12 Reasons Why You Should Visit Warsaw at Least Once in Your Lifetime

Royal Castle and Sigismund Column in Warsaw
Royal Castle and Sigismund Column in Warsaw | © S-F/Shutterstock

Warsaw has undergone some rapid changes in the last 20 years since the fall of communism. It has developed into a city for new business, turned into a tourist hub and really proved why this is the true capital city, ahead of previous capitals Gniezno and Kraków. However, Warsaw still sits in the shadow of the more popular tourist destinations of Wrocław, Gdańsk and Kraków, so it’s time to prove that those who neglect Warsaw are missing out on some real gems. These 12 reasons should entice you to visit Warsaw very soon.



Warsaw’s Old Town | © Northern Irishman in Poland

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Warsaw's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ruins

Poland has 17 UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites and arguably the most fascinating of these is Warsaw Old Town, which lay in ruins in 1944 after the intense bombing campaigns during the Second World War and the Warsaw Uprising. At that time, you would never have believed that, seven decades later, the Old Town would be just as colourful and pretty as it was before the the Nazis destroyed it. The rebuilding process was long and gruelling, but the local residents are proud of how good Warsaw’s Stare Miasto now looks.

To understand the 1944 Warsaw Uprising

Museum

The Warsaw Uprising Museum
© Sauleshechka/Shutterstock
While Warsaw boasts many museums, your first port of call should be the museum that all locals want you to see – the Warsaw Uprising Museum. They have been able to document the horrors and disasters of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, where the Nazis murdered many innocent Polish people in the capital. The exact number killed is not known, but is estimated at between 150,000 and 200,000 in a bloody battle that lasted 63 days, in which the city was completely destroyed. This museum details exactly what happened, on four levels and with some brutal images, videos and relics from the 1944 tragedy. There are also many memorials around the city dedicated to those who died.

The views from the Palace of Culture and Science

Building

Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw
© Carlos Delgado/Wikimedia Commons
While there is still some debate among the locals about whether they love or hate the Pałac Kultury i Nauki (Palace of Culture and Science), one thing is clear – the views from the top are superb. This is Warsaw’s tallest building and was built as a ‘present’ from Stalin to the Polish people during his reign, which explains why it divides opinion. Get the lift up to the viewing deck and decide for yourself.

The artistic neighbourhood of Praga

Bar, Cafe, Polish

So much more than a butcher shop, Zakład Mięsny is a quirky, local hangout
© Northern Irishman in Poland
There’s Amsterdam with its coffeeshops; London lures us in with Camden Town; and Copenhagen boasts the quirky Freetown Christiania. But visit Warsaw and discover something even more unusual and sublime: Welcome to Praga! Praga is like a whole new city and it’s only across the other side of the Wisła River. Praga is bereft of the commercial influx of a Starbucks or McDonald’s on every corner – expect arty cafés, quaint little bookshops, local pubs with atmosphere and vibrant graffiti.

To sample Poland’s Wedel chocolate

You may have heard of Swiss and Belgian chocolate, but what about Poland’s finest, Wedel? The Wedel Chocolate Factory offers tours for visitors and there are many shops and cafés throughout Poland where you can sample some of the best-quality chocolate you will ever eat. What’s more, a bar of Wedel chocolate only costs around 2 or 3 złotych.

Zamoyskiego 28/30, 03-801 Warszawa, Poland, +48 22 670 77 00

To laze in Łazienki Park

Park

Warsaw is a very green city. It is full of floral gardens, leafy parks and all the charms of nature. Łazienki Park is one of the finest city parks in Eastern Europe; it occupies 76 hectares of the city centre. There is a stunning lake here, a statue of Chopin, wide gardens, a huge pond, a café, many different walks to go on and you may see peacocks wandering around, too.

To experience the legacy of Chopin

Museum

Chopins Last piano |
| © Adrian Grycuk / WikiCommons
There can be no better place to understand the legacy of pianist and composer Frédéric Chopin than his home city. Start off by touring the Chopin Museum, then press a few buttons on the famous Chopin benches, before spending the evening listening to a concert in one of many venues that continue to showcase his work. You can also see his last ever piano in the museum.

To learn about Marie Curie in her home city

Museum, Park

Exterior wall of the Marie Curie Museum, Warsaw, Poland
© Anastasia Petrova/Shutterstock
Marie Skłodowska Curie was born in Warsaw in 1867 and is one of the most famous scientists of all time. She is still the only woman to win the Nobel Prize twice and she achieved those awards in two different sciences, physics and chemistry. To learn about Marie Curie’s life in Warsaw, start by touring her museum, before checking out her statue, her park and even a street named in her honour.

Warsaw has the best bar scene in Eastern Europe

People rave about Prague, Berlin and even Riga, but here among the poky streets of the Polish capital are some truly hidden gems. From a secret bar to bars that don’t look like bars, to wild cocktail bars and swanky wine bars, the city has it all. Head to the Pawilony area for a zone with 12 bars in a compact alleyway or the trendy Nowogradzka Street for its up-and-coming craft beer bars.

Pawilony, Pawilon 12, Nowy Świat 22/28, 00-373 Warszawa, Poland

Nowogradzka Street, Warsaw, Poland

Nightlife in Warsaw | © Northern Irishman in Poland

To see Poland's Presidential Palace

Memorial

Warsaw is the city you need to visit to check out Poland’s Presidential Palace. It is here that Polish presidents have been based since the 17th century. The Palace is guarded daily, yet accessible to all as it is on Warsaw’s “Golden Mile” (Krakowskie Przedmiescie). Heroic Polish Army Commander Józef Poniatowski’s statue sits in front of the stunning building. The Polish and EU flags fly here and it is also the venue for many protests, speeches and public demonstrations. There is also a memorial to the sad Smolensk air disaster, which claimed the lives of the then President Lech Kaczyński and his wife Maria.

To get your science fix at the Copernicus Centre

Museum

The Copernicus Science Centre, Warsaw, Poland
© Petr Bonek/Shutterstock
Down by the Wisła River sits a truly elaborate and stylish building. Welcome to the Copernicus Science Centre, which is one of the most creative and innovative science museums in Europe. It opened in 2010 and runs labs, workshops and special projects suitable for children, students, teachers and just about everyone. And let’s not forget the man it was named after – Nicolaus Copernicus, the famous Polish astronomer who decided it was the Sun rather than the Earth at the centre of the universe.

To step inside the world's narrowest house

Building

Inside The Keret House, Warsaw, Poland
© Forgemind ArchiMedia/Flickr
Keret House in Warsaw is a house that was squeezed as an insert between two buildings – at under 5ft wide, it is the narrowest house in the world. It was designed by Polish architect Jakub Szczęsny. If you want to visit, you’ll need to organise it well in advance through the Keret House website.
culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article