What to see in Warsaw in 2 days
Poland’s capital city has preserved those city walls, palaces and mansions remaining after a dark period in its history. In the fabric of its buildings, you can still see evidence of a war that almost destroyed Warsaw, but which the Poles rebuilt exactly as it had been before the conflict.
So its Old Town contains defensive buildings, castles that belonged to the country’s now defunct monarchy, and even a skyscraper given as a gift by Stalin during the period when it was under Russian control (which is now home to one of the city’s most exclusive clubs).
One of Warsaw’s most surprising features is the river Vistula promenade, with which the city has achieved a symbiosis based on parks and green areas where the city’s residents come to walk, exercise, and enjoy the lovely views.
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 splendid 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 Cathedral
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 a.m. - 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. The Royal Castle is the capital city’s most important building. The royal apartments, the Throne Room, and paintings by Rembrandt and Canaletto are open to the public. In the square stands the city’s oldest civil monument, the column of Sigismund III.
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 stately 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 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 Poland’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, the 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.
Prisión de Pawiak
Este lugar no muy conocido fue levantado por los rusos, pero en la invasión nazi se usó como sede de la Gestapo donde se ejecutaron a 40.000 personas. La otra opción es visitar el Museo Polin de Historia de los Judíos Polacos, que también es un reclamo muy turístico.
2.30 - 4.00 p.m.
Browary Warszawskie
This is a former brewery that 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.
Lazienki Park
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.