Warsaw is a city full of contrasts that hides plenty of surprises. Although most tourists primarily visit places as popular as Łazienki Królewskie Park, the Old Town or the Palace of Culture and Science, the city hides many less obvious corners waiting for you. We have prepared a list where you will find Warsaw's hidden gems - ideal places for afternoon walks or weekend explorations.

Green asylums with a soul - relaxing in the open air

Żoliborz is famous for its atmospheric streets and modernist architecture, but Żoliborskie Orchards Park still remains a little-known corner. This intimate green area is a place where, in spring and summer, you can stroll in the shade of the old apple trees, enjoying the scent of the flowers, and in autumn and winter, immerse yourself in a melancholy atmosphere and take a deeper breath. 

It is also worth visiting the Bemowo Bema Fort. It is a historic fortress hidden among the greenery, part of the former fortifications of the Fortress of Warsaw. Today, it is a truly magical place, where labyrinths of ivy-covered walls, bridges over the moat and atmospheric alleys await strollers. Within the fort you will also find modern, creative playground. 

For nature lovers, the ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city will be the Olszynka Grochowska Nature Reserve. A unique area with picturesque walking paths hides a wealth of flora and fauna, as well as historical traces of the Battle of Grochów.

A curiosity for lovers of architecture and the urban fabric

Keret House is an unusual structure hidden between tenements on Chłodna and Żelazna streets in Warsaw's Wola district. It is one of the narrowest houses in the world, measuring just 122 cm at its narrowest point! Created by architect Jakub Szczęsny, it serves primarily as an unusual art installation. The house symbolises creativity in the use of space and is a tribute to the history of Warsaw. It can be viewed from the outside, and going inside requires an appointment - a real treat for lovers of design and unusual places!

Lovers of architecture and niche atmospheres will no doubt be interested in the Jazdów estate. It is located in the very centre of Warsaw, right next to the Sejm, and stands out for its unusual atmosphere thanks to its wooden Finnish houses surrounded by lush greenery. It was established in 1945 as a temporary housing estate for government employees and today is a lively centre for culture, education and various social initiatives. 

Other very interesting urban developments include the Wawelberg Colony, the Przyjaźń academic estate, the Professors' Colony in Śródmieście, Mokotów's Grey Houses, the colony of atrium houses on Jedlińska Street in Sadyba, the modernist WSM Koło II estate and the Praga II estate on Haller Square, which has its own museum in a former vacant building.

Hidden gems of Warsaw in the city centre

The title of one of the most unusual places in the city has been earned by the the gardens of the University of Warsaw Library. Located on the roof of a modern library building, they offer a beautiful view of the Warsaw skyline. The gardens are divided into several thematic zones and draw attention to the diverse vegetation, waterfalls, bridges and pergolas. Walking along the paths, you can admire both the carefully designed greenery and the architectural details of the building, which blend in perfectly with the landscape. It is a great place for a moment of relaxation, a photo shoot or a romantic stroll.

Book lovers should definitely visit the downtown antique shops. This is a real Warsaw's hidden gems and a paradise for enthusiasts of literature, art and objects with a soul. Antiquarian bookshops, scattered along the atmospheric streets of the district, conceal treasures from long ago - from rare book editions, through unique prints and maps, to everyday objects from bygone eras. When strolling around Śródmieście (City Centre), it is worth visiting places such as the Antykwariat on Koszykowa Street or the cult antique bookshops on Chmielna and Marszałkowska Streets.

Within the city limits, but as if outside them

If beaches in Warsaw you associate mainly with the popular Poniatówka, be sure to visit the Romantic Beach in Wawer. This little-known space by the Vistula River is the perfect place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can reach it by Warsaw's public transport and still feel like you're outside the city. The beach is tidy but has not lost its natural character. Various cultural events are held here in the warm months.

Warsaw is a city that always has something to offer - even to those who think they have seen everything. The above-mentioned places are just a few of the many lesser-known gems of Warsaw waiting to be discovered. Whether you are a tourist or a local, it is worth going off the beaten track and letting yourself be surprised. Maybe this weekend? If you need inspiration, take a look at one of our Warsaw guides!