What to do in Warsaw

Activities, attractions and tours

Castle Square which includes a square or plaza and a city
Castle Square which includes a square or plaza and a city
Warsaw Uprising Monument which includes a statue or sculpture
National Theatre which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements
Warsaw Uprising Monument showing a statue or sculpture

Warsaw Attractions

Warsaw isn't exactly the city that never sleeps, but it does have a number of attractions you'll love on your trip. Start with a visit the Copernicus Science Centre, which is one of Europe's best science museums. While some might think only kids would love a museum of this type, it has hands on exhibits every age group enjoys. You can learn more about the history of science and how scientists used different methods to invent products people still use today.

If this is your first visit to Warsaw, make sure you head to the Warsaw Uprising Museum. The city went through some major changes over the years, and this museum focuses on how workers revolted against their leaders. Though this all might sound a little bleak, you'll leave with a better understanding of what workers once through and how their rebellion changed the nation.

Many visitors take Warsaw excursions to Lazienki Park. King Stanislaw August Poniatowski built this large complex decades ago, and it is now one of the top tourist destinations in the city. Once you see the gorgeous gardens and water features, you'll understand why it's such a popular spot. You can even bring along a picnic lunch to eat by the water.

Poland has a deep connection to World War II, and you can take Warsaw tours of Old Town to see how the city responded to threats by Nazis. The Nazis destroyed many of the buildings in this neighborhood, but after the war ended, residents rebuilt the area. You can now see some of the top sites in the city in this small neighborhood, and you can even grab a map to build your own walking tour around those places.

The must see things to do in Warsaw range from spots like the Warsaw Zoo to restaurants where local residents love eating. Use Expedia to find other attractions in Warsaw you and your family will enjoy. You can check out museums, historic sites, gardens, zoos, and dozens of other attractions. With such a wide range of Warsaw activities available, the hardest part is finding time to do it all.


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Top places to visit

1. National Stadium

The National Stadium is the largest and most innovative stadium in Poland. Opened in 2012 for soccer during the European Football Championship, the stadium now attracts more than 140,000 people every month. Come for a tour and learn about the stadium’s construction or participate in one of the diverse events regularly hosted here.
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National Stadium featuring night scenes

2. Old Town Market Place

Warsaw’s Old Town Market Place is a bustling local gathering place and a symbol of the city’s resilience. Although most of the square’s original buildings were destroyed in World War II, the square has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its meticulous reconstruction. Dine on traditional cuisine at an outdoor café and enjoy the entertainment provided by street performers.
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Old Town Market Place featuring outdoor eating

3. Palace of Culture and Science

The monumental Palace of Culture and Science has towered over Warsaw’s city center for decades. A dubious gift from Joseph Stalin, this skyscraper is often viewed as an unfortunate reminder of Soviet domination. See wonderful vistas over the city from the building’s viewing terrace and check out the Socialist-Realist reliefs, marble staircases and ornate chandeliers decorating its interior.
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Palace of Culture and Science which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements

4. Nowy Swiat Street

The upscale stretch of Nowy Świat Street is lined with fashionable clubs, high-end shops and chic restaurants. During weekends in the summer, Nowy Świat is closed to traffic and the street fills with café tables along with lively groups of tourists and locals. Find a seat in the sun and spend an afternoon people-watching. Look inside the interesting shops and galleries along the street.
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Nowy Swiat Street featuring street scenes, night scenes and nightlife

5. University of Warsaw

Warsaw University is the city’s premier educational institution. Tens of thousands of students are enrolled in this modern intellectual hub, which encompasses many historic buildings. Wander among the neoclassical structures of its campus and explore the long promenades, elegant courtyards and manicured gardens.
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Warsaw University showing heritage elements and heritage architecture

6. Warsaw Uprising Museum

The scale of devastation and loss of life that Warsaw witnessed during World War II can be difficult to comprehend, but the Warsaw Uprising Museum helps bring it to life. Visit one of the most popular museums in Poland and browse the immersive exhibits, which document the tragic events of the uprising from its inception to its ultimate defeat.
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Warsaw Uprising Museum

7. POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews

Follow a trail through 1,000 years of Jewish culture and history at POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Learn about the significance of its building in the former Warsaw Ghetto and the terrible injustices and devastation of World War II.
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Warsaw which includes interior views

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What to do in Warsaw


Discover the most popular places to visit in Warsaw

Explore areas of Warsaw

Palace of Culture and Science showing heritage architecture and heritage elements

Centrum

Centrum is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Warsaw Fotoplastikon and Palace of Culture and Science. See more of Warsaw by jumping on the metro at Dworzec Centralny 09 Tram Stop or Dworzec Centralny 08 Tram Stop.

Centrum
Warsaw showing a square or plaza and a city

Old Town Warsaw

Step back in time as you explore the oldest part of Warsaw, featuring historic landmarks like the Royal Castle, St. John's Cathedral, and Zygmunt's Column. Wander through charming squares and admire the stunning architecture.

Old Town Warsaw
Panorama of old town square in Warsaw at lovely summer evening

Śródmieście Północne

If you're spending time in Śródmieście Północne, check out sights like Tomb of Unknown Soldier or Pilsudski Square and hop on the metro to see more the city at Metro Świętokrzyska 05 Tram Stop or Świętokrzyska Station.

Śródmieście Północne
Warsaw showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and heritage elements

Srodmiescie

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Home to national institutions, universities, and theaters, this district boasts numerous tourist attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring Warsaw's Old Town and New Town.

Srodmiescie
The Warsaw Uprising Monument is one of the most visited landmarks for foreign tourists.
Warsaw has several monuments that remind us of WWII. That is not surprising. Of a population of 27 million, 5 million people died between 1939 and 1945 and that was almost 19% of the population of the country.  #Warsaw

Śródmieście Południowe

If you're spending time in Śródmieście Południowe, check out sights like Warsaw Fotoplastikon or The National Museum in Warsaw and hop on the metro to see more the city at Plac Konstytucji 06 Tram Stop or Plac Konstytucji 05 Tram Stop.

Śródmieście Południowe
Evening cityscape with city lights - view of the Warsaw downtown and The Palace of Culture and Science. Warsaw. Poland

Mirów

While you're in Mirów, take in top sights like Warsaw Trade Tower or Norblin Museum, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Norblin 04 Tram Stop or Norblin 03 Tram Stop.

Mirów

 

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Day trip destinations from Warsaw

Frequently asked questions

Is Warsaw worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Warsaw is explore Copernicus Science Centre. Tick this top attraction off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's nightlife and dining.
How do I spend a day in Warsaw?
Copernicus Science Centre and Vistula River Beach are two good places to start your getaway adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and retail options in Warsaw while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Warsaw?
The top tourist attraction in Warsaw is Copernicus Science Centre, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Warsaw?
Three days in Warsaw is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many travellers book for three days on average. Copernicus Science Centre, Vistula River Beach and Warsaw Jewish Cemetery are top-rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Nowy Dwor Mazowiecki.
Is Warsaw a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Warsaw, such as Copernicus Science Centre and Vistula River Beach, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.80 kilometres from central Warsaw is Centrum and Srodmiescie is 0.64 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Warsaw with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all ages, take a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Warsaw with kids.

What to do in Warsaw for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Warsaw, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Koneser Vodka Distillery or Hala Koszyki.
Are there free things to do in Warsaw?
In Warsaw, Vistula River Beach is a top spot for anyone wanting to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's an easy way to explore the best free things to do in Warsaw.

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