What to do in Warsaw

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic square with colorful buildings, a prominent church with a green dome, and a clock tower.
A neoclassical building with a central pediment, columns, and a sculpture of horses.
A bronze statue of soldiers in combat, set against a modern building with glass windows and green metal railings.
A grand hall with ornate gold detailing, a central red carpet, and rows of wooden chairs.
A man examining a map on a display table in a warmly lit corridor with a projection screen on the wall.

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.

Things to do


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Top places to visit

1. 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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A European street with colorful buildings, outdoor cafes, and people sitting at tables.

2. 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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A stadium with a distinctive roof structure and a bridge over a body of water.

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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A large, historic building with a clock tower, surrounded by leafless trees and a clear sky.

4. 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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A grand classical building with ornate columns and statues, a large gate with intricate ironwork, and a clear blue sky.

5. 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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A nighttime city street with historic buildings, a clock tower, and a tram stop.

6. Lazienki Park

Lazienki Park is the city’s largest park, encompassing 188 acres (76 hectares). See the famous Chopin Monument, listen to open-air music performances and explore historic buildings and palaces across the park.
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A grand neoclassical building with statues, columns, and ornate balconies.

7. 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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A historical street scene with cobblestone pavement, vintage cars, and a building labeled "Bank".

8. Copernicus Science Centre

The Copernicus Science Centre is an innovative, hands-on museum that invites families to discover the laws of science through experiments, quizzes and interactive exhibitions. One of Europe’s largest and most modern museums, the center features over 450 exhibits in seven permanent galleries. Watch a performance by robot actors, see an older version of yourself using “the age machine” and conduct experiments at the museum’s labs.
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A modern building with a unique architectural design, featuring a combination of glass and metal panels, and a prominent overhang structure.

Recommended things to do in Warsaw

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What to do in Warsaw


Stay near popular Warsaw attractions

Where to stay in Warsaw

Find the best Warsaw areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Warsaw
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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.

Nowa Praga

If you're spending time in Nowa Praga, check out sights like Warsaw Zoo or Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene and hop on the metro to see more the city at Ratuszowa 52 Tram Stop or Inżynierska 03 Tram Stop.

Mirów

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

Mokotow

Noted for its shopping and historic sites, there's plenty to explore in Mokotow. Top attractions like Krolikarnia Palace and Galeria Mokotow Shopping Centre are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Malczewskiego 06 Tram Stop or Malczewskiego 05 Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Centrum

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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

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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