Warsaw took us by surprise. Based on our misguided, preconceived notions, we anticipated a bleak, gray and (quite possibly) boring trip to Poland’s capital city.
We were proven wrong on all three accounts. The city is thriving, vibrant and (most definitely) not boring!
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While we were thoroughly entertained by the must-see attractions (we highlight them in our 3-Day Itinerary), our interest was truly piqued by the unique things to do in Warsaw.
From ancient folklore to communist-era relics to modern marvels, the hidden gems and peculiarities are what truly made us fall in love with Warsaw!
Unique Things To Do in Warsaw, Poland
We have rounded the fascinating oddities that enhanced our trip to Warsaw. Hopefully, it will help to make your trip fun and memorable, too!
#1 Look High and Low for Warsaw Mermaids
We are kicking off this list with a wonderfully fun Warsaw fact: The city’s protector is a sword-wielding mermaid.
According to legend, the freshwater nymph resided in the Vistula River and would release fish from the angler’s nets. That understandably angered them, but once they heard her singing, they were entranced.
When a wealthy merchant captured the mermaid and held her as a prisoner, her faithful fishermen came to her rescue.
To repay her liberators, she armed herself with a sword and shield and has been protecting the city and its residents ever since.
The Mermaid of Warsaw has graced the Coat of Arms for centuries – and her image is now etched pretty much everywhere.
From the centerpiece statue in the Old Town Market Square to humble manhole covers, you can find her likeness is the most unlikely places.
Of all the mermaids we came across during our trip, we found the one in Powisle to be the most impressive…mostly because its story is so enthralling.
This one was sculpted by Louise Nitschowa in 1939. Krystyna Krahelska, a Varsovian poet – and also a nurse – posed for the artwork.
On August 1, 1944 – the first day of the Warsaw Uprising – she was shot and died the following day from the injuries.
Before her death, she had penned several poems, including “Towers,” which became the song of the Polish soldiers and the Uprising.
#2 Bask in the Glow at the Neon Museum
Born as a counterpoint to dreary communism and gloomy weather, the ‘neonization’ of Warsaw brought bright lights and a glimmer of hope during the Cold War.
So much more than business ads, the glowing neon signs became works of art and a symbol of culture.
Visually appealing, the cheerful advertisements transformed drab, concrete districts into modern landscapes.
The celebrated artform fell out of favor in the 1970s, but a recent push to save the luminous signboards has spurred a retro revival.
A dazzling collection of vintage neon signs now resides within the historic Palace of Culture and Science (a 1955 landmark tower that was once named for Stalin).
Not a typical cultural institution with a timeline of history, here you can hear the buzzing lights while you appreciate their uniqueness.
#3 Roam with the Peacocks
While touring Warsaw, we did not anticipate crossing paths with peacocks…yet there they were, wandering freely throughout Lazienki Royal Park.
Ranking as Warsaw’s largest green space – it encompasses an astounding 190 acres – Lazienki Park can trace its origins to the 17th century, when it was developed as a private bathhouse.
It was in 1766, however, that King Stanislaw II Augustus Poniatowski (Poland’s last king), transformed the property into his summer residence.
He brought peacocks to the grounds and the colorful birds became a lasting tradition.
Although it may seem unconventional to share a public path with peafowl, they casually and curiously strut around, much like many tourists!
#4 Eat a Warsaw Milk Bar Meal
Poland has worked diligently to erase remnants of a brutal past, but Bary Mleczne (Milk Bars) are an enduring icon that live on.
These cafeterias are a throwback to the days of rationed meat, expensive food and an authoritarian regime.
In order to ensure nutritious and affordable meals were available to students and the working class, the state subsidized Milk Bars to prepare simple, homemade food.
Still partially backed by the government today, Milk Bars crank out gigantic portions of classic Polish Cuisine at extremely low prices.
The first time we walked into one, we felt like we were stepping back in time. Although our experience was a bit odd and bewildering, the food was delicious!
The dining areas are stark and quiet (except for the clatter of cutlery), the cashiers are often gruff and the menu – in Polish only – is usually posted on the wall.
We recommend going in with a plan and a translator app to sort out the soups, salads and hearty meat-and-potato dishes that are on offer. Smacznego (enjoy your meal)!
