The gorgeous capital of Poland, Warsaw is a beautiful, bustling city with timeless beauty. It boasts a perfect mix of brightly coloured buildings, historical places, and rich culture. The city has a tragic past and has risen from the ashes.
Today, it serves as a popular tourist destination in Europe. The city is divided into South and North. The northern region is about the stunning Old Town, Baroque Palaces, Castles, and more. On the other hand, the southern part features the finest urban parks of Europe, along with other renowned attractions.
Warsaw has plenty of interesting sights and attractions to cover for tourists. However, in this guide, we are going to talk about the best things to do in Warsaw that you absolutely cannot afford to ignore.
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The Ultimate Guide To the Best Things To Do In Warsaw – Great Things To See In Warsaw
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
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Where to Stay in Warsaw
Best Time to Visit Warsaw
The climate of Warsaw is generally humid. However, it varies throughout the year, especially in winter. The winter season offers you some sort of cold and snowy climate.
The best time to visit Warsaw is the months from April to October. However, we’d recommend you avoid July and August as this is the time when the city receives a heavy footfall of tourists.
Summer begins in the month of June and lasts until August. The weather during time remains quite pleasant, and the temperature can go up to 30 degrees Celcius, making it ideal for covering Warsaw’s things to do on your trip. Whereas, winter in Warsaw commences in December and lasts until February. Spring season witnesses a lovely climate, and it lasts from March to May.
Explore the Old Town
The Old Town of Warsaw is quintessential on your trip. A perfect tourist site for people of all ages, and it can be ascertained by the fact that it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed in 1980.
The Old Town is famous for its narrow cobbled streets that are dotted with plenty of architectural beauty from the past. You can expect to capture the sights of stunning architecture dating back to the 13th century.
The key highlight of this place is the Cathedral of John the Baptist which is built in the baroque style of architecture. In addition, there is also the very famous Sigmud’s Column situated in Castle Square.
Apart from that, the Old Town offers plenty more to experience and explore. It is completely up to you how you want to explore this part of the city. You can either explore it via scooter, bike, segway, or even a walk.
Admire the Monuments of Lazienki Park
Also known as Royal Baths Park, Lazienki Park is a renowned tourist site in Warsaw. It was also a popular site for a bathhouse in the 17th century and was used by Stanislaw Lubomirski – a Polish nobleman.
Today, it serves as a beautiful garden for tourists to explore. You can wander around the park and admire the beautiful art and architecture presented here. The key highlight of the place is the Palace of the Isle, locally known as Palac Lazienkowski).
Another key monument is Frederic Chopin. There is also the Zamek Ujazdowski Center for Contemporary Art, which is another must-visit site attraction of Lazienki Park. In addition, you can also visit Royal Lazienki Museum.
Visit the Royal Castle
An architectural marvel, Royal Castle is one of the most visited Warsaw attractions that you cannot afford to ignore. The exterior of the palace might not be as appealing as any other castle, but it is known to be highly opulent from the inside.
If heritage and architecture are your things, this attraction will certainly give you an amazing experience. The castle is located on the banks of River Wisla and was established as a defensive structure.
For centuries, it served as a crucial royal residence and a prominent site in the history and culture of Poland. It is more like a Russian castle with stunning corners in bell-shaped toppers.
The interior is the key highlight of the castle, which includes rooms that were once used by the royals and the court. The decorations are just sublime, with intricate details in gold. Within the kings’ chambers, there are beautiful paintings by Bernardo Belltto.
Check Out St. John’s Archcathedral
One of the most beautiful religious places to visit in Warsaw is St. John’s Archcathedral. For a fact, it is the only church in the city that has the title of archcathedral. It has a unique facade that makes it an even more important tourist site to explore in Warsaw.
Over the years, the building has gone through different architectural styles ranging from Gothic to the current design. The present construction dates back to the 14th century.
The church is even listed by UNESCO as a cultural site. It serves as a burial and coronation site for different Dukes of Masovia. The cathedral serves as a three-nave building. The interior of the church is something that grabs the eyes of people. It boasts a Gothic look that takes you back in time
Walk Along the Barbican
Wondering what’s Barbican? Well, it is a defensive stronghold that once had a moat around the walls. It was used to defend the northern entrance of the city during the Swedish wars.
You can take a stroll here and admire the historical beauty which once used to be an integral part of the city. Today, this place serves as a hotspot for artisans and teens to showcase their talent and earn some money.
In addition, it also serves as a great segway from the old town to the new town. Along with that, you can also find some great shopping options to buy local products as souvenirs to take back home.
Capture Sunset From the Observation Deck
If you are wondering what could be the view of the Old Town from up above, well, here is your chance to find out. St. Anne’s Church Observation Deck is a popular tourist site to capture the surreal sunset view over the Warsaw Old Town Square.
Located on the top of a bell tower, the Observation Deck offers you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will have to climb 148 steps to reach the top of the tower to capture the sweeping view over Warsaw City.
Though sunset is the best time to visit this place, you can still visit it anytime during its operations hours. Talking about that, on weekdays, it operates from 10 AM to 9 PM in the summer season and 10 AM to 6 PM in winter. Whereas, on weekends, the timings are from 11 AM to 10 PM and 11 AM to 6 PM on weekends. The ticket price costs around 10 PLN per person.
Admire the Beauty of Wilanow Palace
One of the most beautiful palaces in Poland is Wilanow Palace. This royal palace is situated in the district of Wilanow in Warsaw. The palace has been through thick and thins of time and is a survivor of destruction from WWII.
