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Author: Barry Pickard
Contents
What makes Warsaw’s Old Town so special? It’s not just the colorful buildings or its impressive monuments. It’s the feeling of walking through a place that has risen from devastation to reclaim its history. Nearly every corner tells a story of resilience, destruction, and rebirth. During World War II, Warsaw’s Old Town was almost completely destroyed—reduced to little more than rubble. However, thanks to an extraordinary reconstruction effort in the years following the war, it now stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a powerful testament to the city’s spirit.

Walking through these cobblestone streets, it’s hard to believe that every brick and façade you see has been painstakingly restored to its pre-war glory. The buildings, squares, and landmarks reflect a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, taking you on a visual journey through the centuries. But it’s not just about the past—today, the Old Town is alive with vibrant cafes, bustling markets, and friendly locals who are proud of their city’s incredible recovery.

I spent time exploring its squares, streets, and landmarks, and it’s clear that Old Town is one of the best things to do in Warsaw if you’re short on time. From its iconic Royal Castle to the touching war memorials, this part of the city blends beauty and history in a way that feels both timeless and inspiring.

This post will take you through the best attractions in Warsaw's Old Town - straightforward, helpful, and based on my own experience.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of the attractions of Old Town Warsaw appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the best things to do in Warsaw, or indeed, a general tour of Poland.
Things to Do in Warsaw's Old Town
Old Town Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta)
The heart of Warsaw Old Town is its Market Square. It’s surrounded by buildings meticulously reconstructed after WWII to match their 17th and 18th-century style. At the center, the Warsaw Mermaid sculpture stands proudly, shield and sword in hand. It’s a symbol of the city and a constant presence since the 1800s. Today, the square bustles with cafes, shops, and restaurants. If you’re looking for things to see in Warsaw, this is the perfect place to stop, sit, and people-watch.

St. John’s Cathedral (Katedra św. Jana)
St. John’s Cathedral is the oldest church in Warsaw, dating back to the 14th century. Its history tells a story of resilience. Destroyed during WWII, it was rebuilt after the war to reflect its medieval appearance. Once a coronation site for the Dukes of Masovia, this cathedral also holds deep historical significance. For instance, King Stanisław August Poniatowski repeated the Oath of the Constitution of May 3, 1791, here. The somber Gothic architecture gives you a sense of the weight of its past.

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Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy)
Just a short walk from the Market Square is Castle Square, the entrance to Old Town. It’s home to the Royal Castle and Sigismund’s Column, two landmarks you can’t miss. The square connects to the historic Royal Route, a stretch of streets lined with palaces and important buildings. It’s also a great starting point for exploring other attractions in Warsaw.


Royal Castle
The Royal Castle is impossible to overlook and is a must see in Warsaw. It was once the seat of Polish kings and later a key site for the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The Constitution of May 3, 1791—Europe’s first—was signed here. Like much of Old Town Warsaw, the castle was destroyed during WWII but was faithfully reconstructed. Inside, you’ll find rooms restored to their former grandeur, filled with art and history. Even if you don’t go inside, the castle’s red facade is worth admiring.

Sigismund’s Column
Sigismund’s Column stands tall in Castle Square. Erected in 1644, it honors King Sigismund III Vasa, the monarch who moved Poland’s capital from Kraków to Warsaw. During the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, the column was destroyed, but pieces of the original still lie nearby. The rebuilt version remains a striking centerpiece to the square and a marker of the city’s resilience.

Barbakan
The Barbakan is a remnant of Warsaw’s old defensive walls. Built in 1540, it once protected the city between Old and New Towns. After WWII, it was reconstructed in the 1950s to resemble its original form. Walking through the Barbakan gives you a feel for the city’s medieval past and offers views of the surrounding city walls.

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Field Cathedral of the Polish Army
The Field Cathedral of the Polish Army, located just outside Old Town, is one of Warsaw's most important churches. Built in the 17th century, it now serves as the main place of worship for the Polish military. Inside, you’ll find moving memorials dedicated to fallen soldiers, including victims of the Katyn massacre. It’s a quiet and solemn space that offers a deeper perspective on Poland’s history of sacrifice and resilience.

Mały Powstaniec (Little Insurgent) Memorial
The Mały Powstaniec, or Little Insurgent, is one of Warsaw’s most touching war memorials. Located near the Barbakan, it commemorates the children who fought and died during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. The bronze statue depicts a young child wearing an oversized helmet and holding a gun, symbolizing the courage and tragedy of the young insurgents. It’s a small but powerful tribute that reminds visitors of the sacrifices made during the city’s darkest days.

Wandering the Streets
One of the best things to do in Warsaw Old Town is simply walking. The narrow streets are lined with colorful facades, each one distinct. No two buildings look alike. Stop and take in the details—the ornate doorways, window shutters, and painted exteriors. It’s hard to believe these streets were once rubble after WWII. Warsaw’s Old Town is proof of the city’s ability to rebuild and renew itself.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to Poland’s capital, Warsaw Old Town should be at the top of your list. It’s the perfect mix of history, architecture, and atmosphere. From its historic squares to the iconic Royal Castle and Barbakan, there’s no shortage of things to do in Warsaw. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, make time to explore the Old Town—you won’t regret it.

Where to Stay
When visiting these sites in the Old Town, I stayed at the Ibis Warszawa Stare Miasto, which was just a ten minute walk to the Field Cathedral and handily positioned to walk to the other sites detailed in this post.

In keeping with being a vibrant European capital city, there are plenty of hotels to choose from, with many being within walking distance of this historic area. For a touch of luxury the Hotel Bristol, A Luxury Collection Hotel fits the bill, as does the splendid Hotel Bellotto. For more moderate or economy options consider the Leonardo Royal Hotel Warsaw, or the Hotel Mazowiecki WOW.
Further Reading
Related Blog Posts
If you are interested in finding out more about Poland, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
The Tailor-Made Guide to The Concentration Camps of The Holocaust - Auschwitz Birkenau
The Tailor-Made Guide to The Concentration Camps of The Holocaust - Warsaw Ghetto
The Tailor-Made Guide to The Concentration Camps of The Holocaust - Płaszów (Schindler's List)
The Tailor-Made Guide to The Concentration Camps of The Holocaust - Treblinka & Majdanek
The Tailor-Made Guide to Nazis V-2 Rockets and Where to Find Them
Comment below and let us know what was your favourite Warsaw attraction.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of the attractions of Old Town Warsaw appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the best things to do in Warsaw, or indeed, a general tour of Poland.
Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Pamela
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
Warsaw Old Town Map

