What to do in Warsaw in summer. What you can see in Warsaw. Royal Lazienki Park
The sights of Warsaw are so fascinating and numerous that even a whole month will not be enough to explore them. If your stay in this hospitable city is planned to be short, you should think about what to see in Warsaw in advance.
What to see first in Warsaw
3. Castle Square
View of Castle Square at night One of the most picturesque places in the capital, according to reviews from those who saw it. Made in the shape of a triangle, the square serves as a platform for various city holidays and events. During the New Year's festivities, the main Christmas tree of the country is installed here. Within walking distance is the Royal Castle and the ancient Cathedral St. John. If you don't know what to visit in Warsaw first of all, start your excursion route from Castle Square;
4. Market Square
Old Town Market Square in Warsaw When describing the Market Square, it is necessary to talk about its symbol - the sculpture of the Little Mermaid with a sword and shield. The siren represents the defense of the city from enemies. The square itself is surrounded by ancient stone houses with quaint facades of different colors. Here you can visit numerous cafes serving delicious dishes national cuisine, go to the souvenir shop or just enjoy the view of the fountains. This perfect place for recreation, crowded with both tourists and Poles themselves. The unique spirit of Medieval Europe reigns here, with performances by street musicians and impromptu exhibitions of local artists.
If you come to Warsaw on Christmas Eve, be sure to go to the main fair retail space cities. However, on hot summer days, the bright umbrellas of street cafes, which cover a huge part of the territory, will also not leave you indifferent. It is in these cafes that you will be offered to try the famous Warsaw pastries and delicious coffee;
5. Warsaw Barbican
A powerful medieval structure to protect the entrance gate to the city Warsaw Barbican (fortification of the fortress gates, located outside the main fortress wall). Today, the Warsaw Barbican houses a museum that hosts various exhibitions dedicated to the history and culture of the city. It is also a gathering place for street musicians, performers, traders and artists. If your trip is planned in order to learn more about the life and traditions of the aborigines, a visit to this attraction in Warsaw can be recommended with full confidence;
Look beautiful views Warsaw in this exciting video!
6. Wilanów Palace
Majestic sculptures in the park near Wilanów Palace The country's national pride and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. An integral part of the palace complex are the luxurious gardens - like other attractions of Warsaw, they are open to tourists. The park contains sculptures, a winter garden, a hill, a stream with a waterfall, a greenhouse and a grove;
7. Warsaw Citadel
Inside the Warsaw Citadel - barrels of ancient Jolanta Dyr cannons Tsar Nicholas 1 had a hand in the construction of this landmark in Warsaw. The fortress was erected by his decree. We included the citadel in our rating taking into account its rich history and the scale of the construction (the complex includes lunettes, towers, a fort, the Alexandria Citadel and other objects of the war years);
8. Monument to the Warsaw Uprising
Monument to the heroes of the Warsaw Uprising of 1944 in Warsaw By visiting such interesting places in Warsaw, you have the opportunity to honor the memory of the heroes who died in the battle with the Nazis in 1943. The memorial was built with money donated by local residents;
9. Church of St. John the Baptist
Facade of the Church of St. John the Baptist Dennis Jarvis The burial area of many great figures of culture and history of the country. Date of construction - 1390, architectural style - Gothic. Initially, like many other surviving architectural structures, the church was intended as a place for the burial and coronation of the royal family. Today it is the main temple of the capital;
10. Church of St. Casimir
Church of St. Casimir on the Market Square of the New Town of Warsaw Marcin Białek Part of the Benedictine Church of the Sacrament of the Holy Communion. Location – Market Square (we have already said that it should be seen first in Warsaw). Inside the church there is the tomb of Maria Caroline de Bouillon. The surrounding area is a beautiful 17th century garden;
11. Church of the Holy Cross
Monument to Nicolaus Copernicus and Church of the Holy Cross The upper church of the church stores urns with the ashes of V. Reymont and F. Chopin. The burials are decorated with a bust of a banner and a heavy epitaph made of Carrara marble stone. In the lower church there are crypts with the remains of V. Sikorsky, J. Slovacki and other famous Poles;
12. Church of St. Anne
Main entrance to the Church of St. Anne Masterpiece gothic architecture, included in the list of what to visit in Warsaw every tourist should. According to many, the interior of the church is not of particular interest. You should come here for the ceremonial services, inspection of the facade with a trio of graceful towers of exquisite shape and the same height, and a bell tower;
13. Copernicus Science Center
One of the thematic galleries at the Copernicus Science Center World3000 Where to go in Warsaw with children? Every visitor is allowed to conduct unique experiments in mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology in this wonderful scientific center with its half a thousand interactive exhibits. The list of permanent exhibitions includes, for example, a huge Foucault pendulum, demonstrating the rotation of our planet. Any exhibit can be touched and photographed. Returning to hotels in Warsaw, guests of the Copernicus are usually full of emotions and impressions.
