The main campus of the University of Warsaw is one of the most beautiful, extensive complexes of historic buildings in Warsaw. You can enter it from Krakowskie Przedmieście Street through the richly decorated iconic gate from 1916. Then, suddenly you find yourself in such a quiet and calm place that it’s hard to believe that just two minutes ago you were in the busiest touristic street in the city. Obviously, it gets more crowded when students leave and enter the buildings for the lectures, but it just helps you enjoy this pedestrian-only area even more.
Besides the quiet atmosphere, what I love about this spot is the unique feeling that you have travelled in time you get while walking the tree-lined alleys full of buildings from previous centuries. The oldest building, now housing the chancellor’s office, dates back to the 17th century, while most others were originally constructed at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
During lecture times, you can enter the public areas of the buildings, with the most interesting one probably being the old university library. I also enjoy walking behind Kazimierzowski Palace to enjoy the views over the park at the bottom of the slope on whose edge it’s constructed.
The University of Warsaw Museum organises tours of the campus so if you don’t want to do it on your own you can call them to arrange one.
