Piłsudski Square & Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Warsaw - Memorial and Muzeum Auschwitz - Birkenau Former German Nazi Concentration Extermination Camp All over the world, Auschwitz has become a symbol of terror, genocide, and the Shoah. It was established by Germans in 1940, in the suburbs of Oswiecim, a Polish city that was annexed to the Third Reich by the Nazis. Its name was changed to Auschwitz, which also became the name of Konzentrationslager Auschwitz.
1 / 10

Piłsudski Square & Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Warsaw

4.8
·8k reviews·Warszawa, Poland

A solemn tribute to Polish soldiers, Piłsudski Square is a vital historical site with an eternal flame and hourly guard changes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Hourly, on the hour

Witness the changing of the guard

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Piłsudski Square & Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Warsaw - Memorial and Muzeum Auschwitz - Birkenau Former German Nazi Concentration Extermination Camp All over the world, Auschwitz has become a symbol of terror, genocide, and the Shoah. It was established by Germans in 1940, in the suburbs of Oswiecim, a Polish city that was annexed to the Third Reich by the Nazis. Its name was changed to Auschwitz, which also became the name of Konzentrationslager Auschwitz.

Piłsudski Square & Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Warsaw

Best Time

Hourly, on the hour

Witness the changing of the guard

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A solemn tribute to Polish soldiers, Piłsudski Square is a vital historical site with an eternal flame and hourly guard changes.

4.8
(8k reviews)

"It's a moving and meaningful site. Everyone should visit at least once to feel the weight of history. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Guard Change

Be there 10 mins before the hour to get a good view of the changing of the guard ceremony. :clock1:

🚶‍♂️ Explore Saxon Garden

The adjacent Saxon Garden offers a peaceful respite and historical context. Good for a walk between sights.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Piłsudski Square

A powerful symbol of national sacrifice with an eternal flame and honor guard. A must-visit for understanding Polish history.

Reddit
Changing of the Guard

Changing of the Guard

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Witness the hourly ceremony for a moving display of respect and tradition. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.

Reddit
Piłsudski Square

Piłsudski Square

Central Warsaw

A vast, historically significant square that hosts parades and national events. Great for understanding the scale of Warsaw's public spaces.

TikTok

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Solemnity

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a place of deep national remembrance. Visiting during the hourly changing of the guard offers a powerful spectacle. Arrive 10 minutes prior to the hour for the best view. Reddit

Respectful Attire and Demeanor

As a site of national significance and remembrance, visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully and maintain a solemn demeanor. This is a place to honor sacrifice, not a casual tourist spot. Reddit

Best Times

When
Hourly, on the hour
Why
Witness the changing of the guard
Crowd
Medium
When
National Independence Day (Nov 11)
Why
Experience patriotic fervor and events
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

józef piłsudski #CapCut #józefpiłsudski #jozefpiłsudskiedit #edit #kidypolskaodzyskalaniepodleglosc @vv @ktsf
@worm_overlord
56.4K likes • 803.9K views

🎯 Arrive Early for Guard Change

Be there 10 mins before the hour to get a good view of the changing of the guard ceremony. Reddit :clock1:

🚶‍♂️ Explore Saxon Garden

The adjacent Saxon Garden offers a peaceful respite and historical context. Good for a walk between sights. Reddit

Площадь маршала Юзефа Пилсудского - это одна из главных достопримечательностей Варшавы, привлекающая туристов большим количеством архитектурных и исторических памятников. Кроме того, площадь часто используется для проведения парадов, митингов и других массовых мероприятий. Маршал Юзеф Пилсудский - один из самых уважаемых политических деятелей Польши, поэтому неудивительно, что главная площадь пол...
oksana_vintsevych
40 likes • 0 views
Today is National Independence Day (Known as Narodowe Święto Niepodległości in Polish). It is a national day in Poland that is celebrated on the 11th of November every year to commemorate the anniversary of the restoration of Poland's sovereignty as the Second Republic. The end of World War I (also known as Remembrance Day around the world today) which brought the destruction of the neighbouring p...
flags_of_sydney_st
21 likes • 0 views

📸 Respectful Photography

While photos are allowed, maintain a respectful distance and demeanor. Avoid loud noises or disruptive behavior. Instagram

🏛️ Understand the History

Read up on Marshal Piłsudski and Poland's fight for independence to fully appreciate the site. TikTok

Plaza Pilsudski. Varsovia. By @cabetxo #piłsudski #varsovia #warsaw
aca.1964
15 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Guard Change

Be there 10 mins before the hour to get a good view of the changing of the guard ceremony. Reddit :clock1:

🚶‍♂️ Explore Saxon Garden

The adjacent Saxon Garden offers a peaceful respite and historical context. Good for a walk between sights. Reddit

📸 Respectful Photography

While photos are allowed, maintain a respectful distance and demeanor. Avoid loud noises or disruptive behavior. Instagram

🏛️ Understand the History

Read up on Marshal Piłsudski and Poland's fight for independence to fully appreciate the site. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for its profound solemnity and the powerful atmosphere of national remembrance. The hourly changing of the guard is a highlight, offering a dignified spectacle. While the historical significance is widely appreciated, some note that temporary structures can detract from the overall aesthetic. Reddit+1

"The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is more than just a monument — it’s a place of deep respect and national remembrance. The atmosphere is solemn and powerful, filled with silence and dignity. The honor guard, the eternal flame, and the symbols of sacrifice all remind us of the true cost of freedom. It’s a moving and meaningful site. Everyone should visit at least once to feel the weight of history and honor those who gave their lives for their country."

Denis

"Easy to find and a very respectable monument. I was able to catch the changing of the guard which happens every hour. Get there at ten minutes before the hour to see it."

