- 1️⃣ Old Town and Royal Castle
- 2️⃣ Palace of Culture and Science
- 3️⃣ Royal Baths
- 4️⃣ Warsaw Uprising Museum
- 5️⃣ Copernicus Science Center
- 6️⃣ Ujazdowski Castle and Ujazdowski Park
- 7️⃣ POLIN Museum - Museum of the History of Polish Jews
- 8️⃣ Wilanów Palace and Royal Gardens
- 9️⃣ Vistula Boulevards and Świętokrzyski Bridge
Warsaw is a city of contrasts - modern skyscrapers sit side by side with historic townhouses, and bustling streets intertwine with green parks and historic backstreets. The Polish capital impresses not only with its rich history and unique architecture, but also with its dynamic culture, art and numerous attractions for everyone - from museum lovers to strollers and families with children.
In this guide we have collected Warsaw's 15 biggest and most interesting attractions, which are worth seeing - whether you are here for the first time or know the capital inside out. Each of the proposals is a different story, different atmosphere and different emotions.
Get ready to explore the city that inspires, surprises and stays in the memory for a long time.
1️⃣ Old Town and Royal Castle
Warsaw Old Town is the heart of the capital's history - rebuilt from the ruins after World War II and inscribed on the world heritage list UNESCO. Narrow cobblestone streets, colorful townhouses and atmospheric cafes create a unique atmosphere. The central point is Castle Square with impressive Royal Castle - The former residence of Polish monarchs.
🔸 During the visit it is worth:
🔹 enter the Royal Castle and see the famous Throne Room and the works of Canaletto,
🔹 take a walk down Swietojanska Street To St. John's Archcathedral,
🔹 take a picture at the Sigismund's Column - One of the symbols of the city,
🔹 climb to the observation deck In the tower of St. Anne's Church, which offers a panoramic view of the entire Old Town.
📍 Access: numerous streetcars and buses to the stop "Old Town" or "Castle Square". Walking from Krakowskie Przedmieście takes a few minutes.
🕐 Tour time: 1.5-2 hours - best to visit morning or at sunset, when squares and facades take on a magical glow.
✨ This must each visit to Warsaw - full stories, majesty and unusual climate.
2️⃣ Palace of Culture and Science
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Iconic, controversial, but undeniably impressive - and it's a good thing. Palace of Culture and Science is the tallest building in Warsaw (237 meters) and one of the most recognizable landmarks on the capital's map. Erected in the 1950s as a "gift from the Soviet people," today it houses theaters, cinemas, museums, conference halls and an observation point.
🔸 During the visit it is worth:
🔹 take the elevator to the 30th floor and admire panorama of all of Warsaw From the observation deck,
🔹 visit one of the museums - For example, the Museum of Evolution of the Polish Academy of Sciences or the Museum of Technology,
🔹 take a look at the Drama Theater or Cinematheque,
🔹 go around the palace, to see sculptures, ornaments and neoclassical architectural details.
📍 Access: best to get off at the station Metro Centrum or bus stop "Central Station".. The palace is located in the very center, next to the Golden Terraces.
🕐 Tour time: approx. 1-1.5 hours - It is best to go on a day with good weather to take advantage of the view.
✨ It is a symbol of Warsaw that delights some, divides others - but certainly leaves no one indifferent.
3️⃣ Royal Baths
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Royal Baths is Warsaw's most beautiful park - full of palaces, sculptures, pavilions and picturesque alleys. The former summer residence of King Stanislaw August Poniatowski delights both history buffs and strollers seeking respite among the greenery. The centerpiece of the complex is the Palace on the Island, erected in the 18th century.
🔸 During the visit it is worth:
🔹 visit the Palace on the Island, with its classicist interiors and art collection,
🔹 listen to a concert at the Chopin monument, especially in the summer on Sundays,
🔹 feed the squirrels and see the peacocks, who walk freely in the park,
🔹 take a look at the Old Orangery With the Royal Theater and the Sculpture Gallery.
📍 Access: streetcars and buses to stops "Union of Lublin Square"., "Agricola" or "Royal Baths".. You can also visit the park on foot, walking from the center along Aleje Ujazdowskie Street.
🕐 Tour time: 2-3 hours, it is best to schedule a visit on a sunny day - in spring or summer.
🌳 This is the perfect place for a quiet walk, contact with nature and a moment of reflection in a royal setting.
