Top Things to See in Warsaw: Must-Visit Spots on Your Trip to Warsaw

Legend has it that once, when the city was still only a small fishing village, a golden-haired mermaid swam down the Vistula River. As she was having a rest on the river bank near what is today’s Old Town, she marvelled at the beauty of the landscape and decided to settle there. Now, you may not be as lucky as that mermaid – every getaway must come to an end – but no matter how long you’re staying in the Polish capital, you can rest assured that you’ll feel just as enchanted by it as she did. It’s a city where a rich past meets modern charm, and serene parks alternate with interactive exhibitions – a city you will leave with lingering memories. Here’s our pick of ten places you simply cannot miss.

Once you’ve checked in and freshened up at the Sofitel Warsaw Victoria, take a leisurely stroll north to the Old Town, a charming district that captures the city’s historical essence with its cobblestone streets and colourful tenement houses. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this neighbourhood with a chequered past is home to the Royal Castle, the Old Town Square with the statue of the Warsaw Mermaid, the Museum of Warsaw, and the magnificent St. John’s Archcathedral.

Given Poland’s long history – 2025 marks the 1,000th anniversary of the coronation of Bolesław I the Brave, the country’s first king – and the large number of attractions that tell stories of bygone days, history aficionados need to be selective, but the POLIN museum should be at the top of their list. Presenting a millennium of Jewish life in Poland, it’s more than a cultural institution: it encourages a climate of open dialogue, promoting tolerance and respect between Poles and Jews.

Address: 6 Mordechaja Anielewicza Street, 00-157 Warsaw

Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 on Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun; 10:00-20:00 on Sat

Admission: 45 złoty

Should you wish to take a walk or a bike ride along the river, you couldn’t choose a better place than the kilometres-long promenade with its gazebos and sun loungers. You'll have a magnificent view of Warsaw and a fun night out is guaranteed at the riverside clubs. Be sure to check out the Multimedia Fountain Park if you're visiting in the summer: you’ll be mesmerised by the giant columns of water rising and falling to the rhythm of music as they shimmer in the colourful floodlights.

If you prefer to have solid ground beneath your feet and happen to love science, trade the aquatic experience for a visit to this institution named after the famous Renaissance astronomer. This science centre is a paradise for everyone who has ever dreamed of becoming a discoverer, where visitors get to conduct experiments and uncover the mysteries of nature. Whatever your age, you’ll have tons of fun taking in the exhibitions and learning about the universe in the planetarium.

Address: 20 Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie Street, 00-390 Warsaw

Admission: 46 złoty for the exhibitions, 30 złoty for the planetarium

You may have an insatiable hunger for science, but your belly will rumble in protest if you ignore it for too long. Luckily, Polish cuisine is hearty and flavoursome, and Warsaw offers plenty of eateries where you can try some local specialities. One of the best is Kameralna, a traditional Polish restaurant in the city centre, hugely popular with both residents and tourists. You’ll be spoiled for choice, but you must try some of the famous Polish dumplings, the polskie pierogi – the ones with duck and roast sauce are to die for.

Address: 3 Mikołaja Kopernika Street, 00-367 Warsaw

Opening hours: 12:00-23:00 on Mon-Thu, 12:00-24:00 on Fri-Sat, 12:00-22:00 on Sun

Feeling full after savouring some of Poland's culinary delights? A gentle ten-minute walk will aid your digestion and energise you for the exhilarating experience that awaits at the Chopin Museum. Born and raised in Warsaw, Chopin is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time. The museum pays a fitting tribute to this musical genius and is one of the top things to do in Warsaw. Located in the Gniński Palace, the museum has a collection of memorabilia that numbers over 7,500 items, including manuscripts, letters and a grand piano that belonged to Chopin himself.

Address: 1 Okólnik Street, 00-368 Warsaw

Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 on Tue-Sun

Admission: 30 złoty

In 2018, Praga made the Independent’s list of “10 of Europe’s Coolest Neighbourhoods”, and it’s easy to see why. Even though it was a separate town until the late 18th century, Praga is often considered to be the most authentic part of Warsaw, and it’s certainly the most eclectic. Hip pubs with names like Bald Penguin (Łysy Pingwin), classic milk bars, a vodka museum, a 500-metre-long residential building called “Dachshund” (Jamnik) – there's something for everyone. Learning Polish? Expect some of the elderly residents to answer in a local dialect when you ask for directions.

Ask Varsovians to recommend a place where you can relax, enjoy nature and learn about Polish history and you’re likely to get the same answer every time: Royal Łazienki. Once the summer residence of King Stanisław August, Poland’s last monarch, Łazienki is a large park with breathtaking beauty wherever you look. The neoclassical Palace on the Isle really is on a small island – and that’s just for starters. The park is home to not one but three gardens, an orangery, a pavilion, an amphitheatre and another palace (Myślewicki Palace). Many cultural events are held here, the summer concerts near the Chopin Monument being the most popular.

You hear the word ‘library’ and you think of books, right? Well, there are plenty of those at the University of Warsaw, but the main attraction for tourists is the rooftop garden. While students are swotting for their exams, you can enjoy the stunning panoramic view of Warsaw and take in the serenity, surrounded by the lush greenery of the garden. It’s the perfect place to relax and read for a while before you head off to explore more of Warsaw's top sights.

If you prefer a bit of bustle to total tranquillity, look no further than Hala Koszyki, a lively food hall in the heart of the city. Known by locals as the “people’s bazaar”, the hall is both a culinary and a social centre, and definitely one of the top things to experience in Warsaw. A feast of flavours that caters to every visitor’s taste, it offers traditional Polish dishes as well as international cuisines. Prefer cooking? Buy the fresh ingredients from the local vendors whose hospitality is as exceptional as the quality of their produce.

Address: 63 Koszykowa Street, 00-667 Warsaw

Opening hours: 8:00-01:00 (Some restaurants and shops may have different opening hours.)

In 2023, Warsaw won the “European Best Destination” award, which recognises cities that excel in tourism, culture and overall visitor experience. More than half a million travellers voted for over 400 destinations, with the Polish capital topping the ranking. The award’s website describes Warsaw as “beautiful, friendly, green, open-minded, perfect for a family city break, a cultural city break, a shopping experience, a romantic stay”. What else is there to say other than book your flight and your hotel, pack your bags and embark on a wonderful adventure. Warsaw will get your vote, too.