Must-See Warsaw Sights

Warsaw City Sights

Lazienki Park and Palace are both beautiful and relaxing sights to see. The palace, known as "The Palace on the Isle" is built on a lake and is accessible by foot bridges. Wander the park or enter the palace depending upon your mood and the weather. The park offers pathways and shady benches, while the palace allows visitors a glimpse into the life of its previous inhabitants.

Warsaw is the birthplace of the famous Polish composer, Chopin. The Chopin Monument, located in Lazienki Park, is often used as a meeting place for music lovers and a venue for concerts. The original version of this monument is no longer in existence; its reproduction was created after Nazis destroyed the 1926 monument.

When taking a tour of the Royal Castle in Warsaw, be mindful that this structure is a reproduction of the original, just like the Chopin Monument. And, like the composer's monument, the original Royal Castle was destroyed by Nazis during WWII. While the exterior has been recreated, the interior of the Royal Castle is surprisingly authentic. Furniture that was saved from destruction, or replacements from the same period, serve to illustrate the uses of the castle's rooms.

The Royal Castle overlooks Castle Square in Warsaw. This grand square is used for speeches, gatherings, and entertainment. Warsaw also has other squares of note, like the Old Town Market Square and the New Town Market Square. Warsaw's squares are great places to have a snack or a drink and experience the city.

Zymunt's Column, erected to commemorate a 17th century Polish king, is an original monument, though it did have to be repaired after the Nazi invasion. Zygmunt's Column is located in Castle Square and marks the beginning of Warsaw's Royal Route. Visitors can follow this route to see some of Warsaw's most historic and beautiful architecture.

The Palace of Science and Culture was Stalin's gift to Poland. Its monstrous form and looming silhouette are characteristic of the architectural style favored by the Soviets. The Palace of Science and Culture is a multi-purpose building that now rents commercial space to businesses. Today, it is famous mostly for its impressive size and even more impressive ugliness.

Near the Palace of Science and Culture is the location of the former Warsaw Ghetto. The sight of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the Warsaw Ghetto was destroyed in the 1940's and its inhabitants murdered or sent to concentration camps. This memorial, as well as the nearby Umschlagplatz Memorial, remember the victims of the Warsaw Ghetto as well as those who tried to fight back against the Nazis' actions.

The Warsaw Barbican was a defensive structure that was initially built to replace one of the gates of the walled city of Warsaw. Like many of Warsaw's buildings, the Barbican has been reconstructed, but this doesn't make the structure any less impressive.

The Wilanow Palace in Warsaw is now a museum that showcases its many owners' eclectic style preferences and additions. The architecture of the Wilanow Palace, portrait galleries, and other museum exhibits make for an interesting afternoon. If you aren't into museum-going, stroll the palace grounds.

The National Library of Poland, housed in a 17th century building, holds some of Poland's most treasured documents, including some of Chopin's compositions, important religious texts, ancient maps, and artists' conceptions of important Polish architecture.