The main attractions of Warsaw. What to visit in Warsaw - attractions of the Polish capital

24.02.2024

Over the seven centuries of its existence, Warsaw has experienced several conquests and destructions. The entire historic city center was razed to the ground during World War II. For dozens of years, restorers painstakingly studied documents, old engravings and photographs and literally brick by brick restored the capital of Poland from the ruins.

As a brilliant example of restoration, the historical center with its squares, castles and churches was included in the UNESCO heritage list. Nowadays, a tourist walking along the Market Square and contemplating the powerful royal castle will have a hard time guessing that these attractions are only a few decades old.

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What to see and where to go in Warsaw?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

Historical city center. In the 13th century, the first stone of the future Polish capital was laid here. For centuries, life was in full swing around the Old Town - merchants gathered at fairs, traveling artists staged street performances, crowds of onlookers gathered to watch the bonfires where witches and sorcerers were burned. Almost nothing of the historical buildings has survived, only the ground floors and basements, but this does not make the Old Town lose its charm.

The palace is 10 km away. from the Polish capital. It was built in the 17th century for King John Sobieski and his wife Maria Casimira Louise. At the request of the queen, during construction the creators were guided by the French architectural school (the Baroque style predominates). At the beginning of the 19th century, one of the first art museums in Poland was opened on the territory. During the Nazi occupation, the museum's collections were looted, but then they were returned back to Poland.

An architectural and cultural monument in the center of Warsaw, erected in the 16th-17th centuries by the Lithuanian prince Sigismund. During the Northern War, the castle was plundered by the Swedes and gradually fell into disrepair. It is noteworthy that in 1829, the Russian Emperor Nicholas II was married here to the Kingdom of Poland (at that time the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was part of the Russian Empire). The modern Royal Castle is a copy of a structure blown up by the Nazis during World War II.

The central square of Warsaw, surrounded by the main attractions. Located within the Old Town. In the center of the square there is a memorial column in honor of King Sigismund III Vasa. The Royal Route begins from Castle Square, which leads to the country residence of John III. In the Middle Ages, this place was the center of city life; all the main events took place here.

Another central square surrounded by houses with colorful stucco. Each building is unique, each facade has a different pattern and color. In previous centuries, the Market Square was the commercial pulse of Warsaw. It was always crowded, lively and fun. Taking a leisurely walk through this place, you can feel the real atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

A powerful fortification structure of the 16th century in the fortification system of the Old Town, built according to the design of the Italian master D. Batista. The building did not perform defensive functions. At the base of the Barbican tower there is a monument to the Siren. According to legend, in ancient times, the Siren emerged from the river and told people that a great city would soon appear on the banks. Today, an exhibition gallery is located on the territory of the fort.

A Russian fortress of the 19th century, built by order of the imperial authorities after the November Uprising. It housed a prison for political prisoners and rebels. Important historical milestones of the Polish national liberation movement are associated with the fortress. After the occupation of Poland in 1915, the citadel passed into German hands. But they were expelled in 1918. The fortress went to the newly formed Polish independent state.

A monument that perpetuates the memory of fallen Polish patriots during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. It was officially opened in 1989 on the very spot where freedom fighters hid from the German occupiers. The composition depicts two groups of rebels who seem to rise from the ruins and courageously rush into battle. The monument is one of the most interesting and visited monuments in Warsaw.

The Polish name of the temple is St. John's Church. This is the oldest Catholic church in the capital, which was built in the 12th-14th centuries. Important events have taken place here over the centuries: coronations, peace treaties, magnificent funerals of royalty. The church played the role of the spiritual center of the Polish state. The modern building of the temple is a new building, since the historical building was demolished during the German occupation.

The church of the 16th century, which also could not avoid the fate of being destroyed during the Second World War. In the mid-19th century, a statue of Jesus carrying the cross stood in front of the temple. The church is notable for the fact that in one of its walls there is an urn with the ashes of Frederic Chopin. In the 20th century, the temple was completely rebuilt, but work on the exterior and interior decoration continued in the 21st century.

The temple was founded by ruler John III and his wife in the 17th century at their own expense. Inside is the tomb of the Polish princess, daughter of John III. The church was built in the classicism and baroque style with strict adherence to geometric proportions according to the design of the architect T. Gamerski. After the bombing, only the 17th century garden remained. The temple was rebuilt in the middle of the 20th century.

