© Shutterstock

Old Town Square -

Warsaw's attractive Old Town market square marks the center of the oldest part of the city. What appears to be straight out of a 14th-century picture book in fact dates from after the end of the Second World War. The district was systematically blown up by the German Wehrmacht in 1944, but was meticulously rebuilt, with many of the original bricks being reused. UNESCO listed the Old Town as a World Heritage Site and "an outstanding example of a near-total reconstruction of a span of history covering the 13th to the 20th century."

© Shutterstock 

Royal Castle -

Standing at the entrance to the Old Town is the UNESCO-listed Royal Castle. This grand and historic building served throughout the centuries as the official home of Polish monarchs. Almost completely destroyed during the Second World War, surviving wall fragments from the original castle were incorporated into its reconstruction, carried out in the years 1971–1984.

© Shutterstock 

Wilanów Palace -

Wilanów Palace is one of Poland's most important monuments, a beautiful and exuberant example of 17th-century central European Baroque architecture. The palace survived Poland's 18th-century partitions and both World Wars. The palace's museum, established in 1805, is a veritable treasure trove of the country's royal and artistic heritage.

© Shutterstock 

Royal Route -

Following the Royal Route offers by far the best introduction to Warsaw and its many centuries-old visitor attractions. It begins at Castle Square and passes numerous churches, palaces, and parks. In fact, the Royal Route itself is one of Poland's official national Historic Monuments.

© Shutterstock 

Palace on the Isle -

Also known as Baths Palace, the classicist Palace of the Isle is regally set in Warsaw's Royal Baths Park, the city's largest park, which locals call Łazienki Park. The reconstructed palace interior is certainly worth lingering in for its elaborate 17th- and 18th-century period decoration.

© Shutterstock 

Palace of Culture and Science -

You can't miss the rocket-like Palace of Culture and Science—with a total height of 237 m (778 ft), it is the tallest building in Poland! It was constructed in 1955 as a gift from the Soviet Union to the people of Poland and stands as a fine example of socialist realism architecture. The observation deck on the 30th floor is a popular tourist destination and affords a spectacular panoramic view of the city.

© Shutterstock 

Warsaw Rising Museum -

Dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, the operation led by the Polish underground resistance to liberate the city from German occupation, this engaging museum covers all aspects of the uprising. The Nazi section is especially chilling, covering as it does the horrors of the occupation and the atrocities committed by the Germans and their collaborators before, during, and after the event.

© Shutterstock

Sigismund's Column -

Located in Castle Square opposite the Royal Castle, Sigismund's Column and its statue commemorate King Sigismund III Vasa, who in 1596 had moved Poland's capital from Kraków to Warsaw. It's one of the city's most famous landmarks.

© Shutterstock

Frédéric Chopin Museum -

Frédéric Chopin (1810–1849), born Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin, grew up in Warsaw. A museum dedicated to the Polish composer is housed in the 17th-century Ostrogski Palace, located in the city center. The exhibit covers the history and works of Chopin, including original manuscripts and documents written by the composer. The venue also hosts piano recitals and competitions of Chopin's works.

© Shutterstock 

St. John's Archcathedral -

Rebuilt several times since its founding in 1390, St. John's Archcathedral appears today as close to its original 14th-century Gothic blueprint as possible, given that very little of the cathedral's original furnishings have been preserved. That said, the interior is still breathtaking in its splendor. The church serves as one of Poland's national pantheons, the crypts beneath the main aisle holding the remains of several notable figures, including King Stanisław August Poniatowski, the last Polish monarch.

© Shutterstock 

Copernicus Science Centre -

The kids will love this place, a science museum with over 450 interactive exhibits that enable visitors to carry out experiments and discover the laws of science for themselves. A favorite exhibit is the Robotic Theater, where you'll be greeted by friendly automatons like the one pictured.

© Shutterstock

Warsaw Barbican -

Solid and imposing in its outlook, the Warsaw Barbican is one of the few remaining relics of the complex network of historic 16th-century fortifications that once encircled the city.

© Shutterstock 

POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews -

The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews is located on the site of the former Warsaw Ghetto. The core of the exhibition consists of eight galleries that document and celebrate the thousand-year history of the Jewish community in Poland. Pictured is a reconstructed vault and bimah. Incidentally, the Hebrew word Polin in the museum's English name means either "Poland" or "rest here."

© Shutterstock

National Museum -

Warsaw's largest museum deserves a couple of hours of your time for its rich collection of ancient Greek, Egyptian, and Roman art, and an extensive gallery of Polish and other European 16th-century paintings. Included are paintings from Adolf Hitler's private collection.

© Shutterstock

Saxon Garden -

Saxon Park is the oldest public park in the city, dating back to the 17th century. A vast palace used to stand in the grounds before it was destroyed by the German Army after the Warsaw Uprising. The park's central fountain, constructed in 1855 and a favorite meeting point for dating couples, remains one of the most precious urban symbols of Warsaw.