#5 Take a Seat with Chopin
Frédéric Chopin holds the honor of being Warsaw’s most beloved composer. Considered a child prodigy and poetic genius, he grew up in Warsaw in the early 1800s.
When leaving for Paris in 1830 at age 20, he was already a celebrity, but he would soon earn worldwide fame.
He is best known for his technically difficult piano pieces – and 19 songs that have been set to Polish lyrics.
The Museum of Fryderyk Chopin details his life and achievements, but you don’t have to pay an admission fee to hear his music. All you need to do is find a Chopin Bench, sit down and press a button!
The novel benches are located throughout Warsaw (with several along the Royal Route) and each one plays a 30-second snippet of one of his masterpieces.
They are strategically placed in locations that have special ties to Chopin. Our favorite is the one situated in front of the Fryderyk Chopin Monument in Lazienki Royal Gardens.
#6 Cruise the Warsaw Metro
While an integral part of the city’s public transport, we decided to include it on our list of unique Warsaw things to do for one good reason: Its modern design.
Unlike many major city undergrounds – the Subway in NYC and the Tube in London – Warsaw’s Metro is practically brand new.
The M1 (north-south line) opened in 1995 – and 20 years later, the M2 (east-west line) became operational.
That equates to a sublimely modern system with incredibly designed stations that are impeccably clean.
In our opinion, Plac Wilsona has the most impressive design (check out the ceiling) while Plocka gets top marks for best decor (copper paneling and neon lights).
Honestly, we considered buying an all-day ticket just to ride the entire network and check out each station – but we still had so much more to see in Warsaw!
#7 Appreciate Warsaw Street Art
Just like neon brightened the city in the 1950s, street art murals are helping to decorate the landscape today.
Warsaw’s concrete buildings and run down factories are prime canvases. For years, renowned artists have been busy spray painting humorous, evocative and thought-provoking pieces.
We spent an afternoon touring the eccentric Praga district in search of sensational murals – and they didn’t disappoint. Situated on the east bank of the Vistula River, Praga is both edgy and hipster.
The area’s factories and bloc apartments have long attracted the working class – but since the fall of communism, the district has emerged as an artsy enclave.
That said, works are prevalent throughout the city – and you will almost certainly stumble onto murals while touring the city. To track down specific ones, we recommend using this map.
#8 Witness the Changing of the Guard
A remarkable tribute to those who sacrificed their lives, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a poignant place to visit in Warsaw.
Located in Pilsudski Square in the Ogrod Saski (Saxon Garden), it’s guarded by soldiers from the Representative Battalion of the Polish Army.
Every hour – on the hour – 365 days a year, the protectors perform a formal Changing of the Guard (with a grandiose event on Sunday at noon).
Witnessing the dramatic, time-honored tradition is extraordinary. We were mesmerized as the new guards made the long walk across the square with the heels of their shoes clicking in time.
#9 Visit a Garden in the Sky
We think getting an elevated view of Warsaw is an absolute must – and the city has some pretty outstanding observation decks.
The rooftop garden at the University of Warsaw Library is a true hidden gem. The elevated space is comprised of an upper and lower garden that are connected by a contemporary ‘stream’.
Both the greenery and the vistas are magnificent. There’s also no admission fee, making it one of the best free things to do in Warsaw!
That said, the newly opened Highline Warsaw is the latest and greatest perch in the sky. In fact, it ranks as the highest viewing platform in the European Union.
With a garden and bar on the 49th floor and scenic deck on the 53rd floor, the 360-degree views encompass the entire city. Tickets are required, but substantially cheaper if purchased in advance.
#10 Sip Polish Craft Beer
We believe sipping locally-produced beverages is a fun ways to appreciate the unique flavors of a place.
Lucky for us, the craft beer revolution is in full swing in Warsaw – and there are a dizzying number of multitap bars where you can sample the local suds.
The Central Srodmiescie District (especially around the Palace of Culture and Science) is flush with super spots.
Our recommendations (in no particular order) are Kufle I Kapsle, Jabeerwocky, Drugie Dno and Warsaw Piw Paw.
If you want to imbibe in the Old Town, check out Same Krafty. Nearby, Muranow Craft Beer gets rave reviews and is our list of places to go on our next Warsaw trip!
Start planning your trip to Poland! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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