Warsaw Culture & history

Visit Warsaw at night and witness a magical scene of lights, culture, and entertainment. This river metropolis is a testament to the Polish people's resilience. While most of Warsaw was destroyed in World War II, you can visit the reconstructed Old Town and gaze up at the Royal Castle. Learn more about Warsaw's history at Lazienki Park and the Palace of Culture and Science. Enjoy traditional Polish fare, like pierogis (filled dumplings) in the Praga neighborhood. Discover endless opportunities as you explore the top things to do in Warsaw at night.

1. Explore Warsaw's Old Town

With its quaint cobblestone streets, festive charm, and breathtaking illuminations, Warsaw in winter is packed with things to do. Browse the city’s festive Christmas Market or stroll through Łazienki Park and check off one of the many top places to visit in Warsaw. Discover the city’s fascinating history at the Museum of Warsaw or explore the famous grounds of the Wilanów Palace without the warm-weather crowds. From quintessential Warsaw activities like ice skating around the Palace of Culture and Science to lively New Year’s Eve celebrations, this winter guide to Warsaw rounds up the seven best things to do in winter.

Warsaw’s best winter activities at a glance

Best place to find winter markets in Warsaw: The Warsaw Christmas Market is a local favorite.
Romantic spots for couples in Warsaw in winter: Bundle up for a stroll through the Łazienki Royal Park or learn about the city’s intriguing past at the Museum of Warsaw.
Best things to do in Warsaw in winter for kids and families: Discover the historic Wilanów Palace, try Warsaw's best hot chocolate at E. Wedel’s, or go ice skating beneath the city lights.
Best event to attend in Warsaw in winter: Ring in the New Year in Warsaw with lively citywide celebrations.

You may associate the Polish capital with its brutally cold winters, but Warsaw in summer is a completely different city. There are endless things to do in Warsaw for all types of travelers. On summer days, you can admire Warsaw’s culture and history in the Old Town, cruise the Vistula on a Galar boat, or catch the city’s best view from the Palace of Culture and Science. Summer nights, on the other hand, are for music festivals and exploring Warsaw’s booming nightlife. Check out this summer guide to Warsaw and discover everything to do from sunrise to long after sunset.

Warsaw’s best summer activities at a glance

Unique events in Warsaw in summer: Chopin recitals every summer Sunday in Lazienki Park and summer festivals such as the Orange Warsaw Festival and the Music Gardens Festival.
Top things to do with kids in Warsaw in summer: Watch the Multimedia Fountain Show, wander the Royal Lazienki Park, or take a traditional boat cruise on the Vistula.
Best free things to do in Warsaw in summer: Explore the Old Town to the sounds of jazz, walk the Vistula Boulevards, or sunbathe on the river beaches.

When you hear the name Warsaw, you might picture a city marked by wartime scars and the memories of the Warsaw Ghetto. But beyond its somber past, Poland’s capital city is modern, creative, and full of cultural sites — perfect for a weekend getaway.

Whatever your interests are, there’s plenty to do to fill a three-day Warsaw weekend itinerary. Visit historic sites like the POLIN Museum, enjoy a Chopin concert, explore the bustling nightlife, or impress your friends with your own vodka creation. Read on for the ultimate guide to spending a long weekend in Warsaw.