Join Warsaw’s local residents for an afternoon strolling along shady paths and watching scampering squirrels in this beautiful public park.
Lazienki Park is the city’s largest park, encompassing 188 acres (76 hectares). See the famous Chopin Monument, listen to open-air music performances and explore historic buildings and palaces across the park.
Once used as a hunting ground, the park land was acquired by King Stanisław August Poniatowski in the mid-18th century and was transformed into a beautiful park. Today, the park is comprised of three gardens of different styles: the 18th-century Royal Garden, the 19th-century Romantic Garden and the 20th-century Modernist Garden. As you wander around the gardens, look for sculptures, pavilions and buildings dating from each of these eras.
Walk along the park’s winding paths looking for colorful peacocks and red squirrels. You may even observe a few locals attempting to hand-feed walnuts to the squirrels, which are affectionately known as “basia” in Polish.
Don’t miss the park’s famous Chopin Monument, which overlooks a picturesque lake and rose-filled garden. This art deco statue depicts the composer sitting under a willow tree, with the tree’s branches reminiscent of fingers resting on piano keys. Try to catch one of the free outdoor Chopin concerts, which have been held here on Sunday afternoons for more than five decades.
Seek out the 18th-century amphitheater on the edge of the park’s artificial lake. This Roman-inspired structure is topped with 16 statues of famous writers and poets. You’ll notice that the audience area is separated from the stage by a narrow moat. In the summer, you may be able to see a performance here.
Stop at the White Pavilion, a lovely summer house built for the king’s sisters in the 18th century. Pay the admission fee to check out the excellent collection of historic furniture and artwork housed inside.
Nearby is the Old Orangery, one of the world’s only remaining court theaters. Constructed in the late 1700s, the building now has a small sculpture museum in addition to serving as a venue for concerts and weddings.
Find Lazienki Park on the eastern side of Ujazdowskie Avenue. Reach it by bus. Admission is free.