© Shutterstock 

Warsaw Zoological Garden -

Located along the Vistula River, Warsaw Zoo is home to over 11,000 animals representing more than 500 species. Lions, tigers, and bears number among the residents. The Hippopotamus House and Shark Aquarium rank among the most popular enclosures. During the war, zookeeper couple Jan and Antonina Żabiński were responsible for saving hundreds of Jews within the premises, hiding Ghetto escapees in and around the enclosures until they could be handed over to members of the Resistance. Their exploits were recounted in the 2007 novel  'The Zookeeper's Wife,' which was made into a film in 2017.

© Shutterstock 

Kampinos National Park -

A rewarding excursion out of Warsaw is to Kampinos National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve set on the north-west outskirts of the capital. Visitors can walk, cycle, and horseback the many nature trails crisscrossing the park. In winter, it's possible to ski some of these routes. Moose, beaver, and lynx are among the animals you can observe within the park's boundaries.

© Shutterstock

Ujazdów Castle -

Somewhat incongruously, Warsaw's Center for Contemporary Art is housed in this delightful building, which like many other city structures in the city was rebuilt several times, and reconstructed to its 18th-century design after the Second World War.

© Shutterstock

Grzybowski Square -

Downtown Warsaw is worth investigating for places like Grzybowski Square, which in 1940 was part of the Warsaw Ghetto. All Saint's Church, however, seen here in the photograph, fell just outside the ghetto's perimeters. Reconstructed after the war, the church numbers Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa among its esteemed visitors.

© Shutterstock

Łazienki Park -

Lying on the Royal Route, castle and palace-filled Łazienki Park is enjoyed year-round by locals and visitors from around the world, which makes it one of Warsaw's most popular green spaces. A venue for music, the arts, and culture, Łazienki Park is also renowned for its red squirrel population.

© Shutterstock

Warsaw University of Technology -

One of Warsaw's more unusual tourist draws is the Warsaw University of Technology. Besides being one of the leading institutes of its kind in Poland—and one of the largest in Central Europe—the building is known for its astonishing interior auditorium (pictured), which can be admired by visiting non-students.

© Shutterstock

Carmelite Church -

The most notable neoclassical-style facade in Warsaw belongs to the Carmelite Church. Dating back to 1681, the church survived the wrath of the retreating German Army and today lures visitors to its opulent interior, which features a magnificent rococo main altar, and gilding and stucco ceiling decorations. And by the way, Carmelite Church was the site of Frédéric Chopin's first employment: he was invited to give a recital on the church's organ!

© Shutterstock

Złote Tarasy mall -

All that sightseeing can work up a thirst and an appetite, and if you're seeking a little retail therapy into the bargain, head over to Złote Tarasy, central Warsaw's flashy commercial and entertainment complex. Besides shops and restaurants, including Poland's first Hard Rock Cafe, the mall boasts a hotel and a multiplex cinema complex.

© Shutterstock

Hala Koszyki -

For a more exclusive shopping experience, browse Hala Koszyki, a historic market and food hall that originally opened in 1909. Its heritage shopping arcade offers elegant bars, gourmet restaurants, bookstores, and designer shops.

© Shutterstock 

Culinary scene -

Warsaw's culinary scene has traditionally been flavored by strong Jewish and French influences, gastronomy that compliments Poland's already eclectic culinary heritage. Restaurants offering the most authentic Polish dishes are clustered around the Old Town district. For gourmet and haute cuisine, head to the downtown area or the Frascati neighborhood.

© Shutterstock 

Wedel Chocolate Lounge -

Polish confectionery company E. Wedel has been producing a variety of chocolates, cakes, and snacks since 1851. For a special treat, why not indulge yourself in the delightful surroundings of the original Wedel salon at 8 Szpitalna Street? Try a slice of Wuzetka chocolate cake, which originated in Warsaw and is a gastronomic icon of the city.

© Shutterstock

Maria Skłodowska-Curie Museum -

Another esteemed resident of Warsaw was Marie Curie (1867–1934), a Polish and naturalized-French physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person and the only woman to win the Nobel Prize twice, and the only person to win the Nobel Prize in two scientific fields. A museum dedicated to this remarkable individual is housed in the 18th-century apartment building in which she was born.

© Shutterstock 

Mokotów Field -

Mokotów Field, located between Warsaw's Mokotów district and the city center, was, until 1934, the site of Warsaw's airport. The park is a mellow summertime hangout, famous for its pleasant lakeside bars and cafes.

© Shutterstock

The Warsaw Mermaid -

You'll stumble across the Warsaw Mermaid several times during your city break. She's the symbol of the city and dates back to 1622. The best known and most photographed mermaid is the one found in the city's Old Town Square, armed as always with a sword and a shield to help protect the city and its residents.

© Shutterstock 

Steel and glass -

Warsaw is more than just about historic, UNESCO-protected castles and palaces. As the capital of Poland, the city serves as the country's financial and media hub. Take time to absorb its gleaming steel and glass veneer, and contemporary vibe.

Sources: (United States Holocaust Memorial Museum) (Biography) (Nobel Prize)

See also: In danger: World Heritage Sites at risk of disappearing

© Shutterstock