Let’s admit it, at some time, you’ve probably missed a flight due to cancellation or you’ve had to wait at the airport for many hours due to delays. In addition to the major disruption this can cause to holiday and work schedules, it is also a stressful experience, particularly if you have children with you or tight deadlines to meet such as connecting flights or events.
Did you know that if you had a delayed or cancelled flight in the past 3 years, you could receive €600 per passenger, regardless of the ticket price? Additionally, you could be entitled to claim for luggage problems such as missing bags, delayed bags or damaged bags and also for out of pocket expenses such as hotels, meals & more.
Air passengers have rights. In the EU they are covered by EU REGULATION EC 261.
Even if your particular issue is not covered by law, it is often worthwhile claiming, you may still be entitled to a refund or vouchers for another flight.
Compensation is available for flight delays, flight cancellation, missed connections, overbooking, denied boarding, delayed baggage, and airline strikes.
The Poland Travel Agency works with AirHelp, the world’s largest air passenger rights advocate. To date, they’ve helped over 16 million passengers understand their rights and secure compensation for delayed, cancelled, or overbooked flights.
They make claiming flight delay compensation straightforward for all passengers who are unsure of their rights, lack the time, or lack the expertise to embark on the claims process themselves. They’re continually investing in data and cutting-edge technology to power their easy-to-use website and make their customers’ claims even smoother.
They speak 16 languages, and their global staff of 750 includes the world’s largest team of lawyers specialised in air passenger rights. Combined with local knowledge from a network of law firms across 30 countries, they are uniquely placed to help air passengers all around the world.
Check now to see if you are entitled to compensation – Visit AirHelp
The Sanctuary of the Holy Cross Wood Relic, also known as the Sanctuary of the Holy Cross, is a religious site located in Kielce, Poland. It is home to a relic of the True Cross, which is a piece of wood said to be from the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. The relic was brought to Kielce in the 12th century by the bishop of Krakow, Iwo Odrowąż.
The sanctuary is a popular pilgrimage site, and it is visited by thousands of people each year. The Sanctuary of the Holy Cross is also home to a church, which was built in the 18th century, and the church features a unique baroque architecture. The relic of the True Cross is kept in the main altar of the church. There is also a museum on the site, which provides information about the history of the relic and the sanctuary.
Healing powers
The Sanctuary of the Holy Cross Wood Relic is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Poland, and it is also a significant historical and cultural landmark in the region. The relic is believed to have healing powers, and it is said to be particularly effective in the treatment of eye diseases, and the Sanctuary is also visited by people seeking spiritual healing.
The Sanctuary of the Holy Cross Wood Relic is open to visitors all year round, and it can be accessed by foot or by car. Guided tours of the sanctuary and its museum are also available.
Święty Krzyż mountain
The Sanctuary of the Holy Cross Wood Relic and Museum of the Missionary Oblates of the Virgin Mary are located on Łysiec mountain, nowadays referred to as Święty Krzyż mountain.
Witchcraft and hellish parties
Święty Krzyż (Mount Holy Cross) is the second highest mountain in the region at 595m. If you believe local folk legend, the mountain was especially liked by witches and during their Sabbaths, they practised witchcraft and organised hellish parties and dances on the summit.
Pilgrims
Every year, the Holy Cross Sanctuary is visited by crowds of pilgrims, visitors and tourists, who want to see this unique place. In the church on the mountain you can see a valuable painting of Franciszek Smuglewicz, monastery porches, a sacristy, the Oleśnicki family’s chapel and the Museum of the Missionary Oblates of the Virgin Mary.
500 million years old
The Świętokrzyskie Mountains are not particularly high; however they are ancient. Quartzite has been discovered in the area that is 500 million years old. The highest peak is Mount Łysica at 614 m and is located within the Świętokrzyski National Park.
Holy Cross Province (Swietokrzyskie) is located in south eastern Poland and has the city of Kielce as its regional capital. Often referred to as, “The heart of Poland.”
