Self-Guided Walking Tour of Warsaw’s Royal Route (2025)

Begin your Royal Route walking tour at Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy), the historic and symbolic heart of Warsaw. This is the ceremonial starting point of the Royal Route—a prestigious path once used by kings on their way to their countryside palaces.  This expansive open space has long been the site of royal ceremonies, public gatherings, and pivotal moments in Polish history. Dominating the square is the impressive Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski w Warszawie), once the official residence of Polish monarchs. Although the castle was destroyed during World War II, it was meticulously reconstructed to its former glory and today serves as a museum showcasing Poland’s royal heritage, stunning interiors, and priceless art collections.

At the center of Castle Square stands the iconic Sigismund’s Column, erected in 1644 to honor King Sigismund III Vasa, who famously moved Poland’s capital from Kraków to Warsaw in the early 17th century. The column is one of the city’s oldest secular monuments and a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike. Surrounding the square, beautifully restored townhouses, cafes, and restaurants create a lively atmosphere, inviting you to pause, take in the views, and soak up the historic ambiance before continuing your journey along the Royal Route.

One of the most treasured stops along Warsaw’s Royal Route is St. Anne’s Church, located just beside Castle Square. This neoclassical façade may appear modest at first glance, but the church holds one of the most exquisitely decorated interiors in the city. Originally built in the mid-15th century by Duchess Anna of Masovia, it has undergone several architectural transformations over the centuries, culminating in its current 18th-century Baroque and Rococo styling. The ornate chapels, richly gilded altars, and striking frescoes reflect the craftsmanship of generations of Polish artisans.

St. Anne’s Church has long played a central role in Warsaw’s religious and civic life. It served as the site of royal processions and public sermons, and in the 19th century, it became a hub for Polish patriotic movements during times of foreign occupation. The church also survived the ravages of World War II with relatively little damage, making it one of the few historic buildings in the area to retain its original structure and decorations. Its continuity and beauty make it a cherished site for both worship and heritage.

A climb up the church’s **bell tower** rewards visitors with a panoramic view of Castle Square and the Old Town skyline, a perfect pause on your walking tour. From this vantage point, you can see how the Royal Route connects the symbolic heart of Warsaw to its wider story—a path lined with legacy, endurance, and the enduring beauty of places like St. Anne’s Church.

The Presidential Palace is one of the most prominent and historically significant landmarks on Warsaw’s Royal Route. Originally built in 1643 for Crown Great Hetman Stanisław Koniecpolski, it was designed as a grand aristocratic residence. Over the centuries, the palace underwent several renovations and passed through the hands of powerful noble families before becoming the seat of government in the early 19th century. It has served various roles since—hosting state councils, parliamentary sessions, and eventually becoming the official residence of the Polish president.

The neoclassical façade seen today dates from the early 19th century, and it exudes dignity and restraint, complementing the palace’s function as a symbol of state authority. At the front stands a commanding equestrian statue of Prince Józef Poniatowski, a national hero and commander during the Napoleonic Wars. Although the palace suffered some damage during World War II, it was spared complete destruction and restored faithfully to its earlier grandeur, unlike many other historic buildings in Warsaw.

While public access inside the palace is limited due to its function, the building’s exterior and surrounding square are well worth visiting. Whether you’re admiring the symmetrical architecture, taking in the patriotic symbolism, or simply pausing on your Royal Route walk, the Presidential Palace encapsulates the resilience and continuity of Polish leadership through centuries of upheaval and renewal.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of Poland’s most poignant national memorials, located at Piłsudski Square along the Royal Route in Warsaw. It was established in 1925 beneath the colonnade of the Saxon Palace, which was one of the most elegant classical buildings in Warsaw before being destroyed during World War II. The tomb holds the remains of an unidentified soldier who died fighting for Poland’s independence during World War I, symbolizing all those who have fallen in the country’s many battles for freedom.

Today, the tomb stands alone under the surviving arcade of the Saxon Palace, with a ceremonial guard and an eternal flame that burns in tribute. The changing of the guard, which occurs hourly, is a solemn and dignified ritual that draws both locals and visitors. The site is inscribed with the names of key battles in which Polish soldiers fought, offering a silent narrative of the nation’s long and often tragic military history.

Visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a moment of quiet reflection amid the bustle of Warsaw. It serves not just as a war memorial, but as a symbol of national identity and resilience. Whether you’re beginning your Royal Route tour or pausing midway through, this powerful landmark invites you to connect with Poland’s enduring spirit and the sacrifices made for its sovereignty.

The Church of the Holy Cross (Kościół Świętego Krzyża), situated prominently along Krakowskie Przedmieście, is one of the most significant Baroque churches in Warsaw and a key stop along the Royal Route. Built in the 17th century on the site of an earlier Gothic church, its construction was commissioned by the Congregation of the Mission and supported by Queen Marie Louise Gonzaga. The building features a striking façade with twin towers and decorative sculptures, reflecting the grandeur of the Counter-Reformation period in Poland.

