Six places that carry a visit to Warsaw. The Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN and the Copernicus Science Centre have no card here; the travel guide uses them as the plan for a rainy day.
1Old Town and Castle Square
Photo: Egor Komarov / Pexels, Pexels License
The historic centre was rebuilt, and the reconstruction is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sigismund's Column on Castle Square is the meeting point of the whole city.
Time
1 to 2 h to walk the streets
Setting
Outdoor
Best time
Early morning or evening
Getting there
The streets start right behind the Royal Castle, on the north side of Castle Square
Tip: The Market Square is crowded at summer midday. Come before the groups or after dinner, when the lit façades are at their best.
A park of lakes and palaces with the Palace on the Isle at its centre, and the Old Orangery among the buildings.
Time
2 to 3 h with the palace buildings
Setting
Both
Best time
Morning, before the paths fill
Getting there
South of the centre; the official transport map shows the stop nearest to your hotel
Tip: Look at the palace from the lakeshore and keep the interiors for a wet hour. A building can close without notice, so check the list on the official page.
The gardens are open daily from 6 am to 9 pm and are free. The buildings open from Tuesday to Sunday, with hours that vary by building and season.
A Baroque palace built between 1677 and 1696 for King John III Sobieski, with a formal garden laid out behind it.
Time
3 to 4 h including the garden
Setting
Both
Best time
A clear morning
Getting there
The southern end of the Royal Route, far from the centre
Tip: Count a half day, because the ride out is long. In winter the light fades around the time the palace closes, so start in the morning.
In winter the palace is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, with the last entry at 3 pm. The park and courtyard open at 9 am, with the last entry at 3.30 pm. Prices are on the official site.
The tower you see from everywhere has a viewing terrace, which is the one place in town where the tower itself is out of sight.
Time
1 h on the terrace
Setting
Indoor
Best time
The hour before dusk
Getting there
In the centre, next to Warszawa Centralna
Tip: On some Fridays and Saturdays the terrace stays open later, so check the date on the website. It can be shut on the day, and a clear evening is the only one worth the money.
Open daily from 10 am to 8 pm. A ticket costs PLN 30, reduced PLN 25.
