Palace of Culture and Science

We visited in February, and although it was cold outside, the building itself is very well heated. Surprisingly, the observation deck wasn’t very windy, but be aware that winter often brings fog - and because the building is so tall, the view isn’t always clear. We were lucky to stay at Novotel Warszawa Centrum, which made it easy to monitor when the fog cleared and choose the perfect moment to go up. PKiN is much more than just a tower: • Great for Instagram photos outside • You can still see marks of the former Jewish ghetto wall • The square in front was historically used for military parades during socialism • Inside there are cafés, conference halls, cultural spaces, the Neon Museum, and the rooftop observation deck What impressed me most was the sheer size of the building and its unusual history - a "gift" from Stalin to Poland after WWII, which makes it emotionally and politically complex, not just architectural. From the top, the 360° view over Warsaw is amazing. If you’ve already explored the city before going up, the experience is even better - you can recognize places you’ve visited. There are also maps and informative posters explaining what you see and telling stories about the buildings. For me, it felt like the final puzzle piece of understanding Warsaw (including finally learning why the mermaid is its symbol). It wasn’t too crowded - probably because of the cold weather - which made the visit even nicer. Practical tips: • Check visibility before going up (fog can block the view) • Dress warmly - the rooftop can be cold and windy • Remember this is a cultural center: many locals are well dressed, and tourists stand out easily • Best appreciated after you’ve already explored the city There is truly something here for history lovers, culture fans, couples, photographers, and even kids. ⭐ Verdict: a must-see in Warsaw - not just for the view, but for the story it tells about the city.

Standing proudly above everything else, this giant building has every right to be praised. It's symmetrical, huge, well-organized for visiting and very, very impressive on the outside. You can buy a ticket at a vending machine as soon as you enter (entrance is facing the riverside) to your left/right, then you line up for the elevator, go up, go out, walk around and back the same way.

Great views of the city, fast purchase of tickets through a machine in the lobby. Building had no reception area therefore look for the machines which are well indicated and take the lift up. Small souvenir shop and a cafe (doesn’t have external view).

The Palace of Culture and Science is one of Warsaw’s most iconic landmarks and impossible to miss. Its massive size and unique architecture make it impressive, whether you love it or find it controversial. Inside, there’s a lot going on with theaters, museums and exhibitions, and the viewing terrace offers great panoramic views over the city. A must-see to understand Warsaw’s history and character.

The Palace of Culture and Science (Polish: Pałac Kultury i Nauki;[a] PKiN)[b] is a notable high-rise building in central Warsaw, Poland. With a total height of 237 metres (778 ft), it is the second tallest building in both Warsaw and Poland (after the Varso Tower), the eighth tallest building in the European Union and one of the tallest on the European continent. At the time of its completion in 1955, the Palace was the eighth tallest building in the world, retaining the position until 1961; it was also briefly the tallest clock tower in the world, from 2000 until the 2002 installation of a clock mechanism on the NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building in Tokyo, Japan. Inspired by Polish historical architecture and American art deco high-rise buildings, the Palace of Culture and Science was designed by Soviet-Russian architect Lev Rudnev in "Seven Sisters" style. The Palace houses various public and cultural institutions, including theatres, museums, universities, a cinema, a concert hall, a public swimming pool, and the offices of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The building is decorated with sculptures representing the fields of culture and science. The main entrance features sculptures of the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, by Ludwika Nitschowa, and the poet Adam Mickiewicz, by Stanisław Horno-Popławski. Since 2007, the PKiN has been listed in the Registry of Objects of Cultural Heritage.

Great place to visit in Warsaw. The panoramic views are stunning. I visited during summer and winter and both seasons were amazing. I love coming back to Warsaw, such a beautiful and modern city. The palace is beautiful and must see while in the capital of Poland. Dziekuje !

The terrace at the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw is definitely worth a visit 🏙️✨. The views over the city are impressive, especially on a clear day 🌤️👀, and it’s a great way to get a sense of Warsaw from above. Tickets were straightforward, and the whole experience felt well organized 🎟️👍. If you like viewpoints, this one is a solid stop 📸🙂.