The current cathedral, which arose thanks to the generous funding of Princess Anna Radziwill. Her ashes rest inside the church. Due to numerous reconstructions, a single style is not visible in the architectural composition; a mixture of elements from different eras predominates. The bell tower of the church is used as an observation deck. According to legend, if a young couple gets married in the Church of St. Anne, the marriage will be long and prosperous.

Frederic Chopin is a famous Polish composer whose creative path was connected with Warsaw. The museum's exhibition consists of items belonging to the musician. In addition to letters, musical scores and personal belongings, here you can see the piano at which the master worked. In addition to the traditional exhibition, there is a multimedia exhibition where you can learn about the details of Chopin’s biography.

A museum dedicated to the research and life of the famous female physicist Marie Skłodowska-Curie. Thanks to her research, the table of chemical elements was replenished with two new elements - polonium and radium. The name "polonium" was given to the substance in honor of the scientist's homeland - Poland. Maria was awarded the Nobel Prize twice. The museum was organized in 1967 through the efforts of her daughter Eva Curie.

Museum dedicated to the Polish armed forces. The exhibition covers the period from the emergence of the Polish state to the present. The open-air exhibition displays samples of weapons from other countries: artillery pieces, tanks, fighter planes, armored vehicles. Inside there are collections of medieval weapons, armor, and banners. The museum houses Napoleon Bonaparte's cocked hat and saddle.

An interactive scientific museum where visitors are encouraged to conduct their own experiments. It is one of the most advanced museums of its type in Europe. The interior space is divided into several thematic zones that tell about entire layers of human knowledge. The first permanent exhibition opened in 2010, and after 1.5 years the museum was visited by about 2 million people.

A high-rise building, an almost exact copy of Stalin's skyscrapers in Moscow. It was erected by the Russian architect L. Rudnev by order of I.V. Stalin, who thus wanted to make a gift to the Polish people. There are offices, cinemas, a large conference hall, museums and exhibition galleries here. The spire of the building dominates all buildings in Warsaw and serves as a landmark for tourists who do not know the city.

The former residence of the Saxon Elector and King Augustus II, an exact replica of a 17th-century building that was destroyed during the Second World War. Since 1975, the castle began to be restored from its very foundation; in 1981, the Center for Contemporary Art opened on its territory. Nowadays, Ujazdowski Castle has become a platform for numerous creative festivals, art film screenings, art salons and photo exhibitions.

Another former residence of Elector Augustus II the Strong. This majestic and picturesque building was called the “palace by the water”, since its base was installed directly on the surface of the river. The palace complex consists of the main building, bathhouse, White House with galleries and pavilions. Inside the main building there is an art gallery where more than 2 thousand paintings are exhibited.

A picturesque quiet park surrounding the Lazienki Palace. It was created as a nature reserve, but eventually became a public square. Since the beginning of the 19th century, entry to the territory was allowed to all people. There is a monument to F. Chopin in the park - a copy of the 1926 monument, which was destroyed by the Nazis. It is pleasant to stroll along the well-groomed park alleys and paths on a fine summer day.

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, which allow you to explore most of the places that deserve attention and take photographs with famous monuments of 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. The luxury high-rise is the tallest 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 the summer 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 the historical and cultural life of the city.

On holidays, noisy festivities and fairs are held on the square. 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.

Krakow 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 for every taste and pocket, as well as admire a number of architectural monuments, such as:

  1. Chap Palace.
  2. Tyszkiewicz Palace.
  3. Hotel Bristol.
  4. Academy of Fine Arts (many students from other European countries study at the Warsaw Academy).
  5. sculptural compositions depicting Mickiewicz, Poniatowski, Proust.
  6. University of Warsaw.
  7. 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 - the old town (Rynek starego myasta) - a place for shopping and a regular walk, attracting tourists also with 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. The Market Square is one of the best places to visit in Warsaw, no matter how many days you plan to visit.

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.

The most popular holiday destination is the Royal Lazienki 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 the botanical garden located 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:

  1. 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, the entrance ticket costs 15 zlotys.
  2. Museum-palace in Wilanova. The Jan Sobieski Palace, built at the end of the 17th century, is used as a museum. At different times, 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.
  3. 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 the cultural center of the country. 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 furnished with 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 the main square of the city. 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, displays 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 Wilanów Palace is considered the national pride of the Polish people and a special landmark of the city.

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.

