Warsaw is a sprawling metropolis with Gothic buildings and sky-high glass towers on the meandering Vistula River. Walk in the footsteps of one of the world’s greatest composers while you explore this Polish city’s infamous history, dine on international cuisine and spend hours under strobe lights at one of the city’s all-night clubs.

Things to do

Love ancient architecture? Begin your Warsaw holiday in Old Town, where you can stroll past historic buildings, such as the 17th-century Royal Castle, intricate Warsaw Barbican fortification and St John’s Archcathedral. Venture over to Castle Square, a bustling meeting place with public speakers, street performers and the world-famous Sigismund’s Column.

Discover Warsaw’s modern side at Copernicus Science Centre, home to more than 400 interactive exhibits on humans, movement, light and other scientific fields. There’s also the Heavens of Copernicus planetarium and a robotic theatre. The kids will also love Warsaw Zoological Garden, which boasts over 12,000 animals, ranging from hippos and sharks to African elephants and brown bears.

Praga District is one of Warsaw’s most magical neighbourhoods, thanks to atmospheric 19th-century architecture, indie cinemas, art galleries and pre-war landmarks. It’s also the place to be in summer, with the Praska and Poniatówka beaches. Both of these offer barbecue areas, beach sports and nearby clubs that entertain all night long with live music and DJs.

Get to know Poland’s famous composer, Frédéric Chopin, at the Fryderyk Chopin Museum, which contains his personal photographs, musical scores and recordings. You can also see tanks, aircraft and other military exhibits at the Polish Army Museum, before visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a monument dedicated to the unnamed soldiers killed in World War I.

Getting around

Warsaw’s flat and easy-to-navigate streets make walking and bicycling viable means of getting to and from attractions. You can also ride the city’s tram, bus and metro systems, which are all integrated and use the same tickets, while taxis are a quick way to get from point A to B.