4️⃣ Warsaw Uprising Museum
This is one of the most moving places on the map of the capital. Warsaw Uprising Museum commemorates the heroic 1944 uprising of the city's residents. The state-of-the-art display, sounds, lights, films and original artifacts create an immersive and emotional journey through the story of struggle, hope and tragedy.
🔸 During the visit it is worth:
🔹 watch the movie "City of Ruins" - A three-dimensional reconstruction of demolished Warsaw,
🔹 go through a replica of the canals, which the insurgents used to move around,
🔹 learn about daily life during the uprising - In letters, photos and personal items,
🔹 visit the memorial wall With the names of more than 10,000 fallen.
📍 Access: preferably by streetcar or bus to the bus stop "Warsaw Uprising Museum". (79 Grzybowska Street).
🕐 Tour time: 1.5-2 hours - It is worth reserving more time, as the exposition is very engaging.
🕯️ It's a place that moves, teaches and inspires - A must for anyone who wants to understand the spirit of Warsaw.
5️⃣ Copernicus Science Center
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One of the most modern and interactive museums in Poland - the Copernicus Science Center is a paradise for the curious of the world. Here, learning becomes fun, and you can perform experiments on your own. An ideal place for both children and adults who like to explore, touch and ask questions.
🔸 During the visit it is worth:
🔹 try out dozens of interactive stations, which show physical, biological and chemical phenomena,
🔹 visit the planetarium "Heavens of Copernicus", where you can take a cosmic journey through the stars,
🔹 see scientific demonstrations live - spectacular, educational and engaging,
🔹 walk on the green roof of the building, overlooking the Vistula River and the city skyline.
📍 Access: preferably by subway to the station "Copernicus Science Center". (M2 line), right next to the Vistula River and the Świętokrzyski Bridge.
🕐 Tour time: 2-3 hours, although some stay even longer - it's hard to tear yourself away from the experiments!
🔬 It's a place that combines entertainment with education and makes learning a fascinating adventure.
6️⃣ Ujazdowski Castle and Ujazdowski Park
Ujazdowski Castle is a unique place on the map of Warsaw - a former royal residence, today the seat of the Center for Contemporary Art, located surrounded by greenery and historic Ujazdowski Park. It is the perfect combination of history, art and nature in one place.
🔸 During the visit it is worth:
🔹 take a look at the temporary exhibitions at the CCA - presenting modern art from Poland and the world,
🔹 visit a historic park, with beautiful alleys, bridges and a fountain,
🔹 sit down at one of the cafes In the area and relax among the greenery,
🔹 see original art installations Around the castle.
📍 Access: by streetcar or bus to the bus stop "Square at the Crossroads" or "Agricola". The walk from the Royal Baths takes a few minutes.
🕐 Tour time: 1-1.5 hours, depending on the exhibitions and the park walk.
🖼️ It's a place that combines culture with nature - Great for a quiet afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
7️⃣ POLIN Museum - Museum of the History of Polish Jews
POLIN Museum is one of the most modern narrative museums in Europe, dedicated to the more than 1,000-year history of Jews on Polish soil. The impressive building with its wavy glass entrance symbolizes a bridge between the past and the future. Inside, an interactive journey through the centuries, from the Middle Ages to the present, awaits.
🔸 During the visit it is worth:
🔹 visit the permanent exhibition, which takes you through the eras - from the first settlers to the drama of the Holocaust and the revival of Jewish culture,
🔹 see a multimedia reconstruction of the wooden synagogue from Gwoździec,
🔹 take part in temporary exhibitions, workshops or author meetings,
🔹 stroll around Ghetto Heroes Square, right next to the museum.
📍 Access: by streetcar or bus to the bus stop "Muranów" or "Anielewicz.". The museum is located in the former heart of the Warsaw Ghetto.
🕐 Tour time: 2-3 hours, especially if you want to thoroughly explore all the galleries.
📖 It's a place that moves, teaches and builds bridges of memory - mandatory for anyone who wants to understand the complex history of Warsaw and Poland.
8️⃣ Wilanów Palace and Royal Gardens
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Wilanów Palace is a jewel of the Baroque and one of the most important royal residences in Poland. Built for King Jan III Sobieski, it has remained almost unchanged despite its turbulent history. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and picturesque alleys, it is the perfect place for a stroll with history in the background.
