Visiting Powązki Cemetery

About Powązki Cemetery

Opened in 1790, the Old Powązki Cemetery is a vast, tree-shaded necropolis of sculpted tombs where many of Poland's writers, composers, artists and soldiers are buried, including Chopin's parents and the composer Stanisław Moniuszko. It glows with thousands of candles on All Saints' Day.

Tip: Visit in the days around 1 November to see the cemetery lit by candles, one of Warsaw's most moving sights.

Plan your visit

• Time needed: 1–1.5 hours.
• Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
• Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
• Where: Wola, business district of new skyscrapers, the Warsaw Rising Museum and market halls.

Best time to visit Powązki Cemetery

To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:

• April: 14°C (57°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, moderate crowds.
• October: 13°C (55°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, moderate crowds.
• September: 19°C (66°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.

When to visit Warsaw has the full month-by-month picture.

Fit it into your trip

Powązki Cemetery is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Old Town Market Square and Royal Castle.

• No. 19 of the 20 sights in our Warsaw things-to-do list.
• Listed in free things to do in Warsaw.

Near Powązki Cemetery

Also in Wola, so you can walk between them:

• Warsaw Rising Museum — 2–3 hours, mid-priced

If you like Powązki Cemetery

• Old Town Market Square — Old Town and New Town, 1 hour
• Castle Square and Sigismund's Column — Old Town and New Town, 20–30 minutes
• Royal Route: Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Świat — Śródmieście, 1–2 hours
• Praga and the Koneser Centre — Praga, Half a day

Staying near Powązki Cemetery

Stay in Wola ($$$) to walk here: business district of new skyscrapers, the Warsaw Rising Museum and market halls. All areas to stay in Warsaw.

Questions travellers ask