Self-Guided Walking Tour of Warsaw’s Old City (2025)

Towering above Plac Zamkowy, Sigismund’s Column is one of Warsaw’s most iconic monuments and a popular meeting point for both locals and visitors. Erected in 1644 by King Władysław IV in honor of his father, King Sigismund III Vasa, the monument commemorates the monarch who famously moved Poland’s capital from Kraków to Warsaw in 1596. The statue, designed by Italian architect Constantino Tencalla and sculptor Clemente Molli, stands on a tall Corinthian column and holds a cross in one hand and a sword in the other—symbolizing both faith and readiness to defend the realm.

Though it may seem timeless, Sigismund’s Column has had its share of upheaval. During the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, the statue was knocked down by German forces and shattered in pieces. After the war, the original sculpture was carefully restored and placed back atop a new granite column. The remnants of the original column lie beside the Royal Castle today, a quiet reminder of the city’s destruction and resilience. That duality—splendor and suffering—is central to understanding Warsaw’s story.

From the base of the column, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Castle Square and the spires and rooftops of the Old Town. It’s a natural place to pause and orient yourself at the start of your walking tour. The lively square, often filled with street performers and art stalls, is also an excellent spot to photograph Warsaw’s royal past against the vibrant life of the present.

Just beneath Sigismund’s Column, Plac Zamkowy unfolds in a wide, inviting plaza that marks the symbolic entrance to Warsaw’s Old Town. Once the forecourt to the Royal Castle, this square has long served as a gathering place for royal parades, public speeches, and national celebrations. Today, it teems with life—visitors, street artists, flower stalls, and occasional musicians create an atmosphere that is at once grand and intimate. Cobblestones echo with history, while colorful townhouses, lovingly reconstructed after World War II, form a picturesque backdrop.

Castle Square is the ideal starting point for exploring the layers of Warsaw’s history. It connects the past and present with deliberate elegance: from here, you can look up at the Royal Castle, glimpse St. Anne’s Church to the west, or walk along the Royal Route toward Łazienki Park. But the square is also a place to simply stop and take in the rhythm of Warsaw life. It’s common to see children chasing pigeons, couples enjoying ice cream, or tour groups clustered around guides explaining the royal lineage.

Though much of the square was destroyed during the war, its reconstruction in the postwar years is nothing short of remarkable. Every window frame, every cornice, was rebuilt with care, based on 18th-century paintings by Bernardo Bellotto, court painter to King Stanisław August. The result is a square that feels authentic yet carries a deeper meaning—it is a tribute not just to Warsaw’s architecture, but to its soul and determination.

Dominating the eastern side of Castle Square, the Royal Castle is a cornerstone of Warsaw’s historical and political identity. Originally a 14th-century wooden fortress used by the Dukes of Mazovia, it was gradually expanded into a Renaissance and then Baroque palace under the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. By the 17th century, it became the official residence of Polish kings, the seat of Parliament, and a cultural beacon for the nation. The richly decorated façade, crowned by the central Clock Tower, sets the tone for the treasures within.

The castle’s interior is a showcase of royal grandeur. The meticulously restored Great Assembly Hall, Throne Room, and Marble Room dazzle with gold leaf, crystal chandeliers, and ceiling frescoes that evoke Poland’s golden age. Highlights include the Canaletto Room, where detailed cityscapes helped guide postwar reconstruction efforts, and the Royal Apartments, where historical artifacts, paintings by Rembrandt, and period furnishings evoke the everyday life of monarchs. Temporary exhibitions and cultural events are also regularly hosted here.

Destroyed in its entirety by the Nazis during World War II, the Royal Castle was rebuilt from scratch in the 1970s and 1980s, thanks largely to public donations and UNESCO support. Today, it stands not only as a museum and national symbol, but also as a triumph of cultural willpower. It’s a must-visit for any walking tour of Warsaw—whether you step inside or simply admire it from the square, the castle marks the heart of Warsaw’s past and its rebirth.

Descending from the rear of the Royal Castle, the Royal Castle Gardens offer a tranquil counterpoint to the grandeur of the palace above. Though originally laid out in the 17th century, the gardens you see today are part of a recent reconstruction project completed in the early 2020s, based on historical plans and artistic depictions. The result is a stunning, two-tiered green space, where symmetrical paths, neatly trimmed hedges, flowerbeds, and ornamental sculptures evoke the classical elegance of a royal residence.

