Traveling abroad as a family often comes with the challenge of finding activities that engage children, entertain adults, and fit within a budget. In this blog, I’ll share the experience of traveling to Warsaw with my family of six (two parents and four kids).
At first, Warsaw may not seem like the most obvious choice for a family trip, especially when compared to more popular destinations like Budapest or Romania (as I’ve written about in previous blogs). I admit I had my doubts too. But my perspective changed quickly—and I believe yours will too after reading this post.
With thoughtful planning, Warsaw offers plenty to keep children entertained while allowing the whole family to enjoy an incredible, memorable trip that won't break the bank.
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Highlights:
Nature of the trip: This journey was the perfect mix of attractions for adults, engaging activities for children, and, of course, plenty of shopping for my wife, ensuring her happiness with bags in hand!
Cultural Significance: It was important for me to include a balanced amount of visits to sites related to Jewish history and the Holocaust, creating a meaningful connection without overwhelming the trip.
Cleanliness:Warsaw is impressively clean and well-maintained, making it an absolute pleasure to stroll through its streets and explore its neighborhoods
The Copernicus Science Centre in Warsaw is a world-class attraction, rivaling its counterpart in London. This state-of-the-art museum aims to spark curiosity and inspire discussions about various fields of science. Like other top science museums worldwide, it features interactive exhibits designed for a wide range of ages, with all sessions and materials available in English.
**Pro Tip**: Be sure to book tickets in advance! When we arrived at 10:00, the earliest available entry was at 14:00. We passed the time exploring nearby attractions, such as the rooftop gardens of the Warsaw University Library (point #2 on the map), strolling along the Vistula River, and visiting the museum's planetarium, which has free exhibits (though films require a ticket, priced according to the website).
**Important Note**: The museum is closed on most Mondays throughout the year.
Once inside, plan to spend at least half a day—it’s hard to tear kids away from all the engaging activities!
Arrival: Metro, Red Line M2 Centrum Nauki Kopernik Station
In the following video, you can see my kids competing to outdo each other in a game where they pass a ball using only their brainwaves.
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2. The roof of the Warsaw University Library
Located near the Copernicus Science Centre and the main campus of the University of Warsaw, the library stands out with its striking architectural design, featuring inscriptions in various languages, including Hebrew. However, its real draw isn’t its collections but the stunning botanical garden on its roof.
Opened in June 2002, this rooftop garden is one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe. It spans two levels and includes a stream with ducks, a fountain, bridges, seating areas, walking paths, granite sculptures, and lush vegetation. The garden also offers incredible observation points overlooking the Vistula River and the cityscape, making it a serene and picturesque spot for visitors.
Price: Free Arrival: Metro, Red Line M2 Centrum Nauki Kopernik Station
3. Rope Park Warsaw
Adjacent to the zoo is Warsaw's rope park. While the park itself is relatively small and doesn’t compare to larger parks, like those in Romania, it can still be a fun addition to your day if you’re already at the zoo. If your children are interested in such an adventure, it’s worth checking out before deciding. The park offers three levels of difficulty, making it suitable for various age groups.
The Warsaw Zoo is a delightful destination filled with attractions for children. Established in 1928, this Zoological-Scientific Garden is home to 5,000 animals representing 500 species, including some rare plants. The zoo also features picnic areas, restaurants, and shops for a full family experience.
Most of the zoo is open-air, so visiting in summer requires a hat to stay cool. If you arrive early, you’ll find a few strollers available at the entrance, perfect for transporting small children or bags comfortably.
Personally, I was particularly excited to visit the zoo, not because I’m a big fan of seeing animals in enclosures, but because of its inspiring history. The movie *The Zookeeper’s Wife* tells the incredible true story of Jan 呕abi艅ski, the zoo's director during World War II, and his wife, Antonina. Together, they courageously saved nearly 300 Jews during the Holocaust, making the zoo a symbol of bravery and compassion.
Plan to spend several hours here, as the zoo spans 40 dunams (10 acres) and offers plenty to explore.
