What to see in Warsaw?
Situated on the Vistula River, Warsaw is the capital of Poland and its largest metropolis. It is an important economic, political and cultural centre. It is home to countless museums, theatres and cinemas, and tourists arriving in large numbers may come across a noteworthy monument at every turn – especially in the historic city centre. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. What is worth visiting when you arrive in the Polish capital?
First and foremost, you should visit the Royal Castle. Although it suffered greatly during the Second World War, thanks to the hard work during its reconstruction it can be admired today. Architecture lovers will certainly be interested in the mixture of Gothic, Baroque and Classicist styles that this distinctive building represents. The decoration of the rooms has also been preserved – including works of art by Canaletto, Bacciarelli or Rembrandt. In front of the castle is the Castle Square, where you can find one of Warsaw’s most recognisable landmark: the column of Sigismund III Vasa, measuring over 20 metres.
What to visit during a trip to Warsaw?
If you love places steeped in history, be sure to head to the Old Town. Here you will find the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, where the coronations of Polish rulers used to take place and where Europe’s first constitution (and the second in the world!) was sworn. The remains of many important personalities also rest here – including the last king of Poland, Stanisław August Poniatowski, as well as writer Henryk Sienkiewicz and pianist Ignacy Jan Paderewski. Nearby is the former Jesuit church, whose tower are rising over the Old Town. During a tour of Warsaw’s Old Town, it is also worth taking a look at the beautiful, carefully rebuilt townhouses, some of which have retained their original decorative elements. You will find many of them at the Old Town Square. And don’t forget the Barbican – a part of the city’s defensive walls built in the 16th century.
However, the Polish capital is not only the historic Old Town. It is also worth taking a walk along the Royal Route through Krakowskie Przedmieście, Nowy Świat and Aleje Ujazdowskie. Along these streets you will find many gems of Baroque, Classical and Eclectic architecture. Other important points on the map of Warsaw are the royal residences in Łazienki and Wilanów, the beautiful St. Anne’s Church, the palaces of the Czapski, Potocki and Koniecpolski families, St. Cross Basilica, the Saska Axis and Teatralny Square.
Warsaw is also a place to learn about the tragedy of the Second World War and the Holocaust. Warsaw ghetto created by the Nazis was the biggest one in occupied Europe. Walking around the Polish capital you will find also marks relating to the fight that people of Warsaw took against the Nazis during two uprisings – uprising in the Warsaw ghetto in 1943 and Polish national uprising in 1944.
Helpful guides and articles – Warsaw:
- Milk bars in Warsaw – history & guidebook
- How to get to Warsaw?
- What to do and see in Warsaw – main attractions and places to visit
- 9 movies you should watch before or after visiting Warsaw
- Relax! 10 perfect green areas of Warsaw
- How to get around Warsaw?
Free walking tour – Warsaw with a professional guide
Many people decide to explore the city on their own in fear of chaotic organised tours: too many participants, noise and constant rushing. Unfortunately, in doing so, they deprive themselves of the opportunity to learn about the most interesting parts of history and find the lesser-known sights. Fortunately, there is a free tour of Warsaw with Walkative! This is a tour with a professional guide, ideal for groups of friends, families or couples. You’ll find lots of options for such tours on our website, all you have to do is sign up, there is no entry fee. You can reward the commitment and hard work of your guide with an amount of your own choosing. On the Walkative! website you will find free walking tours in Warsaw and other cities in Central Europe – including Prague, Bratislava, Budapest or Riga. If you decide to take our tour, Warsaw will hide no secrets from you!
