Warsaw – the most interesting attractions
Warsaw – the most interesting attractions: here you will find the tallest building of the European Union (Varso Tower, 310 meters), as well as 66 universities. One of the most beautiful gardens with an extraordinary view of the city is located … on the roof of the University of Warsaw Library. What places, therefore, cannot be missed during our tour of the Polish capital?
1. The Royal Castle and the Old Town
While in Warsaw, you must take a walk along Nowy Świat and Krakowskie Przedmieście streets. It is the heart of the Old Town, a promenade leading to the Royal Castle, entered on the UNESCO list. During the walk, it is worth paying attention to the monument of Nicolaus Copernicus, an outstanding Polish figure. In front of the castle, attention is drawn to the Column of King Sigismund III Vasa on Castle Square. It is good to get lost among colorful houses to find the Market Square, the Monument of the Little Insurrectionist, the Presidential Palace (not open to the public), or the Barbican, where local artists often exhibit.
If we are looking for a moment of rest, admission to the Castle Gardens is free. We can sit in the cafe located there, or on one of the many benches, enjoying the view of the longest Polish river, the Vistula. The Royal Castle can be visited, the ticket price is 30 PLN (6,60 EUR). There is an exhibition of works of art, porcelain, and weapons. The route leads, among others through the royal apartments or the ballroom. Every day at 11.15 a bugle call sounds from the tower (in memory of the fact that in 1939 during the bombing the clock stopped at this time). More information can be found on the castle website.
For lovers of watching the cities from above, an interesting option may be to climb the 150 steps to the observation deck on the bell tower of the Church of St. Anna. Admission is 10 PLN (2,20 EUR), more information on the observation deck website. In the evenings, in the summer season, it is worth going to the Multimedia Fountain show.
2. Royal Baths Park (Łazienki Królewskie)
A magnificent palace and park complex founded in the 18th century by King Stanisław August Poniatowski. Its central element is the Palace on the Isle. An extremely picturesque place, practically in the city center, enchants at any time of the year. There are pavilions and buildings in the park, such as the White House, the Old Orangery, the Myślewicki Palace, and the Belweder Palace. In summer, open-air piano concerts are held at the Fryderyk Chopin monument. You can sail a boat on the ponds. The Botanical Garden is adjacent to the Łazienki Park (ticket 12 PLN, around 2,6 EUR).
3. Wilanów Palace
The baroque palace, the residence of King Jan III Sobieski, enchants after a thorough renovation. As part of the admission ticket (15 PLN whis is around 3,30 EUR), we can admire the art collections, King’s apartments, the Apartments of the Duchess Lubomirska, the Chinese Room, Hunter’s Rooms, and the park complex adjacent to the palace. In winter, it is illuminated beautifully as the Royal Garden of Light, i.e. thousands of lights arranged in various patterns, and sometimes also dancing to the rhythm of the music.
4. The Mermaid of Warsaw (Syrenka Warszawska)
The symbol of the city on the coat of arms of Warsaw. It appeared on the city seal as early as 1400! The protector of the capital was honored with two monuments, one is located in the Old Town (on the Market Square), the other in Powiśle (at Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie, near the Świętokrzyski Bridge).
5. Museums, Warsaw
There are many interesting cultural facilities in the city, but if your time is limited, you should consider one of the following:
- The Fryderyk Chopin Museum
This outstanding Polish composer and pianist probably needs no introduction. The museum dedicated to him is located in Ostrogski Castle. The facility can boast unique exhibits: original manuscripts, personal objects, or for example the composer’s last piano. The admission fee is 23 PLN (5 EUR), more information on the museum’s website.
- The Warsaw Rising Museum
If you want to get to know the turbulent, modern history of the city, there is no better place to do it than the Warsaw Uprising Museum. A modern facility will interest even those who do not like visiting museums. The ticket price includes seeing the movie „The City of Ruins”, which is a moving testimony of the tragic fate of Warsaw. The exhibition is located on three floors. We can see, for example, the Liberator (a replica of the famous WWII bomber), the original reinforced concrete bunker, weapons, letters, and personal belongings of the insurgents. Tickets cost 25 PLN (5,5 EUR), more information on the website of the Warsaw Rising Museum.
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie Museum
It commemorates the outstanding Polish Nobel Prize winner. The facility is located in a reconstructed tenement house, in the place where Maria Skłodowska was born. You can see her personal belongings and laboratory equipment. Admission is currently 9 PLN (2 EUR), more information can be found on the museum’s website.
If you like the article about Warsaw, the most interesting attractions, I encourage you to read my posts about: Gozo, Malta, Milan, Seville, Prague, Madrid, or Budapest.
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