The upper terrace, close to the castle itself, provides elevated views over the Vistula River and bridges stretching into Warsaw’s modern districts. Benches and shaded walkways invite visitors to linger, and in summer, the gardens bloom with vibrant colors. The lower terrace opens up to expansive lawns, fountains, and a gently sloping pathway perfect for a quiet stroll. Despite their location near major landmarks, the gardens often feel surprisingly peaceful—ideal for a midday break from sightseeing.

More than just a visual treat, the Royal Castle Gardens are a testament to Warsaw’s commitment to historical fidelity and public beauty. The careful recreation of the terraces and plantings is yet another chapter in the city’s story of recovery and preservation. Whether you’re interested in horticulture, photography, or just a calm spot to sit and reflect, these gardens are a highlight not to be missed during your walk through the Old City.

Tucked just behind the Royal Castle, St John’s Archcathedral is one of Warsaw’s most significant and oldest churches, with origins dating back to the 14th century. Originally constructed in Gothic style as the coronation and burial site of Mazovian dukes, the cathedral later became the site of royal swearing-in ceremonies and historic parliamentary events. Its soaring brick façade—rebuilt in a strikingly angular neo-Gothic style after WWII—evokes the deep resilience of a building that has long stood at the center of Polish spiritual and political life.

Inside, the atmosphere is serene and reverent. Highlights include the Baroque altar of St. Stanislaus Kostka, the tomb of Cardinal Wyszyński (a key figure in Poland’s 20th-century resistance), and the crypts containing the remains of literary giants and national heroes like Henryk Sienkiewicz. The acoustics of the vaulted nave often host organ concerts, and the sense of history is palpable beneath the soft lighting and stained-glass windows.

The cathedral was reduced to rubble during the Warsaw Uprising, with only fragments of its walls surviving. Its postwar reconstruction, completed in the 1950s, was based on 17th-century illustrations rather than more recent architectural additions, returning it to a medieval appearance closer to its origins. Today, St John’s stands as a powerful reminder of both Warsaw’s sacred traditions and its astonishing ability to rebuild what was lost.

You will pass under a covered walkway connects St. John’s Archcathedral to the Royal Castle; constructed in the wake of a failed assassination attempt on King Sigismund III, during which the attacker managed to strike the monarch twice with a pickaxe before being subdued.

Hidden in a quiet corner of the Old Town, The Wishing Bell—or Dzwon na Kanonii—is one of Warsaw’s more whimsical attractions. Set in the small square of Kanonia Street, just behind St John’s Archcathedral, the large bronze bell stands alone on the cobblestones, never having been hung in a church. Cast in the 17th century, it was damaged before installation and ultimately repurposed as a public monument. Over time, it has become the center of a charming local legend. According to tradition, if you circle the bell three times and touch it while making a wish, that wish will come true.

At the heart of Warsaw’s Old Town lies the Old Town Market Place (Rynek Starego Miasta), a beautifully restored square that bursts with color, life, and centuries of history. Originally laid out in the 13th century, this market square was once the commercial and social center of the medieval city. It was completely destroyed during World War II but meticulously reconstructed in the years that followed, with careful attention to detail based on old paintings, including works by Bernardo Bellotto. Today, it stands as one of the most remarkable examples of postwar historical restoration in Europe.

Surrounding the square are four sides of elegant townhouses, each with unique facades, gables, and pastel tones. These buildings once belonged to Warsaw’s wealthy merchants and city officials. At the center of the square is the iconic bronze statue of the Mermaid of Warsaw (Syrenka), a fierce protector of the city and a symbol you’ll encounter throughout Warsaw. Around the square, cafés, restaurants, and galleries offer plenty of opportunities to pause, whether for a hearty Polish lunch, a scoop of ice cream, or a quiet moment with a coffee as you watch street performers and tourists wander by.

Standing proudly in the center of the Old Town Market Place is The Mermaid of Warsaw (Syrenka Warszawska) is one of the city’s most enduring and beloved symbols. This bronze statue depicts a fierce, sword-wielding mermaid with a shield, ready to defend the city she represents. According to legend, the mermaid swam from the Baltic Sea up the Vistula River and fell in love with Warsaw’s people. When she was captured by a greedy merchant, locals freed her, and in gratitude, she vowed to protect the city forever. Today, she appears on Warsaw’s coat of arms and throughout the city, but the Old Town statue—erected in 1855—is the most iconic.

Just beyond the northern edge of the Old Town Market Place, the Warsaw Barbican stands as one of the few remaining elements of the city’s medieval fortifications. Originally built in 1540 by Italian architect Giovanni Battista, this semicircular brick bastion once formed a critical part of the city’s defensive walls, guarding the Nowomiejska Gate between the Old and New Towns. Though it saw little use in its original military capacity, the Barbican became a symbolic barrier between the two historic districts of Warsaw.

