Green Areas in Warsaw – best places to relax in Warsaw
You’ve seen all the grand buildings and admired all the beautiful monuments in Warsaw. There’s still something missing though, and that’s a little greenery.
Today, we’re going to show you around the best green areas in Warsaw, one of Europe’s greenest cities and capitals! So, grab a picnic basket and camera, and let’s set off for the most beautiful natural areas and parks Warsaw has to offer.
Łazienki
You haven’t seen Warsaw’s parks if you haven’t seen Łazienki, arguably the capital’s most famous park. Once King Stanisław August’s summer residence, it is now a large park open to anyone. Stroll down one of the many winding paths among the beautiful gardens, ponds, and statues and take in the beautiful classical architecture or abundant wildlife (bring seeds to feed the squirrels or ducks)! While at the park, take a moment to visit the royal Palace on the Isle and the Royal Theater. During the summer, open-air Chopin concerts take place, which are a must for classical music enthusiasts.
Park Skaryszewski
This is one of the biggest parks in Warsaw and has held the title of the most beautiful park in Poland and the third most beautiful park in Europe! Take a lovely walk along its many paths or look at the birds on the ponds. Don’t forget to spend time in the lovely rose gardens! This park is a great place to visit for nature enthusiasts—the park has 280 different types of trees and bushes!
Ogród Saski
Located in the city center, the Saxon Garden is a must see. Although relatively small, it is the oldest garden in the city and was once reserved only for the creme-de-la-creme of high society. It has a wide path, adorned by sculptures on either side, that goes through its middle, ending in a beautiful, 19th century fountain and the remnants of the Saxon Palace which now houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It’s the perfect place to take a walk or relax on a bench after a long day of sightseeing.
Ogród Krasińskich
The Krasiński Garden dates back to the 17th century when it was created as a part of the Krasiński Palace. If you come up from the west, you can enter through an original Baroque gate, while coming up from the east you will see the Krasiński Palace. The garden has been renovated recently, bringing back a lot of its former glory and strolling through the gardens is really like taking a walk back through time.
Pole Mokotowskie
The Mokotów Field has a vibrant history of being many different things before becoming a park. From 1818, it was an airfield as well as a horse racing track. The funeral of one of the most famous Poles, Józef Piłsudski, was also held here in 1935. After World War II, designers concentrated more on the natural aspects of Mokotów Field and shaped it into most of what it looks like today. Part of it is currently under renovation, having concrete and stone replaced with plants and grass to make it more in tune with the environment.
Ogród na dachu Biblioteki Uniwersyteckiej w Warszawie
Sometimes you have to look up to see something stunning and the rooftop garden of the Warsaw University Library is a great example. Open only during the spring and summer, it is free to the public and offers a wide variety of plants and flowers to admire against the beautiful panorama of the city. It’s one of the largest and most beautiful rooftop gardens in Europe, so there are plenty of plants to appreciate and places to sit and relax. Don’t forget to take a peek through the glass roof at the poor students who have to stay inside and study.
Park Kultury w Powsinie
The Powsin Culture Park isn’t just any regular old park. It’s divided into two sections: the western part has remained a very natural forest where you can take a walk and admire nature. The eastern part has a lot of attractions for those looking for more excitement: tennis courts, a swimming pool, a playground, a minigolf course, a volleyball court, a sauna, and a bowling alley, and that’s not all. It’s a great place to visit with friends or with the entire family and their cabins make it perfect for a multi-day stay!
Plaża Poniatówka
This popular beach is located under the Poniatowski Bridge in the center of the city. Do a little sunbathing in the sand or on the wooden terrace. Poniatówka Beach is also equipped with grills where you can barbeque if you feel like making yourself some lunch. It’s a great place to just chill with your friends and watch city life pass by.
Górka Szczęśliwicka
This hill is most well-known among the people of Warsaw for being the go-to place for wintery fun, offering skiing courses and skiing passes all year long. It’s open to all ages and ability levels, to skiers and snowboarders as well. During the summer they’re also open to other sports such as nordic walking, flag football, and sledging, as well as a whole bunch of other things so definitely check out their website for details and pricing.
Las Kabacki
Kabaty Woods is an entire forest and natural reserve located in the south of the city. A popular green area the locals like to spend time in, the Kabaty Woods has a little something for everyone. There are lots of paths for those who want to take a stroll or for passionate nordic walkers, and bikers will also find these paths up to standards. You’ll also find several plaques commemorating important events in Polish history, mostly dating back to World War II.
Jeziorko Czerniakowskie
Feel like a dip? The Czerniaków Lakelet is the perfect place to take a swim in natural surroundings. There’s a sandy beach there and qualified lifeguards that keep a vigilant eye out for swimmers in trouble. You can also just work out at the outdoor gym or spend time in the kiddie pool with your children. No matter what you choose, this green area in Warsaw is one of the best areas to relax in the summer!
As you can see, Warsaw loves greenery and Varsovians take good care of it. So, which green area in Warsaw will you choose to go and relax? Or maybe you’ve already been to one and want to share your experience? Let us know down in the comments below!