🔸 During the visit it is worth:
🔹 tour the interior of the palace, in which original decorations and period furniture have been preserved,
🔹 stroll through French and English-style gardens, full of sculptures, fountains and secret alleys,
🔹 visit the Poster Museum, located within the complex,
🔹 take a look at the orangery and cafe, ideal for a moment of relaxation.
📍 Access: preferably by bus to the bus stop "Wilanów" - Lines 116, 180 and 519 run from the center.
🕐 Tour time: 2-3 hours, it is best to plan a visit in the warmer months - in spring or summer the gardens are most delightful.
🏛️ This is the place where architecture, art and nature form a harmonious whole - ideal for a quiet afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the center.
9️⃣ Vistula Boulevards and Świętokrzyski Bridge
Vistula Boulevards is one of Warsaw's best-loved walking areas. Stretching along the left bank of the Vistula River, it offers bike paths, outdoor bars, deck chairs, marinas and exceptional views - especially at sunset. Against their backdrop, the modern Swietokrzyski Bridge, which connects the city center with the fashionable Prague district.
🔸 During the visit it is worth:
🔹 take a walk along the Vistula River - preferably from the Copernicus Science Center to the Multimedia Fountain Park,
🔹 relax on a deck chair at one of the bars, such as at Barka Warsaw or Grunt and Water,
🔹 cross the Świętokrzyski Bridge on foot And admire the city's skyline,
🔹 in the evening watch the fountain show - The play of lights, water and music draws crowds.
📍 Access: preferably by subway to the station "Copernicus Science Center". (line M2) or by tram/bus to the stop "Świętokrzyski Bridge".
🕐 Tour time: 1-2 hours, it is especially pleasant here in the evening or at the weekend.
🌅 It's a place that shows how modern Warsaw connects urban space with nature - Perfect for a walk, date or chillout with friends.
🔟 Nowy Świat and Krakowskie Przedmieście
Nowy Świat and Krakowskie Przedmieście are Warsaw's most representative streets - full of elegant townhouses, cafes, boutiques and monuments. They are part of the famous Royal Route, which leads from the Castle Square all the way to the Lazienki Park. A walk here is a must for any visit to the capital.
🔸 During the visit it is worth:
🔹 stop by the Presidential Palace and the Church of the Holy Cross, where Chopin's heart rests,
🔹 Sit in one of the historic cafes, such as Blikle, which serves legendary doughnuts,
🔹 take photos by the colorful townhouses and sculptures adorning the promenade,
🔹 Walk from Three Crosses Square to Castle Square, admiring the architecture and atmosphere of the city.
📍 Access: The most convenient way to get there is to walk from the Old Town or take the subway to the station "New World University". (M2 line).
🕐 Tour time: 1-2 hours, ideally in the evening, when the streets are beautifully lit and bustling with life.
🌟 This is an elegant, historic axis of Warsaw, where the former capital meets modernity, and walking becomes a pleasure in itself.
1️⃣1️⃣ Castle Square and Sigismund's Column
Castle Square is one of Warsaw's most recognizable public spaces. This is where the Old Town begins, and attention is immediately drawn to the Column of Sigismund III Vasa - One of the oldest secular monuments in Poland, set up in 1644. It is a favorite meeting place for locals and a must-stop for tourists.
🔸 During the visit it is worth:
🔹 take a picture with the Sigismund's Column in the background of the Royal Castle,
🔹 listen to street musicians and artists, often found in the square,
🔹 Enter the observation deck in the bell tower of St. Anne's Church, from where you can see the entire square and the Old Town,
🔹 see the illuminations and Christmas decorations, if you are visiting Warsaw in winter.
📍 Access: streetcar and bus stops "Old Town" i "Castle Square". Access on foot from Krakowskie Przedmieście or Nowy Świat.
🕐 Tour time: 30-60 minutes, an ideal place to start or end a walk in the Old Town.
📸 This is the symbolic space of Warsaw, where the history meets urban rhythm - always vibrant.
1️⃣2️⃣ Garden on the roof of the University Library (BUW)
It's one of the most surprising and greenest places in Warsaw - and it's one of the most beautiful. garden on the roof of the University of Warsaw Library. Located a few meters above the ground, it combines modern architecture with lush vegetation to create an oasis of peace and relaxation in the heart of the city. The view of the Vistula River and the National Stadium adds to its unique charm.
