Warsaw

Explore Warsaw’s rich history, wrapped in contemporary, cultural treats

Sitting proud along both sides of the Vistula River, Poland’s capital city is where pastel-coloured burgher houses, elegant parks and medieval towers meet contemporary, sky-skimming architectural masterpieces. Having been painstakingly rebuilt from its near complete destruction during WWII, Warsaw invites you to explore its stories of resilience and reinvention around every cobblestone corner.

Things to do

LANDMARKS
Warsaw’s iconic landmarks and monuments span the centuries. Take in sweeping city views from the 320m-tall Varso Tower – now the tallest building in the European Union. Wander around the Baroque and neoclassical state rooms of Wilanow Palace, the former playground of Polish royalty. Watch skateboarders do their tricks next to the Warszawa Powisle, an old railway ticket office transformed into a cool cafe-bar, topped with a flying saucer shaped roof. While the award-winning POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews brings 1,000 years of turbulent history in Poland to life. 

ACTIVITIES
Sunny weather calls for strolls in the Old Town with its triangular Castle Square and buskers entertaining the crowds. Carry on past the curiously landscaped Vistulan Boulevards, and relax with the locals on the river’s sandy Rusalka Beach. Take a picnic to peaceful Freedom Park, home to the poignant Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto. To get your sushi, tapas, craft beer and artisan chocolate fix, enjoy the art nouveau splendour of the Hala Koszyki market hall. You could also join a pierogi workshop, where local chefs will teach you how to fold and fill these iconic dumplings – Poland’s national comfort food. 

CULTURE
Warsaw’s vibrant and varied cultural treasures need to be experienced to be believed. Witness bold, experimental theatre that pushes creative boundaries at Studio Teatrgaleria. Watch world-class performances in the lavish surrounds of Teatr Wielki, Poland’s premier opera house, back to its former glory from when it was reduced to rubble in the 1939 siege of Warsaw. Spend a day in the National Museum, home to over 800,000 pieces in its collection. Or head into Praga, once industrial, now boho – and teeming with galleries, street art, and hip cafes.

Top Tip from SLH

With his heart interred in Warsaw’s Holy Cross Church, the music of FrEdEric Chopin, Poland’s most famous 19th century composer, comes to life over summer when open-air piano recitals are held in Lazienki Park.