Warsaw is a very beautiful, vibrant city with many facets!
If your schedule in Warsaw allows for some sightseeing, you can check out here our favorite spots and recommendations.
Most of them are within walking distance from our congress hotel Sofitel Warsaw Victoria, or you can use one of the well-known taxi apps (which is easier, faster and usually significantly cheaper than calling a taxi company). Taxi fares in Warsaw are in general quite decent.
Here are our Warsaw highlights:
1. Palace of Culture and Science
The Palace of Culture and Science is one of Warsaw's landmarks. But as the tower was a gift from Stalin to Poland, it is still a symbol of many years of oppression for many Varsovians and therefore not particularly popular with the locals.
However, with 42 floors at a height of 230m, it is very impressive and the largest building in Poland. The Palace also houses a huge tower clock with a 6m long hand.
You can take a lift to the 360° viewing platform on the 30th floor with its stunning views over the city, or book a guided tour (Please click here).
Book your tickets for the terrace here
How to get there from Sofitel? 15 min. walk or 5 min. taxi ride
Opening hours: Daily 10 AM – 8 PM
Regular ticket: 25 PLN (ca. 5.90 EUR)
2. Wedel chocolate Lounge
Anyone travelling to Poland simply has to try Wedel chocolate. It's THE chocolate brand in Poland and you'll feel a bit like Charly in the chocolate factory in front of the tempting counter.
If you fancy spending an afternoon savoring more than a dozen sorts of hot chocolate, various pralines, cakes, waffles and whatever else your heart desires, then pop into the Chocolate Lounge near the Palace of Culture. It is one of Wedel's oldest branches and the best possible efforts have been made to preserve the historic building. A chocolate dream in a 19th century ambience.
Find your closed Wedel chocolate here
How to get there from Sofitel? 12 min. walk or 6 min. taxi ride
Opening hours: Daily: 11 AM – 7 PM
Free admission
3. Royal Castle
After Warsaw became Poland’s capital in 1596 (replacing Krakow), the Royal Castle was the seat of the Polish kings. It has been through a lot in the last century, was almost completely destroyed during World War II and only reconstructed in the 1970s. But fortunately, museum employees saved the most valuable pieces in 1939, and many of the details inside the castle are still original.
How to get there from Sofitel? 10 min. walk
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM; on Wednesday some exhibitions and guided tours are not available, but free admission
Regular ticket: 50 PLN (ca. 11.75 EUR); + 10 PLN (ca. 2.35 EUR) audio guide
4. Royal Route
The Royal Route does not have its name for nothing. It is a magnificent street where one pompous building follows the next.
The street runs from the Royal Palace down to the Wilanów Palace. The most famous part is the ‘New World Street’ (Nowy Świat). There are many tourists here, but we highly recommend to take a stroll along the street.
Highlights of the Royal Route include St Anne's Church, the Presidential Palace, Warsaw University – and many other beautiful churches and palaces.
How to get there (Nowy Świat) from Sofitel? 8 min. walk
Permanently open
Free admission
5. Chopin museum
Whether you're a total connoisseur or a music buff, you've probably heard the name ‘Chopin’ at some point – Chopin was one of the most famous Polish composers of his time.
Even if you're not very interested in classical music: The museum has invested heavily in technology, making it one of the most high-tech museums in Europe.
We recommend checking the museum’s website before your visit since the museum often hosts free piano concerts by up-and-coming young artists.
Nearby, there is also a nice café named Chaud Pain.
How to get there from Sofitel? 15 min. walk or 7 min. taxi ride
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM
Regular ticket: 30 PLN (ca. 7.00 EUR), Wednesday free admission
6. Holy Cross Church (Kosciol Swietego Krzyza)
Frédéric Chopin’s heart is buried in a column of this church, which is also situated on the Royal Route. Poland’s last king, Stanisław August Poniatowski, was crowned and buried here, and in 1791 he declared the Constitution of May 3 inside the building. The bodies of Henryk Sienkiewicz (writer), Gabriel Narutowicz (Poland’s first president) and various Mazovian knights can be found in the crypt (open Monday - Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM, Sunday 3 -5 PM, closed during mass; regular admission 5 PLN (ca. 1.20 EUR)).
How to get there from Sofitel? 6 min. walk
Opening hours daily: 10 AM – 11.30 AM, 1 – 4 PM; Sun 2 – 4 PM
Free admission
7. Old Town
We definitely recommend a stroll through the Old Town to experience its idyllic flair. Cozy, colorful houses and a multitude of cafés and bars line the streets.
The Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 – despite the fact that most of the buildings were destroyed during World War II. The Varsovians have worked hard to reconstruct their city with great attention to detail.
