Are you curious about Europe’s not-quite-so-famous capitals? If so, may I suggest Warsaw? Poland’s capital is an excellent city to wander and explore, especially in spring and summer. Here are a few Warsaw scenes.
Warsaw suffered heavily during World War II, with almost the entire city demolished and the population mostly decimated, either because they were killed or because they were forced to leave the city as there was no longer anywhere to live.
The historic centre was completely destroyed, so what you see today is an old city restored – modern in material, but certainly historic in spirit. Many of the city’s streets and buildings were rebuilt as they were before the war. For a closer look at the city’s traumatic past, visit
- the Historical Museum of Warsaw in the Old Town,
- the New Museum of the History of the Polish Jews in the former Warsaw Ghetto, next to the
- Ghetto Heroes Monument where, in 1970, German Chancellor Willy Brandt spontaneously knelt in homage to the victims of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, and
- the evocative Jewish cemetery.
In summer, the Polish capital overflows with green spaces (more than 80 parks!), open squares and outdoor restaurants and cafes.
Queuing for ice cream at Lody in the old town, a local favourite
Outside the old town, Poland’s more recent past is still very visible. There are drab blocks of flats, but also this excellent example of Socialist Realism architecture. Completed in 1955, the Josef Stalin Palace of Culture and Science was a gift from the people of the Soviet Union. The Josef Stalin part of the name is gone now, but the grandiose structure still stands, and remains Poland’s tallest building.
The Palace of Culture and Science is a controversial structure, people seem to either love or hate it. I lean towards the former; there’s a touch of Art Deco there that I especially like.
What do you think?
The Historic Centre of Warsaw is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Here are more UNESCO World Heritage sites around the world.
…It DOES look beautiful, but I hate that the city is (obviously) not the same–but, hey, that’s what war does, I suppose…
They’ve done a very good job of rebuilding, I think. Impressive effort.
I’m going to Berlin for Christmas, and I’m torn between visiting Warsaw or Prague while I’m there. These photos are really great – I wonder what the place would be like in the winter?
In winter, especially before Christmas, I would probably choose Prague. Something magical about wandering around the Christmas markets in front of the mysterious Tyn Church in the freezing cold.
WOW! That looks like an incredible beautifull destination I love the pictures
Warsaw is very pretty 🙂
I would never have guessed that first picture was Poland. So colorful! And yes, I kind of like the Palazce of Art and culture. It could be on Michigan Avenue in Chicago!
Really? Would be interesting to see the Art Deco buildings in Chicago. I’ve only been there once, long ago when I was too young to care about architecture.
Would love to visit Warsaw – especially as I hear consistently great things about the place. Have you ever read the Zookeepers’ Wife? It’s about the Warsaw Zoo and getting Jewish people out of the ghetto during the war, Loved it.
No, not yet. Putting it on the autumn reading list.
Stunning pictures of this beautiful city! I’ve been in Warsaw a couple of times now because a good friend of mine lives there. It’s a very interesting and inspiring city. Thanks for this article, it brings back a lot of memories.
Thank you.
We visited western Poland once and found it rather bleak. Maybe it’s about time to give Warsaw a try.
I was there once in November and it was bleak, wet and cold. Spring/summer is the best time, I think. May, for example, is lovely.
I can totally see what you are talking about when it comes to the Art Deco touches on the Soviet era building … I love buildings designed like this!
I like them, too.
Your pictures are great! Would never have imagined such cute architecture.
Fantastic architecture all over Eastern Europe, Adrienne 🙂
Warsaw is great city to visit and to live in! Thanks for showing off the city’s colors! And yes, May to October is the best time to visit Warsaw. Winter is pretty damp, gray and cold. 🙂
Surprisingly great, I thought. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Great photos! I love Warsaw, it is one of my favorite cities in Europe. I have been there few weeks ago, and the trip is great. I love exploring this city and I always try to go somewhere new. Last time I have discovered amazing place – a bar called Bubbles Bar. I had the best dinner there with my friends, and we also stayed for drinks. The place was so cozy and casual! It was awesome, I hope that I will get to go to Warsaw again and visit it too 🙂