Cool Places to Visit and The Best Things to Do in Warsaw

April 21, 2021 Mustafa Natalwala 5971 Views

Warsaw is the national capital city of Poland and also the nation’s largest city. As with most capital cities, it is among the most visited city in the country as well. The Warsaw attractions you would see today are a result of great work put in since the 16th century when Sigismund III shifted the nation’s capital to this city. Prior to World War II, the city had earned the name ‘Paris of the North’. Though many of the best places to visit in Warsaw were severely damaged and some even destroyed during the second world war and German occupation of Poland. Many restoration projects were carried out throughout the city to re-establish the aesthetic glory of the city. You will be able to notice this in many of the things to see in Warsaw.

Among best things to do in Warsaw are exploring history, art, culture and architecture. With regards to history, Warsaw sightseeing can be broken down in 3 parts: Pre-World War, German Occupation and Post World War II. Each of these periods adds a layer to the story of the city. The dark and gritty period of German occupation, holocaust and world war is preceded and succeeded by periods where the city flourished. Most of Warsaw tourist attractions would fall into either of these 3 categories.

The most famous places to see in Warsaw come from Pre-World War period. This included majority of castles, palaces and other historical places to go in Warsaw. Many of the art galleries were also established in this period. Though, many more art galleries were added to Warsaw top attractions post- world war 2 as well. The same is true for most of the museums in the city. There are also several culturally interesting places in Warsaw. This includes theatres, performance centers, cultural centers, handicraft centers and so on. The contemporary culture of the city flourishes in parks, events, concerts halls, clubs, galleries and so on. These lesser known Warsaw tourist places are also worth exploring to thoroughly explore the identity of the city.

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Table of Contents

3 Days Trip Itinerary To Visit Warsaw Tourist Attractions

This section explores some of the finest attractions to explore during Warsaw sightseeing. Though there are numerous interesting places in Warsaw, most people have a time limit on their trip. As 3 days is the most common time frame for Warsaw travel, we would also outline this itinerary keeping a 3 day time frame in mind. But, don’t you worry, we also have an exhaustive list of almost all the best things to do in Warsaw in the next section. You can check it out to explore the city further.

Day 1

1. Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski w Warszawie)

This castle is among the biggest Warsaw attractions and rightfully so. Aside from being the grandest historical structure, it is also home to the most opulent museums in the city. It is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Warsaw. You would need 2 to 3 hours to explore the museum and the castle.

I suggest you should book a guided tour of Royal Castle with Skip the line option.

2. St. John’s Archcathedral (Archikatedra św. Jana w Warszawie)

This cathedral is the mother church of the archdiocese in Warsaw. It is also one of the most important historical and cultural Warsaw tourist attractions. This church has been the venue for several royal coronations as well as the last rites of several royal family members. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to explore this church.

3. Old Town Market Place (Rynek Starego Miasta)

If you are looking for fun things to do in Warsaw while strolling the streets, this square is the place to begin. It is a popular spot for dining, leisure, shopping and so on. There are also several museums and important historical places to see in Warsaw around this square. You would need about 30 minutes at this square.

I suggest you should try to explore the old town of Warsaw via the below suggested ways.

4. Sigismund’s Column (Kolumna Zygmunta)

This column and the statue on top of it is dedicated to King Sigismund III, the man who made Warsaw the capital of Poland. You won’t need more than a couple of minutes for this column.

5. St. Anne’s Church (Kościół św. Anny)

This church is among Warsaw’s top attractions for its historical and cultural significance as well as its beautiful architecture. You would need 30 to 45 minutes to explore various aspects of this church.

6. POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews (Muzeum Historii Żydów Polskich)

This museum exhibits artifacts concerning the life, culture, traditions, and history of the Jewish community going back over a thousand years. It is one of the most important places to go in Warsaw for the documentation and exhibits concerning the holocaust as well. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

I suggest you should book your ticket to POLIN Museum in advance.

Day 2

1. Wilanów Palace (Pałac w Wilanowie)

This palace is among the most interesting places in Warsaw as it depicts the regal history and art of the city before the first world war. You will need 2 hours to explore this palace and its various exhibits.

I suggest you should book a guided tour of Wilanow Palace with a skip-the-line option.

