The sprawling city of Warsaw is a metropolis of cultural treasures, leafy outdoor spaces and amazing architecture, just waiting to be explored. A seamless contrast of old meets new, the streets of the Polish capital are bursting with authentic charm. Ditch the guide book and follow our 72 hour guide to Warsaw for navigating the jewel of the east.
A landmark on the city skyline, this iconic hotel was built in 1901 and has seen many celebrities and heads of state walk through its luxurious doors. Boasting 206 rooms, the hotel is ideally located right next door to the presidential palace, so you can step out to the historical Old Town on one side of you and the designer shops of Nowy Swiat on the other. Introducing a new level of luxury to the city when it was first built, live like royalty in the Art Nouveau gold plated décor scattered throughout the hotel’s marble halls. Treat yourself to a few nights of five star service and book into Hotel Bristol.
Hotel Bristol – Krakowskie Przedmiescie 42-44
Old Town
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Warsaw’s Old Town is the crown jewel of the city. Guarded by the renowned Warsaw Mermaid statue, the area centres around the market place and its many restaurants and cafes. Spend time exploring the winding cobbled streets and wander past historical buildings such as The Barbican and St. John’s Cathedral. With so much to see, the Old Town is a must when visiting Warsaw.
National Museum – 3 Aleje Jerozolimskie
Fine art fan? The National Museum is paradise on earth. Featuring a collection of Polish and European art from the Middle Ages to the present day, there are around 830,000 works of art for you to explore. Hosting both permanent and temporary exhibits, the museum is home to pieces from some of the country’s leading artists such as Jan Matejko and Jozef Chelmonski. Stroll through halls of artefacts, sculptures, paintings and photographs for the ultimate afternoon of culture.
Vistula River
The longest and largest river in Warsaw, when the sun shines there’s no better place to sip cider than on the banks of this river. Whether you prefer to lounge on the grassy east side or feel like grabbing a snack from one of the many food trucks on the west bank, there’ll be something that takes your fancy in this area. Head into Praga from the right bank and continue the fun or venture through the Old Town for a walk through time from the left.
Royal Castle – 4 plac Zamkowy
Located in Castle Square at the entrance to the Warsaw Old Town, the former residency of the Polish monarchy is well worth a visit. Fully restored and refurnished with reclaimed furniture and works of art, the castle is open to the public to view. Transport yourself back to the era of Stanislaw August Poniatowski, and explore the many rooms and hallways of the great structure.
Palace of Culture and Science – 1 plac Defilad
Built in 1955, the Palace of Culture and Science, gifted to the Polish people by Joseph Stalin, has become one of the most widely recognised symbols of the city. Housing a cinema, swimming pool, four theatres and numerous bars and cafes, the centre is one of the tallest buildings in Europe. Head up to the terrace on the 30th floor for killer views across the city.
Lazienki Krolewskie Park-Palace Complex
Spanning 76 hectares, the city park is a great place to visit on a hot summer’s day. Featuring a lake with a palace on the water and a botanical garden, the green oasis sits on the Vistula Escarpment beside Aleje Ujazdowskie. With an amphitheatre at its centre, the park is also the location for free plays and performances throughout the year. Located in the centre of the city, this is the perfect place to take a break from sight-seeing and rest your feet on a park bench – a definite must-see to add to your list of what to do in Warsaw.
U Fukiera – 27 rynek Starego Miasta
Warsaw’s oldest restaurant, U Fukiera is a romantic spot serving lavish Polish cuisine in a series of candlelit vaulted rooms. Located in the heart of the vibrant Old Town, the restaurant evokes a medieval and old aristocratic atmosphere with an authentically local menu. Order the specialty dish of grilled steak or choose from a varied selection of fish and finish off the evening with a stroll through the picturesque streets of the surrounding area.
Piw Paw – 32/34 Zurawia
The ultimate destination for beer lovers, this place has almost 100 piwo beers on tap with around 200 more in the fridge. Customers are welcome to sample any of the beers before making their choice and can also grab a cold one to go from the bar. Serving cider straight from the barrel, Piw Paw is one of kind and not to be missed when visiting Warsaw.
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Flights to Warsaw
- Lucy Norris
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