As in every other European capital, Warsaw has many tourist attractions which make it easier to get to know the city better and which are worth taking advantage of, particularly in the summer. If you are visiting Warsaw for the first time, you will be surprised how much the city has to offer and how many places there are to see and things to do.

Warsaw is also a lively arts centre; the country's cultural capital. Numerous theatres, cinemas and dozens of museums and galleries contribute to the city's rich and high-quality cultural offerings. The national theatre, Teatr Narodowy (Great Theatre), is Warsaw's most illustrious stage for the dramatic arts. Teatr Studio Buffo, a revue theatre, has won a tremendous level of popularity, along with Dramatyczny and Powszechny theatres. Warsaw's puppet theatres, Lalka and Baj, have also established a reputation abroad. Music lovers can attend performances in Opera Narodowa (National Opera) located in Teatr Wielki or in Opera Cameralna, Warsaw's famous chamber opera, or listen to concerts in Filharmonia Narodowa (National Philharmonic).

Tourists in Warsaw should not miss Muzeum Narodowe (National Museum) and Muzeum Historyczne Miasta Warszawy (History of Warsaw Museum) in the Old Town Square. From the square it is only a few steps to the meticulously reconstructed Royal Castle. The Baroque Wilanów Palace in the southern part of the city was King John III Sobieski's residence. It rivals the Royal Castle for grandeur and the standard of its works of art. Other tourist highlights are Łazienki Palace and Gardens and the Old Town, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Warsaw's cultural life does not slow down even for a moment. The season opens in September with the Warsaw Autumn, the International Festival of Contemporary Music. The Warsaw Film Festival starts at the beginning of October. This is also the time of the Jazz Jamboree Festival. November is an exciting month for theatre lovers. Every year in late March and early April enthusiasts of new media can participate in the Lab Multimedia Art Festival. The Poster Biennale is another event of international renown. In summer, when professional theatres close for the summer holidays, the Open-Air Theatre Festival begins. Another international highlight is the Chopin Piano Competition.