GRAND meeting 2025

About Warsaw

Warsaw is an unusual city which attracts visitors with its history and special atmosphere. It is the place where Western and Eastern European cultures merge. Even though the city faced terrible damage during the II World War, the historic palaces, churches and buildings had been restored in great detail,  which then led to inclusion of Warsaw Old Town in the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

The capital of Mazovia and whole Poland has risen from ashes many times. In 1596 it became the residence town of Polish kings and was elevated to the role of the capital of the State of Both Nations. World War I brought freedom to the city and Poland, while World War II brought great destruction. Warsaw was rebuilt thanks to the enormous determination of the whole nation.

The highlights of the city are the Old Town, Royal Route and Lazienki Park.

Old Town

Old Town is the cultural salon of the capital city, in season becoming the stage for outdoor concerts, theatre performances or a gallery for painters. Romantic backstreets descending to the Vistula, stylish cafes filled with music can be a wonderful break after visiting the museums. The Old Town is also a great place for sacred arts fans.

 

 

Royal Route

It is worth taking a walk along the Royal Route – the main thoroughfare of the city. It’s a trail connecting the Royal Castle with palaces in Lazienki Park and Wilanow. Shaped through centuries, it enchants with the atmosphere of palaces, churches, tenements and government buildings. A stroll along the Royal Route is like a journey through centuries educating on history of this unique city.

 

Royal Lazienki Park

Royal Lazienki Park is a palace-and-park complex in Warsaw with many classical monuments, established in 18th century by king Stanislaw August Poniatowski. It is the site of many cultural, scientific, entertaining and sport events, as well as the favorite strolling place of Warsawians.

 

Warsaw is a city, where almost everywhere modern times meet with history. Amongst modern architectural structures one can observe remnants of the war in the old walls. The city is attractive for music lovers, known for its concerts and festivals. It’s the city of Frederic Chopin and world famous Chopin Competition. During spring and summer the city is filled with classical, jazz and modern music. It is played in concert halls, in the Old Town and clubs.

One can also find in Warsaw numerous examples of nice modern architecture.

University Library in Warsaw, Author: Marek i Ewa Wojciechowscy (http://www.poczta-polska.pl/mw/) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) lub CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

 

 

Warsaw, Emili Plater Str., By Radek Kołakowski (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons, Source: Wikipedia

 

Useful links:

Official Tourist Website of Warsaw:
http://www.warsawtour.pl/en

Poland’s official travel website:
http://www.poland.travel/en/

 

Another short guide about Warsaw, modified from the upcoming ELC2025 conference:

Warsaw – The Heart of Poland

Warsaw, the capital of Poland (bird's eye view of the city), is one of the most developing cities in Europe. Located almost in the heart of the country, it stretches along the Vistula River. Having been largely rebuilt after World War II, Warsaw offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern energy.

One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has been meticulously restored after its destruction during World War II (e.g., the Royal Castle, see Photo 1). While strolling through the charming streets, visitors can explore the Royal Castle and admire the colorful tenement houses surrounding the Town Market Square. 

Photo 1: Remains of the Royal Castle in Warsaw after World War II, photographed in 1947.
Source: Wolagiewicz - photographer of Central Photographic Agency (CAF) in Warsaw - Warszawa 1945-1966, Warsaw Press Publishing House RSW "Prace" and Editorial Office of the Weekly "The Capital", Warsaw 1967, p. 46. The book: Warszawa 1945-1970, published by: Release

For people interested in history, the Warsaw Uprising Museum is a must-visit! It offers a  powerful insight into the city’s resistance during World War II, an interactive experience where visitors are introduced to the full story of the 63 days of the uprising. The museum building is easy to spot thanks to its distinctive shape and the Polish national symbol painted on its exterior.

Photo 2: Warsaw Uprising Museum. Source: https://tiny.pl/qmty9hv0.

Warsaw is also home to the Palace of Culture and Science, a remnant from the communist era, when Poland was under the “friendship occupation” of the Soviet Union. For panoramic views, head to the Observation Deck of the Palace of Culture and Science, which is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00. There is also a cafe, SO! Coffee, on the 30th floor.

Photo 3: Palace of Culture and Science. Source: Piotr Wierzbowski, https://go2warsaw.pl/palac-kultury-i-nauki/.

If you enjoy nature, you’ll love Lazienki Park, a picturesque garden home to the Palace on the Isle. The Vistula Boulevards offer a perfect spot for a scenic walk or a relaxing break by the river. Another option for nature lovers is the more modern Pole Mokotowskie Park,  far from the river, but very close to FUW. 

Photo 4: Royal Baths Park in Autumn. Source: https://nowawarszawa.pl/Lazienki-krolewskie-jesing/.

For football fans, Warsaw offers the chance to visit one of the most beautiful stadiums in Europe: PGE Narodowy. It is open to the public every day from 10:00 to 17:00, offering three types of tours. In addition, it features a viewpoint with stunning views over the city (open until 18:00).

Photo 5: PGE Narodowy – National Stadium. Source: https://tiny.pl/28k0-m4r.

Food lovers will be delighted by Warsaw’s vibrant culinary scene. In the city center, you can find cuisine from all over the world! For an extraordinary Polish culinary experience, you must try bigos (hunter’s stew) or żurek (sour rye soup). We also recommend trying traditional Polish pierogi (dumplings), which come with a variety of fillings, from meat to cheese, vegetables, even fruits. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the famous Krówki (Polish fudge)!

If you're a history enthusiast, a foodie, a sports fan, simply or looking to explore a vibrant city, Warsaw has something for everyone. Enjoy the dynamic spirit of Poland’s capital!

List of selected attractions:

1. Royal Castle Square 4, 00-277 Warsaw – Open to visitors from 08:00 to 17:00, but short entry is not later than 16:00. Ticket price: $50 (approx. 10-12 depending on the exchange rate).
   Website: https://www.zamek-krolewski.pl/en

2. Warsaw Uprising Museum (Grzybowska 79, 00-844 Warszawa) – Open to visitors from 08:00 to 18:00 (weekends from 10:00 to 18:00). Guided tours with English-speaking guides are available. Visitors need about 2 hours to explore the exhibition. Regular ticket price (without a guide): 35 zł (approx. 8-9 is the EUR on the exchange rate).
   Website: https://www.1944.pl/en

3. Palace of Culture and Science (Plac Defilad 1, 00-901 Warszawa) – The observation deck is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00. Ticket price: $28 (approx. 6-7 depending on the exchange rate).
   Website: https://www.pkin.pl/en

4. Royal Baths (Agrykola 1, 00-460 Warsaw) – Open to year-round. Opening hours vary by season, so check the official website for details. The park is free to enter, but tickets are required for some, attractions such as the Palace on the Isle, the Old Orangery, and the Myślewicki Palace. Standard ticket price: $40 (approx. 10 EUR is the exchange rate).
   Website: https://www.lazienki-krolewskie.pl/en

5. PGE Narodowy (Prince Józef Poniatowski 1, 03-901 Warsaw) – Open for visitors (guided tours only) from 10:00 to 17:00. Tours allow visitors to explore the stage’s exciting most areas. You can choose from different tour options, including access to the national team’s locker room, player zone, VIP lounges, and even stage’s command center. Price varies depending on the tour route: 30-40 zł (approx. EUR on the exchange rate.
   Website: https://www.pgenarodowy.pl/en