2. Lazienki Park / Royal Baths Park (Park Łazienkowski)

This is the largest park in the city. It is also a frequent venue for several events and other fun things to do in Warsaw. You will need about an hour for this park.

I suggest you should book a guided tour of Lazienki Park and Palace in advance.

3. Palace on the Isle / Baths Palace (Pałac Na Wyspie / Pałac Łazienkowski)

This palace takes you back to the time of Saxon rulers. It’s other name, Palace on the Isle, is owing to its location on an artificial island in the middle of a lake. You will need about 2 hours to explore this palace.

4. The National Museum in Warsaw (Muzeum Narodowe w Warszawie)

This national museum depicts the history of the nation. It is among the top Warsaw attractions to visit to see Egyptian, Roman and Greek art as well. There are more than 11,000 exhibits in the museum. You will need at least 2 hours to explore it.

5. Frédéric Chopin Museum (Muzeum Fryderyka Chopina)

This museum is dedicated to the life and work of well-known Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum during Warsaw travel.

I suggest you should book a tour of the Chopin Museum in advance.

Day 3

1. Museum of Neon (Muzeum Neonów)

This museum exhibits vintage neon signs. It is one of the best places to visit in Warsaw if you want to go a little offbeat during your tour. You would need about an hour for this museum.

2. Polish Army Museum (Muzeum Wojska Polskiego)

The army museum has some of the coolest things to see in Warsaw. You have variety of weapons, tanks, army vehicles and so on. You will need 2 hours to explore this museum.

3. Zachęta – National Gallery of Art (Zachęta Narodowa Galeria Sztuki)

This art gallery focuses on modern and contemporary works of art by Polish artists. If you practice art or admire art, this is the place you must include in your list of Warsaw sightseeing. The gallery exhibits several paintings, art installations, cinematic art, sculptures and so on. You will need about 2 hours to explore it.

4. Palace of Culture and Science (Pałac Kultury i Nauki; abbreviated PKiN)

This building was commissioned by Joseph Stalin and is the tallest building in Poland. It is one of the most well known Warsaw tourist attractions. The buildings houses museums, bars, science centers, theaters and so much more. You should aside and hour at least for this building.

I suggest you should book a tour of Palace of Culture and Science with viewing terrace.

5. Warsaw Uprising Museum (Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego)

This museum focuses on the history of 1944 uprising in the city against German occupation. Besides regular historical exhibits, this museum also has several interactive displays as well. It is among the most interesting places to see in Warsaw. You will need about an hour for this museum.

I suggest you should go for private tour of Uprising Museum.

If you plan to visit Warsaw for more than 3 days or if you want explore more attractions and activities in the city, check out the section below. It is an exhaustive catalogue of all the top things to do in Warsaw. We have also included some less visited and some lesser known Warsaw tourist places in that section.

Things to do in Warsaw

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Warsaw

The Royal Castle
Royal Baths Park / Lazienki Park
Museum of King Jan III Palace at Wilanow
Palace of Culture and Science
Warsaw Rising Museum
Frederic Chopin Museum
National Museum in Warsaw
POLIN Museum of History of Polish Jews
Palace on the Isle
Copernicus Science Center
Chopin Monument
Sigismund’s Column
St. John’s Archcathedral
Neon Museum
Museum of Warsaw
Presidential Palace Warsaw
Zacheta National Gallery of Art
St. Anne’s Church
Belweder Palace
Polish Army Museum
Museum of Modern Art
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Ujazdow Castle
Warsaw Barbican
Holy Cross Church
Maria Sktodowska Curie Museum
Xawery Dunikowski Museum
Nicolas Copernicus Monument
Museum of Pawiak Prison
National Museum of Ethnography
Monument to the Ghetto Heroes
Polish History Museum
Poster Museum
Krasinski Palace
Maty Powstaniec Statue
Warsaw Mermaid
Jewish Cemetery Warsaw
National Library
Warsaw Citadel
Museum of Technology
Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel
Muzeum Warszawskiej Pragi
Museum Jozef Pitsudski
Geological Museum
Temple of Divine Providence
Museum of Independence
Adam Mickiewicz Museum of Literature
Muzeum Zołnierzy Wyklętych i Więźniów Politycznych prl
Military Cemetery
Museum World of Illusions
Nozyk Synagogue
Copper Roof Palace
Katyn Museum
Miniature Museum
Asia & Pacific Museum
National Archeological Museum
Polish Railway Museum
Museum of Polish Military Technology
The Royal Theatre & Old Orangery
Museum of Caricature
Staszic Palace
Umschlagplatz Monument
Warsaw Uprising Monument
Cosmos Museum
National Philharmonic

