Warsaw Old Town
★ 4.7🇵🇱 WarsawSuggested visit 1 dayBest season May to September, with comfortable weather
World HeritageHistoric siteCity walk
An old town razed in the Second World War and rebuilt as it was, inscribed in 1980 as an example of reconstruction.
Overview
Almost entirely destroyed in the Second World War, Warsaw's old town was rebuilt after the war from archives, paintings and memory, and was inscribed in 1980 as a landmark of post-war reconstruction. Castle Square and the Market Square form its core, with the royal castle and colourful burgher houses around them, and the walls and barbican have been restored too. The Chopin Museum and the Uprising Museum are also in the city.
History
Founded in the 13th century and capital of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from the late 16th, more than 85% of it was destroyed in the war, rebuilt between 1945 and 1966 and inscribed in 1980.
Highlights
- •Castle Square and the royal castle
- •The colourful Market Square
- •The walls and barbican
- •The Chopin Museum
Practical tips
- •Summer brings open-air concerts and markets
- •Winters are cold — dress warm and watch for ice
Practical information
- Best time
- May-September
- Tickets
- The old town is free; the royal castle about PLN 30
- Opening hours
- Old town open all day
- Local food
- Pierogi, borscht, vodka
- Getting around
- About 2.5 hours by train from Kraków.
- Visa
- A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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