One of my favorite ways to explore Europe is on foot, and Warsaw was no exception, I definitely got my steps in! Here’s a series of photos, organized by neighborhood, that capture the city’s charm. For the full itinerary behind these photos, see my Warsaw travel guide.
Old Town & Castle Square
- Royal Castle (Rebuilt 1971–1984): Historic seat of Polish monarchs; rebuilt after WWII destruction.
- Sigismund’s Column (1644): Monument to King Sigismund III Vasa in Castle Square.
- Warsaw Barbican (16th century, restored 1938): Defensive fortification linking Old Town and New Town.
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace (17th century): Patron saint church of Warsaw in Old Town.
Churches
- Church of the Holy Cross (17th–18th century, Baroque): Central Warsaw, holds Chopin’s heart in Old Town.
- St. John’s Archcathedral (14th–15th century, rebuilt 1947–1956): Gothic-style cathedral near the castle in Old Town.
- Church of St. Joseph of the Visitationists (1603–1623, Baroque): Roman catholic rococo church.
- Cathedral Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian (1888–1904): Neo-Gothic cathedral in Praga; rebuilt after WWII.
Palaces & Museums
- Łazienki Palace on the Isle (17th century, expanded 18th century): Elegant palace in a park with water reflections.
- Museum of King Jan III’s Wilanów Palace (1677–1696): Baroque palace with royal gardens.
- University of Warsaw Library Rooftop Garden (1999 renovation): Green rooftop with views over the Vistula River.
- Łazienki Park (18th century): Royal gardens with classical buildings and roaming peacocks.
- POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews (2013): Modern architecture in Muranów, telling 1,000 years of history.
Skyline & Modern Architecture
- Warsaw Spire (2016): Three modern glass towers near Wola, adding to the contemporary skyline.
- Varso Tower (Highline Warsaw observation deck opened Sept 2025): Tallest building in the EU, panoramic city views.
- Palace of Culture and Science (1955): Stalinist landmark, tallest in Warsaw for decades; observation deck with 360° views of the city.
