A Walking Tour Of Warsaw's Architectural Landmarks

From monumental Stalinist architecture, to beautifully revitalised parts of the former Jewish Ghetto, read our guide to discover central Warsaw’s architectural gems – witnesses to Poland’s turbulent past and rapidly changing future.

The Palace of Culture and Science

The Palace of Culture and Science is Warsaw’s most visible landmark. At 237 metres tall, it was designed by Russian architect Lev Rudnev and is a prime example of Socialist realist architecture (it was, in fact a ‘gift’ from Stalin during the Soviet occupation of Poland, which is why many Poles have mixed feelings about it until today). Make sure you visit the 30th floor observation deck offering 360-degree views of the city, and grab a drink from the retro Café Kulturalna located on the Palace’s ground floor (eastern wall).

Złote Tarasy

Cosmopolitan

Also located in the heart of Warsaw, Cosmopolitan is a modern residential/office building completed in 2014 and designed by German-American architect Helmut Jahn. The 160-metre-tall structure, mostly covered in glass, offers splendid views over Warsaw’s cityscape. On the ground floor, you’ll find a number of great dining options, including a Peruvian restaurant Ceviche and a breakfast/lunch place called SAM.

Próżna Street

This 160-metre-long street, part of the former Jewish Ghetto area, has undergone major refurbishment works in the last few years resulting in a series of beautifully modernised 19th-century tenement houses. Once neglected, today the street is much more vibrant thanks to a number of great restaurants and bars, such as Kieliszki na Próżnej (perfect for wine and contemporary Polish food), Nowa Próżna and Strefa.

Plac Grzybowski

This triangular square, dating back to the 17th century, was also part of the Jewish Ghetto during the Second World War. It houses Warsaw’s largest church – the neo-Renaissance All Saints Church – built in 1883 and designed by Enrico Marconi, who modeled it after the Abbey of Santa Giustina in Padua. It was heavily destroyed during the war (especially during the 1944 Warsaw Uprising), but successfully reconstructed in the post-war period. The square also features the hip Charlotte Menora café, where you can get freshly baked croissants and coffee. Another highlight is the annual Singer’s Warsaw Festival of Jewish Culture, which will take place in the area from August 26 until September 3, 2017.

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.