Not far from the national museum is the Polish Army Museum. 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 centenary anniversary of the scientist served as the reason 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 occurred 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 Joseph 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 Saxon Garden is considered the most delightful park. 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 house. 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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Sights of Warsaw in 24 hours: Lazienkowski Park © Depositphotos

The coolest attractions in Warsaw can be listed on the fingers of two hands. In 24 hours you can easily see all the interesting things in this city. But he’ll tell you how best to plan your day tochka.net .

  • 10:00-11:00 - visit the Royal Palace

Let's start our acquaintance with Warsaw with a visit to the Royal Palace. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the calling card of the city. The Royal Palace is located in the very center on Castle Square. You will be surprised to learn that this ancient-looking building was built (or rather restored) only in the 1970s. The fact is that in 1944, by order of Hitler, Warsaw was practically razed to the ground. As a result of the bombing, all historical buildings were blown up - including the beautiful Royal Palace, of which only one arch remained.

Sights of Warsaw in 24 hours: Royal Palace © Depositphotos

But after the end of the war, Warsaw and the Old Town were actually rebuilt based on the surviving old plans, photographs and drawings. Now some tourists don’t even suspect that the Royal Castle is so young. The facade of the building is decorated rather modestly, but the interiors are truly luxurious - a striking example of a very rare early Baroque style.

Sights of Warsaw in 24 hours: Marble Cabinet in the Royal Palace © wikimedia.org

The Royal Palace has permanent exhibitions - you can visit the palace rooms, the Senate hall, the Sejm hall, and the royal chambers. We especially recommend visiting the Marble Cabinet, where portraits of Polish kings by Marcello Bociarelli are hung, as well as the Knight’s Room. You can take photographs, but only without flash.

  • 11:00-13:00 - walk around the Old Town

Sights of Warsaw in 24 hours: Castle Square © Depositphotos

Warsaw's old town is relatively small. You can walk around it length and breadth in a couple of hours. Tourists usually begin their acquaintance with the Old Town from Castle Square, where the Royal Palace is located. In the center of the square stands a column dedicated to King Sigismund. The most beautiful view of Castle Square opens from the tower of the Church of St. Anna.

Sights of Warsaw in 24 hours: Market Square © wikimedia.org

From Castle Square we literally dive into the thick of the Old Town and move to another famous square - the Market. This is one of the most vibrant and characteristic places in modern Warsaw, a favorite place for walks for both citizens and tourists. We recommend staying here a little longer, sitting in one of the many restaurants, drinking a cup of coffee and observing the surrounding reality.

Sights of Warsaw in 24 hours: House under the Lion © wikimedia.org

And life on the Market Square is in full swing: full of street musicians and artists, a lot of souvenir shops, small galleries, and all this is surrounded like toy houses. By the way, each of the four sides of the square and even each house has its own name. One of the most beautiful buildings is the so-called House under the Lion. It is he who is often depicted on postcards of Warsaw.

Sights of Warsaw in 24 hours: Sculpture of the Little Mermaid © Depositphotos

Be sure to take a photo at the famous sculpture of the Little Mermaid - this is a real symbol of Warsaw, it is depicted on the city’s coat of arms. The Little Mermaid was installed in 1855 on the initiative of King Vladislav VI and is one of the oldest monuments in the city. According to legend, two mermaid sisters sailed across the Baltic. One of them turned towards the Kingdom of Denmark, and now it stands on the Copenhagen embankment, the second swam to the Vistula, where local fishermen caught it near Warsaw. They wanted to eat her, but when they heard the divine singing of the mermaid, they decided to let her go. The mermaid, amazed by the beauty of the banks of the Vistula and the kindness of the local residents, remained to live here.

  • 13:00-14:00 - relax in the garden on the roof of the Warsaw Library

Sights of Warsaw in 24 hours: Warsaw Library © Depositphotos

Before heading to the so-called Royal Road, take a look at one unique place - the picturesque garden laid out on the roof of the Warsaw Library. The library building is located on Dobra Street, 56/66. It is 5-7 minutes walk from the Market Square. The Warsaw Library is a real art object, the main decoration of which is a real garden on the roof, which anyone can visit.

  • 14:00-15:00 - walk along the Royal Route

Sights of Warsaw in 24 hours: Royal Route © Depositphotos

The road that starts from Castle Square and “strings” almost all the sights of Warsaw is called the Royal Route. It stretches right up to the royal gardens of Lazienki Park. The most beautiful street of the Royal Route is Krakowskie Przedmieście. So, on the left side you will see the Radziwill Palace, where young Chopin gave his first concert. Now this building houses the Council of Ministers of Poland.

