Top 10 Places To Visit in Warsaw
Warsaw is a city with elegant architecture covered with lush green space. A city that feeds your hunger for history and times gone by – it’s a city worth discovering & re-discovering! Once known as ‘Paris of the North’, the best places to visit in Warsaw can help the wanderer in you to unwind and maybe, travel back in time to learn about history. Take a Warsaw City Tour and explore this fascinating place and witness firsthand, one of the best tourist attractions in Warsaw that highlight how the old and new city co-exists in lush greenery!
Be warned, that if you take a look at the history, it would be rather painful, as most inhabitants were forced to leave the city around 1944 towards the end of World War II. The resistance forces in Warsaw decided to stand against the Germans but failed. As a result, the city was flattened and the population had a huge dip. The uprising of the Old Town that was rebuilt following the destruction of the city makes an interesting downtown area. When this was combined with modern architecture, the city became a favorite spot for tourists.
Trips to Warsaw never fail to be a favorite among the tourists. It is a colorful town with a colorful history. There are various tourist attractions in Warsaw. The remarkable old town explored by the visitors today is a twentieth-century re-build and not specifically the old remnants of Warsaw. The cobbled streets and squares were reconstructed with care to preserve the history of the place. There are various interesting tourist places to see in Warsaw and this place is proud of the struggles it has fought. You can explore the history of Warsaw in-depth, if you visit the Warsaw rising museum, one of the best places to see in Warsaw. Here’s a list of some extraordinary things to do and to places to visit in Warsaw Poland. Check out these tourist attractions to enjoy your Warsaw City Tour.
- The Royal Castle
The Royal Castle is located in the old town at Castle square. It was the official residence of the Polish monarchs between the 16th and 18th centuries. This castle was looted and burned during the war and was almost destroyed later. The castle was reconstructed later in the 1980s and is a protected UNESCO world heritage site. You can feast your eyes on the amazing portraits of the Polish kings in this castle thereby making it one of the top 10 places to visit in Warsaw Poland. Explore the Royal Castle with Warsaw Skip the Line Royal Castle Private Guided Tour.
- Pa Ta Taj
Pa Ta Taj is a horse-riding school and is just the place if you want to have a relaxing time. This ‘horse riding school’ is not just for horse riding. You can make a bonfire, eat, drink, ride a bike and relax like there is no tomorrow! You are also welcome to celebrate your anniversary or birthday party here during your trips to Warsaw. Pa TA TAJ is known as one of the largest recreation centers and best places to see in Warsaw and you can visit this place in a group or individually to participate in horse riding courses. They even run various promotional campaigns such as free horse riding for children belonging to a particular age group.
- The Warsaw Uprising Monument
The Warsaw uprising is one of the most important chapters in Warsaw’s history and that’s why included in every Warsaw travel guide. The Warsaw uprising monument is the place where the polish partisans and citizens entered the sewer system to escape from the German troops during the Warsaw uprising. The monument is dedicated to thousands of heroes who sacrificed their lives for their homeland during the uprising.
- The Copernicus Science Centre
A Warsaw city tour will be incomplete without a trip to the centre, one of the most modern tourist attractions of Warsaw Poland! This science centre aims at arousing curiosity and assisting in the independent cognition of the world. It inspires me to know more about scientific issues. When you visit this place, you will be awestruck by hundreds of attractions that include an earthquake simulator and even a magic carpet! You can also find a garden with observation decks on the roof of this centre with beautiful, breathtaking views. A climbing wall, park, art exhibits and an art gallery next to this centre adds color and liveliness to the place.
- Churches in Warsaw
Church of St. Martin (Kościół św. Marcina)
The Church of St. Martin is a Baroque church located on one of the longest streets in the Old town. The opponents of the communist regime had gathered in this church in the early 1970s and 80’s.
Cathedral Basilica of the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist (Bazylika Archikatedralna pw. Męczeństwa św. Jana Chrzciciela)
This was built as a Parish church in the 14th century. Various events like royal coronations, weddings and funerals have been held in this church. During your, Warsaw City Tour visit the tombs of various notable figures such as the archbishops of Warsaw, Dukes of Masovia, Primate S Wyszynski, the last Polish king and so on.