Kielce
With a history dating back over 900 years, Kielce was once an important mining centre, today, the city and its surroundings are better known for their historic architecture, green spaces and recreational areas like the Świętokrzyski National Park and the Kadzielnia Reserve. Kielce is the only city in Europe which counts five nature reserves within its borders.
Attractions
There’s a lot of attractions to see in Kielce. The former Palace of the Kraków Bishops, the picturesque National Museum, Kielce Cathedral, and Dworek Laszczyków are must-sees.
The Kadzielnia Reserve is a nature reserve located in Kielce, Poland. It is situated in the Kadzielnia quarry, which is a limestone quarry that is no longer in use. The reserve is known for its unique geological formations and diverse wildlife, including rare species of birds and bats. The quarry is also a popular spot for rock climbing and hiking. The reserve also includes a geological museum which shows how the quarry was formed and how it was used over the years. It is a popular tourist spot in the region.
The former quarry attracts visitors interested in music, extreme experiences such as ziplining and also geology enthusiasts.
Limestone
It is located on a hill as part of the Kadzielnia Range and is 295m above sea level. As a quarry back in the 18th century, it was a significant source of limestone, which was required primarily for road construction and you can still find traces of mining activity around the area.
Geologists Rock
In the centre is the Geologists Rock and this is protected as part of the Kadzielnia Nature Reserve and is not open to tourists, instead visitors admire the rock from the surrounding paths and viewpoints surrounding the quarry.
Attractions
You’ll find a number of attractions in Kadzielnia such as the underground tourist route, the amphitheatre, a zip-line station and a waterfall.
Fossils
Kadzielnia is very popular with palaeontologists and geologists who come to the area in search of fossils. Many different fossils have been found including sponges, corals, daylilies, brachiopods and snails.
Caves
Kadzielnia is also home to 25 caves. There are three caves open to the public and this is where you can find the 140m long underground tourist route.
Amphitheater
The Kadzielnia Amphitheater is one of the most unique and beautiful stages in the country. The surrounding rocks provide a natural backdrop and also enhance the acoustics. The amphitheatre has operated for more than 50 years and underwent a thorough modernisation in 2010, today it can seat as many as 5,430 spectators. During inclement weather, the stage and auditorium is covered with a retractable roof.
The amphitheater hosts large, modern artistic shows and concerts, among them the cult “pinwheel”, the International Scout Festival of School Youth Culture and the annual Kielce Festival.
Kadzielnia Rope Park
There’s much more to Kadzielnia than a concert among the rocks, exploring the caves and the amazing views. Thrill-seekers come to the area to admire the scenery from a height of 40m during a free rope descent. The Kadzielnia Rope Park includes three descents.
Every year, the Kadzielnia Sport Festival is hosted in the area and attracts extreme sports enthusiasts from near and afar.
Welcome to our resource for expats in Poland! We’ve compiled a list of groups, pages, and links that we hope will be helpful for those adjusting to life in a new country.
Updated – 24 January 2024
Expats in Warsaw: A forum for networking and a source of information for all Warsaw expatriates or people thinking about moving to the city.
Warsaw Internationals: A group for people of all nationalities living in Warsaw to meet, socialize, and make new friends.
InterNations: there’s a lot of information available here. They also organise various events.
Brits in Poland is a very useful resource providing information about all sorts of issues about living in Poland and also cover the many challenges facing British expats post-Brexit.
Krakow Expats is a very useful resource and they have both a website and a Facebook page. They provide information about all sorts of things related to living & playing specifically in Krakow but also covering living in Poland generally.
The First News: an excellent website and Facebook page, which aims to bring readers entertaining, engaging and informative news, features and reportage from across Poland and beyond.
Embassy of the United States in Warsaw: The official website of the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, providing information and resources for American citizens living in Poland.
British Embassy: the official website of the British Embassy in Warsaw.
Park Run is weekly fun run of 5km, held in parks all across Poland at 9am each Saturday. Each park run has it’s own Facebook page.
Whether it's Marmite, pork sausages, steak & kidney pie, fish and chips or something else, most expats will have a craving for, 'food from home' at some point during their stay here in Warsaw.
