The Stare Miasto, or Old Town, is Warsaw's most historic district, with colourful medieval architecture and enchanting cobbled streets. Some of the city's original fortified walls still remain and the Stare Miasto is also bordered by the Vistula River on one side and dominated by Warsaw Castle at its midst.

The most popular tourist draw of Warsaw, the Old Town is alive with shops and restaurants. Tourists and locals alike pause to partake of a beer or coffee and watch the world go by from their vantage points in the quaint pavement cafes in the Old Town Market Place at the hub of the Stare Miasto. Here in the heart of this ancient city you might be lucky enough to catch an open-air concert or play and can while away the hours in the City Museum, where you can watch a moving documentary of the Old Town's history.

Almost completely destroyed in WWII, the Old Town has been lovingly restored and is now on UNESCO's list of world heritage sites as a perfect reconstruction of a town which has spanned the centuries between 1300 AD and the present day. The Royal Castle was one of the last landmarks to be restored and presides graciously over the Castle Square, a magnificent area with views over the river.



Other popular sights in the area include the historic St.Paul's Cathedral and the Barbican. Wander along the Royal Route from Castle Square along Krakowskie Przedmiescie and Nowy Swiat and admire the NeoClassical facades of the buildings, as well as taking a peek inside the many churches and palaces. In between the historical sites, you might like to pop into the streets' exclusive boutiques, restaurants and cafes.