Shrine of Our Lady of Grace, the Patron of Warsaw
The early baroque altar was built in the 17th century. You can find a miraculous portrait here of Our Lady of Grace, the Patroness of Warsaw. Don’t miss out on the romantic legend connected with the stone in front of the church that depicts a shy prince waiting on the rock for the woman whose love can restore him to life.
- Górka Szczęśliwicka for Skiing and a Water Tram Ride
If you know the geography of Warsaw, it is not surprising to know that Warsaw is spread over the Mazovian Lowland. If you are a fan of winter sports, you don’t have to head all the way to the Tatra Mountains to enjoy quality ski time. All thanks to an artificial mountain called Górka Szczęśliwicka. This 75-meter-high mountain is located in the city center. It is covered with special dented mats that allow year-round skiing and snowboarding activities. Gear up and get ready to have the time of your life!
You may have traveled by a traditional bus or a tram, which you can find here as well. But have you ever taken a water tram in the middle of the city? Here’s your chance to take a water tram across the Vistula River in Warsaw. Head over to the river bank and hop on to a water tram. Cruises are available four times a day, exclusively on the weekends and during holidays from July to August and also on Fridays.
- Presidential Palace
The presidential palace is home to the Polish presidents and has been a central seat of power since the 17th century. Visiting this place can be a good addition to your Warsaw sightseeing. A presidential palace is an important place for Polish politics and you can check this when you explore Krakowskie Przedmieście.
- Winestone Warszawa Powiśle for Local Cuisine
Live like the locals when you visit their place. No one can refuse delicious Polish specialties which are similar to the city: diverse, inclusive, delightful and appetizing! What’s more, the food is cheap and irresistible, so it’s like finding a mine of gold! Once an old train station ticket office, Warszawa Powiśle has now been converted into a club and all-day food destination! Don’t go by the casual and laid-back ambience, the traditional Polish cuisine here can be heavenly!
Get ready to celebrate food when you try out some local fare in Warsaw, especially at Winestone Warszawa Powiśle or at the “milk bars”. You can also book a reservation in a Michelin-star restaurant to taste the authentic cuisine and beware of the fact that fancy restaurants may not offer the right kind of food experience you’re looking for. Trying local cuisine is one of the fun things to do in Warsaw Poland during your upcoming tour.
- The Library Garden
Just a short walk away from the old town is the rooftop library garden. It is one of the top hangout tourist spots for students in Warsaw. There are two levels in the garden that are equally beautiful and breathtaking (not literally!) A pond and stream beautify the lower level which is open for the public while the upper garden is a place to see during the night. You can relax in this place at night and take in the beautiful view of Warsaw along with the Vistula River. The locals love to hang out in the upper garden and picnic here during the summer months. If you are looking for some of the top things to do in Warsaw Poland then take a walk through The Libergy Garden.
- The Neon Museum
The Neon Museum in Warsaw attempts to preserve the unique signs of the Cold War era. The neon signs were the characteristic signs of the city. These neon designs are designed by famous designers, artists and architects. They are slowly disappearing from the streets but are finding refuge in this special place at the same time. This museum offers an interest-evoking lesson in typography and preservation of functional design.
When is the Best Time to Visit Warsaw?
If Warsaw is on your travel list, remember, the best time to visit and the best places to see in Warsaw depends on what you find more interesting and significant. The weather is great from May to August with the temperature around 20-25 degrees Celsius. There can be storms during the warmest months. However, most days can be dry. It’s really cold from November to February but the Christmas decorations all over the city make it the prettiest in these months! Besides the tourist attractions in Warsaw, the massive light festival and heart-warming Christmas markets would be a sight that you may not forget in your entire lifetime!
Warsaw gets very cold during the winter. However, you can handle this easily with the help of proper clothing such as good gloves, thick shoes and a hat. Warsaw is quite reasonable all year round and it doesn’t vary much when you think of all the best tourist places to see in Warsaw. Butlate autumn and winter (excluding Christmas time) can be the cheapest time to visit Warsaw. November can be an ideal time too if you’re a budget traveler as all the royal residences can be free to visit for the entire month.
Now you know what to do in Warsaw Poland, you can plan your itinerary with total enthusiasm If you are looking for the best places to visit near Warsaw then check our Europe travel guide.