Warsaw, nurturing over 400 years of pride as a capital, is Poland’s largest city and an economic, political, and cultural centre. The symbol of the city is the Mermaid, featured on the city seal. Warsaw is a bustling metropolis and features an unforgettable history. A city where a fourth of the terrain is covered by parkland and a city of culture for all tastes and budgets...

What to see ???

1. Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski) - Built in the 15th century, this castle served as residence of Mazovian princes. Once the capital was moved to Warsaw from Krakow, the castle served as seat of the king and the government. The castle has been renovated repeatedly and destroyed completely during World War II. It was rebuilt between 1971-1988 using castle remains and rubble. Today, the segment with the clock tower opens the way to the Old Town. Museum attractions include two original Rembrandt paintings as well as works by Bernard Bellotto, aka Canaletto, court painter to Polish King Stanisław August Poniatowski. Canaletto’s paintings were vital during Warsaw’s post-war reconstruction. On the Vistula side are the recently renovated Kubicki Arcades which support the foundations and the cliffs and give the structure its shape. Following the 1831 Uprising they were used as stables and barracks, and then as garages. The arcades are original, as they were not destroyed during World War II. Currently they house an archaeological exhibit and pension.

2. Palace in Wilanów (Pałac w Wilanowie) - One of the most important monuments of Polish national culture – the residence of Jan III Sobieski. The history of Wilanów Palace began in April 1677, when the village of Milanów became the property of King Jan III Sobieski. The village soon changed its name to Villa Nova (meaning 'new town'), and then to Wilanów. The original residence was rather modest, since Augustine Locci, the King’s official architect, was asked to design a single storey house, to signify a typical building of the Polish Republic. However, military success and the growing importance of the monarchy in the years that followed contributed to the significant expansion of the original project. A massive extension was carried out from 1677-1696: after it was complete, the palace was an interesting combination of a Polish noble's mansion, an Italian garden villa and a palace in the classic style of French King Louis the 14th. After the death of the King, the palace became the property of his sons, but it was severely neglected, and in 1720, it was taken over by Elżbieta Sieniawska. Over the next nine years, she continued the construction work initiated by Sobieski, for example, she had the side wings built onto the palace. After her death, her daughter, Maria Zofia Denhoff inherited the palace. In 1730, Wilanów Palace was under the control of King August II Mocny, who made many changes, especially in terms of the interior decoration. In the middle of the 18th century, Izabela Lubomirska inherited Wilanów, and strived to return the palace to its earlier prestige and glory. 69 years later, she handed the palace to her daughter and her husband Stanisław Kostka Potocki. In 1805, largely thanks to his efforts, one of the first museums in Poland opened in Wilanów Palace. The Potocki family was associated with Wilanów until 1892, when the last of the family, Alexandra, gave the residence to her cousin Ksawery Branicki. The Branicki family resided in Wilanów until September 1944, and then in January 1945, care of the palace was handed over to the National Museum of Warsaw. Wilanów Palace is one of the few historic buildings in Warsaw that was completely untouched and undamaged during World War II, and it stands today as a wonderful example of completely original Baroque architecture.

3. National Museum (Muzeum Narodowe) - One of the oldest, richest in exhibits and most innovative art museums in Poland. The National Museum in Warsaw is home to over 800,000 exhibits of both Polish and worldwide art. They represent all epochs from antiquity to contemporary times, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, illustrations, photographs, numismatic items and objects of applied arts. Especially cherished exhibits are paintings reclaimed after being stolen from the National Museum in Warsaw during World War II: “Jewish Woman Selling Oranges” by Aleksander Gierymski, “In the Painter’s Studio” by Leon Wyczółkowski, “The Battue Hunt at Nieśwież” by Julian Fałat and “Black Woman” by Anna Bilińska. They are currently being serviced to be later displayed to public. The Museum is seated in a modernist building located near the Poniatowski Bridge and the Charles de Gaulle Roundabout, being one of the most busy places in Warsaw. A charming nook of relaxation inside the Museum is a courtyard named after professor Stanisław Lorentz with benches, deckchairs, a fountain and cozy Café Lorentz (Prof. Lorentz headed the National Museum in Warsaw in 1936-1982 and is known for saving many valuable works of art during World War II). Behind the building, there is a picturesque park located at the Vistula Slope near Książęca Street. Back in the past, the park served as gardens of Prince Kazimierz Poniatowski, the oldest brother of King Stanisław August Poniatowski.

