Top 10 Things to do in Warsaw
1. Free Walking Tour
The local guides will talk about the history of Warsaw and Poland, polish customs and traditions in general as well as guide you through the historic center of the city, show you sights and talk about their origin. When asked they will also recommend further places, sights, tours and restaurants in the area. Free tours are always a good starting point when visiting a new city.
2. Copernicus Monument
The monument stands before the Staszic Palace and is within walking distance of old town Warsaw. It shows Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus with our solar system to his feet. It was buit to honor his discovery of the heliocentric model which placed the sun rather than the earth at the center of our universe. What makes this monument unique is the fact that also the square in front of the statue is part of the monument. It shows all planets of our solar system orbiting the sun.
3. Holy Cross Church
Right across the street from Copernicus Monument there is Holy Cross Church. It’s not only richly decorated inside but also holds Chopin’s heart. The famous Polish musician living in Paris requested his heart to be taken back to his home country after his death because ‘his heart will always belong to Poland’. There is also a memorial for Pope John Paul II born Karol Józef Wojtyła.
4. Marie Curie birth house
Marie Skłodowska was born in 1867 in Warsaw. Her birth house was turned into a museum in her honor. It contains personal items of the famous Polish scientist and tells her life story.
5. Łazienki Park
Łazienki Park is the largest park in Warsaw. Inside the park there is Łazienki Palace, the palace on the water. It got its name because it looks like it’s floating on the water. You can walk around the park for free (no biking inside the park).
6. Free Chopin Concerts
Enjoy a free Chopin concert in Łazienki park in front of the Fryderyk Chopin Monument. The concerts are held every Sunday in Summer at 12:00 and at 16:00 .
7. Palace of Culture and Science
Go to the top of the Palace of Culture and Science at night. You will enjoy a magnificent view over the city of Warsaw. The viewing terrace is open daily from 10:00 – 20:00. A regular ticket costs 20zl.
8. Free Fountain Show
See the free fountain show in Warsaws Multimedia Fountain Park. Take a blanket or a towel and sit down in the grassy slopes around the main fountain. The show takes place on Friday and Saturday from May till September at 21:30 (during September at 21:00).
9. Bike to Vistula beach
Rent a bike and escape the city center of Warsaw. There are many bike routes in Warsaw, but the nicest one goes along both sides of the Vistula river. Cross over to the eastern bank at Świętokrzyski bridge and follow the bike trail up north. You will go through a nice and shady forest and end up at a sand bank, the Vistula beach. Bring a towel or a blanket and just relax for a few minutes before hitting the city center again.
10. Hang out with locals at Vistula River Shore
Buy some drinks and hang out along the Vistula river (close to the mermaid statue) in the evening. You will find many locals doing the same. Enjoy the sunset and nice views along the riverside. When you get hungry, don’t worry. There are many street food vendors, you will be spoilt for choice.