14. Palace of Culture and Science
Palace of Culture and Science against the background of modern skyscrapers of Warsaw Our recommendations telling you about the main attractions of Warsaw , would be incomplete if we did not mention the tallest building in Poland (42 levels). The skyscraper houses: Exhibition Center and office buildings of the country's global corporations, bookstores, a swimming pool and a cinema. But most importantly, there is an open for tourists Observation deck. Buy a ticket for it, and you will see everything you can see in Warsaw in 1 day immediately from a bird’s eye view;
15. Frederic Chopin Museum
Frederic Chopin Museum at night If you like classical music, visit the museum dedicated to the famous Polish composer. In a building built in the Baroque style, he once gave his first concert. The exhibition of 15 rooms will show you a piano, autographs, letters, portraits and other personal belongings of Chopin.
We have listed only the most visited attractions of the capital. If you are lucky, you will have time to see them all.
Sights of Warsaw: what else to visit in Warsaw
If after visiting these sights of the capital you still have free time, you should inspect:
16. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Museum
Exhibition at the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Museum Adrian Grycuk The only museum dedicated to the discoverer of radium and polonium, sponsored by the Chemical Society. The exhibitions will give a complete picture of the works of the famous female physicist, her relationship with the world of science and the people around her. Every year in June an event called “Night at the Museum” is organized here. Every week, admission for everyone is completely free (traditional practice for museums in the country);
17. Museum of the Polish Army
Exhibition under open air weapons from other countries User:VargaA The second largest museum in the country, after the national one. The theme of the exhibitions is military history and memorable victories of the Polish army. Most of the items (uniforms, weapons, etc.) are dedicated to the participation of the Poles in the Second World War. In addition, there is a unique collection of battle paintings;
18. Ujazdowski Castle
View from the park to Ujazdowski Castle Royal Palace 13th century, the current director of which is F. Cavallucci. Over the past 25 years, over 600 exhibitions have been held here. Educational seminars and concerts, and thematic exhibitions are regularly organized. The Castle also houses a Center for Contemporary Art;
19. Lazienki Palace
Lazienki Palace artificial island surrounded by a pond A former royal residence with an adjacent area of more than 70 hectares. The main building, the Island Palace, is famous for its works of art (more than 2.5 thousand pieces), art gallery, neoclassical ballroom and Solomon's Hall. On the territory there is an original bathhouse from the 17th century, canals, greenhouses, pavilions and other structures of Baroque and French classical architecture;
20. Lazienki
Arch bridge in Lazienki Park Huge park called Royal Lazienki near the center of the capital. On the way to it you can see Ujazdowski Alley, streets New World and Krakowskie Przedmieście. The palace and park complex is considered the best monument of early classicism. The landscaped area has benches for relaxation, jogging paths, a small pond and even its own attractions, such as the Royal Palace and the Chopin monument.
If you want to come to Warsaw to explore its historical and architectural masterpieces, we recommend that you hire an experienced guide. Or develop a detailed excursion route in advance, because... The number of interesting sights in the city is really large. Read also about and get inspired for your further travel around Poland.
At the end of the 16th century, Warsaw became the capital of Poland. During World War II, the central part of Warsaw was reduced to ruins by the Nazi occupiers. Over the next half century, local residents, sparing no effort and resources, rebuilt their city again. And, I must say, they succeeded brilliantly. Considering the massive destruction the city suffered and the amount of work that was done to restore it, Warsaw was included in the list of objects World Heritage UNESCO. Today, the Polish capital is a rather cozy city with many cafes and restaurants, picturesque landscapes and a rapidly developing infrastructure. There are also quite a few interesting attractions in Warsaw, which you can find later in the article.
1. Stare Miasto in Warsaw
Historically, the oldest landmark in Warsaw is the Stare Miasto. But during the Second World War this area was destroyed. A lot of time and effort went into restoring this part of the city. Today Stare Miasto has been completely rebuilt and restored. The extent to which the primordial nature of this place is accurately conveyed - its buildings, architecture and its inherent atmosphere - shows the quality of the work done. Streets typical of the Middle Ages wind between cozy houses with tiled roofs - this area looks the same as it did many centuries ago, making it very popular among tourists.
2. Market Square
In the very center of Warsaw is its main ideological attraction - Market Square. There are always a lot of people here, idly walking or rushing about their business, but life does not stop boiling in the square for a second. The main feature of this place is its preserved medieval atmosphere, which especially attracts tourists. Nowadays, there are still retail shops on the Market Square, local artists sell their works, and droshky drivers deliver their passengers to their destinations. Just like several centuries ago, the spirit of everyday life in the Polish capital is seething in this corner. When you come to Warsaw, you definitely need to visit here.
3. Warsaw Palace Square
The main place from which most excursions around Warsaw begin is Palace Square. Here tourists will see many interesting sights of the late Middle Ages. In the central part of the square there is a monument to Sigismund III, erected by his son in the mid-17th century. On different sides of the square there are medieval castles, cathedrals and museums founded at them. It will take a few hours to explore the historical sites of this tourist hotspot, but they won't be wasted. This mandatory place to visit in Warsaw!
Royal Castle - attractive tourist place, which is a must see in Warsaw. These days it is the most popular museum in the city, located with east side Palace Square. Unfortunately, the original building did not survive to this day due to the destructive power of World War II. But the townspeople restored the former structure with enviable precision. Within the walls of the castle you can see an exhibition dedicated to Polish culture, and various exhibitions, concert performances and symposiums are often held. Even the interior of the castle is worth the time spent exploring it: the picturesquely decorated walls and rich decoration make you admire the castle.
