Warsaw has a lot to offer. It’s full of historic landmarks, popular tourist spots, cultural events, excellent restaurants, cafés, pubs and vibrant nightlife. Whether you want to spend a few days away from home to rest and recharge or explore Polish culture and visit new places, it’s a great choice for a family trip, a city break with friends or a romantic weekend with your partner.
Warsaw’s Old Town and city centre are especially popular among tourists and offer plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, learning, and having fun. To help you plan your visit, we’ve prepared a short list of must-see places.
Popular Places to Visit During a Weekend in Warsaw
The Old Town
Walking through the Old Town of Warsaw is a unique experience, especially when you consider the fact that most of the buildings around you were completely destroyed during the Second World War. However, it still offers a historical atmosphere and architecture that feels authentic because the Old Town reconstruction carried out after the war was based on archival documentation and faithful depictions of the district in pictures and paintings.
There are so many interesting places to see and visit within a short distance from each other that you can easily spend two or three days in Warsaw just exploring the Old Town. The main attraction is, of course, the Old Town Market Square. It’s surrounded by beautiful tenement houses, which house the Museum of Warsaw, along with many restaurants and cafés. Right in the centre is the statue of the Mermaid of Warsaw, the legendary symbol of the city.
From Market Square, you can continue your walk through narrow, cobbled streets (there are eight to choose from), and you’re sure to come across more historical buildings, churches, and even the Barbican, which is the most famous of the remaining fortifications in Warsaw.
The Royal Castle and Castle Square
Like the rest of the Old Town, the Royal Castle in Warsaw was almost utterly destroyed by the German army in 1944. Its reconstruction started in 1971, and the building was opened to the public in 1984. Today, it’s one of Warsaw’s most popular tourist attractions not only for its historical value and stunning architecture but also for the works of art that adorn its walls, including such masterpieces as Rembrandt’s Girl in a Picture Frame and A Scholar at his Writing Table.
The Royal Castle is located in the Castle Square, another historic landmark in Warsaw. Surrounded by townhouses and the Castle, with Sigismund’s Column in the middle, it’s one of the most recognisable areas of the capital and one that’s definitely worth seeing with your own eyes if you’re planning on spending a few days in Warsaw.
The Palace of Culture and Science
It’s the second-tallest high-rise building in Warsaw but undoubtedly the most recognisable one. The Palace of Culture and Science was built in 1955 as a “gift of the Soviet people to the Polish people”, which is the reason behind many mixed opinions about its real value and importance for the city. Despite its complicated history, over the years, the Palace has become one of the symbols of Warsaw and the central element of the city centre’s skyline. Today, it houses various offices, including the Warsaw city council’s offices, a cinema, theatres, museums, and even a university. If you want to get the most out of your days in Warsaw, it’s definitely one of the must-visit destinations, especially the terrace on the 30th floor with its panoramic view of the entire city.
The Royal Łazienki Park
Even though there are over 80 parks in Warsaw, the Royal Łazienki Park (Royal Baths Park) is truly one-of-a-kind and deserves its own mention. Created as the summer residence of the last king of Poland, it’s the biggest park in the city, but it’s much more than just another green space full of old trees and scenic routes. In the Royal Łazienki Park, you can stroll through three beautiful gardens, visit buildings that once belonged to the king, admire their stunning architecture and interior design, and attend various cultural events, such as free outdoor Chopin concerts that take place every Sunday during summer. The museum consists of several historic buildings, including the Myślewicki Palace, the White Pavilion, the Old Orangery and the most spectacular of them – the Palace on the Isle.
Visit Museums and Art Galleries
Whether you’re interested in history, art or science, Warsaw houses many world-class museums that can help you learn new things or gain a new perspective in an interesting, engaging and often interactive way. Among the most popular museums in Warsaw are:
- The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews: The POLIN Museum explores one thousand years of Jewish history in Poland, bringing you closer to the rich culture and heritage of Polish Jews, but it doesn’t shy away from showing the darkest parts of history respectfully and honestly.
- The Warsaw Rising Museum: It tells the history of the Warsaw Uprising in 1944 through archival documents, footage, and artefacts. If you want to learn more about the uprising and its impact on the city, but also the stories of Warsaw’s residents and Polish soldiers who fought in it, this museum is the best place to start.
- The Copernicus Science Centre: Named after one of the most famous scientists in Poland’s history, Nicolaus Copernicus, this science museum is a real treat for everyone interested in learning more about the world and nature. Its interactive exhibits enable visitors to conduct their own experiments. It’s a great place for both adults and children.
Try Authentic Polish Food
With its numerous restaurants, Warsaw is a great destination for anyone who loves good food. It’s an opportunity to try local dishes and learn more about Polish cuisine, but there’s something for everyone, regardless of your taste and dietary preferences.
We’d like to invite you to our own KUK Restaurant at Hotel Verte, Warsaw, Autograph Collection. Located in the very heart of Warsaw’s Old Town, it’s a great place to take a break from exploring and enjoy excellent dishes from our menu. What can you expect? We aim to transform every meal into a memorable experience by using fresh ingredients, unique combinations and familiar flavours presented with a modern twist.
What Is the Best Way to Explore the Polish Capital?
Most attractions in the Old Town are located within walking distance from one another, making it easy to reach all of them on foot. If you want to visit other parts of the capital, Warsaw has great public transportation and plenty of taxis to help you get around. This means that you can explore the city in any way you like. And if you don’t like planning your trips in detail, you can simply wander around the Old Town and the city centre, and you’re sure to come across many interesting places.
Is Warsaw a Good Destination for a Weekend City Break?
Yes, there are so many things to see and do that you can spend two or three days in Warsaw and have a great time. The best thing about Warsaw is that it has something to offer for everyone, whether you like shopping, partying or visiting museums.
Planning a Weekend in Warsaw? Stay at Hotel Verte!
Hotel Verte, located in the historical heart of Warsaw, offers luxurious rooms, stylish interiors and a unique atmosphere that gives you a chance to enjoy peace and quiet right in the middle of the city. With all the popular landmarks of the Old Town within walking distance from the hotel, it’s a great place for tourists and everyone who wants to spend a few days surrounded by beautiful, historical architecture.
Our guests can enjoy excellent food in our own KUK Restaurant, visit our wellness area with access to saunas, a gym, and professional spa treatments to relax and forget about the stress of their busy lifestyles, or spend peaceful moments outdoors with a cup of coffee in our garden. Take a look at our special offers and wellness packages to plan your perfect visit at Hotel Verte!
