Palace of Culture and Science Tours and Activities

Palace of Culture and Science showing heritage architecture and heritage elements
Palace of Culture and Science showing a city
Palace of Culture and Science which includes night scenes, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Palace of Culture and Science
Palace of Culture and Science featuring a city


Admire the views from the terrace of the country’s tallest building, a controversial landmark that inspires mixed feelings from Polish citizens.

The monumental Palace of Culture and Science has towered over Warsaw’s city center for decades. A dubious gift from Joseph Stalin, this skyscraper is often viewed as an unfortunate reminder of Soviet domination. See wonderful vistas over the city from the building’s viewing terrace and check out the Socialist-Realist reliefs, marble staircases and ornate chandeliers decorating its interior.

Examine the building’s austere architecture, which is characteristic of the Stalinist style. The tiered structure is similar to a collection of skyscrapers in Moscow called Stalin's Seven Sisters. Notice the clock on top of the palace, which features four 20-foot-diameter (6-meter) disks. Added in 2001, it’s touted as one of the highest clock towers in the world.

Constructed in the early 1950s, the palace was commissioned by Stalin as a gift from the Soviet people. The ulterior motive for this gift was Stalin’s desire to mark his claim of Poland. The 778-foot-high (237-meter) building is comprised of more than 3,000 rooms. Spread across its 44 floors are offices, restaurants, museums and libraries, as well as a cinema and a swimming pool.

One of the best ways to experience the palace is to see a performance at its Congress Hall (Sala Kongresowa) or Concert Hall (Sala Koncertowa), which are together considered to be some of the country’s most important concert halls. In the past, these venues have hosted artists including the Rolling Stones, Marlene Dietrich and Bruce Springsteen. Find out who might be performing here during your visit.

Ride the elevator to the palace’s viewing terrace, which is located on the 30th floor. Set 374 feet (114 meters) above the ground, this terrace offers panoramic views of the surrounding commercial district. Look for the Old Town in the distance and the Vistula River beyond.

The Palace of Culture and Science is open daily and has an admission fee for visiting the viewing terrace. The building is in downtown Warsaw. Walk here from the Old Town or from the central train station.

Tours & day trips

See all 225 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 112 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 35 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 9 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 6 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Palace of Culture and Science Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Polonia Palace Hotel

Polonia Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
Jerozolimskie Av. 45, Warsaw, Masovia
Polonia Palace Hotel
Warsaw Presidential Hotel

Warsaw Presidential Hotel

5 out of 5
Aleje Jerozolimskie 65-79, Warsaw, Masovia
Warsaw Presidential Hotel
Radisson Collection Hotel, Warsaw

Radisson Collection Hotel, Warsaw

5 out of 5
Grzybowska 24, Warsaw, Masovia
Radisson Collection Hotel, Warsaw
PURO Warszawa Centrum

PURO Warszawa Centrum

4 out of 5
9 Widok, Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship
PURO Warszawa Centrum
Novotel Warszawa Centrum

Novotel Warszawa Centrum

4 out of 5
ul. Marszalkowska 94/98, Warsaw, Masovia
Novotel Warszawa Centrum
InterContinental Warsaw by IHG

InterContinental Warsaw by IHG

5 out of 5
Emilii Plater 49, Warsaw, Masovia
InterContinental Warsaw by IHG
Radisson Blu Sobieski Hotel

Radisson Blu Sobieski Hotel

4 out of 5
Plac Artura Zawiszy 1, Warsaw, Masovia
Radisson Blu Sobieski Hotel
Hotel Bristol, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Warsaw

Hotel Bristol, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Warsaw

5 out of 5
Krakowskie Przedmiescie 42-44, Warsaw, Masovia
Hotel Bristol, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Warsaw
Mercure Warszawa Centrum

Mercure Warszawa Centrum

4 out of 5
48-54 Zlota St, Warsaw, Masovia
Mercure Warszawa Centrum
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Palace of Culture and Science

The Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw offers a range of exciting activities and sightseeing opportunities. Visitors can explore the impressive architecture, embark on cultural tours, and enjoy shopping in the nearby districts. This iconic landmark serves as a hub for both history and modern entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the vibrant spirit of Warsaw.

Shopping

For a fantastic shopping experience near the Palace of Culture and Science, head to Golden Terraces, only 322m away, for a mix of business and entertainment vibes. Hala Mirowska, 966m away, offers a lively market atmosphere, while Vitkac, just 805m away, combines fashion and family-friendly fun.

Recreation

Explore the National Stadium for an energetic vibe with various sports activities just 3.2km away from the Palace of Culture and Science. For a tranquil escape, head to Pole Mokotowskie, a serene park 1.6km away, perfect for relaxation amidst nature. Enjoy the lively atmosphere at Stodoła, a music venue also 1.6km away.

Adventure

At the Palace of Culture and Science, dive into adventure at Park Wodny Moczydlo, a thrilling waterpark located 3.2km away, perfect for family fun. For ski enthusiasts, Szczesliwice Ski Slope, 4.8km away, offers an exciting ski experience amidst a vibrant sports atmosphere.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the Palace of Culture and Science is vibrant and diverse. Catch a performance at the Grand Theatre or Polonia Theatre for a touch of culture. For a thrilling family adventure, head to Room Escape Warsaw. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere for a memorable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Palace of Culture and Science

Visiting the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw offers a rich blend of historic colleges, vibrant streets, and charming squares. This cultural hub provides family-friendly experiences and a taste of the city's lively atmosphere. While exploring, consider checking out nearby motels for accommodation, and don't miss the iconic Palace of Science. Dive into the local culture and make the most of your stay in this fascinating destination!

  • Nowy Swiat Street: Stroll along Nowy Swiat Street, a vibrant thoroughfare buzzing with cafés, shops, and street performers. This lively atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to soak up the local culture while enjoying a coffee or indulging in Polish pastries.
  • Fryderyk Chopin Museum: Immerse yourself in the life of Poland's beloved composer at the Fryderyk Chopin Museum. This cultural gem showcases interactive exhibits and rare artefacts, offering a deep dive into Chopin's music and legacy.
  • Warsaw University of Technology: Explore the historic Warsaw University of Technology, known for its stunning architecture and rich academic heritage. The campus is a hub of innovation and creativity, making it an inspiring visit for anyone interested in education.

Best time to go to Palace of Culture and Science

The best time to visit Palace of Culture and Science is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January29.3°F (-1.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February31.3°F (-0.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March38.7°F (3.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.4°F (9.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June65.5°F (18.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July68.5°F (20.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November41.2°F (5.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
December33.1°F (0.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Palace of Culture and Science

To save money during your visit to the Palace of Culture and Science, consider travelling in the off-peak months of December to February when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel 1-3 months in advance for better rates, or check for last-minute deals on Expedia. Sundays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are pricier. Utilize public transport for affordable travel around Warsaw, and explore free activities in the area. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into an Expedia package can also help you save significantly.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Palace of Culture and Science are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Palace of Culture and Science is usually 1-3 months out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Palace of Culture and Science is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Palace of Culture and Science is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at the Palace of Culture and Science with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.