Like much of Warsaw, the Barbican was severely damaged during World War II, and what you see today is a reconstruction completed in the 1950s using bricks from 17th-century buildings. The restored structure, with its thick ramparts, turrets, and arched passageway, evokes a strong medieval character. Visitors are free to walk along parts of the walls, peer through the crenellations, and imagine life in the fortified city centuries ago.

The area surrounding the Barbican is full of atmosphere, especially in the evening when warm lights cast dramatic shadows across the red-brick structure. Street musicians often perform nearby, and small stalls sometimes sell souvenirs or local crafts. The Barbican not only marks the transition into the quieter New Town but also serves as a tangible reminder of Warsaw’s resilience and commitment to preserving its historic identity.

Tucked away on quiet Freta Street in Warsaw’s New Town is the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Museum, dedicated to one of Poland’s most celebrated figures. Born in this very house in 1867, Skłodowska-Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize—and remains the only person to have received Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields (physics and chemistry). The museum occupies a charming 18th-century townhouse and offers a fascinating look into the life and legacy of this groundbreaking scientist.

Inside, the exhibits chronicle her journey from a curious Warsaw schoolgirl to a world-renowned physicist who discovered polonium and radium. The museum contains personal artifacts, photographs, letters, scientific instruments, and even replicas of her laboratory equipment. It also explores the challenges she faced as a woman in science and her enduring impact on medicine and atomic research. Visitors gain a powerful sense of her intellect, determination, and patriotism—she always identified strongly with her Polish roots, despite spending much of her life in France.

Though modest in size, the museum offers a quiet, reflective experience amid the bustle of the Old City. It’s a place not just for science enthusiasts but for anyone inspired by human achievement and perseverance. Stepping out onto Freta Street afterward, it’s easy to appreciate how Warsaw shaped the early years of this extraordinary woman—and how she, in turn, left an indelible mark on the world.

As you continue your walk westward from the New Town, you’ll come across one of the most poignant reminders of Warsaw’s tragic 20th-century history: the Warsaw Ghetto boundary markers. These unassuming brass strips and stone slabs embedded in the pavement trace the perimeter of what was once the largest Jewish ghetto in Nazi-occupied Europe. Created in 1940, the Warsaw Ghetto imprisoned over 400,000 Jews in appalling conditions, confined to a small, overcrowded section of the city.

The markers are simple, inscribed with the words “Mur Getta 1940–1943” (Ghetto Wall 1940–1943), and are often easy to miss unless you’re looking for them. But their quiet presence amid modern streets is powerful, drawing your attention to a hidden layer of the city’s history. Many of the original buildings were destroyed, and the area has been almost entirely rebuilt, yet the markers let you physically trace the outlines of immense suffering and resistance. Several maps and plaques nearby offer context and help visitors visualize the former ghetto’s scale and boundaries.

Stopping here is an essential part of understanding Warsaw’s story. The Ghetto Uprising of 1943, one of the most heroic acts of resistance during the Holocaust, took place within these boundaries. These modest markers invite quiet reflection and offer a connection to lives that were uprooted, confined, and often extinguished. While the Warsaw Ghetto no longer exists physically, its memory remains deeply etched in the city’s conscience—and these markers help ensure it is not forgotten.

Just a short walk from the boundary markers stands one of Warsaw’s most powerful memorials: the Warsaw Uprising Monument. Unveiled in 1989, this dramatic bronze sculpture honors the thousands of fighters and civilians who participated in the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, a major World War II operation led by the Polish resistance to liberate the city from German occupation. Although the uprising lasted 63 days, it ultimately ended in devastating loss and destruction, with much of Warsaw razed to the ground.

The monument is divided into two distinct sections. The first depicts a group of insurgents in motion—charging out of a collapsing wall, weapons in hand, symbolizing the moment of resistance. The second part shows fighters descending into the city’s underground sewer system, a reference to the real-life tactics used during the uprising to move through German-controlled territory. These life-sized figures capture the desperation, bravery, and tragedy of the event in a way that’s both visceral and haunting.

Set against the backdrop of the Supreme Court and near the Krasinski Gardens, the monument is not only a place of remembrance but also one of national significance. It frequently serves as the focal point for commemorations on August 1, the anniversary of the uprising’s start. Visiting this site is a solemn yet essential part of any walk through Warsaw—it ties the city’s modern rebirth to the courage and sacrifice of those who refused to give up hope during its darkest hours.

