Sight guide · Warsaw · Poland
Visiting Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Beneath the surviving arcade of the Saxon Palace, destroyed in the war, an eternal flame burns at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded around the clock by soldiers.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Alina Zienowicz Ala z, Public domain
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Quick answer
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a historic site in Śródmieście, Warsaw. Allow 30 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Historic site
- Area
- Śródmieście
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free and history
- Best months
- April and September–October
About Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Beneath the surviving arcade of the Saxon Palace, destroyed in the war, an eternal flame burns at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded around the clock by soldiers. Behind it, the Saxon Garden is Warsaw's oldest public park.
Tip: Watch the changing of the guard, which takes place every hour, then walk through the Saxon Garden.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 30 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Śródmieście, city centre of towers, the Palace of Culture, main station and shopping streets.
Best time to visit Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
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
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Old Town Market Square and Royal Castle.
- No. 18 of the 20 sights in our Warsaw things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Warsaw.
Near Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Also in Śródmieście, so you can walk between them:
- National Museum in Warsaw — 2–3 hours, mid-priced
- Palace of Culture and Science — 1 hour, low cost
- Łazienki Park — 2–3 hours, free
If you like Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- 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
- Praga and the Koneser Centre — Praga, Half a day
- Powązki Cemetery — Wola, 1–1.5 hours
Staying near Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Stay in Śródmieście ($$$) to walk here: city centre of towers, the Palace of Culture, main station and shopping streets. All areas to stay in Warsaw.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
Plan 30 minutes. With National Museum in Warsaw nearby, it fits a half-day in Śródmieście.
+Is Tomb of the Unknown Soldier free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
April and September–October, the quietest of the good months. Watch the changing of the guard, which takes place every hour, then walk through the Saxon Garden.
+Do I need to book Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.