Warsaw Old Town Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta)
Rynek Starego Miasta, Warszawa, POL
Colorful buildings flank Warsaw Old Town Market Square, where centuries of history have unfolded against a picture-perfect backdrop. Christmas markets and an ice-skating rink keep the square bustling through cold-weather months. In summer, cafés open their doors for a season of outdoor dining and drinking with a view.
The Warsaw Old Town Market Square, called Rynek Starego Miasta in Polish, is a centerpiece of the Warsaw Old Town. Visitors stroll through on their way to the Warsaw Royal Castle (Zamek Krolewski), the Great Barbican, and the Marie Curie Museum, or simply enjoy the bustling spot from a café table. Many tours of Warsaw feature the Warsaw Old Town Market Square as an included stop, and the plaza is generally a key destination on hop-on hop-off bus routes.
- The square is a must-see destination for travelers interested in history.
- Souvenir shops line the square, making this a good place to pick up mementos.
- Relatively smooth cobblestones mean the square is accessible to some wheelchair users.
Located at the city’s historic heart, Warsaw Old Town Market Square can be reached by taxi, on foot, and by tram or bus. The closest public transit station is Stare Miasto (00-309 Warsaw), with tram service (4, 13, 20, 23, 26, T) and bus service (160, 190, 527, N11, N21, N61, N71). Hop-on hop-off tours generally stop near Warsaw Old Town Market Square; if you’re visiting as part of a tour, transportation will be taken care of.
Warm weather in June, July, and August make summer a popular time to visit Warsaw, with locals and travelers alike taking advantage of the long days and abundance of sunshine. September brings cooler nights and pleasant conditions that turn chilly in October. While winter can be downright frigid, bundling up for a trip in December means twinkling lights, mulled wine, and the chance to see Warsaw under a sparkling layer of snow.
Christmas markets are a winter tradition in Poland, and one of Warsaw’s finest takes place in Old Town Market Square. Look for vendors selling holiday gifts, mulled wine, and plenty of seasonal treats to eat. An ice skating rink is free to access—skates can be rented on-site—and the surrounding cafés keep customers warm with hearty, cold-weather fare. Christmas lights are also a major highlight of visiting Warsaw in winter, with annual lighting each year on November 30th.
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