I didn’t go inside, but even from the outside this place is very impressive. The architecture is massive and iconic, and it really stands out in Warsaw’s skyline. Looks especially beautiful when lit up in the evening. Definitely worth seeing, even if just from outside

This place really stands out in the city! The tall point with the clock, the old architecture inside, the viewing floor, all pretty amazing. There's booths on the main floor to sell you tickets to go up to the top and to other attractions. The staff were friendly.

Good high up views. Gives you an overview of the city and how expensive it is, or not. Near the main train station and two large malls. So a convenient stop.

Built in the 1950s, this massive soviet communist era monstrosity was Stalin's gift to the people of Warsaw, whom really didn't have a say. The local Poles also called it "Stalin's P***S"...I don't see it, do you? :) Despite the dark history, seeing this building certainly makes an impression on you, especially architectural nerds like myself. The interior reflects the era. I didn't have a chance, but building has a couple of large theaters to see shows and concerts. 25PLN/$6 will let you ride up to the "tip", I mean top of the building at 30 floors up. You'll get some sweeping panoramic views for some pretty good photos and Instagram posts...though the Warsaw skyline is rather flat and dull compared to other views. Still worth the cheap $6, and it won't take much time out of your day. I think I paid $45 to go up Seattle's Space Needle a few months ago.

This place was advertised as to have the best view in Warsaw, so I definitely wanted to see the city from the top. There's at least 1 hour long wait to go up. Although we had the Warsaw pass which promised no lines, no one was enforcing it, so we had to wait. Worst part is: definitely not worth it, the view from the top is not as good as I thought. The wires obstruct all view. No opportunity to take picture as the wall is so tall. And no glass, so you can't see the city. If you're short, you won't be able to see anything. Overall, this place is decent just to get the idea of how things are like in Poland. But if you've been to "the view" or one world at NYC, you'll be so underwhelmed.

The Palace of Culture and Science is the tallest building in Poland. It has been around since the 1950s. It was gifted to Poland from Stalin. This building has over 3,000 rooms. It is still used for public activities, concerts, different companies use it, universities etc. You can even go for movies here, they have a cinema within the place. Lastly, there are a few viewing galleries as well as the observation tower. It is open for the public to visit. You can buy the ticket which leads to the elevators. The views of the city are gorgeous from the tower. There are also eating options while you visit. The price of the visit was inexpensive in what it has to offer to all those who visit. I loved the architecture of the building. The columns and statues surrounding it were neat to look at. In winter time they have a ice skating ring around one of the entrances. Also for the holidays they light the building with Christmas colors. If in Warsaw, stop here for a quick moment.~

communist propaganda now used as museums and offices This is one of the most recognizable and hated buildings in all of Warsaw. Built under the direction of the USSR and dedicated in 1955 while Warsaw was in ruins after WWII, it symbolizes communist excess and oppression for many Warsaw residents. While the common people were literally living in war-torn ruins, this gigantic Soviet designed monstrosity (the architecture of the building seems to have resulted from a consensus by a group of mediocre government architects) demanded thousands of workers and raw materials that most feel should have gone to reconstruction. The communist party met in the large theater section of the building for official meetings. The observation deck provides excellent views of Warsaw. Our tour guide spoke perfect English and provided excellent background and history.

Amazing place directly in the middle of Warsaw. Close to the central station and the station "Centrum" of many buses and trams. I have visited only oberservation deck, the view was great and price was only 20 PLN. Besides of that, it is possible to book a guided tour through the building to see memories from socialistic times. On the other side, cinema is located. Building with many facets and options...

True to its origins we got a very communist experience. There was a long line to purchase tickets so we decided to purchase them on our phones. The woman working the line was extremely unpleasant and got into a screaming match with people who tried to walk over the ropes instead of walking all the way around to enter the line for ticketed people. After scanning your own ticket you get in a line for an elevator where you push a button that takes you up to the top. It is a nice view of the city with some information. However everything is screened in so you don't really get that great of photos. There is a small cafe and a place for ice cream. Since the admission fee is only $5 it is a cool way to spend about 30 minutes but if the fee is increased or the line is especially long I would recommend skipping.