5. Wilanów Palace
The most important attraction of the Polish capital is the Wilanów Palace, located in the southeast of Warsaw. The building was built in Baroque style, and nearby there is a beautiful garden. The palace serves as a symbol of Poland's national pride. It was built at the end of the 17th century and served as a country residence for the royal family. At the beginning of the 19th century, a museum was founded at the Wilanów Palace, which was one of the first in the country. After visiting the palace and visiting the museum, tourists can take a stroll through the local garden. This beautiful place for an excursion!
6. Warsaw Historical Museum
The list of the most important and visited attractions in Poland includes Historical Museum Warsaw. His collection of exhibits is so large that as many as six buildings in the central part of the city were given over to it. The exhibition is located in sixty halls and is dedicated to the history of Poland and its capital from its founding to the present day. A large number of dramatic situations that Warsaw experienced found their place in the museum’s exhibition. This attraction attracts many tourists who want to get acquainted with the history of Poland and Warsaw.
7. Krakowskie Przedmieście
Perhaps one of the best attractions in Warsaw is the whole street, we're talking about about Krakowskie Przedmieście. Along this street there are a considerable number of important objects for the Polish capital, including medieval castle, religious shrine and State University. Every year thousands of tourists walk around Krakow Przemskie Przedmieście. During the Christmas holidays, this street is decorated with colorful lights and garlands, which makes it indescribably beautiful, especially in the evening and at night. But regardless of the time of year, this street remains the most popular in Warsaw.
Be sure to include the Polish Army Museum on your list of attractions to visit in Warsaw. He plays a significant role in the history of the country. Considering the location of Poland - and this is the center of Europe, one can understand that the Polish state had to fight a lot. The history of any state would be incomplete without mentioning its military affairs. It is this gap that the Polish Army Museum fills. By visiting it, guests will get acquainted with the entire Polish military history. There is a large collection of thematic exhibits and military artifacts that belong to each era. Locals They are very proud of their military history, of which the museum is a part. In general, visiting this Warsaw landmark will be very interesting.
9. National Museum of Warsaw
In the same building where the Polish Army Museum is located, you can see exhibitions of the National Museum of Warsaw. This capital landmark was founded in the second half of the 19th century. Initially, the exhibition was more of a private nature and consisted of items that were purchased or donated specifically for the museum, as well as exhibits exhibited by individual owners. Today National Museum Warsaw has collected in its collection many works by eminent artists and archaeological finds, which will take a good few hours to inspect.
10. Caricature Museum
A special pride of Poland is another interesting attraction of Warsaw - the Museum of Caricature. Why is it so valuable for the country? Because it is the only one of its kind in all of Europe. Previously, the museum's collection consisted exclusively of works by Polish masters, but in last years The exhibition was replenished with many exhibits that belong to the hands of foreign cartoonists. Thanks to this step, the museum became international. The doors of the attraction are open for free visits by tourists on Saturdays, and the rest of the time you will have to purchase a ticket.
11. Chopin Museum
One of the main cultural treasures of Warsaw was the Chopin Museum, founded just over half a century ago. This cultural landmark of the capital of Poland is located in the very building in which the young composer gave his first performances. Among the museum's exhibits you can see original items that belonged to Frédéric Chopin, some of which include his music sketches, written documentation and even a piano. And on Sundays you can listen to concerts from the composer’s works here.
12. Lazienki Park
Lazienki Park occupies a special place among the attractions of Warsaw. The beauty of this complex has virtually no equal in all of Europe. Lazienki Park was founded in XVII century and all the years of its existence attracts many guests with its unique architecture and picturesque nature. On the territory of the park area, tourists will find several buildings from the Middle Ages - a palace, holiday villas and some other attractions. The beauty of the park invites you to walk through it for many hours. You can also make some of the following here: best photos Polish capital. Lazienki Park is a great place to relax in Warsaw.
These are the sights you should see first in Warsaw. If you have already been to this city and know more interesting places– share in the comments. Thank you for your attention!
Over the seven centuries of its existence, Warsaw has experienced several conquests and destructions. All historical Center cities were razed to the ground during World War II. For dozens of years, restorers painstakingly studied documents, old engravings and photographs and literally brick by brick restored the capital of Poland from the ruins.
As a brilliant example of restoration, the historical center with its squares, castles and churches was included in the UNESCO heritage list. Nowadays, a tourist walking along the Market Square and contemplating the powerful royal castle will have a hard time guessing that these attractions are only a few decades old.
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What to see and where to go in Warsaw?
The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
Historical city center. In the 13th century, the first stone of the future Polish capital was laid here. For centuries, life was in full swing around the Old Town - merchants gathered at fairs, traveling artists staged street performances, crowds of onlookers gathered to watch the bonfires where witches and sorcerers were burned. Almost nothing of the historical buildings has survived, only the ground floors and basements, but this Old city does not lose its charm.
