13 Best Things to Do in Warsaw, Poland

Looking for the best things to do in Warsaw? Here’s how to experience the city’s royal past and vibrant, modern edge.

Dynamic, bold, and constantly reinventing itself—Warsaw is a city that never quite sits still. It’s a place where glass skyscrapers rise beside royal palaces and where hip cafés fill once-silent courtyards. If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Warsaw or simply what to see in this endlessly surprising capital, you’ve come to the right place.

Being Polish, I’ve spent countless childhood summers visiting family in Warsaw—back when the city still felt quieter, grittier, and a little more secretive.

These days, I return often to see how it’s changed: the new restaurants popping up in Srodmiescie, the art galleries hidden behind minimalist facades, the boutique hotels transforming once-forgotten buildings.

Warsaw is a city that rewards curiosity—equal parts history lesson, cultural experiment, and weekend indulgence.

In this guide, I’ll take you through what to see in Warsaw, from its reconstructed Old Town and regal parks to cutting-edge museums, river beaches, and modern Polish dining. This is your perfect Warsaw weekend guide- your list of the best things to do in Warsaw, Poland.

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How Long to Spend in Warsaw?

You can get a real feel for Warsaw in two days, but three days is the sweet spot. With two days, you’ll be able to hit the essentials—the meticulously rebuilt Old Town, the Royal Route, and the city’s modern edge in Śródmieście, with time for a museum or two and a few long, lazy café breaks.

Stay for a third day, though, and you’ll have time for even more. You can dive into neighborhoods like Praga, or slow down in Łazienki Park, where peacocks strut past neoclassical palaces.

It’s enough time to savor the city’s contrasts—the grit and the more upscale enclaves, the history and the high-rises—without feeling rushed.

13 Best Things to Do in Warsaw

1. Explore the Old Town

Warsaw’s Old Town isn’t actually old—at least, not in the way you might think. Nearly flattened during World War II, the entire district was painstakingly rebuilt from the ground up, brick by brick, using old paintings and photographs as blueprints.

What you see today is a remarkable act of historical resurrection—a living museum of resilience rather than a relic of time.

Begin your time in Warsaw by wandering its cobbled lanes, and you’ll feel that strange blend of nostalgia and newness that defines Warsaw itself.

Pastel facades lean into one another, street musicians fill the air with violins and accordions, and locals sip coffee beneath wrought-iron balconies that have seen less history than they let on.

Here are the top sights and attractions to explore in Warsaw’s Old Town:

Old Town Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta) – The beating heart of the district, lined with colorful townhouses, cafés, and restaurants. In summer, it’s all outdoor tables and street performers; in winter, a Christmas market flickers with fairy lights.

St. Anne’s Church (Kościół św. Anny) – Don’t miss the climb up to the St. Anne’s Observation Deck, which offers one of the best panoramic views over the Old Town rooftops.

Archcathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist – One of Warsaw’s most important churches, this Gothic cathedral was also reconstructed after the war and holds the tombs of Polish royalty and national heroes.

Barbican and City Walls – A striking red-brick reminder of medieval Warsaw, now home to small art vendors and buskers.

Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy) – The grand entryway into the Old Town, watched over by the towering Sigismund’s Column—a favorite meeting spot and photo op.

2. The Royal Castle in Warsaw

Standing proudly at the entrance to the Old Town, the Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski) is Warsaw’s showpiece—a phoenix of architecture that, like much of the city, rose from the ashes of destruction.

Once the royal residence of the Polish monarchs and the political heart of the nation, it was blown apart during World War II and painstakingly rebuilt in the decades that followed, down to the last gilded cornice.

Step inside, and you’ll find opulent chambers glowing with chandeliers, Flemish tapestries, and portraits of kings and queens who shaped Poland’s history. The Throne Room and Canaletto Room, with their extremely detailed 18th-century cityscapes, are unmissable.

3. Visit the Palace of Science and Culture in Warsaw

Love it or loathe it, there’s no denying that the Palace of Culture and Science is Warsaw’s most iconic building and one of the best places to visit. A gift—or depending on who you ask, an imposition—from Stalin in the 1950s, it towers over the city like a stone sentinel of Soviet ambition.

Today, though, the locals have reclaimed it as a symbol of Warsaw’s complexity: part relic, part landmark, part punchline.

Inside, the sprawling building houses everything from theaters and museums to a cinema and university offices. But the real draw is the 30th-floor observation deck, offering panoramic views across the city’s evolving skyline—glass skyscrapers on one side, the historic rooftops of the Old Town on the other. Either way, it’s one of the best things to do in Warsaw today.

