Essential Warsaw � � � � � � � � � � �

Warsaw Sightseeing

In the not-too-distant past, Warsaw was a sea of ruins. From the ashes it arose once more, and being compared to a Phoenix is highly appropriate. Today, Warsaw is a vibrant city, inevitably conscious of its tragic past, but buzzing with confidence, looking to the future. There’s plenty to discover here, so read on to find out more...

9 Essential Sights

1 Old Town Square

A window into the ‘once-upon-a-time’ of Warsaw’s golden days, the Old Town is also symbolic of Warsaw’s rise from the ruins of WWII� See p� 27�

2 Plac Zamkowy

More of a triangle than a square, there isn’t a more popular meeting place in the city than the entrance to the Old Town! A classy location! See p� 25�

3 Łazienki Park

The name Łazienki means 'baths' and is derived from the park’s centrepiece, the Palace on the Island� A great place to sightsee or relax� See p� 36�

4 Wilanów Palace

The ‘Polish Versailles’ is just one of the many fitting monikers applied to this splendid late 17th-century royal palace 10km to the south� See p� 41� 5 POLIN

1000 years of Jewish history in Poland is chronicled in this excellent museum where the Jewish Ghetto stood during WWII� See p� 51�

6 Copernicus Science Centre

One of the city's top attractions, this fun family science centre also attempts to restate the case for science in a very religious country� See p� 45�

7 Vistula Boulevards

Warsaw's left-bank boulevards are a favourite haunt of the locals - go and see why - walk, ride, or just chill on the riverside steps� Wow� See p� 44�

8 Warsaw Rising Museum

Packed with interactive displays and other exhibits this wonderful museum chronicles the heroics and tragedy of the WWII Warsaw Uprising� See p� 55�

9 Palace of Culture & Science

Originally commissioned by Stalin as a ‘gift from the Soviet people’ the 237 metre structure takes its inspiration from the capitalist world, namely the Empire State Building� Over 5,000 workers were ferried in from the Soviet states and housed in a purpose-built village in Jelonki� Working around the clock, it took them just three years to complete the Palace by 1955� In all 16 died during the construction, though despite the Olympian efforts of the labourers Stalin never lived to see his pet project completed� Built using an estimated 40 million bricks and housing 3,288 rooms the Palace’s purpose was to serve as not just party headquarters but also ‘the people’s castle’� Regardless, the building became an object of hatred and was seen as no more than a symbol of Russian hegemony� Besides the theatres, bars and museums on the ground level, visitors looking to further explore the building can take a tour, but are best directed to the viewing terrace on the 30th floor (Mon-Sun 10:00-20:00)� To get there you’ll need a ticket, after which you’ll be shepherded into an old-style lift complete with a lovely lift attendant who has probably been doing the job since the building opened�QE‑8, Pl. Defilad 1, MCentrum, tel. (+48) 22 656 76 00, www.pkin.pl. Open 10:00‑20:00. Admission for the viewing level is 20/15zł. You can purchase tickets online. U