The palace is 10 km away. from the Polish capital. It was built in the 17th century for King John Sobieski and his wife Maria Casimira Louise. At the request of the queen, during construction the creators were guided by the French architecture school(Baroque style predominates). At the beginning of the 19th century, one of the first art museums in Poland was opened on the territory. During the Nazi occupation, the museum's collections were looted, but then they were returned back to Poland.
Architectural and cultural monument in the center of Warsaw, built in the 16th-17th centuries by the Lithuanian prince Sigismund. During the Northern War, the castle was plundered by the Swedes and gradually fell into disrepair. It is noteworthy that in 1829, the Russian Emperor Nicholas II was married here to the Kingdom of Poland (at that time the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was part of the Russian Empire). The modern Royal Castle is a copy of a structure blown up by the Nazis during World War II.
The central square of Warsaw, surrounded by the main attractions. Located within the Old Town. In the center of the square there is a memorial column in honor of King Sigismund III Vasa. From Castle Square begins the Royal Route, which leads to country residence Jana III. In the Middle Ages, this place was the center of city life; all the main events took place here.
Another one central square, surrounded by houses with multi-colored plaster. Each building is unique, each facade has a different pattern and color. In previous centuries, the Market Square was the commercial pulse of Warsaw. It was always crowded, lively and fun. Taking a leisurely walk through this place, you can feel the real atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
Powerful fortification XVI century in the fortification system of the Old Town, built according to the design of the Italian master D. Batista. The building did not perform defensive functions. At the base of the Barbican tower there is a monument to the Siren. According to legend, in ancient times, the Siren emerged from the river and told people that a great city would soon appear on the banks. Today, an exhibition gallery is located on the territory of the fort.
Russian fortress XIX century, built by order of the imperial authorities after the November Uprising. It housed a prison for political prisoners and rebels. Important things are associated with the fortress historical milestones Polish national liberation movement. After the occupation of Poland in 1915, the citadel passed into German hands. But they were expelled in 1918. The fortress went to the newly formed Polish independent state.
A monument that perpetuates the memory of fallen Polish patriots during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. It was officially opened in 1989 on the very spot where freedom fighters hid from the German occupiers. The composition depicts two groups of rebels who seem to rise from the ruins and courageously rush into battle. The monument is one of the most interesting and visited monuments in Warsaw.
The Polish name of the temple is St. John's Church. This is the oldest Catholic church in the capital, which was built in the 12th-14th centuries. Important events have taken place here over the centuries: coronations, peace treaties, magnificent funerals of royalty. The church played the role of the spiritual center of the Polish state. The modern building of the temple is a new building, since the historical building was demolished during the German occupation.
The church of the 16th century, which also could not avoid the fate of being destroyed during the Second World War. In the mid-19th century, a statue of Jesus carrying the cross stood in front of the temple. The church is notable for the fact that in one of its walls there is an urn with the ashes of Frederic Chopin. In the 20th century, the temple was completely rebuilt, but work on the exterior and interior decoration continued in the 21st century.
The temple was founded by ruler John III and his wife in the 17th century at their own expense. Inside is the tomb of the Polish princess, daughter of John III. The church was built in the classicism and baroque style with strict adherence to geometric proportions according to the design of the architect T. Gamerski. After the bombing, only the 17th century garden remained. The temple was rebuilt in the middle of the 20th century.
The current cathedral, which arose thanks to the generous funding of Princess Anna Radziwill. Her ashes rest inside the church. Due to numerous reconstructions, a single style is not visible in the architectural composition; a mixture of elements from different eras predominates. The bell tower of the church is used as an observation deck. According to legend, if a young couple gets married in the Church of St. Anne, the marriage will be long and prosperous.
Frederic Chopin is a famous Polish composer whose creative path was connected with Warsaw. The museum's exhibition consists of items belonging to the musician. In addition to letters, musical scores and personal belongings, here you can see the piano at which the master worked. In addition to the traditional exhibition, there is a multimedia exhibition where you can learn about the details of Chopin’s biography.
A museum dedicated to the research and life of the famous female physicist Marie Skłodowska-Curie. Thanks to her research, the table of chemical elements was replenished with two new elements - polonium and radium. The name "polonium" was given to the substance in honor of the scientist's homeland - Poland. Maria was awarded the Nobel Prize twice. The museum was organized in 1967 through the efforts of her daughter Eva Curie.
Museum dedicated to the Polish armed forces. The exhibition covers the period from the emergence of the Polish state to the present. The open-air exhibition displays samples of weapons from other countries: artillery pieces, tanks, fighter planes, armored vehicles. Inside there are collections of medieval weapons, armor, and banners. The museum houses Napoleon Bonaparte's cocked hat and saddle.
An interactive scientific museum where visitors are encouraged to conduct their own experiments. It is one of the most advanced museums of its type in Europe. The interior space is divided into several thematic zones that tell about entire layers of human knowledge. First permanent exhibition started operating in 2010, and after 1.5 years the museum was visited by about 2 million people.
