Warsaw is a great city for history lovers however there are more modern sites linked to the last two centuries that shape this city greatly as well and will help you to gain a more profound understanding of the Polish capital! Scroll down to read about my selection of such sites.
Disclaimer: some of my visits were supported by Warsaw Tourism board.
1. Palace of Culture and Science
The Palace of Culture and Science is one of the most iconic buildings in Warsaw, rising high to 237 metres. Built in 1955 in the same style as the Stalin Seven sisters in Moscow, it dominates the modern skyline. It houses many organisations including museums, theatres and company offices. The main office of the Warsaw Tourism Board is located there too.
Climb up to see the Warsaw panorama from the observational point on the very top of the building to see the skyscrapers of the business district and the building of the calmer quarters alike! During our visit, there was a large book fair.
2. Norblin Factory
Norblin factory is a modern space with cafes, a cultural hub and an entertainment activity centre occupying the site of Norblin, Buch Brothers and T. Werner’s factory. From the 19th century, it produced various metal items of the highest quality. Now, you can explore the glorious past of the place by taking a tour around or having a look at the museum’s exhibits (with dozens of machines displayed there, too).
If you’re visiting with kids, don’t miss the Smart Kids Planet, an interactive, entertaining, and educational venue for kids from 0 to 10.
3. Hala Mirowska and Hala Gwardii
Head to the twin buildings of Hala Gwardii and Hala Mirowska if you love food markets! Those beautiful buildings date to 1899-1902, were massively damaged during WWII with hundreds of people shot there by Nazis) and used for keeping buses.
Thankfully, they were renovated in 2017 and are now back to their original purpose. Now, those pavilions make the perfect scene for the fresh food stalls and cafes.
4. Chopin tributes
Fryderyk Chopin, the world famous composer of the 19th century, is undoubtedly one of the most important figures for the Warsaw heritage. There are monuments dedicated to him, and the Fryderyk Chopin Museum was established in 1954 (it was temporarily closed during my visit).
The composer’s sisters were baptised in The Holy Cross church, and even Chopin’s heart is kept in one of the pillars of the church. There are even musical multimedia benches where you can listen to Chopin’s pieces and his life! Even in the airport – named after Chopin as well – the lounges are named after Polonez, Mazurek, Fantazija, Bolero, etc, after Chopin’s masterpieces.
5. Jewish Warsaw
Did you know that Poland had one of the largest Jewish communities? POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, dating back to 2014 and the site of the former Warsaw ghetto in Muranów, should be on your list, too.
Sadly, we didn’t have time to explore all Jewish landmarks of Warsaw in full during our visit – another reason to come back, right?
6. Multimedia Fountain Park
Multimedia Fountain Park is an ideal location to pass an evening: just a stone’s throw away from the Old City, you’ll find an impressive fountain complex with illuminated streams of water dancing according to music tunes.
There are 367 nozzles and almost 300 LED reflectors, creating a fascinating water show. Also, you can see a representation of historical events presented on the water surface, too. Visit it from May to the end of September.
You might also like my other blogs about Poland:
Hope you liked my blog!
Yours,
Anna xxx
