Walking the alleys, throughout different animals enclosures, is a must on a sunny Spring day. While visiting the zoo you can see animals waking up from their winter sleep and be delighted with the views filled with cubs of various species.
ZOO, ul. Ratuszowa 1/3, open 9AM-6PM (Saturday and Sunday until 7PM), tickets 25PLN (15PLN with student discount).
The Botanical Garden is an unusual place in the very heart of the city. You will find there many uncommon plants, both on open space and in greenhouses. The greenhouses will be open for visitors from 22nd April, Wednesday to Sunday. The garden often organizes events with plants in the lead role - 12th-14th May there will be an exhibition of carnivorous plants, and on May 20th the garden will take part in the Night of Museums.
Botanical Garden, al. Ujazdwoskie 4, from April to August open 9AM-8PM on weekdays and 10AM-8PM on the weekends. In September everyday 10AM-6PM, and in October everyday 10AM-5PM. Tickets cost 10PLN (5PLN with student discount).
The beautiful park is open at any time of the year and always worth a visit. See how nature wakes up to life, flowers, shrubs and trees bloom, and squirrels and peacocks greet you at every step. Don't forget nuts for the little red fellas and seeds for the ducks. There are now two classical recitals of Chopin’s music which are given at 12PM and 4PM each Sunday from May to September nearby The Fryderyk Chopin Monument. Free of charge!
Łazienki Królewskie, entrance via the western gate from Ujazdowskie Avenue. Gardens are open everyday from the morning until the evening, the same with all of the Museum buildings. Ticket prices are available here. Entrance is free on Thursdays.
Warsaw Multimedia Fountains are located in an enchanting place near the Old Town and the Vistula. In time intervals, impressive laser animations appear on the mist from nebulised water. The shows are accompanied by music, both classical (Chopin) and pop, such as Lady Gaga or Jean Michel Jarre. The Multimedia Fountain Park comprises two fountains: the main one, with the area of over 2 200 sqm, and the line fountain, with the length of 120 meters.
The ‘Water – Light – Sound’ multimedia shows take place each Friday and Saturday from May until September at 9:30PM (during September - 9PM). On other weekdays, the shows do not include lasers and sound.
The UW Library garden is one of the largest and most beautiful roof gardens in Europe with an area of more than 10,000 m2, and plants covering 5,111 m2. The garden consists of two parts: an upper garden (2,000 m2) and a lower one (15,000 m2) connected by a stream and a water-cascade. Visitors may admire a multiplicity of plant species and varieties. In the lower garden you can find granite sculptures by Ryszard Stryjecki. All segments of the garden are interconnected with paths, bridges, and pergolas. From the bridges and the view terrace on the roof one may see a panorama of Warsaw and the Vistula river. Visitors may also look into the Library through both the special windows and glass roof.
Library of the University of Warsaw, ul. Dobra 56/66. Open May - September 8AM-8PM, April and October 8AM-6PM. Entrance is free of charge.
Beach by the Vistula River is perfect for both hipsters, families, groups of friends, looking to hang out and have a good time. There are more and more bars popping up, there are chairs to lie on, romantic view over Warsaw old town and glass skyscrapers. Beach is accompanied by common grill areas and sporting equipment rental. Everyone can come to chill by the river.
The main beach is located close to the National Stadium and the Poniatowskiego Bridge.
The proximity of the Polish main river and the Old Town makes the boulevards an attractive place for walking. It is worth going over the very new promenade and seeing progress on its next part. Plenty of bars and cafes will zest the time spend in the area both during the day and in the night. Wanderers can also visit the recently opened Museum on the Vistula River.
The section between the Świętokszyski Bridge and the Śląsko-Dąbrowski Bridge, nearby Copernicus Science Center.
The Museum of the King John III Sobieski with it's adjoining gardens is a good place for a spring walk for those who like to interact with nature, beautiful architecture and art at the same time.
Palace in Wilanów, ul. Stanisława Kostki Potockiego 10/16. The palace is open 9:30AM-5PM April to mid-October (Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays) or until 3PM (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays). The gardens are open to visitors all year round, daily from 9AM. Tickets to the Palace cost 20/15PLN, and to the park 5/3PLN.
Pole Mokotowskie is a place of rest for the residents of Ochota, Mokotów and southern Środmieście. The extensive area is perfect for both those who want to spend their time actively and those who want to just relax. Once you get a little bit hungry, you can visit one of the pubs located nearby the pond (yes, there is a huge pond with fountains in the middle of the park!).
At the metro stop Pole Mokotowskie.
Far away from the hustle of the city, in close contact with nature, you will find peace and relaxation in the Bielański Forest. There are plenty easy to see animals, like martens, squirrels and various birds living in the less accessible parts of the forest, including the black woodpecker - the symbol of the Forest.
You can get there for example with Dewajtis street. In the Forest are located Camaldolese church and one of the universities, UKSW.
by Zuzanna Jarzębska, ESN PW