From the monument you can look across to the Krasiński Palace. This is one of the city’s most elegant Baroque residences. Commissioned in the 1670s by Jan Dobrogost Krasiński, a powerful noble and military commander, the palace was designed by the renowned architect Tylman van Gameren and adorned with rich stucco work and sculptural decoration celebrating the Krasiński family’s lineage. Though heavily damaged during World War II, it was meticulously reconstructed and now houses part of the National Library’s special collections. Behind the palace is the Krasiński Garden, a tranquil public park with shaded paths, fountains, and benches—offering a peaceful retreat from the surrounding urban bustle.

To the south of the Warsaw Uprising Monument lies the Field Cathedral of the Polish Army, one of the city’s most solemn and historically rich churches. Originally built in the late 17th century for the Piarist order, this Baroque structure has served various religious and national functions over the centuries. Today, it is the main church of the Polish military, hosting important patriotic and religious ceremonies. The elegant façade and peaceful interior contrast with its weighty role as a site of remembrance, especially for the armed forces.

Inside, one of the most moving features is the Katyń Chapel, which honors over 20,000 Polish officers murdered by the Soviet NKVD in 1940. With engraved names and a symbolic grave, the chapel invites quiet reflection and remembrance. For those on a walking tour, the cathedral offers a poignant moment that links Warsaw’s architectural beauty with its enduring history of conflict, resistance, and national identity.

A few steps from the Barbican, tucked against the red-brick defensive walls of the Old Town, stands one of Warsaw’s most moving monuments: Mały Powstaniec, or the Little Insurgent. This small bronze statue depicts a young boy in an oversized helmet and boots, holding a submachine gun. It commemorates the child soldiers who fought and died during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, many of them acting as couriers, scouts, or messengers in the city’s shattered streets.

Unveiled in 1983, the statue was designed by Jerzy Jarnuszkiewicz, who first created the image as a drawing in the 1940s. The child’s oversized gear gives him a tragic, almost surreal appearance—symbolizing both innocence and unimaginable bravery. Behind the statue, a plaque bears a moving inscription: “To the child soldiers of Warsaw who fell in battle for the freedom of Poland.” Flowers and candles are often left here by locals and visitors alike, reflecting the deep emotional resonance of this site in the Polish memory.

Despite its modest scale, the Little Insurgent is one of the most unforgettable stops on your walking tour. It serves as a reminder that the cost of resistance was paid by people of all ages, including the very youngest. Standing here, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of history and the strength of a city that has endured so much, yet continues to honor its past with dignity and humanity.

As you continue your walk along the historic streets of Warsaw’s Old Town, you’ll come across the Jan Kiliński Monument on Podwale Street. This striking bronze statue depicts Kiliński—a shoemaker by trade and one of the leaders of the Kościuszko Uprising of 1794—marching forward with a sword in hand. His pose is bold and determined, capturing the revolutionary spirit of ordinary citizens who took up arms in defense of Polish independence. The monument honors not just Kiliński himself, but the strength of Warsaw’s guilds and working-class patriots.

Originally unveiled in 1936, the statue has had a turbulent history that mirrors that of the city. It was removed by the Germans during the Nazi occupation, but protected by locals and eventually reinstated in 1959 at its current location near the Barbican. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and resistance, offering a fitting moment of reflection before heading toward the northern edge of the Old Town.

Standing proudly at the edge of Plac Zamkowy, St Anne’s Church (Kościół św. Anny) is one of the few buildings in Warsaw’s Old Town to have survived World War II largely intact. Originally founded in 1454 by Duchess Anna of Masovia, the church has undergone many transformations over the centuries, incorporating Baroque, Neoclassical, and Gothic elements. Its elegant façade, completed in the 18th century, is one of the most recognizable sights on the Royal Route.

Step inside and you’ll discover a richly decorated interior, complete with gilded altars, intricate stucco work, and a beautiful frescoed ceiling. The church’s acoustics make it a popular venue for classical concerts, while its spiritual atmosphere invites quiet reflection. St Anne’s has long played a central role in Warsaw’s religious and civic life, serving both as a parish church and as a ceremonial setting for major national events. The interior has been meticulously preserved and restored, offering a glimpse into Warsaw’s artistic and architectural legacy.

Don’t miss the bell tower observation terrace, which offers one of the most panoramic views over the Old Town and the Vistula River. A modest climb up its stairs rewards you with stunning vistas across Plac Zamkowy and the skyline beyond. Whether you’re admiring its history, listening to a concert, or simply taking in the view, St Anne’s Church makes a perfect final stop—or contemplative beginning—for your journey through Warsaw’s storied Old City.