Explore Warsaw: A Guide to Its Top Attractions

10 Best Things to Do in Warsaw

1. Stroll Around the Old Town Market Square

One of the first things you should do when you first arrive in Warsaw is to go for a stroll around the Old Town Market Square and get your bearings before diving deeper into this wonderful city.

Old Town Market Square is a medieval square located right in the middle of Warsaw's Old Town, constructed in the 13th Century when the city was founded. The place is truly the heart of Warsaw, and there is no better place to start exploring than here.

Within the square, you will find the iconic bronze mermaid sculpture that has been there since the 19th Century, and it is surrounded by some of the most beautiful Baroque-style buildings out there.

Whatever colors your mind can imagine, all the surrounding buildings have them. It is one of the most colorful spots in the city, and there will be plenty of photo opportunities for you here.

In the summer, the square is turned into a market where you can buy food, have a nice glass of wine, and enjoy the sun. In winter, the whole place is converted into a skating rink for people to enjoy.

There are also several notable tourist attractions around the square, like the Museum of Warsaw, where one can learn more about the medieval history of Poland. Additionally, we have the stunning Baroque-style facade of St. John's Archcathedral, which we will discuss next.

Where to Stay in Warsaw?

Budget

Safestay Warsaw

Dorm | $

See Availability

👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Moxy Warsaw Praga

Queen Room | $$

See Availability

High-End

Hotel Indigo Warsaw Nowy Świat, an IHG Hotel

Double Room | $$$

See Availability

View More Hotels

2. Check Out St. John's Archcathedral

St. John's Archcathedral probably has one of the most unique facades of any cathedral out there. St. John's Archcathedral is a Roman Catholic Church, one of the three most prominent churches in the city, and the only one that possesses the title of archcathedral.

The façade came in many forms, but due to the conflicts before and during World War 2, the structure was destroyed and renovated many times over.

It has switched from different architectural styles across its lifetime, from Gothic to the current design. This current design, in fact, was reconstructed based on the 14th-century church's presumed appearance from illustration. Hence, it possesses a unique out-of-place-yet-fit-right-in look.

If you are looking to get a deeper dive into the structures of Warsaw, I highly recommend you go on this legendary Warsaw Walking Tour, and the local guide will take you to many of the hidden gems you might not have discovered otherwise.

3. Go Up St. Anne's Church Observation Deck For the Sunset ❤️ Must Visit

If you are wondering what Warsaw Old Town looks like from above, there is no better viewpoint above Warsaw Old Town Square than the St. Anne's Church Observation Deck, which will give you a sweeping view of the Old Town as well as the surrounding cityscape you wouldn't otherwise see from the ground.

St. Anne's Church Observation Deck is located on top of the bell tower of St. Anne's Church, and you will have to climb the 148 steps to get to the top. But trust me, the view from up there is worth every drop of sweat.

The Bell Tower is open from 10 AM to 9 PM in the summer and 10 AM to 6 PM in the winter on weekdays, and from 11 AM to 10 PM and 11 AM to 6 PM on weekends respectively. The ticket price is around 10 PLN per person.

4. Learn the Tragic History of Warsaw at Warsaw Uprising Museum 🏛️ Best Museum

Now, if you really want to understand what the locals went through during the tragic period under the Nazi regime, I highly recommend you visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum.

The museum is dedicated entirely to one of the bravest uprising events during WW2: the Warsaw Uprising in 1944. The museum collects and preserves every single bit of history from that time, ranging from old artifacts like weapons to love letters that people sent to each other.

It is a place where you will be able to see the struggles of the people during World War II as a whole and really get to see the big picture of the event and how hard they fought against the Nazi regime.

The museum is pretty big, and it can take you about an hour or two to see all the exhibitions inside. There is also a replica of the B-24 Liberator bomber plane inside a massive hangar hall that you can check out.

There is a lot to do here, so be sure to spare some time at the museum. The Warsaw Uprising Museum opens from 10 AM to 6 PM every day except Tuesday, and the entrance ticket is 25 PLN per person. However, the admission fee is waived if you visit on a Monday.