A high-rise building, an almost exact copy of Stalin's skyscrapers in Moscow. It was erected by the Russian architect L. Rudnev by order of I.V. Stalin, who thus wanted to make a gift to the Polish people. There are offices, cinemas, a large conference hall, museums and exhibition galleries here. The spire of the building dominates all buildings in Warsaw and serves as a landmark for tourists who do not know the city.
The former residence of the Saxon Elector and King Augustus II, an exact replica of a 17th-century building that was destroyed during the Second World War. Since 1975, the castle began to be restored from its very foundation; in 1981, the Center for Contemporary Art opened on its territory. Nowadays, Ujazdowski Castle has become a platform for numerous creative festivals, screenings of original films, art salons and photo exhibitions.
Another former residence of Elector Augustus II the Strong. This majestic and picturesque building was called the “palace by the water”, since its base was installed directly on the surface of the river. The palace complex consists of the main building, bathhouse, White House with galleries and pavilions. Inside the main building there is art Gallery, where more than 2 thousand paintings are exhibited.
A picturesque quiet park surrounding the Lazienki Palace. It was created as nature reserve, but eventually became a public square. Since the beginning of the 19th century, entry to the territory was allowed to all people. There is a monument to F. Chopin in the park - a copy of the 1926 monument, which was destroyed by the Nazis. It is pleasant to stroll along the well-groomed park alleys and paths on a fine summer day.
Many people believe Warsaw not the most beautiful European capital, boring, uncomfortable, and generally the most ordinary city of Soviet heritage - gray, with a minimum of historical attractions, a city where you can’t even go shopping. I had similar expectations, I've been to Warsaw just once, while passing through, I saw only the gloomy Stalinist high-rise building and the station building. 
Just one day in this city and our relationship was formed, and Warsaw is modern, beautiful, bright, warm, cozy, hospitable and historical.
Our plans in Warsaw. What to see, where to go. The main attractions of Warsaw
Mandatory Warsaw program: Old Town - Castle Square, Royal Palace (free admission on Sundays), market Square, Barbican, Wilanów Palace, Chopin Museum, walking and morning photo session. Then Krakow Przedmieście or part of the royal road, the garden on the roof of the library, which we never managed to get into. 
Stalin's skyscraper, I was interested in the view of the city from above, the embankment and bridges, the stadium.
We would hardly have managed to do more, but even after this program we were left with a feeling of being overlooked and a desire to stay at least a couple more days.
– an ideal city for a weekend trip for everyone who lives in Kyiv and to the west. Just like Krakow, Riga, Budapest, Odessa or Lviv, it is a beautiful, comfortable and vibrant city. 
IN Warsaw There is no direct flight from Kyiv at a comfortable price, so we traveled by car. M07 popularly known as Warsaw leads from Kyiv directly to the capital of Poland. Distance 800 km, driving time – 9 hours plus 1 to 3 hours for customs clearance. Our standards, Kyiv-Warsaw - 12 hours of which two and a half hours at customs, Warsaw-Kyiv - 10 hours of which 1 hour at customs. 
"...for the future, you should leave on Thursday afternoon, and cross the border early on Friday morning. Then the line will last for several hours. We returned on Sunday afternoon - just a couple of cars.
What you need to know on your first visit to Warsaw
How to save on housing in Warsaw
There is an opinion that in order for your stay in “ugly” Warsaw to seem less boring, you need to choose Inter Continental Warzsawa, Sheraton or Radisson Blue. From these three I would choose Intercontinental- near the Stalinist high-rise, just choose a higher floor, with a view of the city.
This time we chose private apartments through the service booking.com - Warsaw, directly in the Old Town. The price of a comfortable apartment per night starts from 30 euros, city center, parking under the front door and complete immersion in the urban environment.
You can also use Airbnb service , if you don’t have an account, you can do this follow my link and get a travel bonus
Parking
The first question I asked the owner of the apartment was where to park the car in the center and how much it costs. So, on weekends ALL parking in Warsaw is free, both along the street and in city guarded parking lots. There are few free seats, but we found them on Friday evening without any problems.
Morning in the Old Town
Naturally, we devote the first morning to the Old Town. It’s better to start at 7 o’clock in the morning, you can do it later, but then you’ll miss the magical time when the soft light lightly touches the multi-colored walls (well, yes, Warsaw is gray and ugly). In addition, in the morning there are no tourists at all and few locals yet. 
Old city You can get around Warsaw in a few hours, if you don’t rush, go to churches, palaces, various buildings and drink coffee on the terrace with a view. 
On Saturday you can only drink coffee around 9 o’clock in the morning, and then not everywhere; for some reason everything is closed before. I compare it with Lvov, where you can have breakfast starting at 7.30 in the morning, and I’m surprised. 
Many people have an ambivalent attitude towards the Old Town. On the one hand, you know that all the buildings were built in the 20th century according to old drawings and drawings. Because of this, many people call the center of Warsaw a sham. 
On the other hand, looking at photographs of post-war Warsaw in which there are piles of stones instead of buildings, you begin to look at the restored center differently. 
Many compare Warsaw With Prague, but what does Prague have to do with it? Or with Krakow. Yes, there are more historical gingerbreads in Krakow, and Krakow is older, no one can argue. It’s different and it’s worth visiting at least once, then you’ll want more and more. 
