Warsaw's greatest attractions — close-up view of the Polish capital

🕗 9 minutes | January 31, 2025 | Editor Klara Krysiak

Warsaw is a sprawling metropolis and a capital city that has risen like a phoenix from the ashes after the massive destruction of World War II. The city's tourist attractions bear witness to its lush, albeit difficult, history and allow you to understand the enormous impact Warsaw has had on Central and Eastern Europe. Discover the interesting places of Warsaw and feel like one of its inhabitants.

What's worth seeing in Warsaw at the start of your visit? Book flights to Poland and head to the Statue of the Warsaw Mermaid in Powiśle, followed by a stroll along the Vistula waterfront. Warsaw's places of interest also include beautiful parks such as Łazienki Królewskie, Pola Mokotowskie and Park Krasińskich.

What is worth visiting in Warsaw between spring and autumn? Perhaps you will be charmed by the roof of the University of Warsaw Library, where there is a picturesque garden overlooking every side of the city.

Begin your tour of Warsaw’s city centre at the most iconic location in the capital—Castle Square. Here, you will find Poland’s most famous monument, Sigismund’s Column. Right next to the column stands the Royal Castle, built on the site of a former medieval stronghold belonging to the Dukes of Mazovia. Today, it is one of Warsaw’s greatest attractions and a key symbol of the city.

The Royal Castle in Warsaw is a reconstruction of an 18th-century Baroque residence. Despite being heavily damaged during World War II, many valuable artefacts were saved. Original furniture, paintings, and interior decorations are now displayed in the castle museum, drawing thousands of tourists eager to explore Warsaw’s top attractions.

A visit to Warsaw wouldn’t be complete without exploring its historic center—the Old Town. It is charming, colorful, and rich in cultural and historical significance.

Did you know that Warsaw was completely destroyed during the Warsaw Uprising and later rebuilt? The restoration process was so meticulous that in 1980, the Warsaw Old Town was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

While exploring Warsaw’s Old Town, you will come across beautiful town houses, the Gothic St. John’s Archcathedral, the Mermaid of Warsaw statue in the Old Town Square, and the defensive walls with the Barbican.

Before continuing your journey, pick up a fridge magnet from one of the souvenir shops, and in summer, treat yourself to artisan ice cream from a local parlour. And remember—Warsaw’s Old Town is an absolute must-see!

After the Old Town, it’s time for the city centre. One of the best attractions in Warsaw is the Royal Route, which starts at Castle Square and runs through Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Świat, all the way to Wilanów Palace.

Here, you’ll find elegant town houses and city palaces commissioned by the wealthy aristocracy. At street level, luxurious boutiques, cosy cafés, and restaurants invite visitors to shop and enjoy local delicacies.

The Royal Route is also home to important political landmarks, such as the Presidential Palace and the Parliament complex. These buildings are open to visitors, so you too can explore the spaces where Poland’s political decisions are made.

While visiting Warsaw’s most important landmarks, be sure to see Saxon Axis, a former urban complex centered around Saxon Palace, once the royal residence of Augustus II the Strong. Sadly, the palace was destroyed during the Warsaw Uprising, leaving only a three-arched colonnade, which now houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Polish government is currently working on the palace’s reconstruction.

A perpetual flame burns at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honoring the nameless heroes who fought for Poland’s independence. The site is also guarded by soldiers from the Representative Battalion of the Polish Army around the clock.

This unique landmark is located next to Saxon Garden, the first public park in Warsaw. Today, it is a peaceful retreat where both tourists and locals escape the city’s hustle and bustle.

The Palace of Culture and Science (PKiN) is one of Warsaw’s most recognizable landmarks and a useful orientation point for visitors exploring the city. The building has become an architectural icon of the Polish capital.

The Palace of Culture and Science was a gift from the Soviet Union to Poland, built between 1952 and 1955 in a style combining socialist realism and historicism—a style also seen in similar structures in Riga (Latvian Academy of Sciences) and Bucharest (House of the Free Press).

Today, PKiN serves as a cultural hub, housing a cinema, theater, museum, and various offices and institutions. From its 30th-floor observation deck, you can enjoy the most breathtaking panoramic view of Warsaw.

Wondering which museums in Warsaw are worth visiting? The Polish capital boasts a wide variety of museums, offering something for every taste. Here are some top recommendations.

