What to do in Warsaw – Top Attractions to Visit in the City

Warsaw is a city of culture, art and modern living. It is a vibrant city full of life and activity, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a historical tour of Old Town, an outdoor stroll along the Wis≂a River, an adventurous pub crawl, or a class in traditional pottery making – Warsaw has it all.

With such a wide range of options, sights, and sites to choose from it can be difficult to narrow down what to do in the city. If you’re having difficulty deciding how to spend your time in Warsaw, here are some of the top attractions not to be missed:

Old Town – The Historic Centre

One of the best places to start your exploration of Warsaw is the city’s historic centre – Old Town (or  Stare Miasto). Declared a  World Heritage Site in 1980, the district is an array of late-medieval houses and some reconstructed renaissance buildings, and reminds visitors of the city’s troubled past under Nazi rule. In 1944, Old Town was almost 100% destroyed by German forces during World War II. Today you can see many buildings restored and reconstructed within a degree of their former glory.

To make the most of this historic district, join a guided tour from the Ministry of Tourism and Monument Protection of Warsaw which takes you through the key sites, buildings and monuments in the area. Alternatively, you can stroll along Krakowskie Przedmieście, a long avenue connecting the Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy) with the Presidential Palace. Along this street you’ll see beautiful monasteries, churches and palaces and find yourself surrounded by the architecture which makes Old Town so special.

Explore Praga

The Praga district is located east of the Wisly River and was once declared by Napoleon as the “Paris of eastern Europe’. Thanks to its cheap rent, it has become a hub for local creatives, galleries, alternative theaters and independent music venues. It’s a reminder that Warsaw isn’t all about tourist attractions and has its own unique culture and way of living. While exploring Praga, be sure to visit one of the many alternative cafes; check out what exports are in gallery; or take in some of the traditional local live music (especially around Trzech Krzyży square).

Climb the Palace of Culture

No trip to Warsaw would be complete without visiting the Palace of Culture and Science (Pałac Kultury i Nauki). Despite being declared as a “gift’ by Stalin in 1952, locals have adopted this popular tourist spot as the unofficial or symbol of Warsaw. You can take an elevator up to the 30th-floor observation deck for some amazing 360-degree views over Warsaw – however be warned it can get quite crowded during the peak holiday season! Alternatively, The PKiN holds various exhibitions and movie premieres throughout the year on its 3rd floor.

Take a Pub Crawl

For most budget travelers, taking a pub crawl is an essential part of experiencing Warsaw. What better way to get to know another culture than to taste their local beer? The most popular routes take you through Old Town and Praga, though there are pub crawls which cater for all types of preferences from sports fans looking for active bars to those searching for something more sophisticated.

One great example is Warsaw Pub Crawl (GetYourGuide’s Warsaw Pub Crawl) – a fun night out with friends or other travelers that allows you to start your journey with a welcome shot at each location, followed by some local food pairings. This crawl ends with a visit to some of the classic pubs in Praga where you can enjoy live music and feel part of an authentic Polish experience!

Visit Wilanów Park

No visit to Warsaw would be complete without taking some time out to appreciate its outdoor spaces. Wilanów Park provides one such place with its vast grounds creating a peaceful environment from which visitors can observe its majestic palace architecture, fountains, canals and exotic plants. A nice place for a picnic or maybe a romantic sunset stroll!

Take A Pottery Class

For something more unique and cultural to do in Warsaw – why not try your hand at making some traditional Polish pottery? Studio Barana (Świder 17) offers an array of workshops/courses whereby visitors can attend an introductory class in pottery making and learn some valuable skills while also admiring the craftsmen inside their workspace.

Tryńcza Lake

Last but not least – Tryńcza Lake is situated within a protected area around 50 km south of Warsaw and makes for a great day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. It’s known famously as one of Eastern Europe’s cleanest lakes – so why not take advantage of this amazing natural asset by spending a day swimming in its crystal clear waters or perhaps exploring its surroundings on one of its beaches?

Whether it’s sightseeing in Old Town, partying in Praga or taking part in a pottery class – Warsaw has something for everyone! With these tips you should have a more informed idea about what activities to plan for your visit, however no matter what you choose – don’t forget to check out GetYourGuide’s Warsaw Pub Crawl, where you can easily connect with others and really make your trip memorable as you bar hop your way through this fabulous city.