Zamek Krolewski w Warszawie

What to expect

The Royal Castle in Warsaw is the former residence of Polish kings and seat of the Sejm (parliament), located on the Vistula escarpment at the entrance to the Old Town. Almost completely destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt between 1971 and 1988 through a nationwide public fundraising effort.

The visit covers the royal chambers from the 17th and 18th centuries, including the Great Hall, Senate Rooms, Royal Apartments, and the Marble Room. The museum collection includes works by Rembrandt, Canaletto, and Bacciarelli.

Allow about 2 hours for the permanent exhibitions. The castle also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

Tips

• Free Wednesdays – admission is free every Wednesday, but queues can be long. Arrive before 10:00.
• Audio guide is available in 5 languages and included in the ticket price. Worth using.
• Photography is allowed without flash, but no tripods.
• There is a cafe inside the castle with a view over the Vistula river – worth a stop.
• No luggage storage – backpacks must be left in the cloakroom.

Getting there

Public transport: Stare Miasto stop (buses 116, 178, 180, 503) or Ratusz Arsenal metro station (M1 line), about 10 min walk.

By car: Underground parking at pl. Zamkowy or parking on Podwale street. Weekend parking is difficult to find.

By bike: Veturilo bike station on Podwale street, 2 min from the castle.