Website: Zoo Warszawa Opening hours: Open daily from 09:00 to 15:30 – December, January
16:00 – February, November 17:00 – March, October 16:00 – April – September Arrival: Metro, Red Line M2 Dworzec Wile艅ski
Station 5. Arkadia Shopping Center
At the entrance, my wife felt as though she had arrived in shopping heaven, with well-known brands like H&M, C&A, Aldo, Bershka, Adidas, Nike, and more. This mall is not only the largest in Warsaw but also the biggest in Poland. Spanning five floors, it boasts over 200 stores, 30 restaurants and caf茅s, a cinema complex with 15 screening halls, a children’s play area, and a Holmes Place fitness center. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, you might have to search in another country!
There’s a lot of misinformation online about the fountains. While they operate regularly, the special light-and-sound show takes place only from May to September on Fridays and Saturdays at 21:00. It’s free, and to fully enjoy it, you’ll want to position yourself as high as possible on the hill to take in the entire display.
We arrived at noon, and the kids enjoyed cooling off by wading their feet in the water such a refreshing experience! The area, part of the Wisla promenade, is perfect for a stroll, especially after visiting the Old Town.
Price: Free Arrival: Metro, blue line M1 station Ratusz Arsena艂 or Dworzec Gda艅ski
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7. Barbican: An impressive gate, preserved as a remnant of the ancient walls that once surrounded the city, marks the boundary between the Old City and the "New City." Originally constructed in 1548 and restored in 1954, this historic site has become a lively hub for street performances and artist stands, making it a vibrant attraction for visitors.
Price: Free Arrival: Metro, Blue Line M1 Ratusz Arsena艂 Station
8. Old Market Square - Miasta Starego Rynek
One of the most picturesque spots in Warsaw, this square is surrounded by vibrant, colorful buildings that add to its charm. Once the city's main square, it was completely destroyed during World War II but meticulously rebuilt in the 1950s.
At the heart of the square stands a statue of a mermaid holding a sword and shield, symbolizing Warsaw's protector. While the original statue didn’t survive the German attacks, it too was faithfully restored. The mermaid’s story is rooted in local legend: she is said to have emerged from the Vistula River and ventured into the Old City, where she was captured by a greedy merchant. Rescued by Warsaw's fishermen, the mermaid, in gratitude, vowed to protect the city and its people—a promise immortalized in this iconic statue.
Price: Free
Arrival: Metro, blue line M1 Ratusz arsena艂 station
9. St. John's Cathedral
The oldest place of worship in Warsaw is a magnificent and majestic cathedral, reconstructed between 1947 and 1954 by several architects on the ruins of the original Gothic church, which was destroyed during World War II. Its fa莽ade showcases a classic Gothic design, while the interior has undergone numerous transformations over the years, reaching its current form in 1973.
Website:www.katedra.mkw.pl Opening hours: Sunday: 15:00 – 17:00 Monday – Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00, Arrival: Metro, blue line Ratusz Arsena艂 station
10. Royal Castle (Kr贸lewski Zamek)
The Royal Castle, located in the Old Town of Warsaw, holds immense national, historical, and cultural significance for Poland. Once the residence of the royal family, the castle was tragically destroyed during World War II by order of Adolf Hitler. However, it was meticulously rebuilt in 1971. Today, the castle serves not only as a historical landmark but also as a cultural and art center, as well as an official venue for state events.
The Monument to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, created by the artist Nathan Rapoport, commemorates the brave resistance of the Jewish fighters during the 1943 uprising. Rapoport, a native of Warsaw, designed the monument to honor the heroes of the Ghetto, and it was unveiled on April 19, 1948, marking the fifth anniversary of the uprising.
Located in the heart of the former Jewish Ghetto, the monument is a powerful symbol of both the Holocaust legacy and the heroism displayed during the uprising. A replica of this monument stands in the Yad Vashem Plaza in Jerusalem. While similar in design, the two monuments differ in detail. Notably, the Warsaw version features one of the rebel figures with a torn shirt, exposing part of her chest, reminiscent of the iconic painting *Liberty Leading the People*. In the Yad Vashem replica, this detail is more subdued.