Sights of Warsaw in 24 hours: University of Warsaw © Depositphotos

The University of Warsaw continues the sights of Warsaw. It is easily recognized by its magnificent gates, made in the Baroque style. By the way, opposite the university is the Polish Academy of Fine Arts. Also pay attention to the monument to Adam Mickiewicz. Behind the great poet is the Discalced Carmelite Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, adjacent to which is the palace - the residence of the President of Poland.

Sights of Warsaw in 24 hours: Ujazdowski Castle © wikimedia.org

Near the royal gardens of Lazienki Park there is another famous castle - Ujazdowski. By the way, it offers an excellent view of the Royal Canal. The castle itself has a good center for contemporary art - if you have time you can see it. The Royal Route ends with the Square of Three Crosses. The New Town with its modern buildings is already coming into its own here - no noticeable sights of Warsaw are located here. Better pay attention to the royal gardens and Wilanów Palace.

  • 15:00-16:00 - enjoy the beauty of the royal gardens of Lazienki Park

Sights of Warsaw in 24 hours: Lazienkowski Park © Depositphotos

Ask any resident of Warsaw what the coziest place in the city is and 90% will name the Royal Gardens of Lazienki Park. On 76 hectares there are numerous lakes, fountains, a greenhouse, gazebos, mansions, statues and even a Greek amphitheater. By the way, it is in Lazienki that the monument to Frederic Chopin is located. Classical music concerts are often held next to it. But the main pride and attraction of Lazienki Park is the famous Palace on the Water. This is a former royal summer residence, built in 1784-95. Inside you can see a collection of paintings, and around is a real zoo.

  • 16:00-16:30 - visit the Wilanów Palace - “little Versailles”

Sights of Warsaw in 24 hours: Wilanow Palace © Depositphotos

From the Royal Gardens of Lazienki Park you can get to another landmark of Warsaw - Wilanów Palace. There is a cemetery next to the stop. You need to cross the road, focusing on the Church of St. Anne; the entrance to the park is located immediately behind it. This place is called "Little Versailles". Wilanów was supposed to remind the beloved wife of King John III Sobieski of her native France. Inside the palace there are luxuriously furnished rooms, with a unique collection of furniture, paintings, sculptures and knightly armor. By the way, the world's first Poster Museum is located in a former carriage house.

  • 17:30 - 18:00 - see the sights of Warsaw from a bird's eye view

Sights of Warsaw in 24 hours: observation deck of the Palace of Culture © Depositphotos

After you've already gotten to know the city a little, it's time to see it from a different perspective. The best panorama of Warsaw opens from the observation deck of the Palace of Culture and Science. This is the tallest building in all of Poland - it has grown by 234 meters. The Poles themselves openly dislike this Stalinist high-rise building, donated to Warsaw in 1955 by the Soviet Union. In their opinion, it disfigures the city center. It’s hard to disagree - the Palace of Culture and Science is far from the most beautiful building in the capital of Poland.

  • 18:00-19:00 - go to the ultra-modern Chopin Museum

Sights of Warsaw in 24 hours: Chopin Museum © Depositphotos

In the Ostrogski Palace (Okólnik Street, 1) there is one of the most unusual museums in Poland - the Frederic Chopin Museum. The collection of the Frederic Chopin Museum now includes more than 5 thousand different exhibits. These are his first handwritten scores, letters, autographs, as well as items that belonged to the composer: a piano, cufflinks, etc. It is in the Chopin Museum that his death mask and handprint are located. The museum is simply ultra-modern - there are a lot of multimedia exhibitions, touch screens everywhere, and live music concerts.

Warsaw general information about the city

Warsaw has been the capital of Poland since 1596 (officially since 1791). It is the largest city in the country both in terms of area and number of inhabitants. Warsaw is located on both banks of the Vistula, which divides the city into two almost equal parts. The city seemed more modern to me than ancient. However, it, of course, also has historically significant buildings, most of which you will find in the Old Town (in the Śródmieście area - Śródmieście). Most of the buildings are not original, but were restored, so during the Second World War the city suffered greatly and was then restored over the decades so that current generations have the opportunity to touch the beauty. In 1980, the historical center of Warsaw was included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list and is under its care.
This part of the city is truly beautiful and a must visit.