At the heart of the Old Town are the Old Town Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta) with Warsaw’s symbol, the Syrenka Mermaid Statue, and the Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy) with the 22m high Sigismund Column.
For football enthusiasts: From Castle Square, you will also have a nice view on the PGE Narodowy, Poland’s national stadium, where the opening game of the European Championships 2012 was played.
How to get there from Sofitel? 10 min. walk
Permanently open
Free admission
8. St. John’s Cathedral
The oldest one of the most distinguished churches in Warsaw. Its structure was originally built in the 13th century. Royal coronations and other national celebrations took place here.
How to get there from Sofitel? 15 min. walk
Opening hours: Daily 6 AM – 8 PM (Sunday 7 AM – 10 PM)
Free admission
9. New Town
‘New’ Town is not quite right - it dates back to the 14th century. The passage between Old and New Town is formed by the round Barbican of Warsaw and the city wall, which is still largely intact. In the past, only the better-off citizens lived in the Old Town.
Although the Old Town is the jewel in Warsaw's crown, it is still worth visiting the New Town. Here, too, you will find numerous market squares, shops and churches. A walk along the city walls at sunset is the perfect end to a day in Warsaw.
How to get there from Sofitel? 25 min. walk or 12 min. taxi ride
Permanently open
Free admission
10. Łazienki Gardens & Water Palace
N.B.: When we wrote this guide, the gardens and all museums were closed until further notice - please check out the homepage before you go there.
You can easily spend a whole day strolling through the largest park of Warsaw with its 80 hectares of lakes, an orangery, pavilions, etc.
The ‘Water Palace’ (officially: Palace on the Isle) looks as if this huge, white castle is floating on the mirror-smooth lake. Please take some pictures of this beautiful scenery.
A 10 min. walk from the Water Palace, you can find the opulent Frédéric Chopin Monument in a large bed of flowers.
How to get to the Water Palace (quite central in the gardens) from Sofitel? 20 min. taxi ride + 5 min. walk
Opening hours Gardens: Daily 6 AM – 10 PM
Opening hours Water Palace Tuesday-Wednesday 10 AM – 5 PM, Thursday-Friday 10 AM – 6 PM, Saturday 12 AM – 8 PM, Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM
Regular ticket: depending on how many museum buildings you want to visit 50 - 80 PLN (ca. 12.00 - 19.00 EUR), tour will take you accordingly 1 – 2.5 hours; free admission on Friday.
11. Wilanów Palace
The Wilanów Palace is the second most pompous palace in Warsaw, also known as the “Polish Versailles”. Built from 1677 by King Jan III Sobieski, it became state property after World War II. The associated park is home to an orangery and gardens with a variety of themes. Especially in sunny weather, you can take wonderful strolls here .
We recommend to purchase online tickets before your visit (Book your online tickets here)
How to get there from Sofitel? 35 min. taxi ride
Opening hours: Daily 10 AM – 4 PM (Wednesday 10 AM – 6 PM); the park is open daily 9 AM – 9 PM
Regular ticket: 35 PLN (ca. 8.25 EUR); free admission on Thursday (no online reservation, first come first served)
12. Temple of Divine Providence (Świątynia Opatrzności Bożej)
This building not far from Wilanów Palace is so peculiar that it is definitely a must-see among Warsaw's sights. Its special construction method has earned the church the nickname ‘lemon squeezer’ – for good reason. Inside, the architecture follows typical elements of Polish churches. The construction of the church started back in 1791 to mark the founding of the first Polish republic, and it was only completed in 2016.
How to get there from Sofitel? 35 min. taxi ride (10 min. taxi ride or 25 min. walk from Wilanów Palace)
Opening hours: Daily 7 AM – 7 PM
Free admission
13. University library
Warsaw’s university library made it onto our list because it's home to one of the largest and most beautiful rooftop gardens in Europe. Between the various plants, bridges and flowers, you can enjoy the sun and also have a great view over the city. There is even a waterfall splashing into the garden at ground level. A little oasis in the center of the city!
How to get there from Sofitel? 10 min. taxi ride or 15 min. walk
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 9 AM – 9 PM, Sunday 3 PM – 8 PM
Free admission
14. Walk along the Vistula
A walk along the Vistula is the perfect change from (business or cultural) programs and the crowded streets of the Old Town. The Vistula is also known as the ‘Queen of Polish Rivers’ because it runs entirely through Polish territory.
The banks of the Vistula are particularly pleasant in summer. There are numerous beaches on the eastern bank and many locals organize small campfires here on warm evenings.
If you like things a little more active, you can also hire a kayak or SUP here. As the Vistula is not particularly deep, you will hardly encounter any boats here.
Near Swietokrzyski Bridge, you can find a modern, larger-than-life version of Warsaw’s mermaid. The sculpture was designed by Ludwika Nitschowa and installed in 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II.