The monument is situated at the entrance to the Polish Jewish Museum in Warsaw, offering a solemn reminder of the Ghetto's history and the courage of its people.
Cost: Free
Arrival: Metro, blue line M1 station Ratusz Arsena艂
12. Museum of the History of Polish Jews
The museum's location is deeply symbolic, situated in the heart of the former Warsaw Ghetto, next to Nathan Rapoport's monument commemorating the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. The striking 4,000-square-meter building, an architectural masterpiece, stands on land once reduced to rubble.
The museum offers a detailed and authentic exploration of 1,000 years of Jewish history in Poland, engaging visitors with its design and the powerful narrative of the Jewish community. It's particularly impactful for older children, connecting them to the place’s history and its message.
The Holocaust display was especially important for me, given that three million of the six million Jewish victims were Polish. While the museum covers this dark chapter, it doesn't address Polish responsibility for the atrocities on their land, which remains a contentious issue between Poland and Israel.
The museum features both temporary (1,300 square meters) and permanent exhibitions (4,300 square meters), with eight sections dedicated to different historical periods, including:
1. Forest: The arrival of Jews to Poland, making it Europe's largest Jewish community.
2. First Encounters (Middle Ages): Early Jewish settlers in Poland, including the first Yiddish prayer book.
3. The Golden Age (15th-16th centuries): The flourishing of Jewish life and culture in Poland, particularly in Krakow.
4. Towards the State (17th-18th centuries): Jewish life before Poland’s partitions, with a reconstructed synagogue roof.
5. Encounters with Modernity (19th century): The impact of industrialization and the rise of anti-Semitism.
6. The Street (between the wars): The cultural and political life of Polish Jews during the Second Republic.
7. Holocaust: The genocide of Polish Jews, including exhibits on the Warsaw Ghetto and reactions of Poles.
8. Post-War: The Jewish exodus after 1945, the anti-Semitic campaigns, and the revival of the Jewish community post-1989.
Opening Hours:Monday, Thursday and Friday 10:00-18:00. Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 10:00-20:00, closed on Tuesdays.
Arrival: Metro, blue line M1 station Ratusz Arsena艂
13. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - Grob Nieznanego Zolnierza
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honors soldiers who died for Polish independence, their names lost to history. Located on the eastern side of the Saxon Garden, it stands in a part of the Saxony Palace that survived World War II. Resembling a small temple, the monument features an eternal flame, and soldiers stand guard, paying military honors to the fallen. The changing of the guard takes place daily at 12:00.
Cost: Free
Arrival: Metro, red line M2 station 艢wi臋tokrzyska
14. The Saxon Garden
The Saxon Garden, located near Pi艂sudski Square and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, is a public park open daily with free admission. Established in the mid-17th century by Jan Andrzej Mursztyn, the garden was initially a French-style space surrounding a wooden house. It was later expanded with a stone palace inspired by the Palace of Versailles, including statues, pavilions, and a central fountain.
Today, the garden features lush vegetation, statues of gods and goddesses representing the seasons, and a sundial from the 19th century. At the end of the garden stands the monument to the Unknown Soldier, next to the Polish Ministry of Defense.
Cost: Free
Arrival: Metro, red line M2 station 艢wi臋tokrzyska
15. Ulica Nowy 艢wiat
This historic street, part of the Royal Route, connects the Copernicus Monument near Krakowskie Przedmie艣cie Street to Three Crosses Square. Originally built in the 16th century to link the Royal Castle with Wilan贸w Palace, it evolved over centuries from fields and wooden mansions to grand palaces and cobblestone paving.
By the Napoleonic era, neoclassical buildings replaced earlier structures, and the street flourished with shops and cafes, becoming a key part of Warsaw. In the 20th century, Art Nouveau-style houses were added but were destroyed during the Warsaw Uprising in World War II. Post-war reconstruction restored the street in a neoclassical style.