4. Fryderyk Chopin Museum (Muzeum Fryderyka Chopina) - Collection is the world's largest gathering of Chopin memorabilia. Housed in Ostrogski Palace (Pałac Ostrogskich), strikingly situated on the Vistula escarpment, it is a baroque-classical jewel of a building. The Museum’s beginnings date back to the 1930s: in 1935, the Chopin Institute (as it was called then), founded by prominent representatives of culture, began to purchase and collect several valuable manuscripts from the composer’s relatives. As such, the museum’s exhibits make up the world’s richest and most varied collection of memorabilia related to both Chopin as an individual, and his work. The collection includes manuscripts and printed copies of Chopin’s works, his correspondence, autographs, notes, works of art, personal items belonging to the composer and his piano. There are also some extremely valuable and moving exhibits on show, most notably the post-mortem face mask, and a cast of his hand. The newly-opened museum in the renovated Ostrogski Palace is the most modern biographical museum in Europe. Multimedia exhibitions and touch screens – here the real world meets the virtual. The ticket to enter this magical world is an electronic card; by using it, one may hear commentary and information in several languages, and listen to music. No matter if you are a tourist, a musicologist, or even a child – everyone will find something to interest them. This museum was specifically designed so that everyone can create their own sightseeing route and itinerary, in accordance with their personal interests.

5.Presidential / Namiestnikowski Palace (Pałac Prezydencki / Namiestnikowski) - The Presidential Palace is one of the largest palaces in Warsaw. This is the official seat of the President of the Republic of Poland. The most magnificent building on Krakowskie Przedmieście Street gained its modern appearance in the 19th century, during a major renovation. Originally the palace was designed in the Baroque style in 1643 at the initiative of the Crown Hetman Stanisław Koniecpolski, who used it as his Warsaw residence. In 1659 the building was bought by Crowning Marshal  Jerzy Sebastian Lubomirski, and then from 1674, the palace was owned by the Radziwiłł family, when it became the place of frequent public meetings, balls and feasts. In 1818 the palace was the seat of the Government of the Polish Kingdom, and was redesigned in a classicist fashion, designed by Chrystian Piotr Aigner. In 1821, stone lions by Camillo Laudini were set in front of the palace, and they stand there to this day. The palace was rebuilt after the fire of 1852, after which time it held meetings of the Agricultural Society and balls celebrating the Tsar’s visits. In 1918, the building was taken over by the Polish authorities and used as the seat of the Prime Minister and his government. During World War II, the interior of the palace was completely reconstructed as a luxury hotel with a Deutsches Haus casino. After the war, the palace was once again renovated and rebuilt, when it became the office of the Council of Ministers, before being used for various formal meetings. In 1955, the Warsaw Treaty was signed at the palace, and the Round Table meetings gathered there in 1989. The monument to Prince Józef Poniatowski (designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen) was erected in 1965. Since July of 1994, the palace has been the official seat of the President of the Republic of Poland.

6. OLD TOWN (STARE MIASTO) - Historic centre and oldest part of the city, it is also a living, breathing cultural salon. Founded in the 13th century as the prince's castle, it is surrounded by walls. During World War II, 90% of it was destroyed, but thanks to its excellent restoration and recovery, in 1980 it was granted the status of a UNESCO World Heritage List. Currently, it is a lively place, bustling with tourists and locals, and full of galleries, cafés and restaurants.

7. Old Town Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta) - Founded in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, this is one of the most picturesque corners of the city. It was once the main square of Warsaw: celebrations and markets were organised here, and legal judgements were passed on the condemned. The central part of the market was originally occupied by the town hall which was demolished in 1817, and in 1944, the Old Town was completely destroyed. All its buildings were reconstructed after World War II and their appearance is a perfect match to the Square's original look in the 17th and 18th centuries. A legend says that in the basements of the buildings located along one side of Dekert, at the corner of Krzywe Koło, there lives a Basilisk. It guarded the treasures once stored there, and every man who tried to reach them was killed by the gaze of the Basilisk, which turns men to stone. He was defeated in the end by a wandering tailor who showed the monster a mirror. The Basilisk was petrified by its own appearance, and hid away; from then on, he was no longer a threat to residents. Today on the façade of the building there is a picture of the Basilisk, which is the symbol of the renowned Warsaw restaurant of the same name.

8.  Stone Stairs (Kamienne Schodki) - Extremely picturesque stairs that have existed since the 15th century, they led outside of the city centre's defensive walls, running past the Vistula. Initially, the steps were made of wood, and in the 18th century, they were changed to stone and gave the street its name. An interesting fact is that during one of his visits to Warsaw, Napoleon Bonaparte marched down the stairs.

9. Barbican and defensive walls (Barbakan i mury obronne) - The remnants of Warsaw's defensive walls, erected in 1548 by Giovanni Batista Venetian. In the Barbican (in the alleywall which links the Old and New Towns) there is an exhibition illustrating the history of the city's fortifications, with models of the towers and walls, explaining why Warsaw's Old Town is a UNESCO cultural heritage monument.

10. King Zygmunt III Waza Column (Kolumna króla Zygmunta III Wazy) - The oldest and tallest non-church monument in Warsaw was raised in 1644 by King Władysław IV, in honour of his father Zygmunt III Waza, who in 1596 moved the capital from Kraków to Warsaw. The monument stands 22 metres high with the actual figure of the King measuring 275 cm. The sword he holds in his right hand symbolises bravery, while the cross he holds in his left hand symbolises his readiness to fight evil. According to legend, should the King’s sword fall downward, disaster is sure to follow. The statue fell during World War II and its destroyed column placed next to the Royal Castle, where it can still be seen today.

Where to stay ???

The city features accommodation for all budgets and all occasions – from exclusive apartments frequented by royalty to youth hostels. Warsaw’s accommodation base includes over 30,000 beds in over 200 places. The best area that we recommend to stay in is the city centre part of Warsaw as the majority of tourist attractions are located here like the Palace of Culture and Science. Most things to see and do in the city centre are in walking distance of each other, which offers lovely strolls between them. The area also has a great collection of charming cafes, an extensive range of cuisine and is home to the main nightlife in city with a huge number of bars, pubs and clubs to choose from. The city centre also has the best selection of hotels from hostels at budget prices to the most luxurious of hotels in Warsaw.
Stare Miasto - The Old Town is very central and has a good number of things to see and do like the Royal Castle and the square that is found by it, which is huge and has many cafes, shops and restaurants around it. Also, there is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which holds the remains of a Polish soldier that died in battle as well as containing soils from 38 battlegrounds. You will also find St. John’s Cathedral, a few museums, art galleries, shops, restaurants, bars and hotels too.

Service & facts

Food  in Warsaw

Although Warsaw’s menus feature traditional Polish cuisine, food from around the world can be found at the many restaurants suited to all tastes. The cheapest - Milk Bars - are an attraction offering a slice of years past. One of Warsaw’s culinary symbols is undoubtedly sweet - quite literally! Try the ‘Zygmuntówka’, jelly-filled doughnuts from Blikle, or Wedel chocolate. Going to visit Poland? Would you like to taste some delicious foods not choosing on spec? You are welcome. All Polish foods listed below constitute a typical Polish menu even nowadays. Therefore, while visiting Poland, one will certainly come across many of them. I wish you good luck in exploring Polish tastes and… Smacznego!

Pierogies / Dumplings - The well-known Polish dumplings called pierogi are one of national dishes and for sure one of the best recognizable Polish foods. The popularity of pierogi probably originates from the fact that this Polish food is varied, with quite a few fillings. Originally, in Poland the most traditional filling are: forcemeat, sauerkraut and mushrooms. A vegetarian variant of pierogi made from mushrooms and a cabbage is dished up during the Christmas Eve dinner. Other kinds of pierogi, particularly popular during the summer, are sweet pierogi. Seasonal fruits are used as a filling: mainly bilberries or strawberries. Pierogi filled with a specially prepared sweetened Polish curd cheese (called a white cheese by the Poles) is also very delicious and popular.

Bigos / Polish hunter's stew - Bigos, in English language known as the Polish hunter's stew, is one of national and traditional Polish courses. A true touristic 'must eat'. Bigos is a stewed dish made from cabbage as a main ingredient. Fresh cabbage can be used as well as the soured one, called sauerkraut. Hence, more than one kind of bigos exists in the Polish cuisine. Since cooking bigos usually lasts two to four days, the delicious taste of this Polish food is something really original and different compared to what you are used to :)

Golabki/Polish cabbage rolls in tomato sauce - Golabki or stuffed cabbage is one of a traditional food of Central and Eastern Europe. Polish golabki is a cooked knob of forcemeat wrapped up in a leaf of a white cabbage. Important ingredients are: groats (nowadays rice is much more popular), onion and an appropriate blend of spices. Sometimes mushrooms are added to the filling. Also some other variants of the filling exist in the traditional Polish cuisine, e.g. fowl, mutton or even with no meat at all (some vegetable-based golabki, but these are less common).

Kotlet schabowy/Polish pork schnitzel - Kotlet schabowy is a staple of Polish dinners. This Polish food is just a pork cutlet in a coating, dished up with potatoes (sometimes chips) and vegetables or a stewed shredded white cabbage bed. This is closely related with a schnitzel. The history of Polish kotlet schabowy dates back to the 19th century. The first written recipe attesting its existence can be found in a cookbook from 1860 by Lucyna Cwierczakiewiczowa.

Placki ziemniaczane/Potato pancakes - Placki ziemniaczane is a Polish name for a quite well-known, simple and good food made from grated potatoes fried in a fat. Egg, onion and spices (pepper, salt, sometimes marjoram) are added to the potato mass before frying. In Poland placki ziemniaczane are a representative of a sweet dish (!), because this course is sprinkled with sugar or more rarely poured with some powidl, apple mousse or with sweet curd cheese chunks. the more refined and really wonderful version of this dish is the Polish dish called placek po zbojnicku.

Nalesniki Crepes / Polish pancakes - Typical of many cuisines, Polish nalesniki are just pancakes with various fillings (from sweet to spicy). Nalesniki evolved from Old Polish pies and pancakes under the influence of French cuisine, and have been very popular in Poland for decades.

Public Transport

The Chopin Airport is located only 10 km from the centre of the capital and Warsaw Modlin Airport is located around 35 km north-west from the city centre. Warsaw's public transport system (ZTM) includes buses, trams and metro connections.

TRAMS – one- or two-digit numbering system.

BUSES – three numbers:
1xx, 2xx, 3xx – regular lines, stopping at all marked stops.
4xx, 5xx – accelerated lines (marked in red).
E-x – lines operating in peak hours on weekdays (marked in red).
7xx – suburban lines.
8xx – suburban lines operating on weekdays.
Nxx – night buses which operate between the hours of 11.15 pm and 4:30 am.

The METRO is the only line connecting Żoliborz (Młociny station) directly to the southern part of the city (Ursynów, served by Kabaty station).
The metro runs daily between 5 am and midnight (every 3-4 minutes during peak hours, every 7-8 minutes at off-peak times). Additional service is provided on Fridays and Saturdays between 00:15 am and 2:30 am (every 15 minutes).

GOOD TO KNOW

Language - Polish is the official language of Poland. From foreign languages, is now the most popular in Poland - German and English. Germany - the nearest rich neighbor, from which comes a lot of tourists.

Currency – currency exchange - International name: PLN. Zloty is divided into 100 pennies. In circulation are coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 pennies, 1, 2 and 5 zloty and banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 zlotys. Currency can be exchanged in special exchange offices ("Kantor"), no rake. Boating foreign currencies in the country is officially prohibited. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and restaurants, car rental companies, and so on.. In some banks, ATMs are working around the clock, but the entrance to a bank usually locked electronic lock to open it, you need to insert a credit card into the slot lock and hold it upside down. Traveler's checks are accepted almost everywhere.