Frederic Chopin in Warsaw—The Ultimate Guidebook

No classical music fan will want to pass up a chance to see the places where Frederic Chopin lived, worked, and played in Warsaw. From monuments to museums to palaces, Chopin left his mark on the capital of Poland more than 200 years ago. If you want to make sure that you visit all the places connected with one of the world’s greatest composers, this guide is for you!

1. Pomnik Fryderyka Chopina w Łazienkach

Whether you’re a fan of Chopin or of monuments, the Chopin Monument is really worth seeing. Located in Łazienki Park, it’s the only surviving example of art nouveau monument architecture. In the summer, crowds gather around it to hear free, open-air concerts by talented pianists from all over the world who come to play Chopin’s music.

2. Muzeum Fryderyka Chopina

If you’re a Chopin enthusiast then visiting the Fryderyk Chopin Museum goes without saying. It’s the largest collection of objects connected with Chopin in the world and offers both temporary and permanent exhibitions. Among its many exhibits, you’ll be able to admire Chopin’s last piano as well as his handwritten letters and sheet music.

3. Bazylika Św. Krzyża

If you had to choose the most special building of all connected to Chopin, the Holy Cross Church would probably be it. It’s not only connected to several important events in the lives of the Chopin family (e.g. Frederic’s sisters were baptized here). Chopin’s heart also lies within one of the church’s columns. This was Chopin’s last will and was carried out by his older sister, Ludwika, after he died.

4. Pałac Prezydencki

The 17th century Presidential Palace is a must see for Chopin enthusiasts. It is the place where Chopin gave his first concert in 1818 at the ripe old age of…eight! His concert gained acclaim by both the nobility and the press. The stone lions that guard the entrance to the Presidential Palace now are the same that watched the young Chopin enter the building 200 years ago.

5. Pałac Kazimierzowski

This 17th century palace was one of several buildings that the Chopin family called home. They took up residence on the second floor of the left annex of the building. You can imagine the young Chopin playing or reading a book in the neighboring botanical garden.

6. Ogród Saski i Pałac Saski

The old Saxon Palace held the Warsaw High School where Chopin’s father, Mikołaj (Nicholas) taught French and lived in service quarters with his family. The Saxon Palace was destroyed during World War II and only a fragment and the Saxon Gardens remain. While taking a walk through the gardens, you can imagine that two centuries ago, Chopin also walked through the same gardens as a young boy.

7. Pałac Czapskich

The Czapski Palace is worth seeing since it was the last residence of Frederic Chopin before leaving Warsaw in 1830. Here he had his own room for the first time and this comfort gave him the chance to compose his only two concerts here. A plaque on the outside of the building commemorates that Chopin lived and worked here.

8. Kościół Wizytek

As a young man, Chopin often played on the organs of the Church of the Visitants during mass. It was also one of the first places in which Chopin publicly played. Miraculously untouched by World War II, the decor is much the same as during Chopin’s lifetime.

9. Pałac Wesslów

Wesslow Palace was the last place Chopin visited before leaving Warsaw forever. What Chopin saw in place of the palace at that time, however, was a postal office that no longer exists. It was here Chopin’s friends bid him farewell as he made off for Vienna.

10. The Chopin Benches

In a tribute to the famous pianist, there are 15 musical benches scattered around Warsaw associated with Chopin. Each bench has a short history describing the importance of its location, its association with Chopin, and a map showing where other benches are located. Press the button on the bench to listen to a piece of Chopin’s classical music. You can also scan the available QR code to download an audio guide about Chopin.

Those are all the places directly connected to Frederic Chopin in Warsaw. Nevertheless, keep your eye out for other kinds of tributes to the composer in Warsaw such as the name of the international airport or the crosswalk painted in the shape of piano keys on Emilii Plater Street. If you want to see some of them and hear their incredible stories, join one of our Warsaw walking tours!

What’s your favorite place connected with Chopin? Let us know down in the comments!