Palace of Culture and Science

The Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw offers an absolutely breathtaking view from the top! Standing at the observation deck, you get a panoramic view of the entire city, and it’s simply magnificent. The combination of modern skyscrapers and historic architecture creates a stunning contrast that you can’t miss. It’s a must-visit spot, especially if you want to truly appreciate the beauty of Warsaw from above. The experience is unforgettable and worth every moment!

We have visited it at dusk and were a bit worried that may be it would be too dark to see anything but it appeared to be a cool view with all the night lights and illumination. So we enjoyed it and were not disappointed. Better buy tickets online so that not to wait in line. Price: 28zl

The Palace of Culture and Science was a great experience! There were so many interesting things to see and explore, making it a fascinating visit. The entrance fee was very affordable, which added to the value of the experience. However, we were a bit disappointed that we couldn’t go to the top to enjoy the view, which we had been looking forward to. That said, the overall experience was still really enjoyable and well worth the visit.

The Palace of Culture and Science is more than just a building; it’s a piece of Warsaw’s soul. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply a traveler seeking incredible views, this iconic structure offers something for everyone. A visit here provides insight into Warsaw’s past, present and future. The highlight of a visit is the observation deck on the 30th floor, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Warsaw. It’s especially magical at sunset or after dark, when the city lights come alive.

Regarding the observation deck on the 30th floor - when you get there and there is a line for the tickets, simply buy the tickets online a skip the line. The elevator is very fast and quite claustrophobic. The view from the top is incredible, especially during sunset (visited on Nov 3rd, at 15:45). We spent about 15 min at the view point. There is a kiosk where you can buy some snacks and enjoy the view.

“The Palace of Culture and Science is one of Warsaw’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 1950s, its architecture reflects a mix of Soviet influence and grand historic style, making it a unique feature of the city skyline. The building houses a variety of attractions, including theaters, museums, a cinema, and event spaces, ensuring there’s always something happening inside. One of the highlights is the observation deck on the 30th floor, which offers stunning panoramic views of Warsaw. It’s the perfect spot to admire the city from above, whether during the day or at sunset. The surrounding area is bustling, with modern skyscrapers juxtaposed against historic streets, adding to the charm of the location. The Palace’s cultural significance is undeniable, as it has become a symbol of Warsaw’s resilience and transformation over the years. Whether you’re visiting as a tourist or are a local rediscovering the city, the Palace of Culture and Science is a must-see destination. Its vibrant energy and historical importance make it one of the most memorable experiences in Warsaw.”

The Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, a symbol that sparks diverse opinions but never leaves anyone indifferent. Built in 1955 as a gift from the Soviet Union to Poland, its imposing socialist-realist style may be controversial, but it is undeniably captivating. Strengths: • Unique Architecture: Its monumental aesthetics are an extraordinary example of a historical era, seamlessly blending with Warsaw’s contemporary vibe. • Panoramic View: The terrace on the 30th floor offers breathtaking 360° views of the city, especially stunning at sunset. • Variety of Activities: Inside, you’ll find theaters, cinemas, museums, and event spaces, making it a cultural hub. Areas for Improvement: • Interior Maintenance: Some areas show signs of aging and could benefit from a refresh. • Crowds: During peak seasons, accessing the panoramic terrace can involve long waiting times. In conclusion, the Palace of Culture and Science is a must-see for anyone visiting Warsaw. While not perfect, its combination of history, culture, and views makes it a truly memorable experience. Definitely worth a visit!

The Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw is a stunning example of Soviet-era monumental architecture. Built with grandeur and the intention to impress, it stands as a symbol of power and ambition. However, its current state feels as if it has been passed down to distant relatives from the countryside – left with a grand apartment from a professor and now trying to make the most of it, but only on their own level. The once majestic hall with its grand chandeliers and marble ceilings now hosts events like a “Japanese Culture Festival” – but looking at the pictures, only about 5% of it feels genuinely Japanese, mostly limited to Japanese alcohol and some “Japanese” toys made in China. It’s sad to see such an impressive space being used in this way, but the place is still filled with visitors, all eating and enjoying themselves. This is the culture now, and unfortunately, the palace reflects that. P.S. A tip for those wanting to visit the observation deck: the line for online tickets is always much shorter. You can simply buy your ticket on your phone while waiting. Enjoy!

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.