Warsaw never fails to amaze – with ancient palaces next to modern street art and peaceful parks tucked away between busy streets.
We’ve put together 20 must-see spots and things to do in the capital. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a full week – this guide will help you plan your perfect visit.
Want to delve deeper into Warsaw’s atmosphere? Check out our guides to the city’s best restaurants, cozy cafes, and must-visit museums.
1. Wander Through the Old Town
The Old Town Market Square is the perfect starting point to discover historic Warsaw. Colorful townhouses from the 17th and 18th centuries line the square, now home to welcoming restaurants and shops.
Right in the middle stands Warsaw’s famous symbol – the Mermaid statue, said to be the city’s legendary protector. The narrow cobblestone streets branching out from the square will lead you to the city walls and the Barbican, an impressive 16th-century fortification.
2. Check Out the Royal Castle and Gardens
Standing proud over Castle Square, the Royal Castle was once home to Polish monarchs. Inside, you’ll find the grand throne room, royal apartments, and a gallery featuring works by Rembrandt.
The castle’s terraced gardens slope down to the Vistula River, offering lovely views. In summer, you can catch outdoor classical concerts here. The interior is decked out in baroque and classical splendor, with original artwork and period furniture.
3. Take a Break in Łazienki Park
Sprawling across 76 hectares in the heart of Warsaw, Łazienki Park is the city’s favorite green space. Its crown jewel is the Palace on the Isle – the summer getaway of Poland’s last king, Stanisław August.
You’ll spot peacocks strutting around freely, and during summer, there are free piano concerts by the Chopin monument. If it rains, duck into the orangery to check out some exotic plants.
4. Take in the Views from BUW Gardens
The University of Warsaw Library’s rooftop gardens offer some of the best views of the Vistula River and eastern Warsaw. The space is cleverly divided into different areas with fountains, pergolas, and plenty of spots to relax.
During warmer months, you can bring a book or laptop and work outdoors. With over 100 different plant species, it’s a really pleasant spot to hang out. Best of all? It’s completely free and open to everyone.
5. Hang Out on the Vistula Riverfront
Since its makeover in 2017, the Vistula Riverfront has become one of Warsaw’s coolest spots. You’ll find bike paths and walking routes running along the river.
Come summer, the area comes alive with beach bars and outdoor music festivals. There are even floating restaurants moored by the shore, serving up Polish and European dishes.
6. Catch the Fountain Shows at the Multimedia Park
You’ll find the Multimedia Fountain Park in Paderewski Park, not far from the Old Town. From May through September, they put on amazing water, light, and music shows every Friday and Saturday evening. Shows kick off after sunset and run for about 30 minutes.
Everyone sits on the grassy amphitheater, which gives you a great view of all the fountains. There’s no entry fee, but it’s worth showing up early to grab a good spot.
7. Stroll Through Saxon Garden
Saxon Garden, opened in 1727, is Warsaw’s oldest public park. Its centerpiece is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – all that remains of the old Saxon Palace.
The garden paths are lined with baroque statues depicting allegories and mythological figures. You’ll also find one of the city’s oldest fountains here, dating back to 1855. During summer, the garden hosts outdoor classical concerts.
8. Discover Jewish Heritage at Grzybowski Square
Grzybowski Square was once the heart of Warsaw’s pre-war Jewish quarter. Here you’ll find the Nożyk Synagogue – the only pre-war synagogue in Warsaw that’s still active.
The square is home to the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, which tells the fascinating 1000-year story of Jews in Poland. Nearby stands the moving Ghetto Heroes Monument, commemorating the 1943 uprising.
9. Hunt for Amazing Street Art
The Praga district is known for its impressive murals on historic buildings. Don’t miss the massive “Girl with a Dove” mural on Stalowa Street, which covers several stories.
Over in Powiśle, artists have transformed ordinary utility buildings into stunning street art. There’s also a famous Chopin portrait mural on Tamka Street. Pick up a mural map from any tourist info point to find them all.