5. Visit the Royal Castle of Warsaw

One of the most prominent structures that you can't miss is the Royal Castle of Warsaw, a 16th-century palace located right at Castle Square in Warsaw Old Town.

Like most structures in Warsaw Old Town, it went through several important events throughout history, got destroyed during WW2, and was renovated, restoring its former 17th-century self. It was then converted into a museum where you can get a glimpse of what it was like to be a royal back in medieval Poland.

Inside, you will find all kinds of beautifully constructed rooms adorned with intricately designed decor that will bring you back to the medieval time, from the beautiful Throne Room to the Great Assembly Hall.

If you are interested in the medieval history of Poland, visiting the Royal Castle of Warsaw is a no-brainer. The place opens from 10 AM to 6 PM every day except Monday, and the entrance fee is 30 PLN per person.

6. Enjoy the Scenery at Lazienki Park

Lazienki Park is a massive park located south of Warsaw Old Town, and it is home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the city as well as some of the prettiest pieces of architecture out there like the Palace on the Isle, Ujazdowski Castle, and many more.

The park is massive, encompassing over 76 hectares, making it the largest park in Warsaw. You can spend hours just strolling around the park, discovering beautiful statues and museums, while being surrounded by lovely animals like peacocks and squirrels that thrive in this beautiful green space.

One of the most prominent structures in the park is the Palace on the Isle, an old bathhouse built by the royals in the 17th century as a place of leisure. It is located right by a large pond, making it a popular place for people, both locals and tourists, to hang out.

If you are there during the summer, you might also be able to catch local concerts and events happening at the park, as the park is home to the Fryderyk Chopin Monument, where a Chopin concert reciting his best work often takes place.

There is quite a lot to see at Lazienki Park, so if you plan to visit the place, be sure to spare at least 2-3 hours to really get to enjoy what the park has to offer.

7. Admire the Beauty of Wilanow Palace

One of the most stunning palaces in the country, Wilanow Palace, is a royal palace located in the Wilanow district of Warsaw. It is one of the few structures that survived the destruction during WW2 while still retaining the cultural prowess of the Polish people from before the tragic events following the 18th Century.

The palace facade is one of the most prominent pieces of architecture in the city, with its bright yellow-painted Baroque-style exterior and the stunning gardens, unlike anything I've seen before.

Inside the palace is a museum dedicated to preserving the country's royal and artistic heritage, with a huge collection of Sarmatian art, as well as sculptures and other types of art.

There are several rooms that you can walk through in the Palace, all of which are filled with old artifacts and decor that give you a glimpse of what life in the palace was like.

Wilanow Palace opens from Monday to Friday, between 10 AM and 4 PM, with free entry every Thursday. The entrance ticket costs around 35 PLN per person, and you can get one online here.

8. Check Out the Palace of Culture and Science

Other than medieval architecture, Warsaw is also known to have some really interesting Brutalist architecture, and one of the most prominent ones is the Palace of Culture and Science, a 237-meter high-rise building regarded as the second tallest building in the city, second only to Varso.

The high-rise was built in 1955, and it is a great example of the utilitarian nature of Brutalism designs and constructions prevalent in Europe during that time.

If you have been to Moscow before, you would probably notice the familiarity between this building and the ones in Moscow. It is a typical style of architecture used for high-rises in the Soviet era, and you can find them in many places that were part of the previous Soviet satellite states.

There are many more brutalist structures from the Soviet era in Warsaw waiting for you to discover, and there is no better way to do it than to ride the communist-era Nysa 522 minivan and explore the city with the Communist Warsaw History Tour.

9. Escape the City at Warsaw University Library Rooftop Garden 💎 Hidden Gem

Warsaw University Library Rooftop Garden is a large green space located on top of a library that offers a stunning view of the city and the Vistula River.

The garden is filled with all kinds of green vegetation, running streams, fish ponds, stone sculptures, and pathways that cover the entire hectare of the rooftop. It is a great place to escape the bustling city of Warsaw and be among nature.

The rooftop opens from 8 AM to 6 PM every day, and it is free to enter. You can also see a stunning view of the city and the Vistula River from up there, which makes it even more intriguing.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Warsaw? 8 Best Photo Spots In Warsaw

10. Stroll Along the Vistula Boulevards

Vistula Boulevards are spacious recreational boulevards built for everyone to enjoy a nice stroll along the Vistula River on a beautiful day.

