Poland’s capital Warsaw has survived a turbulent past to emerge as a thriving modern city with a great many stories to tell. Heavily damaged during World War II, the Old Town has been painstakingly restored and is now a popular meeting place for both locals and visitors.
Copernicus Science Center
Although the Copernicus Science Center is a brilliant Warsaw attraction for all ages, it is a particularly wonderful place to visit with children. There is so much to see and do that it is impossible to do the center justice during a single visit. Perhaps the best way to enjoy the center is to choose your main interests and then simply let your imagination run riot as you explore some of the 400 interactive exhibits which are designed to foster a deep curiosity about science and space exploration. Along the way you will find a variety of 20-minute mini-workshops and there are “explainers” all over the center who are keen to answer any questions you may have. The Planetarium (The Heavens of Copernicus) hosts a full program of live shows, film shows, music shows, laser shows and films.
Address: Copernicus Science Center, 20 Wybrzeze Kosciuszhowskie St, 00 390 Warsaw, Phone: +48-225-96-41-10
Wilanow Palace
Lovers of art, architecture, history and antiques should not miss the chance to visit the sumptuous Wilanow Palace (also known as the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilanów); you will probably need a full-day visit to fully appreciate both the palace and the surrounding park and gardens. You may tour the interior of the palace with the aid of an audio guide, which will lead you through a succession of opulent halls and chambers including the Apartments of King Jan III, the Dutch Cabinet (with marvelous frescoed ceiling), the Potocki Museum (containing a large collection of glassware) and the Chinese and Hunting Rooms, among many others. The gardens are sensational and should not be missed. Entrance is free on Thursdays.
Address: Wilanow Palace, ul. Stanislawa, Kostka Potockiego 10/16, 02-958 Warsaw, Phone: +48-225-44-27-00
Fryderyk Chopin Museum
Come and learn about the life of legendary Warsaw composer Fryderyk Chopin at the museum dedicated to his life in Warsaw. The new and modern Fryderyk Chopin Museum, located in the Ostrogski Palace, is particularly of interest to music lovers, history buffs and art enthusiasts but will equally educate and enthrall the general public. The fine collection of artifacts which document the life of Chopin through the different periods of his life are spread over four floors of the palace. You can choose to see it all at your own pace using an audio guide, or use their innovative RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to enjoy a personalized audio tour structured according to your personal interests.
Address: Fryderyk Chopin Museum, Ostrogski Palace, 1 Okolnik Street, 00-368 Warsaw, Phone: +48-224-41-62-74
Kampinos National Park
Located north-west of Warsaw, Kampinos National Park is easily accessible to visitors using public transport. Within a short time you can exchange the hustle, bustle (and pollution) of the city for a serene and pristine nature reserve which covers over 385 square kilometers. The unusual landscape within the reserve was created by retreating glaciers during the ice age, which left an unusual combination of sandy dune-like areas which lie almost alongside swampy wetland patches. You can explore the park on foot or by bike along a network of 350km of well-marked trails. Along the way you can spot several species of wildlife and you may come across graves and memorials to the many people who were executed in the park by the Nazi regime during World War II.
Address: Kampinos National Park, Kazimierza Tetmajera 38, 05-080 Izabelin C, Poland
Lazienki Park
Lazienki Park is a must-see attraction for all visitors to Warsaw; try and visit during the week to avoid the large crowds of locals who descend on the park each weekend for a family day out. The name Lazienki is the Polish word for baths and the gardens are named for what is now called the Palace on the Island, which was originally built in the 17th century as a private bathhouse for the adjacent Ojazdowski Castle. A single combined entry ticket will give you access to the beautifully landscaped gardens, the Palace on the Island, the Orangery and the Chopin Monument. You can easily spend an entire day viewing all the attractions of the park.
