Free self-guided walk · Warsaw

Old Town and the Royal Route

A free self-guided walk in Warsaw, from the Barbican through the rebuilt Old Town along the Royal Route.

Distance
2.5 km
Walking time
33 min
Allow
About 2 hours with stops
Stops
6

Open the route in Google MapsWarsaw city guide

About this walk

This walk covers the heart of Warsaw on foot.

Continue along the Royal Route for more palaces.

  • Terrain: Flat.
  • Best time: Morning or evening.

Route map

123456
Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Barbican

    Start at the red-brick fortification.

  2. Old Town Market Square

    The rebuilt square and mermaid.

  3. Royal Castle

    The rebuilt royal residence.

  4. St Anne's Church

    A church with a viewing terrace.

  5. Presidential Palace

    Along Krakowskie Przedmieście.

  6. University of Warsaw

    Finish at the university gate.

Tips

  • St Anne's tower has a view of the Old Town.
  • Chopin benches play his music at the press of a button.
  • The Royal Castle is free on Wednesdays.

Prefer a guide?

Advertising disclosure: these link to Viator. If you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See all walking tours in Warsaw.

Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.