If there is one thing to admire about Warsaw, it is its tenacity to rebuild again and again after 98% of the city was destroyed during World War 2. The Germans had made it an objective to clean the whole city to the ground and not leave a single wall standing, piling the debris in a pyramid of ruins in the middle of the house to humiliate and punish the Varsovians for their uprising. And even under the Soviet rule and against communist philosophy, locals insisted to rebuild the old town exactly how it was historically, a massive project that is still ongoing over 80 years after the end of the war. Very inspiring to me…
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Rebuilding a Capital after 98% was destroyed post WW2
The majority of the construction has been concentrate on restoring the main part of the old town, which is pretty small compared to other polish cities, but still charming. The rest of the city has been left out of the historical rebuilding and have been rebuilt with Soviet and communist style of architecture which is, in my opinion, definitely one of the worst styles of architecture ever created by humans. It is not surprising that Warsaw has never really been on the radar for tourists who have long prefered the charms of Krakow, and for a reason. But slowly, with the rise of cheap airlines and the old town getting finished, Warsaw is starting to get its share of tourism and leave behind its reputation of a governemental city only.
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I have been several times to Warsaw in the past, usually just passing through as I never was really interested in visiting it thoroughly. But this time I decided to dig deeper into its history and tour around the museums and several tours around the city that were available: The Old City Tour, The Jewish Tour, the Soviet Tour, and so on. I recommended them all, but especially the Jewish Quarter tour. In fact, few would actually know how important the Jewish community has played in the history of Warsaw through the centuries! Once an eldorado for European Jewish who were being persecuted and deported from countries all over Europe, Warsaw became the “go to” destination for many of them, making Warsaw the most Jewish in the world, with over 33% of the population before the world war 2. Nowadays, this propotion decreased to nearly zero for events we all know. But Going back into the details and walking around the Jewish Ghetto of Warsaw with maps of how is was, versus what it now is, is an amazing experience and highly recommended. Something that should be mandatory for every visit to Warsaw.
Little Girl Paying in front of the famous Mermaid Statue
Best 2 Days Itinerary in Warsaw
Start your day with breakfast along Furmanska Street which hosts tons of terrace cafes and a more modern look at the busiest street of new Warsaw. Continue towards the Castle Square which is a massive area where Warsaw sees most of its life. Next, stroll around the new streets of the old town, having been rebuilt after 98% of its buildings had been destroyed after WW2. Continue to the Rynok Starego Miasta Warszawa square to sample one of its restaurants and continue towards the Old Town Observation Terrace to have a great look of the surroundings.
In the afternoon, it’s is time to face a bit of history of Warsaw as the dramatic events during World War 2. Visit the Monument to the Warsaw Uprising Fighters and the Warsaw Uprising Museum where you will get more information about the events that played an important role in Warsaw’s destiny. The next highlight is the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, voted as the best museum in Europe a few years back. If you want more information about the Jewish Ghetto, I recommend taking part in one of the Free tours about Jewish Warsaw, which explains in depth the tragic events during a 2-hour walk. In the evening, enjoy a restaurant around the Old Town Market Square and test some polish craft beers in a local bar.
On day two, head towards Poland’s highest tower, the communist-era Palace of Culture and Science. Here you can visit several museums and expositions, as well as go all the way up to have a panoramic view of Warsaw. From there, it is an easy walk to the new area of town, around Chmielna Street. Pay a visit to the Frederic Chopin Museum, the most famous Polish Musician and pride of the city where even public benches play Chopin music. In the evening, try to catch one of the many Chopin Concerts around town, a sort of tourist attraction which can make a great evening activity.
Top 10 Things to do in Warsaw
- Old Town
- Castle Square
- POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
- Old Town Observation Terrace
- Krakowskie Przedmiescie
- Palace of Culture and Science
- Jewish Cemetery
- Old Town Market Square
- Monument to the Warsaw Uprising Fighters
- Warsaw Uprising Museum
Top Rated and Recommended Cafes in Warsaw
- Bulke Przez Bibulke
- Green Caffe Nero
- U Krawca CAffe
- Coffeedesk
- Skamiejka
- Etno Cafe Marszalkowska
Top Rated and Recommended Restaurants in Warsaw
- Restauracja Polska Rozana
- SAKANA Sushi Bar
- Mezze Humus & Falafel
- Bulke Przez Bibulke
- Ciao a Tutti Due
- Munja
- Skamiejka
- Youmiko Vegan Sushi
- Okienko
- Pelna Para
Warsaw In Pictures
Monument of the Polish Uprising in WW2
Main Street
The Ancient Wall of the Old Town (reconstructed)
At the Jewish Museum
Enjoying Polish Craft Beer with Friends
Main Square
Palace of Culture and Science
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