Today, it’s one of Warsaw’s main thoroughfares, featuring elegant houses, charming cafes, small gardens, statues, and Chopin benches that play his works at the press of a button. The street is lively day and night, with plenty of restaurants and a vibrant atmosphere.
Arrival: Metro, Red Line M2 Nowy 艢wiat-Uniwersytet Station
16. Candy Shop - Manufaktura Cukierkow
A fun attraction for kids on Nowy 艢wiat Street is the candy store, where they can watch the candy-making process up close (as shown in the video I documented). The store also offers a wide variety of candies in unique and exciting flavors—definitely worth a visit!
17. Palace of Culture and Science (Pa艂ac Kultury i Nauki)
At the entrance to the Palace of Culture and Science, you’ll find a virtual reality stand—a fun souvenir experience—and the iconic Warsaw sign (featured in the cover photo of this blog), perfect for a quick photo.
Standing at 231 meters, the Palace of Culture and Science is the tallest building in Poland. Built in 1952 as a gift from Stalin, it remains a controversial symbol, as it reminds locals of the communist occupation. Despite this, the palace is undeniably impressive. Its 42 floors house offices, museums, cinemas, shops, a planetarium, swimming pools, conference halls, and more.
Don’t miss the observation deck on the 30th floor, offering breathtaking views of Warsaw in all directions.
Arrival: Metro, blue line M1 Centrum Station
18. Remnant of the Warsaw Ghetto Wall
Next to the Z艂ote Tarasy Mall, you can find the remains of the Warsaw Ghetto Wall. The entrance is on Sienna Street, at house number 53. In the inner courtyard, a surviving section of the ghetto wall still stands, accompanied by an iron plaque with explanations in English and Polish.
Visiting this site was significant for me as I wanted to teach my children about its historical importance. In a gesture of respect and solidarity, I asked them to stand in silence and honor the memory of what once was.
Price: Free Arrival: Metro, Red Line M2 Rondo ONZ Station
19. Zloty Mall
Z艂ote Tarasy is a stunning and unique shopping mall in the heart of Warsaw, known for its impressive modern architecture, including its iconic glass roofing that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. The mall offers a wide variety of stores, including fashion boutiques, gift shops, home goods, clothing, and accessories, as well as essentials like a "Super-Pharm" store.
While smaller than the Arkadia Mall, Z艂ote Tarasy still boasts 180 shops and 40 restaurants, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for shopping, dining, or simply admiring the beautiful design.
艁azienki Park, one of Warsaw's most beloved green spaces, is a favorite spot for locals and visitors to unwind and enjoy nature. The park features the iconic Chopin Monument, which offers a unique appearance depending on your viewing angle. From May to September, free Chopin concerts are held here every Sunday at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM—a cherished tradition for over 50 years.
Among the park’s highlights is the "Palace on the Water," surrounded by picturesque scenery. Inside, you can explore a charming photo gallery and rooms authentically preserved from the 17th century. Another notable attraction is the White House, formerly the king's secret retreat, featuring seven impeccably decorated rooms in 17th-century style.
The park is also a haven for children, with squirrels to feed and peacocks roaming freely near the palace grounds. It’s a perfect place to spend a few relaxing hours, whether strolling, exploring historical sites, or simply enjoying the serene atmosphere. Entry to the park and its main attractions, including the Palace on the Water and the White House, is free.
Don’t skip this gem! Although it’s a bit farther away, I’ve prepared clear instructions so you won’t miss out on this breathtaking spot. This tranquil and picturesque park is a haven of green spaces and natural beauty. Located in the southern part of Warsaw, it’s part of the Wilan贸w Palace complex, which once served as the residence of the King of Poland.
The park’s diverse landscape features lush vegetation, serene pathways, and a natural stream where you can enjoy a boat ride. During the summer, classical music concerts are held on the terrace of the enchanting rose garden, adding to the park's charm.
The garden is stunningly beautiful, exuding a peaceful atmosphere and offering a vibe that feels reminiscent of the Gardens of Versailles. It’s a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle!