Ultramodern playpen for Warsaw's bright young things. Downstairs is a cool drinking zone with a backlit bar, subdued golden lighting and comfy couches. Upstairs is the nightclub - a blue-lit contemporary space with DJs playing a variety of sounds.

A modern venue with a mellow atmosphere. Comfortable banquettes sit beneath strings of cubed lights, and there's an extensive wine and cocktail list, with some drinks measured in a 'Palace of Culture' (a tall scientific beaker). Try the house speciality, ginger rose vodka. There's also a food menu if you're hungry.

Red and orange dominates this space with comfy plush seating, mirrored ceilings, two bars and plenty of room to dance. Check out the extensive drinks menu, hit the dance floor or observe the action from a stool on the upper balcony. Wednesday night is 'old school' night, with music from the 70s to 90s.

This hidden gem serves a range of Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai cuisine. Though small (just six tables), it has loads of personality, with dark timber surfaces, bamboo place mats and Japanese newspapers plastering the walls. Red and green curries lead the way on the menu, including tofu versions, though they've been toned down for Polish palates.

Vega, tucked away in a courtyard, offers cheap and delicious vegetarian food. Try the naleśniki (crepes wrapped around a variety of fillings). There's also a good number of vegan items on the menu.

A tiny oasis in the concrete jungle, housed within a curious circular building. Service is impeccable and a good variety of Polish and Bavarian nouvelle cuisine is on offer. Try the ice-meringue with strawberry mousse.

The vast area of the Mirów and Muranów districts was once predominantly inhabited by Jewish Poles. During WWII the Nazis established a Jewish ghetto in the area, but razed it to the ground after crushing the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in April 1943. A walking tour of Jewish sites is detailed in the free pamphlet, Jewish Warsaw, available from tourist offices.

The Historical Museum occupies the entire northern side of the Rynek. Its extensive collection illustrates the history of Warsaw from its beginnings until the present day, including chilling photographs of the destruction and suffering of WWII. Don't miss the documentary film about the reconstruction of the city (the English version is usually at noon).

This large, shady and popular park is best known for the 18th-century Palace upon the Water. It was the summer residence of Stanisław August Poniatowski, the last king of Poland. The Old Orangery contains a sculpture gallery and an 18th-century theatre. Every Sunday (May-Sep) there are piano recitals in the rose gardens and chamber concerts in summer.

During WWII this 13th-century Royal Castle was deliberately destroyed on Hitler's orders. It was rebuilt between 1971 and 1984, its sumptuously decorated rooms incorporating surviving artworks and original architectural fragments. Most impressive is the Great Hall, which has been restored to its 1781 splendour of dazzling gilded stucco and golden columns.

Another highlight of is the Senators' Antechamber, where landscapes of 18th-century Warsaw by Bernardo Bellotto (Canaletto's nephew) are on show.

Massive, brooding and inescapable, this towering structure has become an emblem of the city as it's slowly rehabilitated from its Stalinist past. Still the tallest building in Poland, and the city's most prominent landmark, this palace was built in the early 1950s as a 'gift of friendship' from the Soviet Union to the Polish nation.

A high-speed lift will whisk you to the 30th floor viewing terrace for a bird's-eye view of the city.