The Old Town Market Square is one of Warsaw's top attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cobbled square is surrounded by beautiful renaissance buildings, including the stunning colorful facades of the merchant houses. You can also see the 14th-century St. John's Cathedral and the bronze statue of Warsaw's best-known resident, the mermaid. Time your visit for the top of the hour to watch the trumpeter play the Hejnal from the tower of St. Anne's Church.
Łazienki Park is one of the most picturesque green spaces in Warsaw. It boasts beautiful gardens, historic palaces, and numerous ponds and canals. You can admire the neoclassical Palace on the Water and stroll through the romantic rose garden. Don't miss the chance to see the open-air Chopin Monument, which honors the most famous Warsaw-born composer. If you're lucky, you might catch a free piano concert in his honor.
The POLIN Museum offers a comprehensive look at the history and culture of Jews in Poland. It's housed in a stunning modern building that pays tribute to the 18th-century wooden synagogues of Poland. Exhibits range from pre-war Jewish communities to the horror of the Holocaust, and the post-war diaspora. Interactive installations make the museum interesting for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Royal Castle, the Warsaw Uprising Museum, or taking a day trip to nearby Zelazowa Wola, Chopin's birthplace. If you have less time, skip Łazienki Park and visit the Palace of Culture and Science instead, Warsaw's controversial Stalinist "gift" from the Soviet Union. It offers great views of the city from its observation deck. Remember that many attractions in Warsaw are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. Public transport is efficient and affordable, but consider walking or biking to see more of the city's hidden gems.