Poland

Have no idea what to see in Warsaw? You’re not alone.

Most visitors basically do not go beyond the boundaries of Śródmieście, where the biggest attractions in Warsaw are located. I will show you five locally favorite places that may surprise you.

While first-time visitors might be surprised at the busyness around Central Station, there is so much more to see in town that will amaze you. Here's my list:

In 1926, America celebrated the 150th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence. To mark the occasion, citizens of Poland – more than 5.5 million of them – signed a unique birthday card, The Polish Declarations of Admiration and Friendship. Now, all 111 volumes containing more than 30,000 pages – many beautifully illustrated or accompanied by photographs – are digitized and accessible on the Library of Congress website.

I had friends in high school that traveled to Eastern Europe, family who emigrated, and a history shared with millions. It’s been a place ‘on my list’ for the longest time, so when the opportunity arose, we jumped on it. Tenth graders in New York schools learn about life in Eastern Europe during, before, and after the Holocaust. Eleventh graders touch on life and politics, but focus more on America’s entrance into World War II. But for many of us, where our hands and feet wander is what we remember.