Location: Warsaw
Top Things to do in Warsaw
- 1. Old Town
- 2. Lazienki - Royal Residence Park
- 3. Powazki Cemetery
- 4. POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
- 5. Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy)
- 6. Krakowskie Przedmiescie
- 7. Jewish Cemetery (Cmentarz Zydowski)
- 8. Dollhouse Museum
- 9. Lazienki Palace (Palac Lazienkowski)
- 10. Old Town Observation Terrace
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10 Things to Do in Warsaw That You Shouldn't Miss
Warsaw is a mixture of relaxing green spaces, historic sites and vivid modernity. Discover the charming Old Town, Wilanów Palace and amazing Lazienki Park, where you can watch free Chopin concerts every Sunday during the summer. Experience a few of the dozens of interactive museums, including the Warsaw Uprising Museum, the Museum of the History of Polish Jews and the Copernicus Science Centre. For exciting nightlife, visit the vibrant Vistula boulevards and upscale clubs.
Restaurants in Warsaw
1. Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
After being leveled when the Nazis left, this whole neighborhood of cobblestone Gothic streets and alleyways, baroque palaces, numerous churches and tiered burghers' houses were masterfully reconstructed to reflect the atmosphere of bygone days.
2. Lazienki - Royal Residence Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Magnificent palatial and garden complex was built by King Stanislaw August Poniatowski during the second half of the eighteenth century and features the neoclassical Palace on the Water (Lazienki Palace) surrounded by magnificent Gardens, canals and ponds.
Reviewed By Gwannis - Naxxar, Malta
If in Warsaw do plan a day to relax in this massive park and enjoy the green area, large pond, peacocks, swans, etc... then the squirrels :) and finally but not least the actual royal residence. We could have spend the whole day there that is if we did not have other plans.
3. Powazki Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
Reviewed By Malgonia J - Warsaw, Poland
When in Warsaw the Powązki Cemetery is a must especially around All Saint’s Day Nov 1st because this is when families visit family graves with flowers and candles to pay respect to loved ones who passed. Some graves go as far back as 1820 and there are many beautiful statues and monuments. The so called Aleja Zasłużonych - entrance through gate nr 3 next to the church - is where the important and famous Poles are burried - actors, politicians, army generals, ministers, historical figures, authors, Nobel Prize winners. Normally it’s a serene walk along paths covered with maple leaves but around Nov 1st it feels a bit like a pre Xmas mall visit. However, seeing all the candles lit at night and the demonstrated strenght of families remembering their loved ones is extra special and not to be missed.
4. POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews is the first and only museum dedicated to restoring the memory of the civilization created by Polish Jews in the course of a millennium.Museum's building faces the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes in Warsaw. The Museum completes the memorial complex. At the monument, we honor those who perished by remembering how they died. At the museum, we honor them, and those who came before and after, by remembering how they lived. As a museum of life, POLIN Museum engages with the present and opens out to the future. As an educational and cultural institution, the museum is dedicated to stimulating dialogue in the spirit of mutual understanding and respect. Museum's core exhibition is a journey through the 1000-year history of Polish Jews. Enter this theater of history where the story unfolds in acts and scenes as you walk. Immerse yourself in the story. Encounter those who lived in each period - their words are quoted throughout the exhibition. Enter the scene - a salon, tavern, home, church, Synagogue, or schoolroom. There are surprises in drawers you can open, screens and objects you can touch, and much that you can see - artifacts, photographs, documents, and films. Each visit to the museum will be different. There will always be something new to inspire you!
Reviewed By DougS51 - New York City, New York
Not only is the building architecturally beautiful but it has been divided into at least 8 galleries (or areas) running from the first encounters of Jews in Poland (965-1500) and ending with Postwar Years (1944 to the present). The audio guide was VERY worthwhile. The museum, as others have noted, deserves sufficient time to really understand and reflect on what is being presented - we spent 4 hours and barely had time to finish. At various times, different outside tour groups with guides leading them in the relevant languages poured through the museum but calm returned soon as they dashed ahead to what I assume were the highlights!
The museum employed various models, interactive video displays, in addition to the normal museum displays of old, rare artifacts to furnish a great overview (and surprisingly important details) of Jewish life in Poland over these thousand years.
You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy and get much out of this experience!
5. Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Located in Old Town, this picturesque open plaza was built in 1821 and features the King Zygmunt III column in its center.