There are also many terrace cafes and bars on boats along the boulevard for you to indulge yourself in, as well as a sandy strip of beach for you to enjoy the summer sun.

If you are looking to spend a few hours enjoying the outdoors of Warsaw, there is no better place to be than the Vistula Boulevards. You will also get an incredible sunset view over Warsaw's Old Town, so be sure to be there at sunset.

When to Visit Warsaw?

The best time to visit Warsaw is during the shoulder seasons from late April to June or late August to September when the weather is relatively comfortable, the city is not too overcrowded, and the price is not expensive, unlike during the peak season of June - August.

How to Get to Warsaw?

If you are flying into Warsaw, you will likely be arriving at the Frédéric Chopin Airport, which is the main airport that handles both domestic and international flights. To find a flight to Poland, you can browse through discount deals on Wego.co.ae.

How to Get Around Warsaw?

Getting around in Warsaw can be done easily with buses and trams. You can easily find which bus or tram you can take to go somewhere from the Jakdojade website or download their apps here (Android | iOS). All you have to do is select Warsaw as the city, locate yourself with a GPS, punch in a destination, and the app will automatically recommend a bus/tram number to take, what time you should be at the bus stop, and when you will arrive.

For traveling around from city to city, you can never go wrong with Flixbus and their wide network of bus routes that you can take throughout Europe.

Daily Budget

This location is less expensive than most countries, but it's not exceedingly cheap. Expect to spend around $30 - $50 USD per day per person, which includes both accommodation and meals.

Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.

What to Pack for Warsaw, Poland?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Warsaw, Poland:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Down Jacket: In freezing temperatures, a down jacket is essential. The Columbia Men's Lone Fir Hooded Jacket (for women) is my choice. They are warm, lightweight, and available in various colors.
• Wool Beanie: A wool beanie is perfect for keeping your head and ears warm.
• Wool Gloves: I always have wool gloves handy to keep my hands warm in cold weather.
• Wool Socks: Don't forget to keep your feet warm with wool socks.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Europe? Check out:What to Pack For Europe: The Essential Packing List

Further Reading for Poland

I hope you found this Poland guide useful. If you want to read more about Poland, here are a selection of articles you might like:

• Looking for a complete itinerary for Poland? 2 Weeks Backpacking Itinerary for Poland.
• Planning a trip to Poland and not sure where to begin? Here are the 10 Best Places to Visit in Poland.
• Are you traveling to Poland as part of a bigger Europe trip? Be sure to check out my 3-month itinerary for Europe from Portugal all the way to Sweden.
• Packing for a trip to visit a region as big as Europe is extremely daunting. Here's a packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe - The Essential Packing List.
• Want to visit Europe in winter? Better prepare for the cold. Here's a winter packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe in Winter - The Essential Packing List.
• Looking for the best photo spots in Warsaw, Poland? Check out: 8 Best Photo Spots in Warsaw.
• One of the most whimsical fairy-tale cities in Poland, Torun is a must-visit place if you like medieval towns and history. Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Torun.
• Gdansk is one of the most beautiful port cities in Europe, full of surprising things to do and see. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Gdansk.
• If you are looking to go off the beaten path in Poland, Poznan offers a great alternative to the usual touristy spots in Poland with its unique things to do and places to see. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Poznan.
• Wroclaw is a vibrant alternative city to visit for those who seek places in Poland that are off the beaten path, and there are quite a lot of things to do here if you know where to look. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Wroclaw.
• Planning to visit Krakow soon? Check out this travel guide: Top 9 Things to Do in Krakow, Poland that you should check out.
• Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
• You can also watch my Poland travel video here: "Poland Now" travel video.
• To see all the articles about Poland, visit my Poland Travel Guide page.
• Looking for a place to go after Poland? How about Lithuania, Germany, or Hungary? Visit our Germany travel guide page, Hungary travel guide page, and Lithuania travel guide page for more.
• Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 cheap European countries to visit.
• Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
• Or, if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Eastern Europe Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.