Paving stones, narrow streets, peeping tops of cathedrals, muted colors of houses, cafes - we had the full feeling that we were walking through ancient city. This is the main thing. 
The old town is very photogenic and you won’t be able to take bad photos no matter how much you want. Unless you wait for lunch, deep shadows and a tourist tsunami. 
An unexpected meeting - the little mermaid in Warsaw style. 
Old city Warsaw is definitely worth going around, looking into the narrow alleys, be sure to find the local Barbican and go inside. 
Warsaw is truly a “gray, dull, boring city.” This is obvious. I will try to convince you of this even more. 
For example, here’s Warsaw’s “dull” Barbican 
A couple more “gray” and boring photos Old Town in Warsaw 
Where to eat and drink in Warsaw
I didn’t designate special places for food and drink. In Warsaw, as in Krakow, any establishment that looks attractive can become your favorite. The cuisine, as everywhere else in Poland, is of an average good level. In any case, zurek soup, sausages, stewed cabbage or golonka will not leave you indifferent, especially if you haven’t eaten hot food for 12 hours. And even with the velvety taste of local dark draft beer. Bottled stuff is not even worth trying. Besides beer, there are a bunch of different liqueurs in Poland, but they haven’t left any trace on me since last time.
We had dinner at restaurant-club Harenda, Krakovskie Przedmiescie 4/6.
"... the Harenda restaurant is located in Krakowskie Przedmieście, on the so-called royal road. Pros: cozy courtyard, delicious food, excellent beer, atmosphere, about a third of visitors are local, prices are average. A good dinner or lunch will cost 15-20 euros per person with two glasses of beer.
Beer in Warsaw costs about the same. In restaurant cafes it’s 10 zlotys (about 60 UAH), in street cafes made of plastic glasses - 8 zlotys (50 UAH), in general it’s not cheap - you won’t drink much. Bottled beer costs just over 1 euro, but it's not worth drinking.
Roman at work before the concert
The second time we had lunch right on the castle square, in an ordinary tourist restaurant. I can’t say anything bad about the restaurant or the food, everything is very tasty, respect to the establishment. The bill for three was something like 140 zlotys (750 UAH). The rain that started before the concert added a little to the emotions. 
Strong drinks in Warsaw, as well as in Krakow, are sold in special shops; many of these alcohol shops are open around the clock, 24 hours. You don’t have to look for them specifically, they are everywhere – just walk in any direction for a few minutes. 
Despite the positive attitude towards alcohol, I have not met any drunken Poles. Or rather, I met people who were tipsy, but they behaved quite decently, no one was lying on the sidewalk, yelling, yelling or throwing themselves at passers-by, as is often the case with us. 
Getting around Warsaw
We used the tram, metro and taxi. Tram No. 26 went to the stadium, the metro is convenient to get to the embankment, and a taxi is in case you want comfort or are tired. The metro and trams are very modern, we never found out where to pay the money, so we used it for free. If anyone knows, write. A taxi cost 30 zlotys (200 UAH) for a 15-minute drive and about 4-6 km. roads. Choose for yourself.
In your car you should drive around the city with the headlights on low beam; on the way back I forgot to turn it on and met the local police. Everything was polite and civilized; they asked how long I had been going like this. I answer - a couple of hundred meters, we just left the hotel. They asked us to turn on the light, checked that everything was fine with the light and wished us a good trip. They checked my documents and didn’t even get out of the car. 
How could there be such an entrance to a metro station in a dull and boring city? 
Or like this... 
After the old city, the second attraction, which was in the plans and which was recommended through one, was the house of science and art, and in simple terms, Stalin's skyscraper. There are similar ones, besides Moscow, in Riga and here in Kyiv. 
Warsaw observation deck
The high-rise itself attracted me no more than the old Soviet quarters Warsaw, but at the top there is an observation deck from which a 360-degree panorama of the city opens. And I love looking at cities from above, the observation deck is quite banal and touristy, but best option We didn’t have it on hand, nor did we have the time to look for a non-trivial option. 
So, sorry, but I had to spend about 40 minutes of time on a queue of Polish-Czech-Ukrainian-Russian-Belarusian-tourists and 20 zlotys for the entrance ticket. Less than a minute on a high-speed elevator and it’s in full view. They say it’s very cool at the top in the evening, when there are lights and more emotions. And we preserve our emotions until the evening - we have AC/DC. 
During the day from above it is also very good. It's worth going up to get an idea of the scale of the city, to understand the location of the main districts, and just if you like views from above. 
The Stalinist high-rise itself stands completely alone among the skyscrapers of glass, metal and concrete being built and built and looks quite outdated. Many people consider it to disfigure the appearance of the city, I have no opinion on this matter. The fact is that she is very out of tune architectural ensemble. (in the photo you can see the entrance to the high-rise building, on the left) 
On Saturdays, some local life buzzes around the high-rise building. There's a jazz band playing on the steps, a hundred meters away there's some kind of competition, next to it there's a tent with cheap beer for the local drunks and no glamor. Usual life big city. 
