The axis of the Royal Route
Krakowskie Przedmieście is the first stretch of the Royal Route — the ceremonial axis running from the castle through Nowy Świat and Aleje Ujazdowskie to Łazienki and Wilanów. Most of its buildings were recreated after the war.
What stands along it
- The Presidential Palace — the head of state's residence, with the equestrian monument to Prince Józef Poniatowski
- The University of Warsaw — its historic main gate and campus
- The Church of the Holy Cross — an urn holding Chopin's heart is set into one of the pillars
- Monuments — to Copernicus, to Adam Mickiewicz, and the university column
The walk and its surroundings
The street runs on into Nowy Świat, full of cafés and bars. On summer weekends Krakowskie Przedmieście is sometimes closed to traffic and given over to pedestrians. It is worth turning aside towards the Vistula escarpment and its viewing terraces.
How to get there and practical info
- Location
- From Castle Square southwards, Śródmieście
- Admission
- The street is free; the church interiors are open to all
- Access
- On foot from the old town, about 5–10 min
- Best time
- Summer weekends — a car-free promenade
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours (a walk including the church)
- Continues into
- Nowy Świat and the rest of the Royal Route
When to go
Pleasant for a walk, and the café terraces open.
Car-free at weekends, busy, with street performers.
Golden autumn, quieter, with good light on the facades.
Christmas illuminations — one of the loveliest streets in winter.
Other sights in Warszawa
Straight-line distances from „Krakowskie Przedmieście" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
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