Last Updated on January 27, 2020
Warsaw is the capital city of Poland and in recent years has fast become a very popular tourist destination. The city sits on the river Vistula and has a rich history which shows in the stunning architecture and cultural activities which can be seen here.
However, Warsaw has its contemporary side with many modern bars and restaurants attracting a new generation of tourist to the area.
As with any travel destination, it is wise to plan your trip before setting off. One great way of doing this is by looking into what Warsaw has to offer in the way of things to do here. We have compiled a list of brilliant things to see and do in the Polish city which will excite anybody who has a dose of wanderlust for this city.
1. The Royal Castle
No city break would be complete without a visit to the local castle, and the one in Warsaw does not disappoint. The castle served as the official residence of the Polish royal family for many years and the building can be dated back to the 1600s.
That being said, it is still in pristine condition and the incredible building is certainly a sight to behold. The castle has a rich and interesting history aside from royalty, having been home to the German governor in the second world war and being an admin center for the Tsar.
2. Palace of Culture and Science
The impressive tower that is the palace of science and culture in Warsaw can be seen from all over the city. Standing at over 230 feet tall, it is the highest building in the whole country. The building, which was erected in the 1950’s plays host to a variety of public facilities such as cinemas,libraries, sports clubs and theatres amongst other things.
3. Old Town Market Place
There is nothing quite as charming as a European market, and the one in Warsaw’s old town has a charm all of its own. The entire market was destroyed in an explosion in the second world war and had to be restored to its former glory at the end of the war.
The market is at the heart of the old town and is a popular socializing spot for locals and tourists alike. The square is surrounded by 17th century architecture which has to be seen to be truly appreciated.
4. The Frederick Chopin Museum
For any music lovers, the Chopin museum is a must see when visiting the composers home city. There are two sites for the museum one which is known as the birthplace of Chopin and one which was the Chopin family parlour.
This interactive museum has a multitude of exhibitions and is truly a great place for discovery. The museum was founded in the 1950’s and the building has recently been renovated throughout.
5. Copernicus Science Center
Located on the river side, the Copernicus science centre is a science museum that will delight both children and adults with its 450 interactive exhibitions. The thinking behind the museum is that visitors can create their own experiments and make discoveries for themselves.
The museum opened in 2018 and has become regarded as one of the most advanced museums of its kind. It is definitely worth a visit when in the city of Warsaw.
6. The City Zoological Garden
More commonly referred to as simply Warsaw Zoo, this is a great one for animal lovers and families with children. The site covers an impressive 40 hectares and boasts visits from over one million people every year, proving that it is an incredible place.
Visitors can see over 11,000 animals across 500 different species but also has an interesting history. In the second world war, the zoo was used by Jewish people as a hiding place from enemy forces.
7. The Neon Musuem
If you fancy something a little out of the ordinary on your visit to Warsaw, visiting the neon museum may fulfill this desire. It is one of the only museums of its kind which houses a collection of neon signs. The large museum is located within a factory, adding to the industrial feel of the building.
The vast collection of neon lights began in 2005 and now consists of over 100 pieces, most of which can be dated back to the 60s’ and 70’s.
8. The Palace on the Isle
Covering 76 hectares of the city of Warsaw, the palace on the isle is a building which cannot be missed when venturing into the city. It is also called the Baths palace and dates back hundreds of years, with records showing its use as far back as the 1600’s.
The building is definitely one for those with an eye for architecture and design as it is certainly easy on the eye.
However, the impressive building might not have still been standing today if the Germans had had their way in the second world war, as they drilled holes in the structure and completely destroyed the internal parts in order to destroy the palace completely. This is just one interesting historical detail that so many of Warsaw’s buildings have.
9. Warsaw New Town
Located close to Warsaw old town, the new town is an eye catching area of the city which is popular for tourist discovery. Much like the old town, the new town was devastated in the second world war and required extensive repairs thereafter.
Despite its misleading name, the new town actually dates back to the 14th century and was originally designed to be a city in its own right. In the new town tourists can view an array of both traditional and modern Polish buildings including churches and the buildings which surround the market square.
10. Skaryszewski Park
For a more relaxed afternoon in this beautiful Polish city, why not take a wander around the Skaryszewski park, located in Warsaw and showing off some glorious green areas. This stunning park is ideal for those who want to take part in sports such as running, hiking or cycling, and also for those looking to take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This monumental park was first created in the very early 1900’s and occupies a prime spot on the Vistula river. As with many things in Warsaw, the park cannot escape the rich Polish culture and features a variety of monuments for tourists to admire.
11. Stary Dom
No trip would be complete without sampling the local food, and what better place to do this than Stary Dom, a highly renowned eatery set in a gorgeous rustic dining room. Here you can sample many items from the traditional Polish menu, giving visitors the opportunity to get a real flavour of the country.
The restaurant was originally popular in the 1950s with jockeys and horse racing enthusiasts and features a detailed history as well as being renowned for its high quality cuisine.
12. Ritual Nightclub
For all those night owls out there, a city break just would not be the same without a trip to one of the best night clubs in the city. Ritual is famed for its impressive cocktail menu and amazing music, whether that is from a DJ or at one of the live music events held here.
The club is open daily from 10pm and welcomes a lot of visitors so be sure to get there early to avoid disappointment or book online to guarantee entry. The club also offers a selection of snacks and sushi and has a brilliant bachelor/ette party package in their VIP area. There is nothing that they haven’t got covered at this top night spot in Warsaw.
13. Wodny Park
Anyone who love to keep active will be perfectly placed within Wodny park which features a large swimming pool complete with slides, squash and tennis courts, a well equipped spa and a variety of water based classes. Why not take a swim and then relax in the spa where you can experience everything from a massage to a sauna to a facial.
Wodny park is the most favoured and well loved sports facility in Warsaw and it is little wonder since the centre houses an Olympic swimming pool which is perfect for enthusiasts.
14. The Dollhouse Museum
If you are taking your children on a trip to Warsaw then the dollhouse museum is a wonderful family day out, however that’s not to say that it cannot be enjoyed by adults with an interest in the subject.
The museum claims to be mysterious and enchanting, and it certainly lived up to this claim. The museum houses over 130 dollhouses from various points in history and has an incredible collection of dolls and accessories.
15. Jewish Cemetery
If you are looking for a cultural experience then visiting the Jewish cemetery in Warsaw will deliver. As far as Jewish burial grounds go, this is one of the largest and has been here for over 200 years, after its beginnings in 1806. In the cemetery, visitors can pay their respects to over 250,000 marked graves as well as thousands of graves of the victims of the Warsaw ghetto.
Conclusion
In a city as rich in culture and heritage as Warsaw, it is not surprising that there are plenty of things to see and do when visiting. The Polish capital has so much to offer and truly does have something for every taste. Whether you passion is music or food, science or history, you are sure to find something to excite your senses in this amazing city.