Don't worry! It is possible to find most things, it was easier prior to Brexit for sure, but if you look in the right places, you will sometimes find what you're looking for. On this page, we help you to track down those goodies from home that you can't live without.
The easiest way to get your fix is to find a bar or restaurant that will make it for you. There’s not a great deal of choice in Warsaw, but Legends Bar on Emilii Plater 25 will help you. They have a tradition British menu and serve all-day English breakfast, steak and kidney pie complete with mushy peas and onion gravy, fish and chips and various other pub favourites.
If you prefer to hunt for your fix and make it at home, then there’s a few options.
The British Shop in Warsaw, at Emilii Plater 12 has everything that you need; however it really is not cheap. But what’s the price of a fix, right? The good news is, you don’t have to go to the shop, they have an online store.
Many expats do their shopping at Dealz, there’s a few of them scattered around the city and they often have a good selection of British food, although the selection has dwindled somewhat since Brexit. You might be lucky though and go on a good day. You can see where their shops are and check out what they sell on their website.
There’s plenty of Lidl stores in the city, and they often stock British food. If you’re really lucky, on a good day, they have proper bacon.
Kuchnie Świata in Złote Tarasy is a good place to find chocolates such as traditional British Easter eggs, but is on the expensive side.
Information for expats – updated – 21 January 2023.
Poland is a popular destination for expats due to its growing economy and relatively low cost of living. In this article, we provide general information for expats moving to Poland, including information on residency, passport, driving license, finding work, finding a home and living in Poland.
Residency:
Expats who wish to stay in Poland for more than 90 days must obtain a residence permit. The process for obtaining a residence permit varies depending on the type of permit you are applying for, but generally, you will need to provide proof of income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. The process can take several months, so it’s important to start the process as soon as possible.
Passport:
Expats in Poland must have a valid passport to enter the country. If you plan to stay in Poland for more than 90 days, you must also apply for a residence permit. Keep in mind that the expiration date of your passport must be at least 6 months after the date of your planned departure from Poland.
Driving License:
Expats can drive in Poland with a valid international driver’s license for up to 6 months. After that, they will need to exchange it for a Polish driver’s license. The process of exchanging a driver’s license varies depending on the country of origin, so it’s important to check with the local authorities for specific requirements.
Finding Work:
Poland’s economy is growing, and there are many job opportunities available for expats in various industries, such as IT, finance, consulting, education, and healthcare. However, the job market can be competitive, and the language barrier can be an issue for some expats. It’s a good idea to have your CV translated into Polish and brush up on your language skills before applying for jobs.
Finding a Home:
Finding a place to live in Poland can be challenging, but there are many options available, such as apartments, houses, and rooms for rent. The cost of housing varies depending on the location and type of accommodation, with prices ranging from $300 to $800 per month. The best way to find a home is to search online or work with a real estate agent.
Money Transfers:
One of the questions, which pops up time and time again, is what is the best way to transfer money to Poland? We’ve asked around within the Expat community and these are the recommendations:
Transfer money or spend abroad 6x cheaper than old-school banks, and receive money around the world for free. Always with the real exchange rate, no hidden fees.
Dental Services in Poland:
Please visit our sister website, ‘Dentists in Poland’ for information about dental services and finding a dentist.
Meeting people
When you first come to Poland, unless you live in a city where it’s easy to find other expats or new friends, it can be quite lonely. A good way to find friends or like-minded people is to search online. Our Love Poland platform has been specifically designed so that you can search for friends who have the same interests and live in the same area as yourself. It’s free to join.
Overall, Poland is a great place for expats to live and work, offering a growing economy, a low cost of living, and a vibrant cultural scene. However, it’s important to be prepared for the process of obtaining a residence permit, finding a job and a place to live, which can be time-consuming and require some research. It’s always a good idea to check for the most recent information and requirements from the local authorities.
Poland is a beautiful country located in Central Europe, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. If you're thinking about moving to Poland, you're in for a treat! The country offers a high quality of life, low cost of living, and a welcoming community of expats.
