The capital of P Poland,Warsaw,was almost completely destroyed during World War II, but has since come backwith a vengeance, with a thriving arts scene and a mix of rescued and saveancient architecture, alongside modern buildings.
The Old Town was carefully rebuilt after the warand has since been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List with architecturefrom the gothic and renaissance periods. Next to these you’ll find concretemonstrosities from the Soviet era and new modern glass skyscrapers, making thecity a truly fascinating and eclectic place to visit for architecture buffs.The progressive cultural scene is as varied as the architecture of the capital.Visit war monuments and classical art galleries or discover underground theatreand avant-garde cinema.
Take a stroll through the city, starting in the OldCity here you will find many of the of Warsaw’smost popular sites, including the Royal Palace, King Zygmunt's Column and theBarbican, a remnant of the wall that once surrounded the city.
You can walk or take a bus on the Royal Route,which runs from the Royal Palace to the Wilanow Palace. The trail is about 10kilometres long and takes you past several churches, the Presidential Palace,Warsaw University and other attractions.
The Palace of Culture and Science is one of manyexamples of socialist realist architecture you’ll find in Warsaw.Its bell tower is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Take the elevatorto the 30th floor for a beautiful view of the city and the River Vistula.
Warsaw is known forits public parks. The city has more than 80 parks the oldest being the SaxonGardens, which is just a 10 minute walk from the Old City. In this former royalgarden you will find tree-lined avenues and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, amonument to the soldiers killed in the war. It’s also home to the Warsaw Zoowhere you can find over 5,000 animals spread over 40 acres of park land.
Warsaw has been hometo many famous composers and artists over the century, such as Chopin, who wasone of the most prominent residents of Warsaw.You’ll find reminders of the composer all around the city, in the monuments andstreet names and even a museum dedicated to him.
The best time to visit Warsawis between May and September when the locals are taking full advantage of thewarm weather in parks and outdoor restaurants. You can work your way throughthe city by bus, tram or train or you can use the rental bike system and cyclealong the river.
