Warsaw’s Old Town Market Place is a bustling local gathering place and a symbol of the city’s resilience. Although most of the square’s original buildings were destroyed in World War II, the square has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its meticulous reconstruction. Dine on traditional cuisine at an outdoor café and enjoy the entertainment provided by street performers.
Established in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, the Old Town Market Place is one of the most historic areas in the city. Take your time admiring the square’s gorgeous buildings, each of which was painstakingly rebuilt to recreate the square’s appearance during its Golden Age in the Renaissance era.
As you stroll through the square or sip a local beer on an outdoor terrace, listen for the music of barrel organ players and other street musicians who frequently perform here. Watch some of the square’s portrait painters at work and browse the surrounding shops for Polish folk art, pysanky Easter eggs and traditional costumes.
Look at the famous bronze mermaid statue in the center of the square. Once the location of Warsaw’s old city hall, the statue has been the focal point of the square since the mid-19th century. The mermaid is an important symbol of Warsaw, also appearing on its coat of arms and in many other pieces of architecture throughout the city. Notice the low fountain below the statue’s stone pedestal, designed to symbolize her connection to the city’s Vistula River.
Head to the north side of the square for the Warsaw History Museum. Set in a series of mansions, this museum features exhibits ranging from old pieces of pottery to portraits of famous figures. Most exhibits are labeled in both English and Polish. The museum emphasizes the massive devastation and extensive reconstruction that the city faced following World War II.
Find the Old Town Market Place in the center of Warsaw along the Vistula River. It’s within easy walking distance of tram stops.
