The ultimate rooftop experience of Warsaw

Exploring a city from above is probably one of the best and coolest ways of sightseeing. Discovering the skyline can add some new values to your trip and help in understanding the urban structure of a city. This time I'm going to take you to a few spots with beautiful panoramical views of the Polish capital. Please join me and check this ultimate rooftop experience of Warsaw.

The 30th floor of the Palace of Culture and Science

The Palace of Culture and Science (PKiN) is one of the most popular buildings - and inevitably, a symbol of Warsaw. Built after World War II, it marked the new city center, located far away from the traditional Old Town, and is still probably the first thing you will see while arriving in the Polish capital. Due to its monumental size, one can spot it from almost every part of the city. One of the multiple attractions PKiN has to offer is the viewing terrace located on the 30th floor. The balcony goes around the whole building and shows different faces of Warsaw - the historical part at the north-eastern side and the modern business city growing close to the western facet of the palace. The trip is especially interesting due to the magnificent eclectic architecture of the building itself. Once on top, you can also enjoy a cup of coffee with a great view on your side. The entry costs around 5 euros (20 zł) and allows you to stay on top as long as you want. Because the only way to get there is by elevator, sometimes there will be queues (especially during the summertime), so make sure you come earlier in the day to enjoy a more solitary trip.

Palace of Culture and Science

Pałac Kultury i Nauki, plac Defilad 1, 00-901 Warszawa, Pologne

The bell tower of St. Anna's Church

Another point that offers a great panorama of the Old Town is the bell tower of St. Anna's Church. Located just in front of the Royal Castle, it offers a great outlook on the main square and red roofs of the historical houses piling up behind it. This time you will need to do some exercise to get to the top, but as the tower is not that high, I'm sure it will not be a problem. One of the sides of the terrace looks over the river and reveals the right bank of the River Vistula. The entrance to the tower is much cheaper than to the PKiN (6 zł), and it offers a view mostly of the historical part of Warsaw.

The bell tower of St. Anna's church

Krakowskie Przedmieście 68, 00-322 Warszawa, Polska

The rooftop garden of the University Library

One of the most interesting places to visit in the vicinity of the river is the main University Library and its rooftop garden. As much as it is impossible to get inside the library when you're not a student, that much it is very easy and free to get to the top of it to enjoy a beautiful collection of plants, situated among interesting architecture. The library was opened in 1999 and is an interesting example of concrete and glass architecture. Thanks to innovative solutions, the garden has a unique, futuristic atmosphere. To go up to the top, you need to follow the path leading to the left side from the main entrance. There are a number of benches you can sit on to take a break or have a quick lunch. There is also an impressive oculus that shows the interiors of the main reading rooms.

If you wish to discover the city of Warsaw from above, here are a few solutions. Each of them, with its different character, offers excellent views of the parts of the city you may not be able to see from the pavements. If you love discovering the places not only from the streets, try the ultimate rooftop experience of Warsaw as well.

Warsaw University Library Rooftop Garden

Dobra 68/70, 00-312 Warszawa, Polska