Cost of living
One of the biggest draws of living in Poland is the cost of living. The country is relatively inexpensive compared to other European countries, and you'll be able to stretch your budget further here. Rent, groceries, and transportation are all relatively affordable. Additionally, the healthcare system in Poland is of a high quality and is considered to be one of the best in Europe.
Housing: The cost of housing in Poland varies depending on the location and type of accommodation. In cities like Warsaw and Krakow, you can expect to pay around $500 – $800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. In smaller cities and towns, the cost of housing is generally lower, with prices ranging from $300 to $500 per month.
Food: The cost of food in Poland is also relatively low. A meal in a mid-range restaurant will cost around $10 – $15, while a basic meal in a local restaurant or street food can be as low as $5. Grocery shopping is also inexpensive, with the average cost of a basic basket of goods coming in at around $50.
Transportation: Poland has an efficient and inexpensive public transportation system, with bus, train, and metro services available in most cities. A monthly public transportation pass in Warsaw costs around $50, while a one-way ticket is around $1.5. Taxis are also relatively cheap, with an average fare of around $5 for a short trip.
Healthcare: Poland has a well-developed healthcare system, and healthcare is affordable for both locals and expats. You can expect to pay around $20 – $30 for a visit to a general practitioner, while a visit to a specialist will cost around $50. Prescription drugs are also relatively inexpensive, with the average cost of a generic drug coming in at around $5.
Entertainment: Poland offers a wide range of entertainment options, from museums and historical sites to theaters, cinemas, and nightclubs. The cost of entertainment varies depending on the activity, but you can expect to pay around $10 – $15 for a movie ticket, and $5 – $10 for a drink in a bar or club.
Overall, the cost of living in Poland is relatively low compared to Western European countries. Expats can expect to live comfortably on a budget of around $1,500 – $2,000 per month, including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment. It's worth noting that the cost of living may vary depending on your lifestyle and location.
Culture
The culture in Poland is rich and diverse. The country has a long history, and you'll be able to explore it through the many museums and historical sites. Additionally, Poland is known for its beautiful architecture, including the colorful Old Towns of Krakow and Gdansk. The country also has a vibrant food scene, with traditional dishes such as pierogi and bigos being particularly popular. The country is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Learning Polish
Poland is also a great place to learn a new language. The official language is Polish, and while it can be challenging to learn, it is also a beautiful and expressive language. There are many language schools and language exchange programs available for those who are interested in learning – see Polish language for tourists.
Expat community
The city has a diverse population and a growing expat community, which includes professionals working in various industries, students, and retirees.
The expat community in Warsaw is relatively small compared to other major European cities, but it's still a diverse and active group. Many expats in Warsaw are employed in the IT, finance, and consulting industries, but there are also many opportunities for professionals in other fields such as education and healthcare. There are also a significant number of expat students who come to study at one of the city's universities.
There are several expat groups and organizations in Warsaw that provide a sense of community and support for newcomers. These groups organize social events, meetups, and activities, and provide a platform for expats to network and share information.
The city also has a wide range of international restaurants, shops, and supermarkets that cater to the expat community, as well as international schools and a vibrant cultural scene with a variety of art galleries, museums, and theaters.
In terms of living conditions, Warsaw offers a good quality of life and a wide range of housing options, from trendy apartments in the city center to more affordable options in the suburbs. The public transportation system is also efficient and affordable.
Overall, Warsaw is a great place for expats to live and work, offering a diverse and growing expat community, a variety of job opportunities, a vibrant cultural scene, and a good quality of life. As with any new place, it may take some time to adjust and feel comfortable, but with the help of the expat community, it will be easier.
It's worth noting that the above information is general in nature and may not be accurate or up-to-date. It's always a good idea to research and confirm details before making any decisions. Additionally, the expat community and living conditions can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check for the most recent information.
Weather
Poland has a four-season climate with cold winters and mild summers. In winter, temperatures can drop as low as -20°C and snowfall is common, so make sure you have warm clothing. See a 7 day weather forecast for the major cities in Poland.
Safety
Poland is a safe country to live in, with low crime rates and friendly people.
