What to see in Warsaw in 3 days
Eighty-five percent of Warsaw was destroyed during the Second World War, but the Poles worked hard to rebuild it so that it rose again, and its hundreds of historic monuments were returned to their former glory. That is why it is so wonderful to see the Royal Castle, the Barbican, the city’s squares and its colourful, stately mansions.
Moreover, Warsaw has extensive green areas where you can admire the fantastic nineteenth-century palaces, fountains, lakes and huge promenades.
On your tour, don’t forget to visit contrasting areas such as the Jewish Ghetto, the largest in Europe, and the Praga district, the city’s most alternative and bohemian neighbourhood.
Itinerary day 1
10.00 - 10.30 a.m.
Stare Miasto
Warsaw’s Old Town, reconstructed following the Second World War, encapsulates the spirit of that stately city. The Market Place is the Polish capital city’s most visited attraction, with its historic buildings, colourful façades and a plethora of shops and bars.
10.30 - 11.00 a.m.
St John’s Archcathedral
This Gothic church is famous for its stained-glass windows, and for some of the treasures it holds, such as the chapel of the Virgin Mary. The curious fact is that it was not rebuilt as it had been before the War; instead the original plans which had been kept were used.
11.00 - 1.30 p.m.
The Royal Route to the Royal Castle
The Royal Route is the route once travelled by the Polish monarchs from their castle in the Old Town to their palaces on the outskirts of Warsaw, where they would spend the summer. One of these is the Łazienki Palace, to which we shall return later. In these two streets, but mainly in Krakowskie Przedmieście, we can find some of the city’s most majestic edifices. This is the perfect spot to tune into the rhythm of the city, and to appreciate the prestige that this area once enjoyed.
1.45 - 3.00 p.m.
Cafe Zamek
This café at the Royal Castle has a terrace with excellent views, and is a good place to feel like part of the Polish aristocracy.
3.15 - 3.45 p.m.
The Market Place
In this popular square, lined with opulent mansions with their façades painted in different colours, is the Mermaid, one of the city’s emblems that is even included on its shield, and which is a character in a very charming legend.
3.45 - 4.15 p.m.
The Barbican
We can quickly visit Warsaw’s medieval area. This structure formed part of the city’s defences during the sixteenth century — and examples of medieval military architecture, such as walls and fortifications, can still be seen here. At Christmas, a very popular market is held here.
4.30 - 4.45 p.m.
The Monument to the Warsaw Uprising
Very close to the Barbican stands this monument in honour of the fighters who died during the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against the Nazis. It is in Krasinskich Square, very near the Supreme Court, also a very interesting building.
5.00 - 7.00 p.m.
The Krasinski Palace Gardens
This is an imposing seventeenth-century palace in the Baroque style, whose gardens have been made into somewhere for tourists and locals to relax, especially after sightseeing around Warsaw’s Old Town. Part of the palace houses the National Library.
7.30 - 8.00 p.m.
Grand Theatre–National Opera
This is one of Poland’s most beautiful theatres, a splendid building both inside and out, with one of the largest stages in the whole world.
8.00 - 8.30 p.m.
The Presidential Palace
Located in one of Warsaw’s main streets, this edifice is quite plain but full of history. The inside is not open to the public, but it is worth getting a close-up look at its façade and setting.
8.30 - 9.30 p.m.
Zapiecek
In this restaurant, you can try very good pierogi (small, Polish pasties with various fillings) at a quite reasonable price. The restaurant is also very close to several clubs where you can have a drink.
Itinerary day 2
10.00 - 11.00 a.m.
The Jewish Ghetto
In Zlota Street, a fragment of the wall of what was the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe still stands. Here, 300,000 Jews lost their lives. In Stawki Street, there is a memorial to commemorate the spot from which they were deported to the death camps.
11.00 a.m. - 12.00 noon
The Nozyk Synagogue
This is the only synagogue still standing. It miraculously survived the Second World War bombings. The interior is very impressive, as is the security you have to pass through to enter it.
12.15 noon - 2.00 p.m.
Pawiak Prison
This place is not very well known. Built by the Russians, it was used as a headquarters by the Gestapo during the Nazi invasion. Forty thousand people were executed here. Alternatively, you could visit the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, which also draws many tourists.
2.30 - 4.00 p.m.
Browary Warszawskie
This former brewery has been transformed into a complex full of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy all kinds of food. It is a very special place, and extremely popular among Warsaw’s inhabitants, as it brews its own beer.
4.00 - 5.00 p.m.
The Palace of Culture and Science
Warsaw’s tallest building, it affords fantastic views from its 30th floor. It was a gift to the city from Stalin, and at one point in its history, the authorities considered demolishing it. Nowadays it is the headquarters of one of Warsaw’s most exclusive clubs.
5.15 - 6.00 p.m.
E. Wedel Café
This is Warsaw’s most famous chocolate lounge, and is a place with a good deal of charm, as well as history. Its magnificent lounges are perfect for enjoying an afternoon tea before continuing on your tour — and they also sell the city’s most famous chocolates.
6.15 - 8.15 p.m.
Parque Lazienki
At the end of the Royal Route, you will find Lazienki Park, with a palace that was once the summer residence of Poland’s last king. There are three gardens, the Royal Garden, the Belvedere Garden and the Modernista Garden. It is one of the city’s most admired green spaces.
8.30 - 10.00 p.m.
U Szwejka
This restaurant serves a variety of tasty traditional Polish cuisine, and always offers good quality at a reasonable price. Its terrace is a pleasant place to eat in the evening.
Itinerary day 3
10.00 - 11.00 a.m.
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Florian the Martyr
It is well worth visiting this church with its two 75-metre-tall towers. It stands in the heart of Praga — a district that survived the Second World War thanks to the presence of Soviet troops, and which has since become Warsaw’s most bohemian neighbourhood.
11.00 - 11.20 a.m.
The Courtyard Band Monument
Near the cathedral, you will find this intriguing monument in honour of the traditional bands that played in this area after World War II. The musicians, dressed in contemporary attire, play the violin, the accordion, the banjo, the guitar and the drums.
11.30 a.m. - 12.00 noon
Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene
This is an Orthodox church built in the nineteenth century, with five cupolas inspired by the traditional churches of Ukraine. Inside are some frescoes and the remains of a very interesting mosaic of The Last Supper.
12.30 - 2.00 p.m.
Mala and Stalowa Streets
To wander these streets is to recall old buildings, now in decay, that survived the War and which were chosen as the location for films such as Roman Polanski’s The Pianist. There are also examples of incredible graffiti, such as at the Fight Club.
2.30 - 4.00 p.m.
Centrum Praskie “Koneser”
This former vodka distillery has been restored in its industrial style to create not only the only museum dedicated to this particular drink, but also a restaurant where you can enjoy typical Polish cuisine with a good beer and vodka.
4.10 - 5.00 p.m.
Ząbkowska Street
One of this district’s oldest streets, Ząbkowska Street is well worth visiting, especially to see the old altars. During the Soviet period, many residents created their own altars in courtyards and doorways so that they could pray, and some examples have been preserved.
5.30 - 7.30 p.m.
Warsaw’s Beach
This area of beach, next to Warsaw’s zoo, is one of the city’s most crowded spots during the summer. It has sun loungers and beach bars where people can enjoy the waters of the river Vistula, the sand, and the fabulous views of the Old Town.
8.00 - 10.00 p.m.
Restauracja Źródło
On leaving the zoo district, you will come across this inauspicious-looking little restaurant that serves wonderful dishes at a very affordable price. It is worth ordering a range of plates to share so that you can try a variety of different foods.