Warsaw is built around a large body of water, straddling the sparkling Vistula River. The small fishing town was first fortified as a Masovian stronghold in the early 14th century. Warsaw is far more inspiring for what has come and gone in the city limits and in the minds of the people than for the physicality of the city.

Here are the most stuning places to see in Warsaw, to get the most out of your journey:

1. Warsaw Rising Museum

The Warsaw Rising Museum collects and maintains hundreds of artefacts, ranging from weapons used by the insurgents to love letters, in order to present a full picture of the people involved. The Museum’s stated goals include the creation of an archive of historical information on the Uprising and the recording of the stories and memories of the still living Uprising participants.

2. Warsaw Zoological Garden

Several thousand animals, yet the real personalities of the Warsaw Zoo are the brown bears whose area is located outside the garden, near Solidarności Avenue.

3. Palace of Culture and Science

The Palace of Culture and Science is still the tallest building in Poland and fulfils the role of a cultural centre accommodating theatres, museums, a cinema and a concert hall. The highest viewing platform in Warsaw.

4. Lazienki Park

Lazienki, which means ‘the baths’, takes its name from the lavish private bathing house that the aristocrat Stanislas Lubomirski established here in 1683.
Lazienki Park features gallery, pictures and extensive description.

5. Warsaw’s Old Town

Walking the streets of the Old Town and New Town allows you to rest from the bustle of central city life. Atmospheric alleys, squares, and cosy cafés create a unique sense of history.

6. Park-Palace Complex

The park and palace complex at Łazienki are one of the most beautiful of this type in Europe. Established in the 17th century, the landscape gardens feature many interesting architectural monuments, the most important of which include the Palace on the Island built for King Stanislaw August Poniatowski.

7. Multimedia Fountain Park

In three words: The magic of music and light!