What to see in Warsaw

Poland is not a foreign place to me, nor is it for most second generation Polish immigrants.  Having been to Poland a few times in the past visiting family, I had the opportunity to explore different destinations such as Gdańsk, Sopot, Zacopane and Kraków. With this being my first blog post about Poland, I thought it would be the perfect chance to introduce Poland’s Capital City to you guys, which is Warsaw.

Poland has its perks, from the cuisine (obviously), beer, and insanely low currency (Złoty), it makes it a desirable stop for most travelers who are visiting Eastern Europe (with a bus from Prague costing as low as €8).  

So, if you guys are looking for a slightly-less-obvious place to visit in Europe, consider Poland — and, more specifically, Warsaw! Here are a handful of places I’d recommend you see when visiting Warsaw.

Castle Square

The vast Castle Square is dominated by the Royal Castle. The castle was the royal residence from the 16th century and where the country’s constitution was signed in 1791. In the center of Castle Square is the towering Sigismund’s Column.

Explore the Old Town

As you are walking through the Old Town, marvel at how the city center was completely reconstructed after being demolished by the Nazis. Explore the lanes around the square and then stroll down Swietojanska and stop into two side-by-side churches, St. John’s Cathedral and Church of the Gracious Mother of God.

Old Town Market Place (Rynek Stare Miasto)

One thing I liked the most about Warsaw Old Town was how one square meandered into another by a winding series of connecting alleyways. Old Town Market Place was once the heart of the city and the main square. As with most of Warsaw, the square is a clever recreation of its 17th century former self.

Old Town Market Place seemed more intimate and colorful than Castle Square and there is a good number of cafes and restaurants around the perimeter. In the summer, tables and chairs are positioned for al fresco dining.

The Barbican

A short walk from Old Town Market Place is the Barbican. Part of the fortifications that once used to protect Warsaw, the Barbican is the gateway between the Old Town and the New Town.

Walk the Royal Route

From Castle Square embark on a journey down the Royal Route – The Warsaw Royal Route follows a cobblestone pathway that allows you to absorb Warsaw’s surprisingly regal atmosphere. Head towards the Presidential Palace, have a look inside the glitzy Hotel Bristol, and continue down Nowy Świat (New World Street) for an interesting mix of old and new.

Palace of Culture and Science

Built in 1955 at the height of 778 feet, the Palace of Culture and Science is the tallest building in Warsaw. The landmark building was not erected without controversy, as it was a ‘gift’ from Russia and originally named the Joseph Stalin Palace of Culture and Science.

Tomb of Unknown Soldier

Warsaw’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located in Pilsudski Square in the Ogrod Saski (Saxon Garden). The tomb is guarded by soldiers from the Representative Battalion of the Polish Army. On the hour, every hour – 365 days a year – there is a Changing of the Guard. The formal, ceremonious event is a sight to see, as the new guards make the long walk across the square with the heels of their shoes clicking in time.

Museums

Warsaw Rising Museum - Opened on the 60th anniversary of the start of the uprising, this is one of the newest museums in the city. There are over 1,500 photographs, films and sound recordings of the uprising and if you’re interested to know more about this dark period in Warsaw’s history, you won’t find a better place to learn.

Fryderyk Chopin Museum - Dedicated to the Polish composer and pianist, the museum includes a history and display of the works of Chopin.

The National Museum - Warsaw’s largest museum, the National Museum is a great place to escape to when the city’s tough history overwhelms.