Warsaw – Sights of the old town

We were very lucky, we lived right in the Old Town, on Freta Street, thanks to which we had the opportunity to see a lot of interesting things on the way to the exhibition. Our apartment was very close to the Barbican, formerly a fortified outpost of the city, today a historical monument, which, together with the fortress walls, turrets and arched passages, is one of the favorite tourist spots.

Our path to the bus stop also lay through the Old Market Square (Rynek starego miasta) with many magnificent buildings and cozy cafes and Castle Square. On the triangular Castle Square there is the Royal Palace (Zamek Królewski) and in the middle the Column of Sigismund (Kolumna Zygmunta).

In the Royal Palace you can see the royal chambers, the ballroom, the castle church, etc., as well as visit the art gallery.

There is also a viewing platform on Castle Square from which you can admire fantastic (I believe they must be) views of Warsaw. Unfortunately, we were in quite a bit of trouble over time, so we weren't able to personally verify that the platform was actually worth climbing.

If you just wander through the streets and alleys of the Old Town, then at every step you come across something beautiful and interesting from an architectural point of view. Among other attractions in Warsaw, for example, the Church of St. John the Baptist, the Jesuit Church and the Warsaw Bell are noteworthy.

Adjacent to the Old Town is the New Town (Nowe Miasto), which also has many attractions (churches, castles and other interesting things). In my opinion, the Old and New Towns are best “explored” on foot.

In the evening in the New Town you can watch the free show “Singing Fountains” (I’m not sure if it’s daily, we were there on a Saturday evening). The multimedia fountain park is located on the Vistula embankment, in Podzamcze Park. The show is packed with people, so get there early if you want to get the best seats. Photos didn't turn out well 🙁

Warsaw – Other attractions

What could I recommend for sightseeing in the capital of Poland besides the Old Town?
In my opinion, worthy of a visit and inspection:
– Krakowskie Przedmieście
This is a street where you can see many majestic buildings, palaces and monuments.

– New World Street (Nowy Świat)
There are also a lot of attractions here.

– Frederic Chopin Museum
The Poles are very proud of their famous compatriot; many streets are named in his honor, as well as the Warsaw airport, there are museums and monuments.

– Marshal Josef Piłsudski Square (Plac marsz. Józefa Piłsudskiego)

This area is part of the Saxon Axis and was formerly called Saxon Square. The Saxon palace was destroyed during the war. Today, the perimeter of the square is lined with elegant hotels and other magnificent buildings.

Here you can also visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Nearby is the Saxon Park (Ogród Saski), its fountains, alleys with benches and shady trees invite relaxation.

– Palace of Culture and Science
This building is one of the symbols of Warsaw and is the tallest building in Poland (including the spire its height is 237 meters). They say that the high-rise can be seen from any corner of the city. I believe this is true. (We, of course, did not have the opportunity to visit all parts of the city, but from where we were, it was not difficult to find the Palace of Culture and Science). The architecture of the Palace of Culture and Science should be familiar to readers; the palace was built in the style of Stalin's skyscrapers in Moscow. This is a gift from the Soviet Union to the Polish people (from time to time, during times of aggravation of political relations, proposals are made to demolish the building, fortunately, so far common sense has prevailed, and the building remains in its place as before). On one of the upper floors there is an observation deck from where you can admire a breathtaking panorama of the entire Warsaw. Unfortunately, we didn’t get there either (((

– Krasiński Park (Ogród Krasińskich) and Krasiński Palace (Pałac Krasińskich)
This park is not very large, but picturesque and cozy. The park has alleys with benches, recreation areas, children's playgrounds, green lawns, a pond with ducks and a beautiful palace. Everywhere you can see parents walking with their children, people walking their dogs, young people sitting on the grass and basking in the first warm rays of the spring sun. Well, I think you understand me, here the locals find their oasis for relaxation.

Of course, the sights of Warsaw are not exhausted by this list; these are the places in the Polish capital that we were able to personally get to. There are many more interesting things, first of all this is Lazienki (palace and park complex). Well, never mind, there will be another reason to return to Warsaw.

Warsaw – How to get from the airport to the city?

You can get from the airport to the city by bus, train and taxi.
Bus number 175 runs every 20 minutes and goes to the center of Warsaw (travel time about 30-
35 minutes/direction: Lotnisko Chopina odloty - Dworzec zentralny). The stop is located immediately in front of the arrival terminal. Bus tickets can be purchased from a ticket machine at the bus stop or directly on the bus.