The church holds a special place in Polish culture and identity, most famously as the final resting place of Frédéric Chopin’s heart. The composer’s heart was brought back from Paris, where he died in exile, and is now encased within a pillar near the nave, marked with an inscription. If you are interested to find out more about Chopin then it is worth visitng the nearby Frederic Chopin Museum. The church also contains memorials to other key figures in Polish history and has long served as a place of national mourning and celebration.

Despite suffering extensive damage during World War II—particularly in the 1944 Warsaw Uprising—the Church of the Holy Cross was painstakingly rebuilt using original plans and fragments. Today, it stands as both a place of worship and a living monument to Warsaw’s spiritual endurance. A visit here offers not just a glimpse into Warsaw’s religious heritage, but also a deep emotional connection to the nation’s greatest cultural legacy.

Continue through Nowy Świat, a lively stretch filled with historic charm, boutique shops, and inviting cafes where you can pause for a coffee and soak in the atmosphere.

The Nicolaus Copernicus Monument stands proudly in front of the Staszic Palace along Krakowskie Przedmieście, forming one of the Royal Route’s most photographed and admired stops. Erected in 1830 and designed by the renowned Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, the statue honors the famed Polish astronomer who revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos by proposing that the Earth orbits the sun. Copernicus is depicted seated, holding a compass and celestial sphere—symbols of his groundbreaking work in astronomy and mathematics.

This neoclassical monument has witnessed some of Poland’s most turbulent moments. During World War II, the Nazis attempted to erase its national significance by replacing the Latin and Polish inscriptions with German ones. In defiance, Polish resistance members famously retaliated by removing the German plaque. The statue itself survived the war and has since been restored to its original form. Today, the monument not only celebrates Copernicus’s scientific legacy but also serves as a powerful reminder of Polish resilience and pride. If you are interested in science it may be worth visitng Copernicus Science Centre.

As the architecture opens up, the route guides you along Aleje Ujazdowskie into more verdant surroundings. Łazienki Park, also known as Łazienki Królewskie (Royal Baths Park), is the largest and most elegant park in Warsaw, spanning over 70 hectares in the city centre. Originally designed in the 17th century by Tylman van Gameren for Stanisław Herakliusz Lubomirski, the grounds were transformed in the 18th century by Poland’s last king, Stanisław August Poniatowski, into a refined royal retreat. He envisioned the park as a space for art, culture, and philosophy—an Enlightenment-era ideal brought to life through neoclassical architecture, manicured gardens, and serene lakes.

The heart of Łazienki Park is the Palace on the Isle, a classical residence that appears to float on water, connected to the surrounding landscape by elegant bridges. Originally a bathhouse, it was remodelled into a palace by Poniatowski and used as his summer residence. The palace now hosts part of the Royal Łazienki Museum, offering insight into 18th-century court life and the king’s patronage of the arts. Visitors can also admire other architectural gems within the park, such as the Amphitheatre, the Old Orangery with its royal theatre, and the charming Myślewicki Palace.

Beyond its historic buildings, Łazienki Park is a place of quiet beauty and natural wonder. Shaded paths meander past ancient oaks and reflective ponds, home to peacocks and red squirrels. In summer, the open-air Chopin Concerts near the famous Chopin Monument draw both locals and tourists, adding to the park’s cultural allure. Whether you’re interested in royal history, classical music, or simply a relaxing walk, Łazienki Park offers a graceful blend of Warsaw’s artistic and natural heritage.

The Wilanów Palace is about 7km away, but there is a convienient tram that will take you there.Take Tram Line 16 from the Spacerowa 06 stop (near Łazienki Park) to Świątynia Opatrzności Bożej 04. The journey takes approximately 16 minutes, and trams run every 5 minutes. A single ticket costs around 3–4 PLN.

End your journey at the regal Wilanów Palace, a baroque masterpiece that once served as the summer residence of King Jan III Sobieski. Wilanów Palace, often called the “Polish Versailles,” is one of Warsaw’s most magnificent baroque landmarks, located a few kilometers south of the city center. Built between 1677 and 1696 as the summer residence of King Jan III Sobieski, the palace combines Italian, Dutch, and Polish architectural influences, reflecting the king’s wide-ranging tastes and the international style of the era. Remarkably, Wilanów survived the partitions of Poland and both World Wars largely intact, making it one of the few royal residences in Poland to retain its original character.

The palace’s richly decorated interiors feature exquisite stucco work, period furniture, and an impressive collection of royal portraits and paintings. Each room tells a story of the life and times of Sobieski and his family, giving visitors a vivid glimpse into 17th-century Polish aristocratic life. Surrounding the palace are expansive gardens that blend formal French layouts with naturalistic English park elements, complete with ponds, sculptures, and tree-lined avenues that create a tranquil retreat from the city’s bustle.

Today, Wilanów Palace operates as a museum and cultural venue, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and seasonal events that celebrate Poland’s artistic heritage. It remains a symbol of national pride and resilience, inviting visitors to explore not only its architectural splendor but also the rich history of the Polish monarchy and nobility. For anyone on a walking tour of Warsaw’s Royal Route, Wilanów offers a grand finale that combines history, art, and nature in one unforgettable setting.