Address: Lazienki Park, Agrykoli 1, Warsaw, Phone: +48-2-25-06-00-28
The National Museum
The National Museum is the largest museum in Warsaw and is a must on any art-enthusiasts itinerary. Not only will you find a fine collection of ancient artifacts from the Nubian region (over 1500 years old) but you will also have the opportunity to admire a most important collection of artworks by Polish artists, from the 19th to the 21st century. The art is spread over a large number of spacious galleries and includes both a permanent collection and regular rotating temporary collections. In addition to the art you can also view some examples of iconic Polish design, including furniture, posters, fashion and industrial goods. You can book a guided tour in English by phoning in advance of your visit.
Al. Jerozolimskie 3, 00-495 Warsaw, Phone: +48-226-21-10-31
Old Town Market Place
Virtually reduced to ruins by Nazi troops after the Polish Uprising in 1944, the Old Town Market Place has been painstakingly restored to its former glory and is once again the place to meet friends, enjoy an alfresco meal and watch the world go by. The market square (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is surrounded by pastel townhouses, many of which now house interesting museums such as the History Museum and the Museum of Literature. Around the perimeter of the square you will find many delightful pavement cafés and restaurants as well as boutique shops. At the center of the square you can admire the monument of the Warsaw Mermaid, a fond symbol of the city.
Address: Old Town Market Square, rynek Starego Miasta, 00-001 Warsaw
Palace of Culture and Science
The Palace of Culture and Science is an impressive towering building which dominates the Warsaw city center. The anomaly of this landmark is that although it was donated to the city by Stalin, it closely resembles the design of the Empire State Building in New York, the epitome of the capitalist world. The gifted building became a hated symbol of communist Russia. Today you can visit some of the theaters, bars and museums which occupy the ground level or purchase a ticket to visit the 30th floor Observation Deck which offers wonderful views of the city. Guided tours are available if you would like to see more of the 3,300 rooms – now mostly offices and conference spaces.
Pl. Defilad, City Center, Warsaw, Phone: +48-226-56-76-00
The Royal Castle Museum
Warsaw’s Royal Castle Museum is essential viewing for anyone wanting a better understanding of the rich culture and heritage of the city. The castle was completely destroyed by the Nazis during the Warsaw Uprising and it is something of a miracle that so many of its treasures were saved. When you visit today you can tour the restored galleries and chambers including the Great Assembly Hall, the Marble Room, the Knight’s Room and the Throne Room. On the first floor you can admire the wonderful Lanckoronski Collection of Rembrandt paintings and other visual art. There is a great deal to see at the Castle and you will need several hours to properly explore it using an audio guide or a personal guide.
The Royal Castle Museum, plac Zamkowy 4, 00-277, Warsaw, Phone: +48-223-55-51-70
The Neon Museum
During a period of partial relaxation of repression after the death of Stalin in 1953, it was decided to introduce some Western-style lighting to the city of Warsaw, and a large number to neon signs found their way across Poland between the 1950’s and 1970’s. Today you can take a nostalgic tour of The Neon Museum, where dozens of these signs have been preserved. Many of the signs were put up to promote nightlife venues or retail goods and were designed by prominent local artists. As you will see, many of these neon artworks are just that – art meant to beautify the drab facades of the communist era apartment blocks and businesses.
The Neon Museum , Soho Factory, Minska 25, Praga District, 03-808 Warsaw, Phone: +48-665-71-16-35
Oh-So-Arty
Oh-So-Arty is a personalized art guide service that is offered throughout 21 major world cities, giving visitors an inside view on the city's unique contemporary art scene. All city tours are led by working contemporary art professionals, showcasing a local perspective on their daily art scene. Warsaw's tours are led by art historian Zuzanna Zasacka, who has worked with the Kolonie Gallery, the Archaeology of Photography Foundation, and the Zacheta National Gallery of Art. Participants receive a one-of-a-kind chance to explore the city's art galleries, museums, and studios and meet with gallery directors and artists directly in their working environments. Many sites on Warsaw tours are housed within beautiful 19th-century tenement buildings that have been converted into sleek modern spaces, showcasing the region's best modern artwork.
