The city of Warsaw, Poland is an exciting combination of tradition and modernity, and features a vast amount of activities for tourists. Whether your passion is architecture, food, scenery, museums or historic sites, Warsaw is sure to have something that will excite and entertain you.
The Old Town- Destroyed in World War Two, Warsaw’s old town was completely and painstakingly rebuilt from the ruins of the original buildings. Located in the heart of Warsaw, the Old Town is a beautiful collection of historic buildings and cobbled streets which will take you back far into the city’s past. The Old Town boasts a number of excellent restaurants which server traditional Polish delicacies. In the summer months, the Old Town is a pleasant place for a walk or a meal at one of the many quaint outdoor cafes. Some points of interest in the old town include:
- St. John’s Cathedral- Built in the 1400’s, St. John’s Cathedral is an awe inspiring church built in the Gothic architectural style. The cathedral features religious art and intricately carved tombs.
-The Market Square- Featuring beautiful architecture and an abundance of traditional shops and cafes, the Market Square is a must stop for those touring the Old Town. In the summertime, horse-drawn carriages tour this area.
-The Royal Castle- Built in the impressive Baroque style in the 1300s, the Royal Castle is an impressive and beautiful building located near the Old Town. Now a museum, the Royal Castle features many impressive works of art, as well as historical furniture. Paintings by the famous Renaissance artists Marcello Bacciarelli and Bernando Bellotto can be found here.
The New Town- Although known as the “New” Town, this area of Warsaw was founded in the 1400s. Much like the Old Town, the New Town features beautiful architecture, traditional polish dining and shopping, and lovely scenery in the summer. A Few sites to see include:
-Tragutta Park- This is a beautifully maintained and expansive park which is very pleasant for strolls in the spring and summer.
-The Citadel and Citadel Museum- Built in the 1700s, The citadel has served, overtime, as a fortress, jail and museum. The Citadel is an expansive and intimidating building located along the Wisla river. The Citadel museum houses many excellent exhibits which highlight the history of Poland from the 1700s to today.
- The Warsaw Uprising Memorial- Built to honor the men and women who died resisting the German occupation of World War Two, this statue is a fitting tribute to their sacrifices. The statue portrays men defending a barricade and climbing down into sewers.
Solidarity Avenue- The cultural and commercial hub of modern Warsaw, Solidarity Avenue is a mix of modernity and tradition. Churches, Parks and gardens, Monasteries, monuments, and modern skyscrapers can all be found in the vicinity of Solidarity Avenue. Places of interest for the tourist include: Krasinski Palace, The Saxon gardens, the Krasinkris gardens, and the Basilian Church.
Lazienki Park- If you are looking for a blend of natural beauty and cultural architecture, look no further then Lazienki Park. The Park is wonderful location for quiet romantic walks or simply a peaceful place to relax. The park features a number of pavilions and palaces, but the centerpiece is The Palace on Water. Built in the 18th century, The Palace on the Water is an impressive building in the Neo-Classical style, and is a must see.
A Fantastic blend of the traditional and the modern, Warsaw, Poland is an accessible and enjoyable place for any tourist.