Brandon Sowder

"Super cool little tomb with a flame constantly lit and 2 guards watching over. It’s by the heart of the city and part of a nice park. Definitely worth a stop!"

Brian Baarda

What People Like

Solemn and powerful atmosphere
Moving changing of the guard
Deep historical significance

What People Dislike

Temporary tents can be unsightly

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Piłsudski Square is centrally located in Warsaw, making it easily accessible. You can reach it by public transport, including trams and buses that stop nearby. Many visitors also walk from the Old Town or other central attractions. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Piłsudski Square is a prominent landmark in Warsaw and is well-signposted. It's situated near other key attractions, so it's hard to miss when exploring the city center. Instagram

Walking is a great option if you're already in the city center. Otherwise, public transport is efficient. Look for stops like 'Plac Piłsudskiego' or nearby bus/tram routes. Reddit

Parking in central Warsaw can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk to reach the square. Reddit

Yes, Warsaw has a growing cycling infrastructure. There are often bike racks available, but always check for designated parking areas. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Piłsudski Square is free. It's an open public space for remembrance. Reddit

Piłsudski Square is accessible 24/7 as it's a public square. However, the specific monument and any associated ceremonies have their own timings. TikTok

To witness the changing of the guard, aim to be there on the hour. For a more solemn experience, early mornings or late afternoons can be less crowded. Reddit

There is no admission fee to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or Piłsudski Square. It is a free public memorial. Reddit

The square is accessible at night, and the eternal flame is always lit, offering a different, perhaps more contemplative, atmosphere. TikTok

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

It's a profound memorial dedicated to Polish soldiers who died fighting for their country's independence, symbolizing national sacrifice and remembrance. Reddit

It's a precise and dignified ceremony performed hourly by guards. It's a key highlight for many visitors. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted, but visitors are asked to be respectful and avoid intrusive behavior. Instagram

The square is adjacent to the Saxon Garden, a beautiful park perfect for a stroll, and close to other historical sites in Warsaw. Reddit

Piłsudski Square is a large, open space and generally accessible. However, specific areas within the adjacent Saxon Garden might have varied terrain. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the grandeur of the square with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as the centerpiece. The surrounding architecture and the eternal flame also make for striking shots. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos during the ceremony, but be mindful of others and avoid flash photography that might disrupt the solemnity. Reddit

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting. Nighttime with the eternal flame lit also offers a unique photographic opportunity. TikTok

Many visitors capture the Tomb from a frontal view, emphasizing the eternal flame and the guards. Wide shots of the entire square are also popular. Instagram

A smartphone with good low-light capabilities or a DSLR camera will work well. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the scale of the square. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Piłsudski Square and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier offer a valuable, albeit solemn, educational experience for families. While the Tomb itself is a place for quiet reflection, the changing of the guard ceremony can be fascinating for children, offering a visual spectacle of tradition and discipline. Reddit The adjacent Saxon Garden is a fantastic place for kids to run around and enjoy nature, providing a much-needed break from historical sites. Pack some snacks and water, as facilities within the immediate vicinity might be limited. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, Piłsudski Square and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are essential stops. The square's role in Poland's 20th-century history, particularly its connection to Marshal Piłsudski and national independence, is profound. TikTok Delve into the inscriptions at the Tomb, which detail centuries of Polish military engagements, offering a stark reminder of the nation's resilience. Reddit Consider visiting on National Independence Day (November 11th) for a truly immersive experience of patriotic fervor and national commemoration. Instagram

🚶‍♂️ Solo Travelers

Solo travelers will find Piłsudski Square and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to be easily navigable and deeply impactful. The straightforward accessibility via public transport makes it simple to reach. Reddit The hourly changing of the guard provides a natural point of interest and a chance to observe local customs. Reddit The adjacent Saxon Garden offers a peaceful space for contemplation or enjoying a quiet moment with a book. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw is far more than just a monument; it's a potent symbol of Poland's enduring spirit and the immense sacrifices made throughout its tumultuous history. Located in Piłsudski Square, it stands as a solemn tribute to all the unnamed Polish soldiers who perished defending their homeland. The eternal flame at its center burns continuously, a powerful reminder of their sacrifice and the nation's unwavering remembrance. Reddit

This site is deeply ingrained in the national consciousness, particularly resonating during significant historical commemorations like National Independence Day. Visitors often describe an overwhelming sense of solemnity and respect when standing before it, feeling the weight of history and the profound cost of freedom. The inscriptions detailing Poland's numerous historical conflicts further underscore the nation's long struggle for sovereignty. Reddit

Beyond its symbolic importance, the Tomb is an active memorial. The changing of the guard ceremony, which occurs hourly, is a precise and dignified ritual that draws many visitors. It's a moment to pause and reflect on the dedication and duty represented by the soldiers on duty. Reddit

Exploring Piłsudski Square and Its Surroundings

Piłsudski Square (Plac Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego) is one of Warsaw's largest and most historically significant public spaces. Named after Marshal Józef Piłsudski, a key figure in Poland's regaining independence, the square has been a focal point for national events, parades, and demonstrations throughout history. Its vast expanse offers a sense of scale and importance, often used for large public gatherings. TikTok

Adjacent to the square is the Saxon Garden (Ogród Saski), one of Warsaw's oldest public parks. This green oasis provides a beautiful contrast to the monumental architecture of the square. It's a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, offering shaded paths, fountains, and a peaceful atmosphere to relax between sightseeing. The garden also contains remnants of the former Saxon Palace, adding another layer of historical intrigue. Reddit

Together, Piłsudski Square and the Saxon Garden form a significant historical and recreational hub in the heart of Warsaw. They offer visitors a chance to connect with Poland's past, witness important national ceremonies, and enjoy a moment of tranquility in the bustling city. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2