Things to Do in Warsaw

The heart of Warsaw is its old town area, which contains the Royal Castle, churches, and Renaissance-era buildings. Reconstructed after WWII, Old Town Warsaw is a monument to the community's pride in their city and determination to carry on even after it was destroyed. This lovely area is also full of museums, shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Warsaw's Royal Route of Kings will take you past some of Warsaw's most important monuments and churches. It was this route that the king would take through the city, and therefore some its most lavish structures were built here. Go in the early evening to try to catch the sun beginning to set. The buildings will be washed with a romantic, golden light!

Warsaw is one of Europe's original green cities - and it's been that way for centuries. Parks and gardens are only a stone's throw away from important sights and activities. Take a walk, enjoy a picnic, or cool off in the heat of summer.

Not much is left ofWarsaw's Jewish district, which was then turned into the ghetto during WWII. However, if you've got a good guidebook with you (or, alternatively, a human guide), you'll be able to pick out what remains of Jewish Warsaw. In some cases, monuments memorialize events, mark locations, and commemorate individuals.

From shopping centers, to souvenir shops, to specialty food shops, whatever you're in the market for, Warsaw has it. Large shopping malls include the Golden Terraces by the Palace of Culture and Science. Smaller shops carrying Poland-made products are located in Old Town Warsaw and along main thoroughfares.

Poland manufactures some excellent beers, and while you're in Warsaw, that's a good enough excuse to try some out! Whether you're washing down a hearty Polish meal or simply relaxing in the square, you'll come away with an appreciation for this drink that has kept Poles' thirst quenched for generations.

Polish food is simply scrump. Pierogis - those little packets of deliciousness that are served to you piping hot and slathered in butter - hearty soups and stews made with seasonal ingredients, and pastries packed with cream and topped with nuts will have you weak at the knees. Enjoy a meal in a scenic location or drop into a restaurant that looks good while you're sightseeing. You'll walk away content and happy.

Warsaw's Palace of Culture and Science is an unmissable structure that dominates the skyline. As forbidding as it is, its 30th-floor viewing platform will allow you to see the city from an elevated vantage point. The immediate surroundings are commercialized, but if you look carefully, you'll be able to pick out Old Town, and, beyond that, the river.

Warsaw has lots of can't-miss sights, but knowing a little more about these few will help you become familiar with the city's history and layout.

Warsaw is a city with a proud musical heritage. Its most famous composer, Chopin, haunts the city in monuments, churches, and concerts held in his name. Summer open-air concert series are popular events. And churches host organ and choral numbers.