4. Visit some of Warsaw’s Museums

When the weather’s misbehaving—or your visit coincides with one of those bone-deep Polish freezes that make even the pigeons look regretful—ducking into a museum is one of the best things to do in Warsaw.

The city’s cultural scene is nothing short of world-class, blending history, art, and rebellion in ways that reflect its layered personality. From sleek contemporary galleries to poignant historical exhibits, Warsaw’s museums tell the story of a city that isn’t defined by any single era.

Here are some of the most interesting museums to visit in Warsaw I recommend visiting:

Zachęta National Gallery of Art (Zachęta Narodowa Galeria Sztuki) – One of Poland’s oldest art institutions, featuring rotating exhibitions that blend the political, playful, and provocative.

Neon Museum – A glowing time capsule of Cold War–era neon signs salvaged from across Poland. Equal parts retro, artistic, and nostalgic—it’s one of Warsaw’s most photogenic cultural stops. There is one in Srodmiescie as well as in the Praga District.

Warsaw Uprising Museum – A deeply moving, multimedia experience that chronicles the 1944 uprising against Nazi occupation. It’s powerful, emotional, and essential to understanding the city’s unbreakable spirit.

National Museum in Warsaw (Muzeum Narodowe w Warszawie) – Home to an impressive collection spanning from ancient artifacts to 19th-century Polish masters and bold modern works. A crash course in the evolution of Polish art and identity.

Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw (Muzeum Sztuki Nowoczesnej) – A new, sleek, thought-provoking space showcasing avant-garde installations and contemporary Polish and international artists. Perfect for a hit of modern creativity.

Frederick Chopin Museum – A beautifully curated homage to Poland’s most famous composer, complete with original manuscripts, personal effects, and an audio experience that brings his music to life.

5. Visit the Old Jewish Quarter

Once the vibrant heart of Jewish life in Warsaw, the Old Jewish Quarter—centered around the Muranów district—tells a story that is both heartbreaking and profoundly moving. Before World War II, Warsaw had one of the largest Jewish populations in Europe; today, the area stands as a living memorial to that vanished world.

Walking its streets is a powerful experience—quiet, reflective, and deeply human.

You’ll find the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, one of the most remarkable museums in Europe, chronicling a thousand years of Jewish life in Poland through immersive, beautifully designed exhibits.

Nearby, the Ghetto Heroes Monument pays tribute to the fighters of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, while fragments of the original ghetto walls still stand—stark, haunting reminders of the past.

Don’t miss Umschlagplatz, the former deportation point for Warsaw’s Jews, now marked by a solemn memorial. And yet, amid the weight of history, Muranów has begun to breathe again—new cafés, small galleries, and street art signal a quiet revival.

6. Łazienki Park

Start your Warsaw morning with a stroll through Łazienki Park, the city’s most graceful green space and an easy contender for one of Europe’s prettiest urban parks.

Spread across 188 acres of manicured gardens, lakes, and classical architecture, it’s where locals come to unwind, feed the squirrels, and pretend they live in a royal painting.

Once the summer residence of King Stanisław August Poniatowski, the park still hums with regal charm. The centerpiece is the Palace on the Isle, a neoclassical gem seemingly floating on water, its reflection rippling beneath weeping willows.

Elsewhere, you’ll find the Old Orangery, home to an ornate 18th-century theatre; the Amphitheatre, inspired by ancient ruins; and the striking Frederic Chopin Monument, where live piano concerts fill the gardens with music on summer Sundays.

7. Visit Wilanów Palace

Often called the “Polish Versailles,” this Baroque masterpiece was built in the 17th century as the summer residence of King Jan III Sobieski, one of Poland’s most celebrated monarchs.

Miraculously, it survived the city’s many wars and upheavals, standing today as one of the few truly original royal structures in Warsaw—a rare glimpse of pre-partition grandeur.

The palace’s gilded halls and frescoed ceilings are now home to the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace, which preserves the royal family’s art collections, portraits, and decorative treasures.

The surrounding gardens are just as impressive, unfolding in perfectly symmetrical designs of clipped hedges, fountains, and rose-covered trellises that seem straight out of a fairytale.

Wilanów sits slightly outside the city center, but it’s well worth the trip as this really is one of the best things to do in Warsaw, Poland. Between the ornate interiors, lush gardens, and lakeside serenity, this is where Warsaw shows off its softer, more aristocratic side.

