Łazienki Park & Royal Route

★★★ Łazienki Królewskie (Royal Baths)

Warsaw's most beautiful park and one of the most magnificent city parks in Europe: 76 hectares with palaces, pavilions, lakes, an amphitheater, and an orangery building. Laid out in the 18th century as the summer residence of King Stanisław August Poniatowski.

★★★ Pałac na Wodzie (Palace on the Water)

The park's crown jewel: A neoclassical palace that seems to float on an artificial island in the lake. The interiors with original furniture and paintings are impressive. In front of the palace, peacocks pose for photos.

Park: daily from 6 am, free entry. Palace: 30 PLN (7€), Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00 (summer). Mon closed.

★★★ Chopin Monument & Sunday Concerts

The famous monument depicts Frédéric Chopin under a stylized willow. From May to September, free Chopin concerts take place every Sunday at 12:00 and 16:00 — hundreds of listeners spread out their picnic blankets while a pianist plays nocturnes and polonaises on a grand piano. One of the most magical free experiences in Europe.

★★ Royal Route (Trakt Królewski)

The historic grand avenue leads from Castle Square via Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Świat south to Łazienki Park. Along the way:

• University of Warsaw: The historic main building with the famous iron gate
• Holy Cross Church (Kościół Św. Krzyża): In a pillar is the heart of Frédéric Chopin embedded — the composer died in 1849 in Paris, but his heart was brought back to Warsaw
• Nowy Świat: Warsaw's most elegant shopping street with boutiques, bookstores, and confectioneries. Be sure to stop by Blikle — the legendary confectionery (since 1869) with the best Pączki (Polish doughnuts) in the city
• Palais Staszic: Neoclassical palace with the Copernicus Monument in front