🔸 During the visit it is worth:
🔹 enter the upper terrace, which offers a beautiful panorama of Warsaw,
🔹 Walk on glass footbridges and bridges Among the vines and perennials,
🔹 take a look inside the BUW, if you are interested in modern architecture,
🔹 relax with a book or coffee In one of the cafes near the entrance.
📍 Access: preferably by subway to the station "Copernicus Science Center". (M2 line) or by walking from Nowy Swiat.
🕐 Tour time: 30-60 minutes, it's best to visit in spring or summer - that's when the garden is at its greenest and most colorful.
🌿 This unusual combination of nature and modernity, which shows how nature can function even on the roof of a big city.
1️⃣3️⃣ State Ethnographic Museum
State Ethnographic Museum is a fascinating place that takes visitors into the world of traditions, customs and daily life of various cultures - both Polish and those from the farthest corners of the world. Here you will find a rich collection of folk costumes, everyday objects, sculptures, masks and ritual art.
🔸 During the visit it is worth:
🔹 see the permanent exhibitions, showing the life of the old Polish countryside and the culture of the peoples of Africa and Asia,
🔹 take a look at the interactive exhibits and educational workshops - ideal for children and families,
🔹 visit the museum store and café, where you can buy original handicrafts and relax in a quiet interior,
🔹 take a stroll in the vicinity of Malachowski Square, where several other cultural institutions are located.
📍 Access: preferably by streetcar or bus to the bus stop "Royal" or "Malachowski Square" - The museum is located in the center of Warsaw, near the Saxon Garden.
🕐 Tour time: 1-1.5 hours, although ethnography enthusiasts can spend much more time there.
🌍 It's a museum that connects the past with the present, showing the richness of cultures and traditions from different parts of the world - without the need to leave Warsaw.
1️⃣4️⃣ Warsaw Zoo and Prague Park
Located on the right bank of the Vistula River Warsaw Zoo is one of the oldest and largest zoological gardens in Poland. It is home to more than 11,000 animals representing hundreds of species - from lions and elephants to exotic amphibians and birds. Right next door is a green and peaceful Prague Park, perfect for relaxing after sightseeing.
🔸 During the visit it is worth:
🔹 see the famous Willa Żabińskich, where Jews were hidden during the war (the story inspired the film Asylum),
🔹 visit the monkey pavilion and herpetarium, which are among the most modern in Europe,
🔹 take advantage of educational attractions for children, such as a mini zoo or playgrounds,
🔹 relax in the Prague Park, where you will find alleys, fountains and atmospheric benches.
📍 Access: preferably by subway to the station "Vilnius Station." (line M2) or by tram/bus to the stop "Prague Park"..
🕐 Tour time: 2-3 hours, especially if you plan a thorough tour of the entire garden.
🦁 It's a place that combines contact with nature, education and history, and is a great choice for families and anyone who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.
1️⃣5️⃣ Skyfall Warsaw - Viewing Terrace
Skyfall Warsaw is the highest observation deck in Poland, located on the 46th floor of the Warsaw UNIT skyscraper. From a height of 200 meters stretches breathtaking panorama of Warsaw - From here you can see the Old Town, the National Stadium, the Palace of Culture and even the far outskirts of the city.
🔸 During the visit it is worth:
🔹 stand on a glass floor, which extends beyond the perimeter of the building - a feeling of floating in the air guaranteed!
🔹 take panoramic pictures All of Warsaw - the best light is at sunset,
🔹 have a coffee or a drink in the skybar, with a view of the entire city,
🔹 take a look at the interactive educational section, which takes a closer look at the architecture and development of the city.
📍 Access: Right next to Daszyńskiego traffic circle - best by subway to the station "Daszyński Roundabout" (M2 line). Entrance through the lobby of Warsaw UNIT.
🕐 Tour time: 30-60 minutes, preferably in the evening - the view of the night lights of Warsaw is spectacular.
🌇 This is an attraction that combines modernity, technology and emotion, giving a whole new perspective on the capital.
Summary
Warsaw is a city that is constantly changing, but never forgets its roots. From the royal palaces and historic streets of the Old Town, to the modern museums and observation decks, to the green spaces along the Vistula River, each of the described attractions shows a different face of the capital.
Whether you are looking for a moment of reverie, artistic inspiration, contact with nature or urban energy. Warsaw has something for you. It's worth taking the time to explore its diversity and discover your own favorite places.
Visiting these 15 attractions is just the beginning - because Warsaw is a city that is best explored step by step, walking, no hurry.