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

Think it looks gloomy now? You should have seen it in ‘44...

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, and home to the Royal Castle, this popular plac is where modern Warsaw meets the Old Town� See p� 25�

3 Łazienki Park

Full of incredible art and architecture this massive park and palace complex offers spectacular opportunities for sightseeing or simply relaxing� See p� 35�

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� 38� 5 POLIN

1000 years of Jewish history in Poland is chronicled in this excellent museum where the Jewish Ghetto stood during WWII� See p� 49�

6 Copernicus Science Centre

One of the city’s top attractions, this fun family science centre is bursting with interactive exhibits and includes a state-of-the-art planetarium� See p� 44�

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

Chronicling the heroism and tragedy of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, this modern museum packed with multimedia displays is one of the best in PL� See p� 53�

9 Palace of Culture & Science

Originally commissioned by Stalin as a ‘gift from the Soviet people’, this 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 during its construction� Working around the clock, it took just three years to finish the Palace in 1955� Despite this Olympian effort, Stalin didn’t live 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 as ‘The People’s Castle�’ Regardless, the building became a local object of hatred and was seen as no more than a symbol of Russian hegemony�

In addition to the theatres, bars and museums on the ground level, visitors can tour the building, or head straight to the viewing terrace on the 30th floor� To get there you’ll need a ticket, which gets you a ride in a small old-school lift, complete with attendant�QE-8, Pl. Defilad 1, MCentrum, tel. (+48) 22 656 76 00, www.pkin.pl. Open 10:00-19:00. Viewing terrace open 10:00-20:00; terrace admission 20/15zł; tickets can be purchased online. U