How to get there from Sofitel? 15 min. taxi ride or 20 min. walk
Permanently open
Free admission
15. Śląsko Dąbrowski Bridge
This bridge leads right into the center of Warsaw and therefore offers a wonderful view over the Old Town. A short detour across the 500m long bridge can be ideally incorporated into your walk along the Vistula. At night, you will be rewarded with 200 colorful light-emitting diodes illuminating the bridge's pillars.
How to get there from Sofitel? 18 min. walk or 8 min. taxi ride
Permanently open
Free admission
16. Praga
Praga may not look particularly pretty at first glance. However, it is the most authentic neighborhood in Warsaw and also developing more and more into a trendy district with a lively nightlife. In some small alleyways you will find cool street art and unusual museums such as the Neon Museum. Take a chance to escape the crowds of tourists in the Old Town 😉
A very vibrant part of Praga, especially on warm evenings, is the main street Ząbkowska, where many events and street parties are organized.
Praga is also home to the listed Kones vodka factory, one of the largest vodka producers in Poland. Vodka was actually invented in Poland!
How to get there from Sofitel? 40 min. walk or 15 min. taxi ride
Permanently open
Free admission
17. Warsaw Ghetto
As lively and cheerful as Warsaw is today, traces of darker times are also part of the city. In 1940, there were more than 350,000 Jews living in Warsaw, who were forced by the Nazis to resettle in the Warsaw Ghetto and eventually sent to concentration camps. Many traces of the atrocities committed there can still be found today, and many of the sites, such as the transfer center, Prozna Street and the remaining fragments of the ghetto wall, have been preserved. Memorials to the victims and heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 19 April 1943 have also been created, such as the Pomnik Bohaterów Getta memorial, where German chancellor Willy Brandt's genuflection took place.
How to get there from Sofitel? 25 min. walk or 7 min. taxi ride
Permanently open
Free admission
18. Warsaw Uprising Museum
This museum commemorates the uprising during the occupation of Poland in World War II. Beginning on 1 August 1944, Polish soldiers fought against the Nazi forces for 63 days before they finally had to surrender.
Accounts from contemporary witnesses and various multimedia exhibits give you a very authentic impression of the events of the uprising. In exhibition hall B, you will even find a full-size replica of the Liberator B-24J. Polish soldiers in the service of the British Royal Air Force dropped weapons and aid packages for the fighters from this aircraft, making it a symbol of hope for the whole of Warsaw.
How to get there from Sofitel? 35 min. walk or 10 min. taxi ride
Opening hours: Monday and Wednesday – Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM (Tuesday closed)
Regular ticket: 30 PLN (ca. 7.00 EUR); free admission on Monday
19. POLIN museum
This museum of the history of Polish Jews is interesting both culturally and historically. It presents the history of Polish Jews from the Middle Ages to the present day. And the museum is also very impressive from the outside. Many of the architectural features have a symbolic meaning, referring to important historical moments.
We recommend to purchase online tickets before your visit.
How to get there from Sofitel? 30 min. walk or 10 min. taxi ride
Opening hours: Sunday, Monday and Wednesday – Friday 10 AM – 6 PM, Sunday 10 – 8 PM, Tuesday closed
Regular ticket: 45 PLN (ca. 10,50 EUR), audio guide 10 PLN (ca. 2.35 EUR) ; free admission on Thursday
20. Kopernikus Science Centre
If you're thinking of boring physics lessons at school, you're way off the mark. To have fun at the Kopernikus Science Centre, all you really need is curiosity. You can experiment with 20,000 volts or watch a theatre play in which robots play the protagonists. This interactive museum aims to inspire a love of research and education in the spirit of its namesake Nikolaus Kopernikus.
Not the main center, but the planetarium will presumably be closed in September 2024 due to renovations.
How to get there from Sofitel? 17 min. walk or 10 min. taxi ride
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday and Saturday – Sunday 9 AM – 7 PM, Friday 9 AM – 8 PM
Regular ticket: 46 PLN (ca. 10,80 EUR)
21. National Museum
The ‘Muzeum Narodowe’ is the largest museum in Warsaw and houses more than 800,000 exhibits. You can marvel at art from antiquity to the present day. In addition to well-known Polish artists (e.g., Julian Fałat and Józef Chełmoński), you will also find various international artists.
How to get there from Sofitel? 17 min. walk or 10 min. taxi ride
Opening hours: Tuesday – Thursday and Saturday – Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM, Friday 10 AM – 8 PM, Monday closed
Regular ticket: 25 PLN (ca. 5.90 EUR), Friday 5 – 8 PM 50 % discount, Tuesday free admission
