Whilst Poland’s European neighbours – including Czech Republic, Germany and Austria – have been tourism hotspots for decades, Poland has flown somewhat under the radar for many tourists. But this could be about to change. With a population of almost 1.8 million, Poland’s capital city of Warsaw is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered – and to be given the attention it rightly deserves.

We spent just over a week in Warsaw, discovering just what makes this capital city so special, and exploring a new world of food, history and culture.

Planning a trip to Warsaw? Make sure you read on to discover what you need to visit during your time in Poland’s biggest city!

Old Town

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Warsaw’s Old Town is full of history. With cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and some delicious restaurants and cafés, it’s definitely worth a visit. We spent a couple of evenings just wandering around the square, taking in the sights. You can also visit the Gardens of the Royal Castle from here!

The Square is quite popular with tourists, so there’s plenty of opportunities to find your souvenirs here too.

Warsaw Rising Museum

Warsaw Rising is a phenomenal museum, opened on the 60th anniversary of Warsaw’s uprising. The museum is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the fight for Poland to be independent. The main exhibition displays just what life was like living in Warsaw – and Poland – during the uprising, and explains the complex political situation the country was facing.

Sunday admissions are free, or 25PLN any other day!

Vistula River

The longest river in Poland, Vistula is a popular chill out spot for tourists and locals alike.

It’s left bank is home to entertainment, eateries and events, and will often be buzzing on a summer evening with people relaxing and having a drink or two. The River’s right bank is home to a huge natural area which is a habitat for many species of birds.

National Museum

One of the oldest art museums in the country, Warsaw’s National Museum is home to over 800,000 phenomenal paintings, photographs and sculptures. The museum is closed on Mondays, but open 10-4 every other day, with ticket prices just 20PLN for an adult ticket.

Lazienki Park

Warsaw is packed with parks. Lazienkie is the biggest of the city’s green spaces, popular with residents and tourists. The park is home to the Palace on the Island – a popular attraction which was built in the 17th Century as a bathhouse for Stanisław Herakliusz Lubomirski who owned nearby Ujazdowski Castle.

During summer there is often live music events and there’s plenty of ice cream vendors if it’s a hot day!

You can purchase tickets for the Palace on the Island as well as the other attractions in the park including the Old Orangery. Day tickets are available which give you access to all of the attractions in the Park aside from the Botanical Gardens so this is a great option if you’re wanting to make a day of it!

Warsaw is one of my favourite cities from our trip around Europe last summer.

The locals are welcoming, the food is delicious and the history is incredible.

And if you’re planning on visiting Krakow or Aushcwitz, you can check out our tips and guides by following the links below.

• Krakow, Poland
• Auschwitz

Happy exploring,

Charley x