makes the visit even more interesting.
20. Vodka Museum, a curious thing to see in Warsaw
Another interesting initiative to revitalize Warsaw's Praga district is the rehabilitation of the former Koneser vodka factory , which now houses the Vodka Museum . You may not know this, but vodka has a deep-rooted tradition in Poland, and this museum is the best place to understand its history, its production process, and its cultural significance.
The tour includes an interactive exhibition on the evolution of Polish vodka, from its origins to its export to the world. But the best part comes at the end: a guided tasting where you can try different types of vodka and learn to distinguish their nuances.
By the way, within the same complex there is a small space that houses none other than a Google headquarters , a curious contrast between tradition and modernity. The Koneser area has also become a cultural centre with cafés, restaurants and designer shops, which makes the visit to the museum even more interesting.
21. Skaryszewski Park
South of the Praga district is Skaryszewski Park , with beautiful walks, lakes and waterfalls. But the best thing about the park is to sit close to the Wedel chocolate factory and smell the aroma that it gives off. As far as we know, this is not fattening so far.
22. Jewish Ghetto, a must-see in Warsaw
Another must-do in Warsaw is to visit the Warsaw Jewish Ghetto , the largest in Europe during World War II. At one time it housed more than 400,000 Jews , who lived in extreme conditions after being isolated by the Nazis in 1940. Today, although the neighbourhood has changed, traces of its tragic history still remain.
A must-see is the Museum of the History of Polish Jews (POLIN) , a modern and interactive space that tells not only the horror of the Holocaust, but also the richness of Jewish culture in pre-war Poland. It is also worth visiting the Jewish cemeteries , which hold thousands of graves with centuries of history, and stopping at the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes , a tribute to those who rose up against the Nazis in the Ghetto Uprising of 1943 .
Fun fact: Polanski's The Pianist is set here. A good idea is to join a free tour of the ghetto .
23. Vistula River
If you go to Warsaw in summer, the plan is clear : spend some time on the banks of the Vistula River . In the Cypel Czerniakowski area, there are terraces, beach bars and even open-air parties , so it's the perfect place to have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere.
When the sun goes down, things get even better: live music, DJs and lots of people enjoying the nice weather. If you prefer something a little more peaceful, you can take a bike ride along the river or even hop on a boat to see Warsaw from another perspective.
24. Eating, one of the best things to do in Warsaw
It is not very well known, but Polish cuisine is worth the trip. But it is not light, light. The star dishes are pierogis (stuffed dumplings, savoury or sweet), pyzy (a kind of fat gnocchi), zurek (soup with egg and sausage), golonka (a piece of pork knuckle weighing more than 1 kg, best for sharing), or bigos (a strange mixture of cabbage, meat and vegetables).
However, if you want to try real traditional Polish food at low prices, the best option is the milk bars (bar mleczne). These bars were created by the communist government to feed workers in the post-war period. There are several of them around the city, but we recommend the “Prasowy” .
⭐ Here we recommend a few restaurants where you can eat well and cheaply in Warsaw .
25. Palace of Culture and Science
The Palace of Culture and Science is the most controversial building in the city. The reason is simple: it was a gift from Stalin to the Polish people during the Russian occupation. After the liberation, they were on the verge of demolishing it, but luckily today it still stands imposingly on the city skyline and we can visit it.
So head up to the 30th floor terrace , where you'll have the best aerial views of the city (entry fee 20 PLN).
If you are more interested in the communist history of Warsaw , sign up for this free tour that takes you to see the most important sites of this very interesting period.
More things to see and do in Warsaw
Before leaving the city, if you still have time, take note of these other places to visit in Warsaw:
› The Army Museum in Warsaw is subject to a fee, but you can enter for free in the open area where weapons, tanks and aircraft from World War II are on display.
› A sad but very interesting excursion is the one to discover the Nazi extermination camp of Treblinka , the final destination of the Jews of Warsaw, after the liquidation of the ghetto.
› Warsaw is a city of contrasts. If you walk down Aleje Ujazdowskie Street, you will be surrounded by buildings from the early 20th century that were occupied by the Germans during World War II. As you can imagine, the facades are intact. On the other hand, if you want to see the only houses from the Jewish ghetto that have remained standing, you should go to Prózna Street .
These are our ideas of 25 things to see and do in Warsaw . Do you know the capital of Poland? What did you like the most?
