Warsaw is the main city and the capital of Poland. Situated on the banks of the river Vistula, Warsaw is spread over 172 square miles. Having been destroyed by the raids of the Second World War, the city had to be rebuilt from scratch. Warsaw is thus, a unique blend of modern and old architectural styles. With an old world charm and a warm atmosphere, Warsaw stands out as a top haunt for tourists to Poland. With a lavish culture and glorious history behind it, Warsaw does not fall short of providing the tourists with a host of hotspots to visit and explore. Here is a look into the top five spots that one must see in Warsaw.

Lazienki Królewskie Park-Palace Complex

This is one of the must see spots in Warsaw for any age or kind of tourist. The park cum palace is one of the best looking of its kind in the European continent. Dating back to the 17th century, this landmark at Lazienki is one of the most well-maintained landscape gardens from that era. With great specimens of architecture as well, the palace complex was built for the last royal ruler of Poland, King Stanislaw Poniatowski. There are guided tours available. The guides are well versed with the history of the place. Tourists indeed feel transported to the age of the famed Thursday dinners of the monarch.

Wilanow Park palace Complex

Yet another of Warsaw’s architectural treasures, this building is a great example of the European baroque representation and also pays homage to the previous prestige of the republic. Built as the residence of King Sobieski and later aristocratic clans, the Wilanow Place complex has a lovely Italian garden along with an English type park. The famous Poster Museum is within the complex itself. Tourists might be lucky if they manage to catch a concert on the lawns of this palace.

Palace of Culture and Science

A forty storey monument that is synonymous with Polish history and culture, the building dates back to 1955. The construction is on lines of the socialist realist style of architecture, as the palace was a soviet gift to Warsaw. Catch a bird’s-eye view of Warsaw from the topmost floor. Till date, the Palace remains the tallest building in the entire country. It has a convention center, halls for exhibitions and theaters as well. No doubt it receives flocks of tourists in all seasons.

Castle Square

This is another famous Polish landmark one must have read about in history books at school. The Castle Square is a hot hub for tourists. Catch up with locals engaged in fervent activities at the square. Engage in some local shopping and awesome Polish food at the numerous stalls dotting the sides of the Castle Square. The monument dates back to 1644 and was built in honor of King Zygmunt the Third by his son King Wladyslaw the Fourth. Climb up to the terrace of the monument and look down upon the lovely East West Route. A rare experience indeed!

The President’s Palace

Dating back to the mid 17th century, the Palace is a symbol of Poland itself. Right form the Warsaw pact of 1955 to the negotiations about the emergence of Poland as a democratic polity, the President’s Palace has been a silent witness to history. The palace is well-kept and as the seat of the President, it holds utmost importance. A statue of Poniatowski with four lions stands at the entrance to the palace Square. The Palace is an architectural marvel in the truest sense of the term. Visitors would be foolish to miss this spot on a first visit to Warsaw.