Poland’s capital, Warsaw, is your ticket to a journey where the past and future collide in the most fascinating ways. You can choose to travel back in time to Warsaw’s Old Town, where vibrant, colorful houses and the grand castle transport you to centuries past. Or, if you’re in the mood for something futuristic, how about a science wonder? I would’ve taken you to the Copernicus Science Center, if only all the tickets weren’t sold out. But don’t worry—Warsaw still has some tricks up its sleeve. Imagine a place that’s part library, part greenhouse. Intrigued? I thought so.
So, let’s explore what to see in Warsaw together.
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Cost: Free
Lenght: 0.5 – 1 day
How to get there: By car or public transport
What happens when you cross a building with a garden? University of Warsaw Library
From the outside, the University of Warsaw library looks like an inside-out greenhouse—glass elements reflect the light, while vines and climbing plants stretch upwards, embracing nearly every wall. We follow the signs leading to the roof.
Have you ever seen a rooftop covered in grass? Well, here’s your chance.
And grass isn’t the only touch of nature—tunnels entwined with vines guide visitors in different directions, leading to unique viewpoints. You can wander towards the dome, which, like the walls, is blanketed in a vibrant green mass.
Or, if you dare, peer down through a glass tunnel. Alternatively, visit the small viewing platform—though it’s quite the popular spot, so be prepared for competition from other picture takers.
And here’s something truly unexpected—a tiny pond with fish right on the rooftop. Fish, on a roof—who would have thought? Meanwhile, through the glass, you can glimpse students hard at work in the University of Warsaw library below.
This place is truly one of a kind.
Next we are off to see the two faces of Warsaw Castle.
Warsaw Royal Castle and Gardens
We arrive at the Warsaw Royal Castle from the garden side. The first impression? A grand, imposing structure that radiates importance. It doesn’t have the elaborate ornamentation of some other castles, yet its majesty is undeniable.
At first glance, you would never guess that Warsaw Royal castle was completely destroyed during the war and later rebuilt from the ground up.
In front of the castle, an impeccable lawn stretches out—a flawless carpet of green. I’m not exaggerating. It’s perfectly even, perfectly lush, and entirely weed-free. (Fellow homeowners, I know you understand my excitement.)
The Warsaw Royal Castle boasts two gardens: the Upper Garden and the Lower Garden. That pristine lawn I admired earlier? It’s part of the Lower Garden of Warsaw Royal castle, which also features neatly trimmed thuja hedges and vibrant flower beds.
To reach the Upper Garden of Warsaw Royal Castle, we ascend a staircase. Here, we’re greeted by hedges shaped into delicate lace-like patterns, the handiwork of a master gardener. These intricate designs are enhanced by flower beds bursting with color.
And just look at the view—the rows of thuja trees below, the city skyline across the river, and ornamental trees planted in decorative pots. It’s a breathtaking sight.
Then comes an unexpected twist—from the other side, the castle looks completely different. Gone are the white walls, replaced by red brickwork. The windows are a different shape, and a tower rises above the structure. The contrast is so striking that it feels like two entirely separate buildings.
But I made one crucial mistake—I forgot to take a picture of the castle from this angle! Facepalm. So, my best advice? Look up Warsaw Royal Castle on Google Maps. Hopefully, you can forgive this small oversight.
The Colorful Charm of Warsaw’s Old Town
Warsaw’s Old Town is bursting with color and character.
Let’s head straight to its heart—the Market Square. Here, every building is painted a different hue and adorned with unique designs. One features musicians, another showcases mythical creatures, while yet another is covered in geometric patterns.
Let’s play a game—which one do you like best? It’s a tough choice. They are all stunningly decorative, blending together to create a mesmerizing scene.
If the bustling Market Square isn’t quite your vibe, take a detour into one of the side streets of Warsaw Old Town. Look, I found some houses here that remind me of Riga’s Three Brothers—except, in Warsaw, there are four and a half. The one on the corner wasn’t so lucky—it looks like someone chopped off a piece to make room for something else.
The Border Between Old and New – Warsaw’s Fortifications
Following the flow of tourists down a narrow street, we reach something that stands in stark contrast to the elegant, ornamented buildings of the Warsaw Old Town—a fortified wall of deep orange bricks that once separated the Old Town from the rest of Warsaw.
At first, it feels as if all the vibrancy has been cut off, as if you’ve just bitten into something sour after something sweet. But upon closer inspection, even these bare walls have stories to tell.
Take, for example, the Barbican gate. Do you remember it’s cousin we visited in Kraków?
And every so often, the monotony of the walls is broken by a watchtower or a row of battlements. And when you really think about it, it’s quite fascinating—the fortifications are built on two levels, an unusual feature for city defenses.
Warsaw, You’ve Left a Lasting Impression. But time for our little excursion is running out, and we have to move on.
One thing’s for sure—I’ll be back one day.
I used to think Warsaw paled in comparison to Poland’s former capital, Kraków, which is why it took me so long to visit. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Warsaw is full of surprises, history, and charm.
And if you don’t mind a lively crowd, Warsaw’s Old Town is an explosion of colors, energy, and architectural beauty.
Plus, its central location makes it the perfect stopover on a road trip through Europe, especially if you’re traveling from Latvia by car.
More ideas for your Poland trip