Overall, Poland is an excellent choice for expats. The country offers a high quality of life, low cost of living, and a welcoming community.
Usually, one of the first things the newly arrived do is seek out the expat bars in Warsaw. It's a good way to make friends, learn the ropes from those who have lived and worked in the city for a while, enjoy some food from home and socialise.
The hospitality industry in Warsaw is very competitive. Rates are not cheap, especially around the city’s hotspots, so it’s not unusual to see bars open with a flourish of advertising activity one month – to then close down just a few months later.
If you talk to any of the British, Irish or American expats who have lived in Warsaw for a while, they will tell you outrageous yarns of legendary expat bars of the past such as Bar Below, Bradley’s Bar and Tortilla Factory. Those that are even older will reminisce about the hotel bars, which in fact were once the only safe place for expats to get a drink 30 years ago.
But that’s all irrelevant, then was then and now is now!
Nowadays, there really isn’t very much on offer in regard to a true, traditional expat bar with the one exception of Legends Bar at Emilii Plater 25, just a short stumble from the Marriot Hotel.
If an expat bar is where expats go to drink on a regular basis, then Legends ticks the box. The owners are Beata who is Polish and Graham who is from Liverpool, he’s an Evertonian who likes his football – reason number two why it’s an expat bar – you can watch the footie there.
Reason number 3 would be that they serve British grub such as steak and kidney pie with mashed potatoes and onion gravy, they also do a full English breakfast, fish & chips and other pub favourites.
Legends is a favourite with expats and locals alike, it’s not very big and can get crowded if there’s a good match on the telly or on quiz night, which happens on a Friday once every month.
There are usually a few British draught beers on offer in bottles in addition to draft Guinness and local lagers. The only drinks they don’t serve are cocktails, if you want Sex on the Beach – there’s plenty of cocktail bars a short walk away.
If you're in Warsaw and fancy a pint and a bite to eat, then Legends is highly recommended.
There’s a lot to see and do in the city. Here’s our list of the Top 10 things to do in Wrocław. Click on the links for further information or to book a tour & buy tickets.
1. Wrocław Dwarfs
They’re referred to in Poland as dwarfs but they’re actually bronze gnomes around 20-30cm tall, which have been appearing in the streets of Wrocław since 2005. Today, there are hundreds of them, almost an invasion and they’ve become a major tourist attraction. You can even get maps and mobile apps to help you find them.
2. Old Town Hall
The 13th century Gothic Old Town Hall stands at the centre of the city’s Market Square and is one of the main landmarks of the city. It’s currently used for civic and cultural events, which are held in its Great Hall and also houses the Museum of Bourgeois Art and a restaurant in the basement. The structure is a mix of architectural styles with both Gothic and Renaissance features. The astronomical clock is made of larch wood and was built in 1580.
3. National Museum
The National Museum is one of Poland’s main branches of the National Museum system. It holds one of the largest collections of contemporary art in the country. You’ll find exhibits of Medieval sculpture on the ground floor in addition to paintings from the region, silverware, ceramics and furnishings. Polish art, primarily 17th century paintings, can be found on the 2nd floor.
The Racławice Panorama is a monumental (15m x 114m) cycloramic painting depicting the Battle of Racławice, during the Kościuszko Uprising and is Wrocław’s pride and joy. It is wrapped around the internal walls of a purpose-built rotunda. The painting took nine artists, nine months to complete and used 750kg of paint. Visits are by guided audio tours, departing every half hour.
This Late Baroque-Rococo church is part of Wrocław University and is one of the most picturesque in the city, if not the country. We can thank the Jesuits for this piece of architectural beauty, they built it way back in the 1690s on the site of the former Piast castle. The interior of the church has been painted to imitate marble and contains frescoes & ornate fittings.
You’ll find the Botanical Gardens on Cathedral Island. The gardens were built between 1811 – 1816 and are part of the University of Wrocław. Within the gardens, there is a large selection of plants, sculptures, aquariums, a large pond, bridges, a shop, and a café. The gardens are open from early April until mid-November.
