Rynek Starego Miasta (Old Town Market Place), Warsaw (must see)

As you enter the Old Town Market Square, walk toward the center and pause beside the bronze mermaid statue. Surrounded by colorful townhouses with steep roofs and decorative façades, this square has been the heart of Warsaw since the city developed in the late 13th century. Merchants once sold food, cloth, and household goods here, while festivals, public announcements, and even executions drew large crowds. Today, the square is filled with cafés, restaurant terraces, artists, and street performers.

Look carefully at the buildings around you. Although they appear historic, most are careful post-war reconstructions. The original Gothic houses were destroyed by fire in 1607 and replaced by Renaissance buildings, which were later remodeled in Baroque and Neoclassical styles. During World War II, the square was almost completely destroyed. It was rebuilt in the 1950s using old paintings, photographs, architectural drawings, and surviving fragments to recreate its earlier appearance.

The square’s four sides are named after important historical figures. On the northern side, called Dekert’s Side, look for House No. 42, which contains the main entrance to the Museum of Warsaw. The museum occupies several connected townhouses and displays objects related to the city’s history and everyday life. Its collection includes more than 300,000 items arranged across 21 themed rooms.
Continue around the square to Barss’ Side, associated with the Adam Mickiewicz Museum, dedicated to one of Poland’s most celebrated poets. The other two sides commemorate reformer and educator Hugo Kołłątaj and former Warsaw mayor Ignacy Wyssogota Zakrzewski.

Before leaving, return to the center and examine the Warsaw Mermaid, known as Syrenka. You can easily recognize her by the sword raised above her head and the shield held in front of her. The mermaid has appeared on Warsaw’s coat of arms since the Middle Ages and symbolizes the city’s courage and determination. The statue was first placed in the square in 1855; the original sculpture is now held inside the Museum of Warsaw, while outside stands a copy.

From the square, choose any of the narrow streets leading outward to continue exploring Warsaw’s reconstructed Old Town.