However, it still has cultural prowess and holds a special place in the hearts of locals. The architecture of Wilanow Palace is the key highlight which is beautifully painted in yellow and boasts a stunning Baroque style design.
The gardens add up to the beauty of this stunning palace. Talking about what’s inside of the palace, well, there is a museum which talks about Poland’s royal and artistic heritage. On display, there is a rich collection of Samaritan art along with sculptures of other art types.
The palace has various rooms that you can take a tour of. These are filled with old artifacts and decor that give you an insight into royal life. The Palace opens from Monday to Friday between 10 AM and 4 PM. The entrance ticket costs around 35 PLN per person.
Check Out the Palace of Culture and Science
It’s not just the medieval architecture that attracts tourists to Warsaw, there are also buildings boasting stunning Brutalist architecture. One of the prime examples of this magnificent architecture is the Palace of Culture and Science.
It is a 237-meter-high building and is the second-tallest edifice in the city. It dates back to 1955 and serves as an epitome of the utilitarian nature of Brutalism designs that prevailed during that time.
For a fact, this building is often referred to as a “gift of friendship” from the Soviet Union. The building was the tallest in the country up until a 320-meter Varso Towers replaces it in 2020. There is also an observation deck on the 30th floor to capture the gorgeous views over the city.
Visit the Warsaw University Library Rooftop Garden
As unique as the name sounds, Warsaw University Library Rooftop Garden is definitely one of the most intriguing things to see in Warsaw. It is a huge green space that is beautifully built on the top of a library and offers an exquisite view of the city along with the Vistula River.
The garden is adorned with lush greenery, which includes all kinds of vegetation. Apart from that, it also has stone sculptures, fish ponds, running streams, and pathways that cover a hectare of the rooftop.
The rooftop garden is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life to spend some time amidst nature. This famous tourist attraction opens at 8 AM and operates until 6 PM. The best thing about the Rooftop Garden is that there is no entrance fee which makes it an even more interesting place to visit in Warsaw.
Enjoy the Show at Multimedia Fountain Park
Known as one of the most touristy places in Warsaw. The Multimedia Fountain Park is a special place. It houses two spectacular fountains which are said to pour up to 30000 liters of water per minute through over 360 nozzles.
However, that’s not the key highlight. The fountain show makes a sight to behold at night as it gleams up with 295 LED floodlights. The intriguing choreographed display of this show makes it so special to capture.
Not only the fountain show but the park is also a popular venue to host different concerns throughout the year. So, if you are at the time when there is a popular concert happening at the park, you should not miss the chance to be a part of it.
Indulge in Some Light Adventure at Rope Park Warsaw
For all those craving some adventure and thrill, Rope Park Warsaw is a place that won’t disappoint you. This is one such place which you can even visit with your family as it offers a lighthearted activity to indulge in.
There is a rope course that is fun as well as exhilarating to test your strength and agility. If you are travelling in a group, this is the best place for some team-building skills. Just strap a helmet and harness, and be ready to climb, swing, and zip through rope-based courses with some light challenges.
Go on a Food Tour
No vacation is ever completed without a food tour. Warsaw is one of those destinations that is heaven for food lovers as there are plenty of options and great food.
Visit different markets of Warsaw as well as restaurants to try local delicacies like soups and pierogies. Not just this, you can also be a part of a cooking class where you can learn to make pierogi. There are several cooking schools that make it happen for tourists.
There are also a few places that offer a unique experience of farm-to-table dining where food products are directly from a farm and reach your table in no time. The city is filled with plenty of great bars where you can just enjoy a sip of local brew.
Before You Leave for Warsaw
Before you set off on your way to Warsaw, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip to Warsaw. All of this is discussed in detail below.
How to Get to Warsaw
Getting to Warsaw is convenient and straightforward, with multiple transportation options available. If you prefer flying, Warsaw has a major international airport, Warsaw Chopin Airport, located just a short distance from the city center. Direct flights from various cities around the world make it easily accessible. Additionally, you can also consider flying into Warsaw Modlin Airport, which caters to low-cost carriers. For those traveling by train, Warsaw is well-connected to major cities in Europe, with direct train services available from Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and other surrounding countries. If you prefer a more scenic journey, bus routes offer a cost-effective and comfortable option, with regular connections to Warsaw from different European cities. Lastly, for those who enjoy road trips, Warsaw is well-connected to the European road network, making it accessible by car from various parts of Europe.
Where to Stay in Warsaw
What to Pack for Your Trip to Warsaw
When packing for your trip to Warsaw, it is essential to consider the weather, especially if you are visiting during the colder months. Be sure to pack warm clothing like coats, scarves, hats, and gloves to protect yourself from the chilly temperatures. Comfortable walking shoes are a must-have as you explore the city’s numerous attractions and historic sites. Don’t forget to bring an umbrella or a waterproof jacket, as Warsaw can have unpredictable weather. In terms of clothing, pack versatile pieces that can be easily layered to adapt to changing temperatures and dress codes. Finally, don’t forget your travel essentials like a camera, travel adapter, and any necessary medication. With these items in your suitcase, you’ll be well-prepared for a memorable trip to Warsaw.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around Warsaw, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Warsaw
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your Ultimate Guide To the Best Things To Do In Warsaw . If you are visiting this incredible city and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was! Did you get visit the castle? Did you manage the trip without getting caught in the rain? Let us know in the comments below!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience completing this stunning walk.
If you are planning a Poland trip soon then check out our other Poland content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
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