The Zoo is located on Wróblewskiego Street and is the oldest zoo in the country, opened in 1865. In terms of the number of animal species, it is the third largest zoological garden in the world and the largest in Poland. It is home to about 10,500 animals representing about 1,132 species.
One of Wrocław’s favourite photo opportunities, are two charming, skinny tenements known locally as Jaś i Małgosia, better known to German and English speakers as Hansel and Gretel. You’ll find them on the north-western corner of the Market Square. The two fairy tale houses are linked by a baroque archway built in 1728.
9. Church of St Elizabeth
St. Elizabeth’s Church of the Catholic Third Order of Saint Francis is a 14th century Gothic church and one of the most iconic structures of the city’s Old Town panorama. It has a 90m high tower, a triple nave and is by medieval chapels. Inside, you’ll find a mid-15th-century sacramentary and carved medieval choir stalls.
10. Archaeological Museum
This museum is housed inside of the city’s former 15th century Arsenal alongside the Military Museum. Exhibits focus on the period from the Stone Age to the 19th century. You’ll find everyday objects from these times such as tools, ornaments and weapons.
Q: What is the best time to visit Wroclaw? A: The best time to visit Wroclaw is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the city’s many parks and gardens are in full bloom. However, Wroclaw is also a destination that can be enjoyed year-round, with a variety of events and activities taking place throughout the year.
Q: How do I get to Wroclaw? A: The main airport is Copernicus Airport Wrocław, which is well connected to other major airports in Europe, and from there you can take a bus or taxi to the city center. Alternatively, Wroclaw is also well connected to other parts of Poland by train and bus.
Q: What are the must-see attractions in Wroclaw? A: Some of the must-see attractions in Wroclaw include the Old Town, the Wroclaw Market Square, the Town Hall, the Wroclaw Cathedral, the Centennial Hall, the National Museum, and the Panorama of Racławice.
Q: Are there any good restaurants or bars in Wroclaw? A: Wroclaw is known for its excellent dining scene, with a wide variety of restaurants and bars to choose from, serving both traditional Polish cuisine and international dishes. Some popular options include local pubs, called “Piwnica” and trendy Restaurants.
Q: Is it easy to get around Wroclaw? A: Wroclaw is a relatively small and compact city, making it easy to get around on foot. The city center is also well served by public transportation, including buses and trams, making it easy to reach all of the city’s main attractions.
Q: Are there any festivals or events happening in Wroclaw during my visit? A: Wroclaw is a city that is known for its lively cultural scene, with a variety of events and festivals taking place throughout the year, including the Wroclaw Film Festival, the Wratislavia Cantans and the Wroclaw Shakespeare Festival. It’s a good idea to check the city’s calendar of events before your visit to see what’s happening during your stay.
There’s a lot to see and do in the city. Here’s our list of the Top 10 things to do in Warsaw. Click on the links for further information or to book a tour.
1. POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
This fascinating historical museum presents over 1,000 years of Jewish life in Poland. It allows visitors to explore past and present Jewish culture, providing a counterpoint to the stereotypes, xenophobia, and nationalistic prejudice threatening today’s societies. POLIN promotes openness, tolerance, and truth, contributing to the mutual understanding and respect between Polish and Jewish people.
Wilanów Palace is a former royal palace located 10km south of the city centre. It’s managed to survive Poland’s partitions and two World Wars and is one of Poland’s most important monuments. It was commissioned by King Jan III Sobieski in 1677 and serves as a reminder of the culture of the Polish state as it was before the misfortunes of the 18th century. The palace is one of Warsaw’s top tourist attractions.
3. Palace of Culture & Science
Love it or hate it, you can’t not see it. At 237m tall, it’s the second tallest building in Poland after Varso Tower. Since 1955, this socialist realist palace has dominated the city of Warsaw and today it houses various public and cultural institutions such as cinemas, theatres, libraries, sports clubs, university faculties and authorities of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Known as PKiN (the abbreviation of its full Polish name) and a lot of other less friendly names, the palace was a gift of friendship from the Soviet Union. Check out the 30th floor observation terrace for great views of the city.
