Łazienki Park
Łazienki Królewskie
Warsaw's largest royal park, once the summer residence of Poland's last king. The Palace on the Water is reflected in the lake, peacocks and squirrels are everywhere, and a free open-air piano concert under the Chopin Monument on summer Sundays is a classic Warsaw experience.
Łazienki Park covers about 76 hectares. In the late 18th century it was the summer palace garden of Stanisław August Poniatowski, Poland's last king. 'Łazienki' means 'baths,' named after the central building, the Palace on the Water (Pałac na Wyspie), converted from a 17th-century bathhouse. This Neoclassical palace stands on a small island in the lake and contains the king's gallery and ballroom. The park also includes the White Palace, the Old Orangery with an 18th-century court theatre and sculpture gallery, a lakeside island theatre styled after Roman ruins, the Myślewicki Palace and more.
Near the north entrance stands the Chopin Monument, completed in 1926, which shows the composer seated beneath a willow tree bent by the wind. From mid-May to late September, every Sunday at 12:00 and 16:00, pianists perform Chopin's works beneath the monument. Entry is free, and visitors and locals sit on the lawns and benches to listen. It is advisable to arrive half an hour early to secure a spot. Peacocks and squirrels roam freely in the park, and the autumn leaves turn golden. The park itself is free, but the palaces and other buildings are sold separately (about 30 złoty, with some free entry on Thursdays). Take bus 116 or 180 from New World Street.
Opening hours
Park open daily 06:00–sunset; palace buildings approx. 10:00–18:00 (some closed Mondays)
Nearby sights
- National Museum in Warsaw
- Hala Koszyki
- Nowy Świat & Royal Route
- Fryderyk Chopin Museum
- Vistula Boulevards
- Copernicus Science Centre
- National Stadium (PGE Narodowy)
- Holy Cross Church