Reviewed By Darek R
If you there....and look around, you see amazing castle, buildings, huge column of Zygmunt....lot of tourists and restaurants. Very busy place.....but in 1944 that place was completely destroyed by Germany Nazi as a punishment of Warsaw uprising....
90% of Warsaw was destroyed to street level.....But 74 years later you do not see any signs of that.....everything rebuilt and it is huge attraction.
What a history lesson for us, what a Nation (Polish) stand up, and started to rebuilt that, to show what was/is important for them.....never forget their history, and price they paid during WWII.....
This is the only ONE NATION in whole Europe, which never colabotate with accupants....had own government in London, and keep fighting Germans until 1945......Warsaw uprising back in summer 1944.....was only one like this in whole Europe, that underground army picked up fight with Nazis, and if Soviet Army stationed by other side of Vistula river rich out and help.....Warsaw will not be destroyed as much, and not that many young Polish patriots would be alive......But Stalin said NO, and watched like this Tragic City was bleed to death.....
Germans in punishment for uprising killed around 100,000 ordinary people, elders, women, kids and destroyed rest of the city....
Now I walk around that place.....think about those brave youngsters....who died in the name of FREEDOM.....
What an irony.....
Soviet Army took time to got rid of Germans in January 1945.....and stayed in till 1989....
6. Krakowskie Przedmiescie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 980 reviews
This 2.5 mile "Road of Kings" leads from The Royal Castle (Old Town) to Wilanow Palace.
7. Jewish Cemetery (Cmentarz Zydowski)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 401 reviews
Established in 1799-1806, this scenic and nostalgic cemetery features marble and sandstone tombstones called masebas, which reveal delicately carved symbols and ornaments, and the symbolic grave of the famous writer and teacher Janusz Korczak (1878-1942) who died in the gas chambers of Aushwitz.
Reviewed By Eitan K
the old Jewish community of Warsaw is presented in this cemetery, including some well known names and personalities in our history. this the place to study more about the Bund association, or to stand next to the places where bodies were buried. A must see attraction.
8. Dollhouse Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 79 reviews
A nostalgic journey to the past for children aged 5 to 105. Welcome to the most mysterious and enchanting Museum in Poland. Over 100 historical houses, shops and rooms for dolls. A unique collection of sacral toys. Dozens of charming interiors, thousands of tiny little bits and pieces. Endless hours to spend on a fascinating hobby of bygone days, but whose charm captivates us to this day. Fascination, day-dreaming and amazing inspiration for your own creativity - this is what The DollHouse Museum in Warsaw is. We invite you daily from 9:00-19:00 DOLLHOUSE MUSEUM The Palace of Science and Culture 00-901 Warsaw, Plac Defilad 1
Reviewed By Klaus K
Otherwise than one might think this museum gives a lot to think also for adults.
Exhibits from era before mass production show varying levels of craftmanship from rudimentary to skillful woodworking with amazing details. Another thing to observe how dolls and dollhouses reflect the time and its ideas when they were made.
I'd recommend a visit to kids and adults alike.
9. Lazienki Palace (Palac Lazienkowski)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 632 reviews
Built by King Stanislaw August Poniatowski during the second half of the 18th century, this neoclassical palace once served as a royal residence that is surrounded with ponds, canals and magnificent park-like grounds.
Reviewed By greekcypriot2009 - GREECE&CYPRUS
Lazienki Park also known as Royal Baths Park is the largest park in Warsaw, Poland, area about 76 hectares in the middle of the city.
I took a public bus from Old Town Castle square to Lazienki Park (so far I remember it was bus # 116). Entered the park from Chopin Monument side adjacent to Aleje Ujazdowskie (Avenue) side. Spent some time sitting, watching and taking some pictures of Chopin Statue which was the first monument that was destroyed during World War II.
It’s a huge park, so I was well prepared to walk couple of miles. Visited different parts of the park like the beautiful Lazienki Palace on the water which stands on an artificial island and connected to the park by Bridges on both sides. Also passed by the Roman Theater area where the stage is on the island. Visited the White Pavilion, Water Tower, Chinese Garden etc.
In my opinion it’s a must see place if you are in Warsaw based on your priorities. I really enjoyed the stroll.
10. Old Town Observation Terrace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 372 reviews
Reviewed By samdixey2001 - Essex, United Kingdom
Very cheap, cash only view of the old town and river/stadium. A short stair climb, (no lift) well worth the effort for an amazing view.
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