8. Relax on the Beaches of the Vistula River

If you’re in the city during the summer months, Warsaw’s Vistula River beaches are where the locals come out to play.

When the sun hits and the evenings stretch long, the riverbanks transform into one big urban playground—complete with sandy shores, beach bars, and live music drifting over the water. It’s the city’s version of a seaside escape, minus the sea.

The most popular stretch is Poniatówka Beach, just across from the National Stadium, where you can grab a cold beer, rent a deck chair, and watch the skyline glow as the sun sets behind the Palace of Culture and Science.

For something a bit different, head to Saska Kępa or Praga’s natural beaches, where the vibe is more local and the sand feels deliciously untamed.

9. Go Shopping

Warsaw’s shopping scene is as stylish and self-assured as the city itself—cool, creative, and a little bit unexpected. Skip the cookie-cutter malls and head to the sleek Polish boutiques and independent concept stores to see how shopping in Warsaw is a deep dive into the city’s modern identity.

Start at Mokotowska Street, the epicenter of Warsaw chic, where Polish designers have turned historic townhouses into fashion sanctuaries. Pop into Ania Kuczyńska for minimalist silhouettes with a romantic edge, LeBrand for effortlessly refined tailoring, and Robert Kupisz for rock-and-roll energy with couture-level craftsmanship.

Nearby, Undress Code Boutique redefines lingerie and loungewear with unapologetic Polish confidence—think modern cuts, neutral tones, and high-end comfort.

For a curated experience, head to MYSIA 3, a former communist office building reborn as a sleek, multi-level concept store blending fashion, design, and art. Scent lovers shouldn’t miss Mood Scent Bar, a temple of niche fragrances, including some of my favorite Mexican brands (I buy all my scents from them online).

And for a dose of Warsaw’s creative legacy, the Polish Poster Gallery in the Old Town is a design lover’s dream, filled with striking, collectible prints that encapsulate Poland’s mid-century graphic genius.

10. Explore Praga Neighbourhood

Across the river from the Old Town lies Praga, Warsaw’s creative, rough-around-the-edges soul. Once known for its gritty reputation, the neighborhood has evolved into a hub of art studios, indie cafés, and street murals that turn old tenement walls into open-air galleries.

You’ll find Centrum Praskie Koneser, home to cool hangouts, live music spots, and the city’s most interesting nightlife scene. There’s also a NEON Museum and Vodka Museum to check out, too.

It’s the kind of place that rewards curiosity—best explored without an agenda and preferably with a camera in hand.

For a deeper dive into where to eat, drink, and explore in this buzzing district, check out my complete guide to the Praga neighbourhood.

11. Take a Stroll down Nowy Świat

Lined with grand townhouses, cafés, and boutiques, Nowy Świat (“New World Street”) is one of Warsaw’s most elegant avenues—and a perfect place to soak up the city’s daily rhythm. Part of the historic Royal Route, it connects the Old Town with Łazienki Park, making it ideal for a leisurely walk between sightseeing stops.

It actually reminds me a bit of Vitosha Boulevard in Sofia, Bulgaria—that same blend of old-world charm and cosmopolitan buzz—but unlike its Bulgarian cousin, Nowy Świat isn’t fully pedestrianised, so you’ll be sharing the space with trams and traffic.

Still, it’s perfect for café-hopping, people-watching, or lingering over a glass of wine at one of the many sidewalk terraces. Come evening, the street glows with warm light and the chatter of locals unwinding—Warsaw at its most effortlessly graceful.

12. Go to a Chopin Concert

You can’t come to Warsaw without paying homage to its most beloved son—Frédéric Chopin. His music seems to hum through the city, from statues in Łazienki Park to the softly lit salons that host live piano recitals almost every night.

You’ll find performances in intimate venues like the Fryderyk Concert Hall, where candlelight and crystal chandeliers set the scene, or at the Chopin Salon, where pianists play just steps from the audience in a charming 19th-century apartment.

In summer, the experience spills outdoors with free Sunday concerts beneath the Chopin Monument in Łazienki Park, a beloved Warsaw tradition since 1959.

13. Attend a Performance at the Grand Theatre

For a touch of old-world grandeur, spend an evening at Warsaw’s Grand Theatre – National Opera, one of the largest and most prestigious opera houses in Europe.

Behind its neoclassical façade lies a world of opulent interiors and world-class performances, from classic ballets to contemporary operas.