From above, the stadium is clearly visible, and it is generally visible from everywhere. City blocks, Krakow Predmiescie, Old Town, bridges across Vistula and the Vistula itself, which I thought for some reason was wide and mighty, but it turned out to be a little like our Desna, shallow, with spills and a fast current. 
From Old town to the high-rise about 20 minutes walk along Medovaya street, I was looking for Soviet buildings and gray houses that scared me on the forums, but I saw a lot of beautiful white buildings that reflected the sunbeams, a cathedral with a bas-relief of the Pope, the one who was Pole, and a couple of smaller cathedrals. 
Several rather colorful Warsaw scourges gathered on the steps of one of the cathedrals. 
Vistula embankment and stadium
The third big part of the program was the Vistula embankment, which is about a 40-minute walk through the modern quarters of Warsaw. I usually look for boring Soviet buildings, but instead there are cheerful graffiti, fountains and trendy streets with shops and cafes.
Embankment Vistula on Saturday - this is for those who think that in addition to walking around Old town V Warsaw nothing to do. On Saturdays, at least in the summer, there is always something going on there. This time there was an event reminiscent of the Kiev street food festival. In addition to Polish cuisine - Spanish, Mediterranean, Korean. 
There was little food and this is the main difference from similar events in Kyiv 
But there were a lot of clowns and other funny people 
The main drink was a lot of cold beer, of which there was more here than water in the Vistula. Children were entertained by clowns, glamorous girls were entertained by stern men of 50+ in T-shirts with the word AC/DC.
For the most part, the audience, which was roughly half locals and tourists, sat on sun loungers on the shore or in a restaurant on the water; the party, in principle, was somewhat reminiscent of the one in Kyiv. 
Companies... 
Or alone... 
Nobody was bored... 
The weather was favorable and if it weren’t for the evening program about which I have already written a report, we almost certainly would have opted for gatherings on the shore with the splashing of water and women’s laughter. 
I have already reported on our evening program. Why did I introduce myself to these AC/DC fans as a correspondent for English radio? It turned out to be fun. 
conclusions
Perhaps the lucky coincidence of the reason for the trip, good summer weather, comfortable inexpensive accommodation and a varied program did the trick. I liked Warsaw, I want to return here just like in Berlin, or. And she is not gray, not boring, and not at all a scoop. Of the things we didn't see, but planned, we still had a garden on the roof of the library, the interactive Chopin Museum and parks.
Warsaw can be safely included in the weekend program, although you will also have to include Friday and Thursday evening. But you are unlikely to regret spending these days away from the office.
How to find inexpensive accommodation in Warsaw
How to buy a cheap air ticket to Warsaw
Air travel from Kyiv can be purchased directly from airlines, but it is most profitable to take advantage of offers for direction Kyiv-Warsaw from aviasales, an aggregator that I use myself. The service selects the most advantageous offers - you just have to choose the best by price, departure time or airline.
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9. University of Warsaw
In the photo: the gate at the entrance to the University of Warsaw In addition, if you have time, you can go to unique building Warsaw Library with a wonderful botanical garden on the roof (also called Warsaw's secret garden) – one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe. For free!
After the University, the same Krakowskie Przedmieście street imperceptibly turns into Nowy Świat :) If fatigue takes its toll, take bus 116 or 180 right on this same street. The desired stop is Lazienki Krulewski Park.
10. Park Krulewskie Lazienki (Lazienki Krolewskie)
Perhaps this is the most wonderful place in Warsaw. However, for those who come to Warsaw for one or two days, the park will have to be skipped or seen on the run. It is huge, so it is better to devote at least half a day to it, or better yet, a full day.
In the photo: evening in Krulewskie Lazienki Park in Warsaw In this park you can meet deer and squirrels, as well as see a museum, palaces and beautiful greenhouses from the 18th century.
What to see in Warsaw on days 2 and 3
For those who have stayed in the city longer, I recommend taking a closer look at the sights of Warsaw (not at a gallop in one day), described above, and also taking a walk from the Vistula embankment, along the central streets of the city, and then going shopping.
In the evenings it’s nice to stroll through the bars in the area of Foksal and Chmielna streets.
Stores in Warsaw
Not far from Warsaw is located with quality items from popular brands. During the sales season, discounts up to -90%.
In addition, Warsaw has many shopping centers. The most popular places for shopping in Warsaw: Arkadia shopping center and Golden Terraces mall.
In the photo: Arcadia shopping center, popular in Warsaw Shopping options include a movie theater and food courts, making it easy to spend a whole day here. Inexpensive fish dishes are sold in the North Fish chain:
Food court in the Arcadia shopping complex Separately, fish is expensive (considering that this is still fast food), but it turns out inexpensively if you buy it as a set at once, so carefully study the menu.
The trick of North Fish is that when you take a set, you will be given a plate of fish, and you can pick up a side dish (salads, rice, potatoes, etc.) yourself - as much as will fit on the plate. And it fits a lot :)
I liked it the most shopping complex MAXX, which is located in the very center of Warsaw. There are several MAXX shopping centers in the city, so Google the nearest one. If you are short on time, then this is a great option: good practical items with discounts - just what travelers need. It’s convenient that everything is in one place, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time shopping.
