Book Olympic Air Flights to Warsaw

What to see in Warsaw

The golden era of the city is the 17^th and 18^th century, a period when it is the seat of the Kingdom of Poland and thus adorned with architectural masterpieces, luxurious mansions and palaces, which were preserved in excellent condition up to the hard times of Warsaw during WWII. It was when the Nazis completely destroyed the Polish capital and its citizens committed themselves to an architectural exploit; they rebuilt the city to its tiniest detail, so that it is exactly as it was before the war. This enormous project was based on old photographs and paintings and as a result the entire urban setting is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At the entrance of the Old Town stands the royal Castle, on the dreamy Castle square (Plac Zamkowy) which is a meeting point for locals and visitors alike. This red Castle, the construction of which started in the late 13^th century, has been the home place of Polish monarchy, was eradicated by the Nazis and fully rebuilt by the residents. Today it is open to visitors, hosting events and exhibitions, while you can admire the luxury of bygone times in the Throne and the Dance Hall, as well as significant works of art, including two of Rembrandt's masterpieces. Make sure to also visit the back garden, for a lovely river view.
Address: Plac Zamkowy 4.

In front of the Castle on the square stands one of the most important landmarks of the city, Sigismund's Column. Erected in 1644 in the Corinthian order, to honour king Sigismund III Vasa who moved the capital of the country from Krakow to Warsaw. It is the point of the square where the royal road starts, leading to the Wilanow area and Palace.

The heart of the Old Town - and of the entire Warsaw in the past - is the Old Town Market square (Rynek Starego Miasta). In the surrounding streets you can admire the numerous picturesque houses, the medieval architecture on the city walls, St John’s Cathedral and the bastion (Barbican) which connects the Old Town with the New city of Warsow. The Old Town Market square and the surrounding area is one of the main tourist attractions, buzzing with restaurants, cafés and shops.

The impressive baroque Wilanow Palace is located in the south end of the city. It was built in the 17th century, as summer residence for king John Sobieski III. It is among the few buildings that were not destroyed in WWII, but the nobility living in it have made several interventions over time. Do not miss the chance to visit its interior featuring significant works of art, as well as its French-style gardens, featuring the pagoda-pavilion, the pond with the islet and the flowerbeds in strict geometric shapes, that have given this building the name “the Versailles of Warsaw”.
Address: ulica Stanisława Kostki Potockiego 10/16

Moving north from the Old Town, leaving behind the 14th century fortification walls and the impressive cylindrical bastion (Barbican) you will find the New City (Rynek Nowego Miasta), which, despite its name, dates back to the 15th century. On the lively Freta street, you will find nice shops and restaurants. Here you will find the Marie Curie museum, dedicated to the Nobel prize winning physiochemistry scientist and housed in the building she was born, at 16 Freta street.

The modern aspect of Warsaw is Śródmieście, the area around Centrum station. It is where the “Palace of Culture and Science” a 237 metre high skyscraper of 42 floors- one of the highest buildings in Europe, that can be seen from any point of the city. It was built as a “present” of the Soviet Union and Stalin himself to the city, while locals call it the “monster-cake” because of its shape. It was built in 1955, combining soviet realism and art deco features. Today it is a venue for exhibitions, while it also houses cinema halls, museums, a swimming pool and events and festivals are also organised. At sunset climb to the 30th floor, to the observatory to enjoy the unique view offered from a height of 114 metres. 
Address: Plac Defilad 1

In Śródmieście, explore the surrounding streets and avenues with the shopping centres and the wide pavements, as well as the hip Zbawiciela square (Politechnika metro stop) where you will find cool cafés and restaurants, budget-friendly street food options, open air parties thrown by local hostels, indie bars and an extremely artistic vibe.

Do not miss to walk around the largest park of the city, the amazing Royal Baths Park, the Lazienki Park, located somewhere between the city centre and the Wilanow Palace. It was designed in the 17th century and includes theme gardens, peacocks and squirrels walking next to you, outdoor sculptures and swan lakes, where you can enjoy a boat ride and relax in the idyllic scenery.

Warsaw museums and monuments

The historic Warsaw Uprising Museum uses multimedia technology to represent the struggle of the Polish resistance during German occupation, for freeing the city from the Nazis. Their devastating defeat resulted in the death of hundred thousand Poles and the destruction of the city. The breathtaking heartbeat sounding in the hall with the uprising log creates a chilling atmosphere, symbolising the beat of Warsaw life in 1944.
Address: ul. Grzybowska 79, 0048 22 539 79 05, www.1944.pl

The people of Warsaw do not want the tragic Hebrew history of the city, where in 1942-43, 300.000 people were driven to death in the Treblinka concentration camp, 100 km north-east of Warsaw. This is the tribute paid by the Ghetto Heroes Monument, on the square surrounded by Anielewicza, Karmelicka, Lewartowskiego and Zamenhofa streets.

The ultra-modern and impressive Copernicus Science Centre is Warsaw’s celebration of the leading astronomer and monk Nikolaus Copernicus, who supported the heliocentric theory in 1543 Warsaw.
Address: ul. Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 20, 0048 22 596 41 00, www.kopernik.org.pl

Small, cute and interactive, the Frédéric Chopin Museum is dedicated to the great Polish composer. On its four floors, visitors are introduced to the universe of Chopin with the help of technology, such as touch screens, and with about 5,000 exhibits that paint a detailed picture of the composer's life and personality.
Address: Ul. Okólnik 1, 0048 224416274, www.nifc.pl

Food and Entertainment

Enjoy your breakfast in one of the milk bars or bar mleczny. These are self-service shops that open very early in the morning and serve milk, coffee, breakfast and lunch in cheap, family servings. They remain open all day and you will find them mainly along the Royal Route and Nowy Swiat.

Try the famous Polish bigos, slowly braised cabbage with sausage and bacon, enjoy pierogi, pancakes with finely sliced mushrooms, onions and cabbage, accompanied by beetroot soup and mashed potatoes. Local desserts include rose-jam krapfens, as well as chocolates from the local chocolate factory, served in retro-inspired tin boxes.

In the boho-style Praga districts, on the Vistula river, you will find many nice bars, where you can enjoy your drink listening to some good, Polish jazz. Try the local lager or the Polish zubrowka vodka. With forest grass or berry flavour, this vodka is drunk neat, in shots!

Shopping in Warsaw

Visit the Royal Route shops in the Old Town and the shops of Nowy Swiat in the New City.

If you are looking for edgy clothes and items signed by Polish designers, vintage and second-hand clothes, the hip Praga district is the place to be.

In the narrow streets of the Old Town you will find folk-style creations, hand-crafted items made of blown glass and hand-painted porcelain, dolls in traditional costumes, jewellery and amber products.

At the National Stadium there is a huge open-air market, if you have the flair and time for tracing cult objects on the stalls.

Shop till you drop at the open air-markets of Obozowa street and those near the Palace of Culture and Science.

Transportation from Warsaw airport

Your flight lands at the largest airport of Warsaw, the Frederic Chopin International Airport (10 km south of the city). For your transportation to the airport of Warsaw, you can catch the bus or the suburban train, which will get you to the city centre in 20 minutes. Taxi drivers in Warsaw are very helpful, and the price list is displayed on the vehicles' windows. You can also rent a car.