Even if you’re not an opera devotee, the sheer spectacle of the place—the chandeliers, the velvet, the drama—is worth the ticket alone.

Check to see what’s on here.

Best Tours and Activities in Warsaw

If you want to dig a little deeper into the city’s history and hidden corners, joining one of the top tours and activities in Warsaw is the way to go. Take a guided Old Town walking tour to uncover stories behind the city’s rebirth, or hop on a Communist-era Nysa van tour for a quirky trip through post-war architecture and local lore.

Food lovers can join a Polish cooking class or Polish Food tour, while history buffs shouldn’t miss specialized experiences focusing on the Jewish heritage sites or the Warsaw Uprising.

For something lighter, rent an e-scooter or bike and cruise along the Vistula River paths—a perfect way to see modern Warsaw in motion. Find the best Warsaw city tours below:

Where to Stay

Warsaw’s hotel scene has quietly become one of the most exciting in Central Europe, blending world-class luxury with sharp, design-led style. Whether you’re after Belle Époque grandeur, modern minimalism, or something in between, there’s a stay here to match every travel mood and style.

For the full breakdown—neighborhood by neighborhood—see my complete guide to where to stay in Warsaw, which covers the city’s best areas and top hotels. But if you’re short on time, here are my top three picks:

Raffles Europejski Warsaw – A grand, historic icon offering opulent interiors, white-glove service, and a front-row seat to the city’s storied past.

Nobu Warsaw – Effortlessly cool and architecturally striking, it blends sleek Japanese design with Warsaw’s contemporary creative energy.

PURO Stare Miasto – The city’s newest design-forward hotel, set just steps from the Old Town, with bold interiors, smart tech, and a lively, local feel.

Where to Eat and Drink

Warsaw’s culinary scene is refined, creative, and deliciously unpredictable. You’ll find Michelin-starred tasting menus, cozy pierogi joints, as well as hip wine bars- the city serves up a mix of old Polish comfort and modern European flair.

For a taste of old-school Poland, make sure to step into one of Warsaw’s milk bars (bary mleczne). These humble, canteen-style eateries date back to the communist era, when they served affordable, home-cooked meals to workers—and they’ve since become beloved cultural relics.

Today, they’re where you’ll find locals and students tucking into plates of pierogi, kotlet schabowy (pork cutlet), and borscht for just a few złoty. My favorites are Bar Mleczny Bambino and Bar Mleczny Mokotowska 22.

I’m currently putting together a dedicated guide to the best restaurants and bars in Warsaw, but until then, here are a few of my personal favorites to get you started:

JOEL Sharing Concept – A stylish, social dining spot where Mediterranean flavors meet Warsaw cool. Think seasonal plates meant to be passed, shared, and fought over.

Restauracja Wódka Gessler Na Widelcu – Glamorous, old-school Polish dining at its finest, helmed by one of the country’s most famous culinary names.

Alewino – A sophisticated yet unpretentious wine bar-restaurant, beloved for its extensive wine list and beautifully executed Polish-European fusion dishes.

Nolita – Fine dining without the fuss, offering contemporary tasting menus in an intimate, minimalist space.

NUTA – Inventive, artistic, and Michelin-starred, this is Warsaw’s answer to destination dining.

Hala Koszyki – A buzzing, industrial-chic food hall where locals gather for global eats, craft cocktails, and weekend energy.

Gościniec Polskie Pierogi and Zapiecek – For when only pierogi will do. These spots keep it classic—warm, filling, and wonderfully Polish.

Getting to Warsaw

Reaching Warsaw is refreshingly straightforward—it’s one of Central Europe’s best-connected capitals.

Most visitors arrive via Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), located just 20 minutes from the city center by taxi or train. It’s modern, efficient, and well served by international flights across Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

The smaller Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI) handles low-cost carriers and sits about 40 km north of the city, with regular shuttle buses linking it to downtown.

If you’re coming from elsewhere in Poland, such as Kraków, Wroclaw, or Gdansk, high-speed PKP Intercity trains make travel easy and scenic—Kraków to Warsaw takes under three hours, while Gdańsk is around three and a half.

Buses are another option, though the train wins on comfort and speed, even though minor delays are common.

Once you’re in the city, getting around is simple: the metro, trams, and buses are clean, reliable, and inexpensive, while taxis and rideshares are widely available for when you need something faster.

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Which of these top things to do in Warsaw, Poland will you do? Share your questions and comments below—I’d love to hear from you!

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