10. Find Chopin’s Musical Benches
Along the Royal Route, you’ll come across 15 cool multimedia benches dedicated to Chopin. Each one plays a different piece of his music at the push of a button.
The benches have QR codes on the back with info about Chopin’s life and music. They’re around from spring to fall and light up after dark.
11. Chill at the urban beaches
Warsaw’s urban beaches line the right bank of the Vistula River from June through September. You’ll find plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas, plus volleyball courts for the active types. As evening falls, the beaches transform with pop-up bars and live music performances.
The spot offers stunning views of the Old Town and Świętokrzyski Bridge. Getting there is easy – just hop on a water tram from the Old Town pier.
12. Explore Wilanów Palace
This gorgeous Baroque palace sits about 10 km outside the city center – you can reach it on bus 180 or 116. Inside, you’ll discover authentic furniture and artwork dating from the 17th to 19th centuries.
The palace grounds feature a stunning two-tier garden blending Italian and English styles. Come winter, the palace glows with holiday lights, while summer evenings are filled with classical music concerts.
13. Get hands-on at the Copernicus Science Centre
Sitting right on the Vistula riverbank, this is Poland’s biggest science museum. You can explore over 400 interactive exhibits spread across different zones covering physics, biology, human body, and environmental science.
The planetarium puts on impressive space shows with full-dome projection, and you can conduct your own experiments in the labs. Pro tip: book your tickets online beforehand, especially for weekends.
14. Meet the residents at Warsaw Zoo
Running since 1928, this 40-hectare zoo in the Praga district houses more than 4,000 animals from roughly 500 species.
You can check out the aquaterrarium filled with reptiles and amphibians, visit the monkey house, or stop by the aviary. There are plenty of cafes and playgrounds scattered throughout. Just keep in mind that during winter, some animals stay in indoor enclosures to escape the cold.
15. Hunt for vintage neon signs
The city’s neon signs are fascinating remnants of Warsaw’s socialist era from the 1960s-70s. For the best photo ops, head to Nowy Świat and Marszałkowska streets or Constitution Square.
Many historic neons have been brought back to life and light up the evening sky. For neon enthusiasts, there’s even a Neon Museum in Praga. The signs look their best after sunset, particularly on overcast evenings.
16. Hit the ice rinks in winter
From December through March, you can skate at several outdoor rinks around the city. The biggest one is at PGE Narodowy, while the most picturesque has to be the Old Town rink, surrounded by historic architecture.
Want to work on your skating skills? Head to Torwar rink for figure skating lessons. All rinks offer skate rentals, and if you want to avoid crowds, weekdays are your best bet.
17. Experience the Royal Route during holiday season
From late November, the Royal Route between Castle Square and Wilanów Palace turns into a winter wonderland with light displays and decorations.
Krakowskie Przedmieście hosts a charming Christmas market where you can grab hot drinks and gifts, while street musicians fill the air with holiday tunes.
18. Take a free walking tour
Free tours leave daily from Sigismund’s Column throughout the day. Popular routes showcase the Old Town, Jewish Quarter, and Praga district.
Tours run in English and Polish, lasting about 2.5 hours. While they’re technically free, it’s customary to tip your guide (usually 20-40 złoty).
19. Get active outdoors
The Vistula riverside boasts over 20 km of paths perfect for running or cycling. City parks are dotted with outdoor gym equipment and streetball courts.
Need a bike? Veturilo bike rental runs March through November, with a free first 20 minutes. In summer, you can even join yoga and Pilates sessions at Poniatówka Beach.
20. Catch an outdoor movie
From June to September, open-air cinemas pop up around Warsaw. Movies typically start after sunset, around 21:30.
You’ll find screenings at Pole Mokotowskie park and on top of Plac Unii shopping center. Bring blankets and snacks for a cozy evening under the stars. Check the organizers’ social media for current schedules.
