In November 2015, I had the chance to spend 2 days in Warsaw with my partner. It was a fantastic trip that barely cost me a thing! Below is a list of spots you shouldn't miss.
1/ The Barbican Walls
We started our tour in the old quarter of the city, "Nowy Miasto," with a walk along the Barbican. These ramparts are quite charming, very traditional, and well-preserved. They were built in 1548 to enclose the city, demolished, and then rebuilt after World War II to commemorate the city's architectural history. Today, a section of these walls is occupied by local artists who display their work, which you can view for free.
2/ Plac Zamkowy, Castle Square
Plac Zamkowy, also located in the Old Town, is home to several points of interest, including:
- The Sigismund's Column. Admittedly, it’s not the most exciting monument you’ll see, but it’s worth a look because it is the oldest and tallest secular monument in Warsaw. It was erected in 1644 by order of King Wladislaw IV to honor his father, who moved the capital from Krakow to Warsaw. The monument stands 22m tall, and the statue of the king is 2.75m. The column collapsed during World War II and still rests on the square, next to the Royal Castle.
- The Royal Castle. This castle served as the residence for the Kings of Poland in Warsaw. It was destroyed in 1944 and rebuilt in the 1970s. Today, it’s used for official ceremonies, as a branch of the National Museum in Warsaw, displaying artworks that were there in 1939 and were saved during World War II, and as an exhibition space. Since there is an admission fee to tour the interior, I skipped it, but you can at least enter the courtyard for free.
- On the other hand, I climbed up to admire the view from the panorama at the top of the bell tower attached to St. Anne's Church, and I highly recommend it! The 360° view is truly magnificent. This view came with a price tag: 5 zloty/person (about €1, and it was well worth it).
3/ The Fotoplastikon
The Fotoplastikon is one of my favorite finds in Warsaw. It might not be a major attraction, but it’s an experience you don't find everywhere (it was my first time seeing one), and the price is unbeatable. This popular attraction from the 19th and 20th centuries lets you watch a 3D photo reel through binoculars. Sitting on a stool, you watch the turbulent history of Warsaw from the early 20th century onwards unfold before your eyes over 20 minutes through vintage photos.
4/ Lazienki Palace
Lazienki Palace isn't right in the center and requires a bit of a walk if you're on foot, but it is truly stunning, and the walk there is very pleasant as it takes you through a park. It was built on an island in the Vistula River.
5/ The National Stadium
The National Stadium was built specifically for the UEFA EURO 2012 Football Championships, right where the "10th Anniversary Stadium" once stood. It’s located near the Old Town and the city center, and you can see it from many spots in the capital. Its white and red colors pay homage to Poland’s national flag. It stands 50 meters tall and can hold 58,000 people. The stadium's best feature is its retractable roof. The roof opens in just fifteen minutes, which is apparently an impressive sight in itself (I didn't get a chance to take the tour).
The complex also includes 3,000 spaces for various uses: a large convention center, exhibition halls, several offices, and other facilities where thousands of people work. It even houses an ecumenical chapel!
Since it's located on the other side of the river, it takes some effort to reach on foot, but it is well-served by public transport.
6/ The Palace of Culture and Science
The Palace of Culture and Science (Palac nauki i kultury) is housed in a rather unique building. It’s not necessarily well-regarded by Poles because it’s a former communist structure built on the ruins of the Warsaw Ghetto. In fact, as you walk around the area, you can see the line that once separated the Jewish and non-Jewish inhabitants of Warsaw.
The architect was reportedly inspired by famous New York buildings, mixed with the prevailing communist style. It also offers an observation deck (paid) on the 30th floor, but since the sky was very cloudy during our visit, we decided to skip that part.
Inside the Palace, we visited the Museum of Technology and Industry. It was an inexpensive and very fun visit that showcased human technical evolution, from ancient agricultural tools to 90s video games (which we could actually play!), as well as vintage motorcycles, old airplanes, musical instruments, and household appliances. Quite entertaining.
7/ Pilsudski Square
Pilsudski Square looks directly out onto Ogrod Park, also known as the Saxon Gardens, which are pleasant for a stroll. But the main draw of this square, in my opinion, is that it gives you an idea of the devastation the city suffered during and at the end of World War II. It was once the site of the Saxon Palace, of which only a tiny fragment remains today, housing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It’s incredible to compare the old palace (visible on many postcards) with what’s left of it today.
8/ The Planetarium
If you need a break, take a trip to the Planetarium. This type of cinema, with its dome-filling screens, lets you watch 3D films that will take you on a journey to the center of the earth or make you feel like you're flying. Enjoyable for both kids and adults.
9/ The University Library
I would have loved to visit the rooftop garden, which is said to be beautiful, but unfortunately, it was inaccessible during our visit.
There are still plenty of things to see in Warsaw, but regardless, I highly recommend checking these out, especially if you only have 2 days. I really liked the city itself, a capital that feels human-sized and rather calm, with very friendly people who speak excellent English, and above all, a city trip with activities that are easy on the wallet... Definitely worth doing!
Finally, if you'd like a more visual overview of the city, I invite you to check out my Warsaw photo album here.
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