Warsaw is a city caught between its historic past and modern innovation. Destroyed in the Second World War and then rebuilt, it combines impressive historic sites with modern shopping centres and a lively nightlife. Those contrasts are what make it so interesting. Here are the best things to do in Warsaw, where to stay and where to shop.
Things to do in Warsaw
History and landmarks
- The Old Town (Stare Miasto): the historic heart of the city, full of sights and restaurants.
- The Palace of Culture and Science: one of the tallest buildings in Poland, with a panoramic view from the top.
- Wilanów Palace: a beautiful palace with manicured gardens.
- Łazienki Park: a green, quiet park in the middle of the city.
Museums
- POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews: modern and interactive.
- The Museum of Warsaw: the history and culture of the city.
- The Fryderyk Chopin Museum: dedicated to the life and work of the famous composer.
Streets and neighbourhoods
- Nowy Świat: a popular street of shops, cafes and restaurants.
- Praga: a bohemian district with street art, bars and original restaurants.
Recommended hotels
- Hotel Bristol: a historic hotel in the heart of the city, close to the main sights.
- Polonia Palace Hotel: an upscale hotel with a great view of the city.
- H15 Boutique Hotel: a modern boutique hotel in an area with good transport links.
- The Westin Warsaw: a business hotel with pleasant rooms and excellent service.
- Raffles Europejski Warsaw: a luxury hotel with superb design and a central location.
Shopping
- Złote Tarasy: a modern, popular mall next to the Palace of Culture and Science, with international stores, fashion, restaurants and cafes.
- Galeria Mokotów: a large centre with more than 260 shops covering fashion, technology and entertainment.
- Nowy Świat: an elegant street of shops, distinctive boutiques and restaurants, and one of the prettiest and most historic in the city.
- Arkadia: another big mall, with over 200 shops, cafes and entertainment areas.
- Blue City: varied stores, including children’s, fashion and homeware, plus an entertainment complex and cinema.
- Marszałkowska Street: a central shopping street with assorted shops, cafes and restaurants and easy access to other areas.
Planning your trip
Warsaw is good value as European capitals go; see Warsaw: affordable adventures. For getting there, read flights to Warsaw: airports and essential information, and to combine the capital with other regions use our Poland itinerary guide. Enjoy!
