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Warsaw City Profile - About Warsaw, Poland's Capital City

By , About.com Guide

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Warsaw Castle View

Warsaw Castle View

Kerry Kubilius, licensed to About.com
Warsaw was built on the banks of the Vistula River, and this city has been capital of various reorganizations of Poland's territory since the 16th century, when Zygmunt III, commemorated in the famous Zymunt Column, moved the capital of Poland from Krakow.

Warsaw is a big city with easily accessible attractions and plenty to see and do. Its limitless spirit can be felt in the careful post-WWII reconstruction of its historic landmarks, and this, in part, is what brings travelers back to Warsaw again and again.

Warsaw Attractions:

Warsaw's Old Town is one of its main attractions. This Polish World Heritage Site is a recreation of Renaissance-era Warsaw.

Take the Old Town Warsaw photo tour

Warsaw's Royal Route of Polish Kings, former Jewish Ghetto, and modern sights like the Palace of Culture are major sights, too.

Warsaw Climate and Weather:

Warsaw's warmest months are June, July, and August. However, April through early October may offer a few warm days. Warsaw sees winters that have freezing temperatures that normally do not dip below 0 degrees F.

Warsaw Shopping:

Warsaw offers great shopping opportunities. Shop for souvenirs and antiques in Old Town Warsaw. PolArt is one option if you're looking for Polish folk art and traditional clothing.

Visit modern shopping centers like Golden Terraces shopping center located near the Warsaw Centralna Train Station.

Getting to and Getting Around Warsaw:

Warsaw has a bus sytem, a trolleybus (or tramway) system, as well as transportation that caters specifically to tourists who want to see the city's highlights. Poland also has a train system which maintains stations throughout the country and connects with some European train systems. Most international flights arrive and depart from Warsaw's Frederick Chopin Airport.

Flights to Warsaw: Compare Prices

Other cities can be reached easily from Warsaw by train.(See Trains in Poland)

Hotels in Warsaw:

Hotels in Warsaw can be booked near major sights like Old Town, but even hotels outside the historic district can offer easy access to major attractions.

Compare Prices for hotels in Warsaw.

Top Rated Warsaw Hotels

Warsaw Nightlife:

Warsaw has an active nightlife. Head to the city center for dancing and drinks. Tygmont Jazz Club offers live music, as do other jazz clubs like Helikon.

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