Warsaw
Poland
Backpacking Warsaw
Information on Warsaw, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
Warsaw is a great place for backpackers and it has a lot to offer: Amazing museums, rich history, lively bars and clubs, delicious food and locals that are willing to immerse you in the Polish culture. Warsaw was bombed into near-oblivion (85-90% of the buildings were destroyed) during the Second World War. However, the city today is a thriving European capital known informally as the gateway between East and West Europe due to the growth and investment coming in. Poland’s largest city, it balances a tragic and violent history with an idealistic and charming present. Poland was occupied by the Nazis during World War II and lost a significant number of its Jewish residents to the holocaust. After its destruction during the war, Warsaw was successful in rebuilding itself and has developed even quicker following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. The Old Town, which was recreated from rubble, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Warsaw is home to several museums, including the Warsaw Uprising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the National Museum. But Warsaw isn’t not all about somber reminders and tragedy. The city today is filled with opportunities for fun, with a vibrant and exciting nightlife. Cafe culture is also taking off here, offering plentiful options for sitting outside for a drink. Here, low-cost milk bars, which are Polish cafeterias that provided traditional Polish cuisine at low cost during the communist era, sit alongside high-quality restaurants. The Vistula River winds through Warsaw, complete with its own sandy beaches and green spaces to chill. A city with so much to offer, backpackers will enjoy the low prices in addition the pretty colorful buildings, old winding streets, and charming squares.
Must See
Old Town - The Old Town is the most picturesque part of the city. Originally built in the 13th century, this market square served as the center of Warsaw resident’s lives. Purposefully demolished by German army during World War II, the Old Town was rebuilt in similar likeness after the war. Try some perogies or an authentic Polish dish and enjoy the atmosphere here. If you are interested in learning more about the turbulent past of Warsaw, you can visit the nearby Historical Museum of Warsaw.
The Royal Castle - Home to the Polish monarchs for nearly 400 years, the Royal Castle is the epicenter of Warsaw’s Old Town. Many of its historic artifacts were looted during the German invasion, and the castle was completely destroyed during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944. Meticulously reconstructed in the 80’s, today, the castle stands defiantly as a monument to Poland’s proud and tragic history.
The Palace of Culture and Science - At nearly 800 feet tall, the Palace of Culture and Science towers over Warsaw and is the 5th largest in the EU. Built in the 1950’s as a gift from Stalin and the Soviet Union, this art-deco building has divided opinions due to the nature of who it was gifted from. The Palace of Culture and Science’s contains many cultural attractions, including a cinema and the congress hall, where concerts and ballets are often held. There are also two museums, the Museum of Evolution and the Museum of Technology. Once you’ve had your fill of those the 30th floor has a terrace that provides a panoramic view of Warsaw.
Must Do
Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum - The museum explores the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, which saw the Polish resistance launch an attack on the occupying German army. For 63 days the Polish resistance engaged in brutal street fighting. By the time the German army crushed the uprising, nearly 20,000 people were dead, and a quarter of the city was destroyed.
Hang at Lazienki Park - Around 200 acres of nature, Lazienski Park is the largest green space in Warsaw. The park is used as a premier venue for various art and cultural events, and as a place for the locals to spend a nice day. Be sure to see the Palace on the Isle. This beautifully constructed building sits in the middle of a pond, which makes the perfect place for an afternoon picnic.
Nightlife
Going out in Poland is always a great time full of vodka, beers, late nights and good music, not to mention how affordable it is. The central Srodmiescie district is where the more high end, upmarket bars and clubs can be found, more specially around Piłsudski Square and the Theater Square. A fun area to check out is Pawilony, which is an area of little bars at the back of Nowy Świat street. It’s a great place to go before clubbing or to have beers at all the different pubs located here. If you’re looking for a quieter evening, the old town has a good amount of traditional pubs.
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