4. Royal Castle
Royal Castle Warsaw is an exceptional copy of the original red-brick castle, which was destroyed by the Germans in WWII. The very first version of the castle was actually a wooden stronghold dating back to the 14th century built for the dukes of Mazovia and since then it has been the residence of Polish kings in addition to being the home of the president and also the seat of parliament. Back in the 17th century Royal Castle Warsaw was one of the most splendid royal palaces in Europe and today; it is filled with authentic furniture from that period and many original works of art. The highlights of the tour are the Great Apartments, which includes the Great Assembly Hall and lavishly decorated Throne Room and the King’s Apartments.
Lazienki Palace is located in the beautiful Łazienki Park in Warsaw. This is the biggest and most popular park in the city, and it provides visitors with many things to explore. During a walk around the 76 hectares park, you’ll see the Art Nouveau Chopin monument, a classicist amphitheatre, summer houses, pavilions, cafes & restaurants, lakes, the English garden, an Old Orangery, palaces and much more. There’s so much to see that it is possible to spend the full day in the park. Lazienki Palace is a lovely neoclassical building originally built in the 17th century and is the former residence of King Stanisław August Poniatowski who was a great patron of the arts.
The Historic Centre of Warsaw (Warsaw Old Town) is the oldest part of Warsaw. The heart of the area is the Old Town Market Place, which is very popular with tourists and contains many restaurants, cafés, bars and shops. Surrounding streets feature medieval architecture such as the city walls, St. John’s Cathedral and the Barbican which links the Old Town with Warsaw New Town. In excess of 85% of the historic centre of Warsaw was deliberately destroyed during World War II by Nazi Germany. A meticulous restoration of the Old Town took place after the war and this included its important religious buildings, the Royal Castle, Old Town Market, townhouses, and the circuit of the city walls. It is an outstanding example of a near-total reconstruction of a span of history covering the 13th to the 20th century.
The story of Jan and Antonina Zabinski is one of extraordinary bravery, decency and humanitarian spirit at enormous personal risk in the most challenging circumstances possible. The largely accurate portrayal captured in Diane Ackerman’s book and subsequent 2017 Hollywood movie, The Zookeeper’s Wife, reached millions. But a great many more remain completely unaware of the extraordinary tale of personal heroism, bravery and human kindness that took place within the grounds of Warsaw Zoo during World War II, and their enormous legacy and lessons for wider humanity in rescuing more than 300 people, mostly Jews smuggled out of the Warsaw Ghetto, at enormous personal risk. Even fewer are aware that the little zookeeper’s villa at the centre of the story, in the middle of the Warsaw Zoo, still stands today. A powerful but hidden and relatively neglected symbol of human unity and shared purpose, cared for over the years by a small group of people associated with the zoo and with the Zabinski family, on something less than a shoe-string budget. The villa, where the Żabińskis lived and risked their lives by hiding Jews, is open for a guided tour, which is well worth doing.
8. Warsaw Rising Museum
The single largest military effort taken by any European resistance movement during World War II happened during the Warsaw Uprising, which was fought for 63 days with little outside support. The Uprising was led by the Polish Resistance Home Army in an attempt to liberate Warsaw from German occupation. If you are ever in Warsaw, a visit to the Rising Museum is highly recommended. The museum traces the history of the doomed Uprising using personal accounts, photos, film and interactive displays. If you want to do the museum and surrounding Freedom Park justice, you’ll need to put aside a whole day.
The Grand Theatre is a theatre and opera complex situated on the historic Theatre Square. It is home to the Polish National Opera and Ballet companies and is one of the largest theatrical venues in the world, with a seating capacity of over 2,000. The building was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt to the original design in 1965.
Copernicus Science Centre is a science museum standing on the bank of the Vistula River containing over 450 interactive exhibits that enable visitors to single-handedly carry out experiments and discover the laws of science for themselves. The Centre is the largest institution of its type in Poland and one of the most advanced in Europe. In 2018, since its opening, it had been visited by over 8 million people.
