Best things to do in Warsaw

Spend some time strolling in the sun at Lazienki Krolewskie w Warszawie. Once the hunting ground for Poland's kings, this park is the largest in the city, occupying 76 hectares (189 acres) in the central district. Start your walk at the opulent palace built for King Stanislaw August Poniatowski, who acquired the property in 1764. Next, head to the park's star attraction, an amphitheater inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture. The theater's stage, situated on a small island in the park's lake, provides an idyllic setting for live concerts and plays. Check the website for upcoming special events.

Take in Old Town, the oldest part of the city, which testifies to its rise from the ashes of war. Considered one of the country's main architectural treasures, this central district is also a World Heritage Site. The area was meticulously rebuilt after the massive destruction of World War II. During the reconstruction, workers sifted through rubble to save decorative elements and bricks from historic buildings, reusing the pieces in their original places whenever possible. A great place to start your tour of Warsaw, the central square features cafes, shops, and restaurants. Wander the cobblestone streets and admire the medieval architecture.

Take in some of the country's best views from the massive Palace of Culture and Science, one of the city's most important and controversial landmarks. At 114 m (374 ft), it is Poland's tallest building. Visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas from the observation deck, accessible by an elevator. Completed in 1955, the construction was conceived as a gift from the Soviet people to the Polish nation, and its architecture blends Socialist Realism with Polish Historicism. Today, the monument is also home to company headquarters, cinemas, theaters, libraries, and educational institutions. Have a drink or a bite to eat in one of the on-site restaurants and bars. Please note, the observation terrace's entrance fee can only be paid with cash.

The official residence of Poland's monarchs for more than two centuries, Zamek Krolewski w Warszawie - Muzeum sits at the entrance of Old Town. Between the 16th and 18th centures, this castle housed the king's personal offices and served as the administrative center for the country's royal court. Devastated by foreign invaders several times over its long history, the castle underwent a massive reconstruction after World War II. Admire the majestic building, now a national monument. The castle also features a museum with a significant art collection, including two notable works by Rembrandt.

Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego houses a permanent exhibit dedicated to the 1944 rebellion by the underground resistance movement against Nazi occupation. Although the uprising failed, it remains a proud event for Poland, as it was the largest military effort of any European resistance movement during World War II. Opened in 2004, the museum features hundreds of artifacts, including weapons and love letters written by some of the more prominent insurgents. Explore the audio and video displays to learn about the brave citizens who died attempting to free their city.

A symbol of Poland's royal heritage, Museum of King Jan III's Palace at Wilanow features an art collection that represents generations of collecting from the country's royal families. The museum was founded in the 19th century, but much of the artwork was taken by Nazi occupiers in World War II. However, after the war ended many of the pieces were recovered and returned, including paintings by Peter Paul Rubens and Pompeo Batoni, and artifacts from the Qing Dynasty. The main floor is a series of royal rooms with Baroque decor, marble columns, chandeliers, and polished floors. The second floor houses the portrait gallery, while artifacts and private collectibles appear throughout the palace. The site is now a branch of the National Museum in Warsaw and frequently hosts lectures, events, and temporary exhibits. The palace and museum are large, so give yourself plenty of time to tour. Consider renting an audio guide in your native language for a self-guided tour.

Home to over 450 interactive learning exhibits, Copernicus Science Centre serves as one of the country's most renowned museums. Six permanent exhibitions explore topics such as sound waves, the human body, electricity, emotions, and technology, all through hands-on experiments. Little ones can enjoy the special kid-designed areas. Make sure to visit the on-site planetarium that screens a range of immersive educational movies with English-language headsets available. You can reflect on all that you've learned in the rooftop garden, boasting an impressive range of botany. The on-site cafe and restaurant serve light meals, snacks, and drinks. The science center is very popular and it is strongly advised that you purchase your ticket online in advance.

Go back to the time of Saxon kings at Palace on the Island, an 18th-century Baroque palace and a former royal residence that originally was erected as a bathing pavilion. The building, richly decorated with stuccos, statues, and paintings, is bordered by ponds, canals, and gardens of the city's royal baths park. Look for a painting of a silenus with bacchants in the Bacchus room. The Neoclassical rotunda decorated in yellow and white marble with figures of the Polish kings occupies the central portion of the palace. Go to the picture gallery on the other side of the rotunda, which features minor works by Rubens and Rembrandt. The palace also houses royal apartments, a king's cabinet, royal bed chambers, a cloakroom, and an officer's room.

Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy) sits just in front of what used to be the Polish royal family's residence and attracts both locals and visitors as a convenient central meeting place. Sigismund's Column in the square, a famous monument in Poland, commemorates one of the country's great kings. The triangular-shaped plaza serves as the starting place for the Royal Road, which stretches south from here. The square is frequently abuzz with activity, such as street performers, concerts, protests, and tour groups.

Located just across from Castle Square, the facade of St. Anne's Church (Kosciol Swietej Anny) makes it look like a great neo-classical government building. This 18th-century facade reflects the church's function as the parish of the city's academic community. Step inside to see the only remaining example of diamond vaulting in the city, as well as Baroque artwork and frescoes. The church has been refurbished multiple times since it was first constructed in the 17th century; throughout the city's history the building has remained an important cultural landmark.

Erected on the spot where the first armed uprising from the Warsaw Ghetto took place, Pomnik Bohaterów Getta stands partially built of Nazi materials brought to Poland by the Germans in World War II. The decision to build the monument was made as early as 1944, but it wasn't unveiled until 1948. The figure in the middle of the central frieze represents Mordechai Anielewicz, leader of the Jewish Combat Organization, which fought against the Nazis. The figures surrounding Anielewicz are Jewish fighters armed with Molotov cocktails and guns.