Suburban trains are designated by the abbreviations SKM (Szybka Kolej Miejska; Internet: www.ztm.waw.pl) and KM (Koleje Mazowieckie; Internet: www.mazowieckie.com.pl). You get to the station directly from the terminal. It's easy to find if you know where to look (after going through security and collecting your luggage, exit the arrivals area and go right). Lines of different colors are drawn on the floor at the airport to guide passengers, one of which leads to the station. I don't remember the color, but you can ask the police. They just helped us find our way))). Trains depart approximately every 30 minutes. Tickets are also sold from vending machines.
From the airport to the city we took the S2 (travel time 25 minutes/direction: Lotnisko Chopina - Warszawa Śródmieście), and then changed to the metro. Our ticket with unlimited transfers cost 4.40 zlotys each.
Tip: If you need to get to the center of Warsaw, choose a 75-minute ticket with transfers possible.

The taxi stop is located at the exit of their airport. I can’t say anything about the cost and quality of services; we didn’t use taxis in Poland.

Public transport in Warsaw

The public transport network in Warsaw includes metro, buses and trams.

Metro stations are marked with the letter “M”:

City transport in Poland is modern and works without delays. You can check the schedule at the stops. There is one very convenient application Jakdojade.pl, with which you can easily find and select suitable transport. The application can be downloaded for free.

Tickets are sold from vending machines, which are operated in Polish, English and German. You can pay with coins, banknotes or credit cards.

Warsaw has two zones: zone 1 is the city limits, including the airport, zone 2 is the suburbs. A 20-minute ticket costs 2.20 zlotys. A ticket with an unlimited number of transfers costs 20 minutes 3.40 zlotys and 75 minutes 4.40 zlotys. These tickets are only valid in zone 1.
Tickets purchased at the bus stop must be validated as soon as you board the vehicle (small yellow machines inside buses and trams serve this purpose). If tickets are purchased from a machine on a bus or tram, then they do not need to be composted. Inside, the ticket machines only accept credit cards for payment (we only came across these).

Where to eat in Warsaw? - What Polish dishes are worth trying?

The capital of Poland offers its visitors a large number of restaurants, cafes, bistros and snack bars. There are especially many of them in the city center.
You will find the best price offers in milk bars (Bar Mleczny). Today, these establishments have nothing to do with milk and offer mainly Polish cuisine. We found one such bar near our house on Freta Street. It was delicious, but the decor was cafeteria-style and not very clean.

I really liked the Piwna Kompania establishment, located under the city rampart at Podwale 25, the landmark is the Barbican:

Very fast service, despite the large number of visitors (the restaurant is wildly popular; in the evening there is a line of people wanting to get in), very tasty cuisine, a wide selection of Polish dishes and normal prices.

We ordered the signature mushroom soup, I have never tried such deliciousness:

Two bowls of soup, potato salad, a cup of tea and a glass of juice cost us 51 zloty (about $13 for two). Pretty cheap.

What Polish dishes can I recommend? Be sure to try these traditional Polish dishes: Pierogi (similar to our dumplings, available with different fillings), Bigos (stewed cabbage with meat and sausage), Zrazy (stuffed meat rolls), Żurek (potato soup , sausages and eggs), Naleśniki/naleśniki (pancakes with different fillings or gravies) and Placki ziemniaczane/placki (pancakes or just potato pancakes).
I must say that Polish cuisine is generally similar to Russian and Ukrainian, there are no special unusual things. But very tasty and satisfying. Yes, the dishes are simply gigantic, we almost always rolled out of the cafe in buns)))

Be sure to visit one of the street cafes in the Old Town. Amazing atmosphere. Prices are a little higher, but it's worth it. The cafe on Freta Street 4/6 serves delicious coffee with ginger. There is also a store with a huge assortment of coffee. You can try some “new” variety by ordering it in a cafe, and if you like the drink, you can buy it later in the store (in Polish, in the crypt)))) You can buy coffee in beans or ask for it to be ground. We took with us a couple of bags of delicious coffee flavored with ginger 😉)

By the way, I no longer ate pancakes in Warsaw, but in Krakow. (I’ll write a post about my trip to Krakow very soon.)

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My conclusion: Warsaw is worth a visit. Come and see for yourself. I think that you will also like the Polish capital!!!