Warsaw sightseeing – 8 great places you need to visit
Warsaw is known for its cultural importance to Europe, as Warsaw is not only the capital of Poland, but also one of the most important trade and cultural centers in Europe.
The city is home to numerous universities, museums, theaters, monuments, palaces and parks. The unique architecture that dominates especially in the city center creates a very special charm and creates an original atmosphere.
Besides, Warsaw is known for its liveliness, both during the day and at night. Life in the city is dynamic, active, full of positive energy and an image for European metropolises. I also have an article about it on my blog.
When traveling to Warsaw, you should definitely not miss the following (even extraordinary ones!
Warsaw Sights – 8 great places you need to visit
1. Powazki Cemetery, steeped in history
Powazki Cemetery (Cmentarz Powązkowski) is a meaningful representation of how Warsaw is a city full of cultural and traditional patterns and buildings. The cemetery houses several complexes in which various ethnic groups are buried who fell in the immediate vicinity or are honored in the cemetery.
Since the city has a colorful, diverse and, unfortunately, sometimes tragic history, this boundless history is also reflected in this important cemetery.
These complexes include the Jewish, Roman Catholic, Islamic Caucasian, Islamic Tatar and the Protestant cemeteries. In addition, the development of the cemetery spans several centuries. It was expanded a total of 19 times until it reached its current size.
Of course, old buildings that have survived the world wars have suffered some damage. This cemetery was also damaged during the Second World War and some graves are still in ruins today.
Here you can find more information about the
2. Stately Lazienki Park
One of the most beautiful Warsaw sights is definitely Lazienki Park (Łazienki Krolewskie), the largest park in Warsaw. The park contains several monuments, such as the Chopin Monument. This was built in honor of the composer and pianist Fryderik Chopin, however, like many monuments, it was destroyed and melted down during the Second World War. In 1958 it was reconstructed and until today, every Sunday from May to September, piano concerts are held in it, which are open to all visitors.
The most magnificent part of the park is the Lazienki Palace, also called the Water Palace. From a distance it looks as if the building is floating on the water. It was built in the 17. Built in the nineteenth century on an artificial island, connected to the mainland by two bridges.
The palace is dominated by Chinese interior design, which was very popular during the Classicism period. There is a lot to see on a round tour, such as the former ballroom, the chateau chapel, the dining room or the picture gallery.
3. UNESCO World Heritage Warsaw Old Town
The absolute landmark of Warsaw sights is the Old Town (Stare Miasto). It is not for nothing the historical center of Warsaw, because it was built in the 13. The chateau was founded in the XVIII century and has been renovated over the centuries.
It is also one of the places that were destroyed during the Second World War. The special thing about the reconstruction of the Old Town is its originality, because the architects, using old sketches and photos as a guide, have recreated the city area almost exactly the same way. The monuments could thus be preserved and due to the strong inner determination and efforts to rebuild the Old Town true to the original, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The heart of the Old Town is the Old Market Square, which is surrounded by numerous cafes and restaurants offering Polish specialties. The marketplace is also the starting point of numerous narrow streets that lead, among other things, to the famous cathedrals of the city.
Tip: Since the Old Town is naturally very popular, it can often get crowded here. It is best to come in the early morning or during the week, because the Old Town is a destination for many Poles as well.
4. Palace of Culture and Science
The Palace of Culture and Science (Pałac Kultury i Nauki, abbreviated PKiN) was the second tallest building in Europe until 1994 and has a very interesting architectural history. The construction was ordered by Josef Stalin.
While at the time of the People's Republic of Poland the palace was used for political exchanges or for the representation of the political elite, today it is used for a variety of purposes. There are theaters, cinemas, museums and even a college of photography in the building.
Restaurants also opened, presenting a panoramic view from the higher floors. Even though the building is still hated and boycotted by some people because they see it as a symbol of totalitarian oppression, the colorful makeover has given it more prestige.
Tip: From the 30. From the top floor you have a perfect view over the city. You can also find more information .
5. Museum of the History of Polish Jews
POLIN Museum (POLIN Muzeum Historii Żydow Polskich) is one of the most profound and moving sights in Warsaw, as it tells the story of Jews in Poland. The complexity of this theme is already reflected in the architecture of the building or in its geographical location.
In fact, the museum is located in one of the settlements where Jews lived their lives before the German occupation. The outer walls are double-layered and appear to be torn by crevices, which are meant to be symbolic of the Jews' journey through the sea and the splitting of the water.
On the facade, which is made of glass, is the word "Polin", which means "Here you shall live". The name refers to Poland's invitation to Jews to have a home in Poland. The theme galleries cleverly depict the course of Jewish history in Poland, which you definitely have to see and experience.
Tip: For this you can easily plan half a day. The different exhibitions are interactive and there is a lot to see.
6. Elektrownia Powisle – the cool shopping center
Formerly a power plant, Elektrownia Powisle (Electrownia Powiśle) is now an integral part of a modern metropolis, namely a shopping mall. The power plant has supplied the city with electricity for centuries and even witnessed the world wars. However, the use came to a halt and the whole complex was ingeniously rebuilt.
In 2015, the power plant became a unique complex consisting of restaurants, stores, cafes and hotels. It sounds like a conventional shopping mall, but the architects have managed to save the building from an average appearance.
The former service of the power station and its historical importance should not be forgotten, so the industrial style has been maintained, using mainly concrete in the renovation. Original elements were also used and thus a modern shopping center was created in an industrial and high-quality style, which is definitely worth a visit.
7. Neon Museum – more than just neon signs
The Neon Museum (Neon Muzeum) in Warsaw is, so to speak, a place of rebirth of high quality street style and former trendy neon signage. In the museum there are more than 200 labels that glow in neon colors and served as advertising decades ago.
This kind of advertising was popular when Poland was occupied by Russia, although advertising was actually unnecessary in a socialist state. That is why in Poland, unlike in capitalist countries, this type of cult was used for prestige and informational purposes.
Fact: The neon fonts were an absolute hit and have a touch of retro decoration. They were designed by successful artists and graphic designers and today they do great honor to the Neon Museum. The neon signs are a contrast to today's conventional billboards, which are subject to constant change.
Tip: A piece of neon in your own home? In the Neon Museum you can buy small to big neon signs to decorate your apartment stylishly.
8. The Praga district – hip and trendy
Praga is considered to be the most authentic part of Warsaw, because it was not destroyed during the war, and thus was able to preserve its originality. Despite the old buildings Praga could develop into a real trendy district, which has so much to offer in terms of sightseeing.
Walking around the neighborhood, there is a lot to look at, such as the houses of worship. On the right bank of the Vistula there are churches that date back to the Middle Ages. Saska Kepa is an elite part, so to speak, because famous personalities have settled here, as well as some embassies.
This part of the city is crossed by Francuska street, which is home to numerous pubs worth visiting, with delicious and unusual food. In addition, here is also the well-known and popular .
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Do you have any questions about the sights in Warsaw?
All travel tips and sights, I have compiled after a short trip to Warsaw. If you have any questions, I will be happy to help you in the comments.
This post was created in collaboration with and reflects my experiences and impressions on the ground, in the implementation I was completely free.