Yeah, its maybe good-looking inside and outside, you have good view on the top of Palace, but yesterday I went there with my mom, and we came inside and took some photos etc. But security looked at us like "they want to stole or burn this whole palace". It's very uncomfortable for people. No one from staff came to us, no one smiled etc. So we just go from there. And the same man from security have problem to my mom that she can't open the door... So, i dont recommend this as much as other places.

Imagine enduring a devastating war to result in the liberating forces taking control of your country, imposing an unpopular government, and concluding with the construction of a giant towering landmark you couldn't miss from any corner of the capital if you tried. The Palace of Culture and Science, which is the tallest building in Poland, and the surrounding Palace Square was the symbol of Soviet domination. Built by the government of the U.S.S.R. as a gift from the Soviet people to the Polish nation, the building continues to be a source of controversy. PKiN is located on one of Warsaw's main squares, Plac Defilad, where people naturally flock to and for multiple reasons: it's a gateway to the city's various modes of public transportation with a number of restaurants and shopping malls located in the vicinity. PKiN contains over 3,000 rooms and is home to the Congress and Concert Halls; 2 museums; an 8-screen multiplex cinema; bars; four theatres; and the largest casino in the country. The building's exterior features statues sculpted in the style of Michelangelo's ignudi, which include those of Nicholas Copernicus, Adam Mickiewicz, and Marie Skłodowska Curie, and of the idealized worker, one of which holds a tablet with the names of Marx, Engels, and Lenin etched into it (Stalin's was removed in 1956). A guided tour is required to explore the majority of the building. Today, PKiN's main attraction for locals and tourists alike is the observation terrace on the 30th floor providing a panoramic view of the capital and beyond. From here you can view almost the entire city from the hodgepodge of downtown's newest skyscrapers to the oldest part of town. Regular admission price is 20zł, students are 15zł. Open everyday from May to September. Be sure NOT to miss this part of history and its view!

The best viewing platform in the city. It reminds us of the city's communist history, but still manages to be a beautiful focus on the skyline.

The Palace of Culture and Science... a gorgeous gorgeous building that takes up the downtown Warsaw skyline. We went on a Sunday morning and there was maybe a five-minute wait for tickets. It costs 18 PLN (about 4 Euros) per person and then you take an elevator up to the top. Beware, the Polish people aren't as good at queueing as the Germans, so we had a lot of people "cut" in line. Even so, we were still up pretty quickly. The views are awesome and totally worth it. Just make sure you go on a clear day.

The price is 20 PLN, which is only about 5 USD, so it's worth the cost but probably not worth trying to fit in to a packaged itinerary. We only had a half day in Warsaw and thought it'd be a great way to see the city. However, even in early May, it was a little chilly in Warsaw, but very, very windy and cold on the observation deck, which is open air and not shielded from the elements. That made it pretty miserable, combined with the fact that it was a wet mess from recent rain. They'd do well to enclose this. There are souvenirs for sale on the top level, as well as a pretty decent little cafe with smoothies, green juice, desserts, coffee, etc.

Pros: From the terrace in the 30th storey you have a great view on the entire city of Warsaw and with about 20 Złoty it's not even that expensive. Cons: The waiting time can be long, that's why you should visit the observatory before noon, also bigger bagpacks are not allowed in the elevators which is why they need to be stored in the basement with payment. Also, the building is a bit run down and there are few signs to the entrance from other sides of the building.

So this looks pretty awesome from the outside and it really is a beast of a building. Gifted by Uncle Joe Stalin to try and make up for abandoning Warsaw at the end of WWII (check your history) it reaches for the sky in an unashamed Stalinist style. I only went there for the viewing platform which did take quite a long time to queue up for as there are only a couple of (decadent) lifts to the top. The view is OK but the nearby new skyscrapers ruin the view. Not especially worth the time unless you've time to kill.