Travelers interested in seeing a city that has been “reborn” multiple times, like the mythical Phoenix, should stop at Warsaw. It has been repeatedly conquered and looted by countries ranging from Sweden and France to Russia over the years.
Bombs dropped by the Germans during World War II caused extensive damage. Warsaw, on the other hand, is a brand new and bustling metropolis that has been rebuilt to its pre-World War II glory.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Warsaw
Old Town, with its palace, churches, and castles, is one of Warsaw’s top tourist destinations. In addition, tourists should take advantage of the city’s wealth of cultural offerings.
1. Krakowskie Przedmiescie
One of the best ways to learn about the past and present of Warsaw is with a stroll down Krakowskie Przedmiescie. The Presidential Palace, Warsaw University, and other beautiful Baroque churches can all be found towards the end of the Royal Road.
The Royal Castle and the Old Town of Warsaw are connected by this mile-long boulevard, one of the city’s oldest. Krakowskie Przedmiescie, one of the most fashionable areas of Warsaw, was originally built in the 15th century as a thoroughfare for merchants.
Visitors visiting Vienna should keep an eye out for a statue of a Madonna and child that was erected in the 17th century to celebrate a Polish victory against Turkish invaders.
2. Copernicus Science Centre
The Polish-born physicist and mathematician Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543) is often regarded as one of the greatest minds in history. He proposed the idea that the Earth orbits the Sun, rather than the other way around.
To commemorate him, Poland built the Copernicus Science Centre, complete with a planetarium showcasing the effects of space on Earth and humanity. Those who are fluent in Polish and visiting Poland may like to attend a lecture given by a prominent Polish scientist. Visitors of all ages can engage in interactive activities at Poland’s premier scientific museum.
3. Museum of the History of Polish Jews
The Warsaw Ghetto, where Polish Jews were imprisoned during World War II, is now home to the Museum of the History of Polish Jewry. The museum commemorates the first 1,000 years of Jewish life in Poland and opened on the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
Its eight galleries aim to inform visitors about Judaism and Polish Jewish history and culture. At one time, Poland was home to the largest Jewish population in the world. Multimedia narratives based on the oral histories of Jews ranging from rabbis to housewives tell the story of the Jewish community in Poland.
4. Palace of Culture and Science
The Palace of Culture and Science serves many purposes, from housing businesses to hosting various forms of entertainment. The skyscraper was constructed in the 1950s and at the time was the tallest structure in Poland. The name was changed after the former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin lost popularity.
Because its initials are PKIN, like the ancient Chinese capital of Peking, the structure is frequently referred to as Beijing. The Rolling Stones were only one of many worldwide acts that perform there in 1967. One of Warsaw’s most recognisable buildings is the Palace of Culture and Science.
5. Wilanow Palace
Wilanow Palace is one of Poland’s most significant landmarks since it serves as a symbol of Poland’s history prior to the 18th century. It was intended to be King John III Sobieski’s residence when construction began.
The palace changed hands among private families after his death, with each owner adding their own stamp. The royal residence was mostly undamaged during World War II, and its original furnishings and artwork were reinstalled once the conflict ended.
It is now a museum showcasing the cultural and regal history of the country. Summer concerts in the garden are just one of many musical events that take place at the royal palace, which dates back to the 17th century.
6. Nowy Swiat
Nowy Swiat sounds like a misnomer at first. Nowy Swiat, which literally means “New World Street,” is actually quite old and is one of Warsaw’s most famous thoroughfares. Part of the Royal Road, it travels north from Three Crosses Square to the Royal Castle.
It was the main thoroughfare between the cities and rural settlements in the 16th century. One of Warsaw’s main thoroughfares in the 20th century, it was dominated by neoclassical structures. During the Warsaw Uprising of World War II, it was nearly entirely destroyed. After the war, the road was repaired and given its original cobblestone surface.
7. Warsaw Uprising Museum
During World War II, Warsaw gained notoriety for its resistance to the Nazi occupiers. The Nazis created Europe’s largest Jewish ghetto to house its victims. Yet, the revolt did not involve only Jewish people. The whole population of the city enlisted that year (1944).
On the 60th anniversary of the uprising, which occurred in 2004, the Warsaw Uprising Museum opened to the public. Here, readers can learn about the revolt from its start on August 1 until its conclusion on October 2. There is also a recreation of the sewers the insurgents used to get around, an observation tower with stunning views of Warsaw, and an exhibit honouring the youngsters who took part in the revolt.
8. Royal Castle
For hundreds of years, Polish kings and queens called the Royal Castle home. It stands guard over the gateway to Old Town on Castle Plaza. The Masovian dukes have called this fortress home since the 14th century, when it was first built.
It fell under foreign rule several times, but it eventually recovered enough to write Europe’s first constitution in 1791. This imposing structure, crowned by a tower in the centre, is now a museum, though it is still occasionally used for state gatherings. Several structures in Warsaw took cues from the castle’s architecture.
9. Lazienki Park
Located in the heart of Warsaw, Lazienki Park (or Royal Baths Park) is the city’s largest green space. Originally planned as a park in the 17th century, it is now home to opulent mansions and monumental sculptures.
On the Royal Road in the heart of Warsaw stands the most impressive structure in the park: the Palace on the Island. The Polish royal family amassed a priceless collection of artworks, including paintings and statues, during their time in residence here.
The island is also home to a Roman-style amphitheatre that has been in use since 1793. The park also features additional palaces and an orangery built in the 18th century.
10. Old Town Market Square
Reincarnation can be seen in Old Town Market Square. The square, which can be found in the heart of Old Town, has been around since the late 13th century. Bombs dropped during WWII completely obliterated it. After the war, it was put back to how it was before.
Beginning in 1948, most of the buildings were reconstructed to seem quite similar to their 17th century counterparts.
As a result of the abundance of restaurants in the area, this lovely square has become a popular destination for those seeking authentic Polish cuisine, such as stuffed cabbage leaves and grilled mutton. A bronze statue of the Warsaw mermaid, the city’s unofficial mascot, stands in the market square.
