Over the centuries, Warsaw has been plundered and invaded many times by forces from Sweden
and France to Russia.
It suffered heavy damage from German bombs in World War II.
Yet, Warsaw today is a new, vibrant city that has been largely restored to its pre-World
War II.
Among the tourist attractions in Warsaw, Old Town, with its palace, churches and castles,
is not to be missed.
Visitors also will want to take advantage of the city’s impressive cultural activities.
Here’s a look at the top tourist attractions in Warsaw:
Number 10.
Krakowskie Przedmiescie
A walk down Krakowskie Przedmiescie is a great way to experience Warsaw’s history.
Situated at the end of the Royal Route, strollers will find the Presidential Palace and Warsaw
University as well as Baroque churches.
The one-mile long street, one of Warsaw’s oldest, links the Old Town and the Royal Castle.
Travelers should be on the lookout for a 17th century statue of a Madonna and child that
commemorates a Polish victory over Turkish forces in Vienna.
Number 9.
Copernicus Science Centre
Copernicus, who lived from 1473 to 1543, is one of the most famous scientists and mathematicians
to come out of Poland.
It was he who formulated the theory that the earth revolves around the sun, and not the
other way around.
It is fitting, therefore, that Poland honors him with the Copernicus Science Centre, with
a planetarium exhibit devoted to space and how it impacts our lives.
Number 8.
Museum of the History of Polish Jews
Opening on the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the museum honors 1,000 years
of Jews in Poland.
It is designed to educate people about the Jewish faith and culture through exhibits
in eight galleries that explain such things as how the Jews came to Poland; at one time
more Jews lived in Poland than anywhere in the world.
The history of the Jews in Poland is told through oral histories of Jews from rabbis
to housewives in multimedia narratives.
Number 7.
Palace of Culture and Science.
The Palace of Culture and Science is a multi-functional building that houses everything from companies
to entertainment venues.
Built in the 1950s, the high-rise building – the tallest in Poland — features a spire
that reaches into the sky.
It was originally named for Joseph Stalin, but changed when the Soviet leader fell out
of favor.
As a concert venue, it’s hosted many international groups, including the Rolling Stones back
in 1967.
Number 6.
Wilanow Palace
Wilanow Palace is one of the most important monuments in Poland, representing what Poland
was like before the 18th century.
The palace was built as a home for King John III Sobieski.
After his death the palace was owned by private families, each one changing the way the palace
looked.
Unlike the rest of Warsaw, the royal palace survived WWII almost unscathed, and most of
its furnishings and art were reinstalled after the war.
Today, it is a museum that is home to the country’s artistic and royal heritage.
The 17th century royal palace hosts several music festivals, including the summer concerts
in the garden.
Number 5.
Nowy Swiat.
At first glance, Nowy Swiat appears to be misnamed.
Nowy Swiat translates as New World Street, yet it is one of the most historic streets
in Warsaw.
It runs north from Three Crosses Square to the Royal Castle, taking in part of the Royal
Route on its journey.
By the 20th century, it was one of Warsaw’s primary commercial streets, lined with neoclassical
buildings It was almost completely destroyed during World War II’s Warsaw Uprising.
It was restored as a cobblestone street following the war.
Number 4.
Warsaw Uprising Museum.
Warsaw was famous for withstanding the Nazis during World War II.
The Jewish ghetto, where Jews were confined by the Nazis, was the largest in Europe.
The uprising, however, was not limited to Jews alone.
The Warsaw Uprising Museum opened in 2004 on the 60th anniversary of the uprising.
Visitors will find a day-by-day account of the uprising which began on August 1 and ended
on October 2.
Number 3.
Royal Castle.
The Royal Castle served as the home and officials of Polish rulers for centuries.
It is located on Castle Square at the entrance to Old Town.
The castle dates back to the 14th century when it was the official residence of the
Dukes of Masovia.
It was conquered many times by invaders from afar, but bounced back to be the place where
the first constitution in Europe was drafted in 1791.
This impressive structure, with a tower in the middle, is a museum today, though official
state meetings are sometimes held here.
Number 2.
Lazienki Park
Lazienki Park, also known as Royal Baths Park, is the largest park in Warsaw.
Designed as a park in the 17th century, it eventually was turned into a place for villas,
monuments and palaces.
The Palace on the Isle is the foremost building in the park, located on the Royal Route in
central Warsaw.
This palace today is a treasure trove of paintings collected by Polish royalty and statues of
the country’s greatest rulers.
Also located on the isle is a Greco-Roman amphitheatre that dates back to 1793.
More palaces and an 18th century orangery can be found in the park.
Number 1.
Old Town Market Square.
Located in the oldest part of Old Town, the square dates back to the late 13th century.
It was totally destroyed by bombs in World War II.
Most of the buildings were rebuilt beginning in 1948, and look much like the original 17th
century structures.
A drawing point of the square today is the many restaurants that surround this pretty
square, which make it a good place to sample Polish specialties.
The market square features a bronze sculpture of the Warsaw mermaid, the symbol of Poland’s
capital.