The National Museum in Warsaw is one of Poland’s most important cultural institutions, housed in an impressive building on Jerozolimskie Avenue. Founded in 1862, it features Polish and European art, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and contemporary pieces. Highlights include works by Jan Matejko, Stanisław Wyspiański, and Olga Boznańska.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, attracting both art lovers and tourists eager to explore Polish artistic heritage.

No visit to Warsaw is complete without a stop at POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, one of the city's most significant cultural institutions, located in the Muranów district. Its modern exhibitions, extensive collections, and engaging interactive displays make it a must-see.

If you're only spending one day in Warsaw, head to the Museum of Polish Vodka in the Koneser Praga Centre. See historical exhibitions that will introduce you to the production of the drink, and take part in cyclical musical and cultural events or workshops.

Learn about Warsaw’s history and its WWII landmarks at the Warsaw Uprising Museum. This emotionally powerful place offers an immersive experience, with realistic exhibits and multimedia displays bringing the city's wartime past to life.

At the Museum of Warsaw, you will learn about the history of the city and its inhabitants while viewing over 300,000 exhibits on several floors. Finally, you will climb to the very top of the building and, from the observation deck, see a breathtaking panorama of Warsaw's old town.

If we had to choose just one museum to visit in Warsaw, it would be the Copernicus Science Centre. Understand how the world around you works, take part in scientific experiments, visit exhibitions with exhibits and enjoy a visit to the Planetarium. Learn about complex issues from the world of science and technology in accessible ways.

The Museum of Neon Signs is an extraordinary space that reveals the history of Warsaw's neon signs as one of the symbols of the communist era. Located in Warsaw's Praga district, the museum focuses on preserving and presenting the illuminated signs that once adorned the streets of the capital.

All lovers of urban aesthetics can admire more than 100 neon signs here, which are not only decorative elements but also a testimony to the culture and history of modern Poland. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the Warsaw Neon Museum offers various events, workshops, and tours that introduce you to the secrets of neon design and its history. It is worth spending time here, savouring the atmosphere of the 1960s and 1970s.

If you’re interested in exploring Warsaw for free, here are some great suggestions. Skip the restaurants, castles, and museums for a while and take advantage of Warsaw’s green spaces and outdoor attractions—the best way to relax and recharge!

Visit the Multimedia Fountain Park for spectacular water, light, and sound shows. The combination of music, laser projections, and dancing fountains makes for an unforgettable experience for both adults and children.

Shows run from May to September and are best enjoyed from the nearby escarpment. A playground in the area ensures younger visitors have plenty of fun, too.

The Vistula Boulevards are one of Warsaw’s most popular attractions, especially in summer. This lively riverside area offers beaches, outdoor gyms, cafés, bars, nightclubs, and plenty of recreational opportunities. You can cycle, rollerblade, rent a kayak, or try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).

At night, the Vistula Boulevards become a vibrant nightlife hotspot, drawing both locals and tourists.

The most spectacular park in Warsaw is Łazienki Park, a stunning palace and garden complex dating back to King Stanisław August Poniatowski’s era. Often called the “green lungs of Warsaw”, it features not only lush gardens but also historical landmarks such as the Palace on the Isle, Old Orangery, Amphitheatre, and Belvedere Palace.

Here, you will also find the famous Chopin Monument, and during summer Sundays, you can enjoy live classical music concerts performed by world-class pianists.

Wilanów Palace is one of Poland’s most precious architectural treasures, often referred to as the “Polish Versailles”. Built in the 17th century by King John III Sobieski, it is renowned for its ornate interiors and picturesque gardens.

During autumn and winter, the Royal Garden of Light turns into a magical wonderland, featuring breathtaking illuminations and artistic light installations—perfect for romantic strolls or family outings.

Seeking an unconventional idea for an evening out? In the capital you will find a number of atmospheric jazz clubs which regularly host excellent artists, both Polish and foreign. A pleasant atmosphere awaits you, as well as exceptional food and drinks to enjoy during the concerts.

Nightlife enthusiasts will also be tempted to visit popular bars and clubs, where the party usually lasts until dawn. There is also no shortage of places in Warsaw where you can listen to live music or simply have a drink — the capital is vibrant after dark.