Warsaw, September 2018
Poland was not on my radar, but when the opportunity arose to go to Warsaw, I took it and I am so glad I did. Warsaw is the capital and the largest city in Poland. The city was almost completely (85%) destroyed by World War II. I really enjoyed learning about the history of Poland and I have a new respect for the Polish people and all that they have had to endure in the last 70 years as they have struggled to gain their freedom and to rebuild their city.
Epic Things to do in Warsaw:
Old Town
St Anne’s church and viewing terrace
Walk along the Royal Route
Monument of the Warsaw Uprising 1944
Uprising Museum
Lazienki Park – including the Palace on the Water and the Monument of Chopin
Shop for Amber
Enjoy a meal
Old Town – This part of the city, on the Vistula River, was reconstructed after WWII and is a big tourist area, complete with cobblestone alleys, a castle and many churches. You can spend a whole day here, wondering the streets, eating outside, shopping, the barbican, touring the castle and many churches, and checking out the many monuments. You don’t want to miss the Royal Castle, St. John’s Cathedral and St. Anna’s church. Grab a coffee and a seat outside and enjoy listening to the different languages being spoken, the instruments being played by street musicians, and people watching. They also offer free walking tours by locals of old town. Check out the details online at freewalkingtour.com.
St Anne’s Church and viewing terrace – Adjacent to the Castle Square, this church is one of Warsaw’s oldest building. You can go inside for free, but you do not want to miss the viewing terrace on the left-hand side of the church. The entrance fee is about $1.20, and you climb about 150 steps to the top. And the view is epic! It is well worth the climb!
Walk along the Royal Route – continue down the street from St Anne’s, away from Old Town and enjoy a mile or two of other great buildings and monuments. Among them you will see the Carmelite Church, the Presidential Palace, Potoski Palace, Holy Cross Church, the University of Warsaw, the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, Staszic Palace, Visitationist Church and more. Eventually, the street become Nowy Swiat Street – a street of shops, restaurants and cafes.
Warsaw Uprising Monument – In the New Town area of Warsaw, on the southern side of the Krasinski Square is the monument dedicated to the Uprising of 1944. Take a minute and reflect on the period of history and how the people survived it. And many that did not survive it. Also, in the square you can see Krasinski Palace, the Supreme Court Building and the Field Cathedral of the Polish Army.
Warsaw Uprising Museum – Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego – Although this museum is in a different location it is worth a visit. The museum is dedicated to the people of Warsaw who fought and died for the independence of Poland. The exhibits are extensive and sobering. It leads you through the time before the rising, to life during the rising, through the post war years of Communist regime and the fate of the insurgents. There is so much here you won’t even be able to take it all in but don’t miss the 3-D mini film in the area with the plane.
Lazienki Park, Liazienki Palace and the Chopin Monument – This park is the largest in Warsaw and a beautiful place for a stroll, a picnic or a restful afternoon. The highlights include the Lazienki Palace, or the Palace on the Water and the Chopin Monument. The Palace sits on an artificial island that divides a lake into two and is connected to the park by two bridges. It is very picturesque and peaceful here. The monument to Chopin is really something to behold. It is one of Warsaw’s most iconic sculptures and depicts Chopin sitting in the park next to a willow tree. There is a lot of seating around the sculpture – a perfect opportunity to relax for a moment and soak it all in.
Shop for Amber – Amber is the native gemstone of Poland. Amber is fossilized tree resin, known also as “The Gold of the North” or the “Gem of the Baltic”. There is lots of Amber jewelry to peruse and the only problem you will have is trying to decide which piece to purchase.
Enjoy a meal – The food is so good here. I would call it “comfort” food. Rich stews, soups, meat and fish. It all tasted like it was homemade and I am sure that it was. It is simple but hearty and delicious. It is also reasonable priced. A dinner for two, with an appetizer, two entrees, and drinks is about $60. Sandwich and a coffee are about $6. Enjoy it and try something you haven’t tried before.
Overall – This is one city where I really wish I had more days to explore. I left many sights unseen and I never even made it across the river to explore the up and coming Praga Neighborhood. Also, there were many day trips that I would have been interested in if I had had the time. Such a great city, so much history. I am looking forward to my next opportunity to explore more of this country. And everyone spoke English so no problems getting around and communicating with people.