In the photo: shopping in mall MAXX, Warsaw However, if you are traveling from Warsaw to Italy or Germany, then there is no point in spending a day on shopping. Those who want to buy quality items really cheaply go to one of them - choose Italian and German. And in the capital of Poland, it is better to spend a day walking around the city.
Excursions in Warsaw
When time is short and you don’t know what to see in Warsaw, it makes sense to take a tour - not just boring Wikipedia quoting, but interesting and unusual details from local residents.
You won’t find local guide Yana in travel agencies; her contacts are given only through recommendations. Because she does, perhaps, the most interesting excursions in Warsaw. When you want to find unusual places in the city, hear local stories and legends, as well as scout out the best inexpensive cafes and try delicious hot chocolate - turn to. Moreover, it is better to contact her immediately upon arrival - in a couple of hours you will learn a lot of interesting things, and even get advice on where to go in Warsaw in the next days in accordance with your preferences.
For practical novice tourists, there is the fastest way to get to know the city - join a walking group of tourists for. In this situation, an experienced local guide will give you the optimal route, allowing you to quickly walk through all the iconic sights of Warsaw and take great photos from the most correct angles :)
Where to go for free in Warsaw
Concerts
From May 15 to September 25, on Sundays, twice a day - at 12.00 and 16.00, free concerts are held in Lazienki Park at the monument to Frederic Chopin. Popular works are performed by young pianists.
The annual jazz festival Jazz Na Starówce is held every Saturday in July and August. Concerts take place in the Old Town, in the open air. It's better to arrive early to take seats closer to the stage.
Museums
Always open free of charge: the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, as well as some galleries.
Thursday is a great day for free visit many museums. On this day you can visit for free: the Palace in Wilanów (“Little Versailles”), the Museum of the History of Polish Jews, the Warsaw Photoplasticon, the Ethnographic Museum, the Museum of Independence, the Zachęta Art Gallery and others.
On Sunday, the Royal Castle is open for free, where you can see paintings by Rembrandt.
Where to stay in Warsaw
The city is large, so in order not to waste time traveling from/to the hotel, I recommend staying at the Metropol Hotel - the name is loud, but the hotel itself is simple and inexpensive. Located in the city center, two minutes from the bus stop and very close to the railway station and bus station in Warsaw. There is also a metro station here. Overall, this hotel has an excellent location for those visiting Warsaw for 1 - 2 days, and for the price it is one of the cheapest hotels in the center of Warsaw.
In the photo: a room at the Metropol Hotel in Warsaw By the way, from some windows of the Metropol you can see the spectacular high-rise building of the Palace of Science.
But if your budget allows, then it is better to stay at the hotel opposite – Novotel Warszawa Centrum – from here you can enjoy wonderful views of the city, like these:
View of Warsaw from the Novotel Warszawa Centrum hotel How to get to Warsaw inexpensively
You can get to the capital of Poland from any city in the world without any problems by plane, the only question is the price. Will I be able to save money if I choose a bus or train to Warsaw? Not always, but there are several ways.
- From Moscow to Warsaw
– By train It’s expensive to travel, from 16,000 rubles there and back. If you want to save money, then the cheapest way is to take a reserved seat to Minsk, and then to Warsaw (see below).
– By bus It will be cheaper, from 6,000 rubles there and back.
– But it’s still more convenient to buy a ticket for airplane. Flights from Moscow to Warsaw cost about 10,000 rubles round trip. - Russia. From Russian cities to Warsaw
- Most cheap way– this is a plane + a bus. Flight to Kaliningrad, from there by bus to Warsaw. Looking for cheap flights - From Minsk to Warsaw.
– By train via Brest. There is no direct train from Minsk to Warsaw yet, and tickets for the passing train from Moscow are expensive. However, there is a cheap way: buy single ticket from Minsk to Warsaw by trains 727 and 127. The price is about 35 euros there and back. There will be a transfer in Brest - usually on the same platform, so we simply change to the train on the other side of the platform. Customs and passport checks will be right on the train. It is better to buy tickets immediately there and back. Or return tickets can only be purchased at the ticket office in Warsaw; they are not sold online. Return trains from Warsaw to Minsk are 128 and 728.
– Buses Minsk – Warsaw. There are direct and connecting flights. - Ukraine:
– From Lviv Buses travel to Warsaw from 7 to 10 hours. There are many buses, compare prices using a search engine.
– To Warsaw from Kyiv The fastest way to travel is by plane: there are flights from RyanAir, Wizzair and Ukraine International Airlines. The cheapest way to get there is by bus - bus tickets start from 25 euros. - From Riga to Warsaw– from 30 euros by bus.
- Estania. From Tallinn– from 40 euros by bus.
Warsaw's bus and train station are located in the city center, and planes arrive at international Airport Chopin.
How to get to Warsaw from Chopin Airport
The cheapest way to get from the airport is by bus 175. Travel time is about 40 minutes, tickets are sold at the stop. It’s convenient that you don’t have to change the currency; you can pay at the machine with a bank card. Tickets are on sale at certain time, during which you can change to another transport.
In the city, get off at the Centrum stop. And here you are in the center of Warsaw!