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Warsaw

Kampinos National Park
Center for Biological Diversity Conservation
Kabaty Woods

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Warsaw

City Zoological Garden
Multimedia Fountain Park
Casinos Poland
U Jazdowski Cinema
Mokotow Field
Warsaw Fotoplastikon
Wodny park
Powsin Culture Park
Taras Widokowy
Foksal Gallery
Moczydto Water Park
Warsaw Planétarium

Shopping in Warsaw

Three Crosses Square
Krakowskie Przedmieście Street
Nowy Świat Street
Blue City Mall
Zlote Tarasy
Galeria Mokotow
Mokotowska Street
Arkadia Mall
Mysia Street
Szpitalna Street

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Warsaw

Hiking
Camping

Sightseeing in Warsaw

Castle Square
Old Town Market Square
Saxon Garden
Skaryszewski Park
Ujazdowski Park
Pitsudski Square
Praga Koneser Center
Varso Building
Ztota 44 Building
Agrykola Park
Ulica Chmielna Street
Warsaw Spire
Moczydto Park
Szczesliwicki Park
Zabkowska Street

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Warsaw

Mleczny Pod Barbakanem
Krem
MOMU
Vincent
Qchnia Artystyczna
Palmier
Zakład Mięsny
Kieliszki na Próżnej
Krowarzywa Vegan Burger
Ale Wino
Bar Mleczny Prasowy
Bubbles
Nolita
Zapiecek
Cafe Kulturalna
Czerwony Wieprz
Stary Dom
Rozana
Bar Bambino
Boathouse

Where to Stay in Warsaw?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Warsaw. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Warsaw.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Warsaw

How to Reach Warsaw?

By Air

There are 2 airports which can be checked out for Warsaw travel, namely Frederik Chopin Airport and Modlin International Airport. You can get direct flights to visit Warsaw from several European, Asian and African cities. The airports are connected to the places to visit in Warsaw by train, bus and cabs.

By Road

You can get trains from several Polish towns and cities for Warsaw travel. The bus network is a little more widespread, as you can get direct or connecting buses to visit Warsaw from almost anywhere in Poland.

If you plan to travel by car, you should look for routes 7-E77, 8-E67, 2IE30 or 2-E30. All these routes will take you for Warsaw sightseeing.

By Water

Being a landlocked city, there are no direct water routes for Warsaw travel.

Image Reference

Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski w Warszawie) – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
St. John’s Archcathedral (Archikatedra św. Jana w Warszawie) – Jorge Láscar / Flickr
Old Town Market Place (Rynek Starego Miasta) – Rudy and Peter Skitterians / PixaBay
Sigismund’s Column (Kolumna Zygmunta) – erwin nowak / PixaBay
St. Anne’s Church (Kościół św. Anny) – Adrian Grycuk / Wikimedia Commons
POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews (Muzeum Historii Żydów Polskich) – Fred Romero / Flickr
Wilanów Palace (Pałac w Wilanowie) – Pawel Grzegorz / PixaBay
Lazienki Park / Royal Baths Park (Park Łazienkowski) – allPhoto Bangkok / PixaBay
Palace on the Isle / Baths Palace (Pałac Na Wyspie / Pałac Łazienkowski) – Fred Romero / Flickr
The National Museum in Warsaw (Muzeum Narodowe w Warszawie) – Fred Romero / Flickr
Frédéric Chopin Museum (Muzeum Fryderyka Chopina) – BogdanJab / PixaBay
Museum of Neon (Muzeum Neonów) – Winifred / Flickr
Polish Army Museum (Muzeum Wojska Polskiego) – Alan Wilson / Flickr
Zachęta – National Gallery of Art (Zachęta Narodowa Galeria Sztuki) – Marcin Polak / Flickr
Palace of Culture and Science (Pałac Kultury i Nauki; abbreviated PKiN) – Dariusz Sieczkowski / Flickr
Warsaw Uprising Museum (Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego) – Karl Baron / Flickr