Nowy Swiat, Warsaw
New World (Nowy Świat), situated in Warsaw, stands as a symbol of elegance and prestige, renowned for being the city's most expensive street. Spanning a kilometer in length, this street offers picturesque walks along both sides, with its accessibility primarily limited to buses and taxis. It frequently becomes the heart of local festivities, transforming into a pedestrian-only zone during such events.
The historical roots of New World trace back to before the 16th century when it served as a major thoroughfare to numerous palaces and villages belonging to the Polish nobility. By the 18th century, the once open fields flanking this road had evolved into a bustling, urbanized area. This period saw the replacement of wooden palaces with stone and brick constructions, predominantly featuring three-story neoclassical designs.
The Napoleonic era brought significant architectural transformations to New World, marking the replacement of wooden manors with more permanent structures. By the late 19th century, the street had expanded and evolved into one of Warsaw's key business avenues. It became a hub for shops, restaurants, and businesses, drawing both locals and tourists alike. This era also witnessed the replacement of older buildings with larger, more modern structures, altering the street's character.
The early 20th century marked a departure from the neoclassical architecture, with art nouveau styles dominating the new constructions. New World's popularity soared in the 20th century, becoming a beloved spot among Warsaw's residents. However, the street faced significant destruction during the war, leading to extensive post-war reconstruction efforts.
Today, New World stands as a testament to Warsaw's rich history and cultural evolution, reflecting centuries of architectural and social changes. New World remains a vibrant, historical landmark, embodying the spirit and resilience of Warsaw.
The historical roots of New World trace back to before the 16th century when it served as a major thoroughfare to numerous palaces and villages belonging to the Polish nobility. By the 18th century, the once open fields flanking this road had evolved into a bustling, urbanized area. This period saw the replacement of wooden palaces with stone and brick constructions, predominantly featuring three-story neoclassical designs.
The Napoleonic era brought significant architectural transformations to New World, marking the replacement of wooden manors with more permanent structures. By the late 19th century, the street had expanded and evolved into one of Warsaw's key business avenues. It became a hub for shops, restaurants, and businesses, drawing both locals and tourists alike. This era also witnessed the replacement of older buildings with larger, more modern structures, altering the street's character.
The early 20th century marked a departure from the neoclassical architecture, with art nouveau styles dominating the new constructions. New World's popularity soared in the 20th century, becoming a beloved spot among Warsaw's residents. However, the street faced significant destruction during the war, leading to extensive post-war reconstruction efforts.
Today, New World stands as a testament to Warsaw's rich history and cultural evolution, reflecting centuries of architectural and social changes. New World remains a vibrant, historical landmark, embodying the spirit and resilience of Warsaw.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Warsaw. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Nowy Swiat on Map
Sight Name: Nowy Swiat
Sight Location: Warsaw, Poland (See walking tours in Warsaw)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Warsaw, Poland (See walking tours in Warsaw)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Warsaw, Poland
Create Your Own Walk in Warsaw
Creating your own self-guided walk in Warsaw is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Warsaw's Historical Churches
Given that Poland is one of the most religious countries in Europe – with Roman Catholicism being the dominant faith here since the Baptism of Poland in 966, – it is not at all surprising that Warsaw is home to many centuries-old churches and cathedrals. While reflecting the city's deep-rooted religious and cultural heritage, some of these historical temples are also magnificent... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Monuments and Statues
The capital city of a proud nation such as Poland, Warsaw is abundant with monuments of various sorts, dedicated to celebrated personalities and those who made a mark in the history of the country.
Some of these landmarks serve as reminders of the city's resilience and the enduring spirit of its people. Among them are the Jan Kiliński Monument commemorating a hero of the 1794 Kosciuszko... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Some of these landmarks serve as reminders of the city's resilience and the enduring spirit of its people. Among them are the Jan Kiliński Monument commemorating a hero of the 1794 Kosciuszko... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Jewish Warsaw Walking Tour
Once abundant, the Jewish population of Warsaw has left a profound mark on the city. Nowadays, walking along the peaceful streets of Poland's capital it is hard to imagine that thousands of Jews were once herded here and forced into cattle cars to meet their end in the Nazi concentration camps during World War II.
At the heart of this tragic chapter in Warsaw's Jewish history lies the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
At the heart of this tragic chapter in Warsaw's Jewish history lies the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Praga District Walking Tour
Praga – not to be confused with the neighboring Czech Republic's capital city – is an old, yet vibrant district on the eastern bank of the Vistula River in Warsaw. For many years overshadowed by its more famous counterpart, Warsaw's Old Town, the area used to be off-limits for Western travelers due to its high crime rate. Recently, however, thanks to the lavish influx of investment,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Warsaw Introduction Walking Tour
Warsaw rose to prominence when King Sigismund III moved the nation’s capital from Krakow in the 16th century. The city was widely known as the “Paris of the North” thanks to the beautiful boulevards lined with grand architecture. The center of the city is called Old Town, and it has many historic buildings like the Royal Castle on Castle Square and the Presidential Palace. Old Town is a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Distinctively Polish Things to Buy in Warsaw
A country with a great deal of taste and turbulent history, Poland has a lot to offer those with the eyes to see and mouth to savor. And Warsaw is, perhaps, the best place to find all things Polish brought together. Here's the list of the most distinctive Polish goods, caringly drawn by a...