University of Warsaw Botanic Garden, Warsaw

Right in the midst of the bustling city, located ideally close to the popular Łazienki Park, the Warsaw University Botanic Garden takes you into the wilderness to experience a slice of nature.

The 200-year-old botanical garden is the oldest in Poland. It was founded by Jakub F. Hoffman and Michal Szubert in 1818. At least ten thousand plants were listed here within six years. The November Uprising sadly brought a halt to the fast progressing garden, which was closed along with the university’s subsidiary projects in 1834. It was only in 1916 that the garden was reopened under Professor Zygmunt Wojcicki's authority.

During World War II, the botanical garden suffered immensely. Its outbuildings and orangery were leveled and the greenhouses were destroyed. Plants and trees continued to grow wild, however. The garden was again restored to its original glory through the efforts of government in 1987. Today it is a major center of research, study and preservation of precious Polish plants, wildlife, horticulture and shrubs.

This garden is open to tourists and visitors from spring to fall. Many thematic exhibitions are held, along with many open-air concerts and performances. Families come here to enjoy a unique experience.

Why You Should Visit:
Nicely sized for walking and plenty of scenic places to rest. Well groomed but wild in spots, with some surprising depth. Something for everyone, including birders.
It is quiet and peaceful there, and because there's an entrance fee, the place is well cared for and you won't find people sleeping on benches or screaming kids on bikes, etc.

Tip:
To enter the garden, please use the suggested entrance on Aleje Ujazdowskie. Due to renovation works the entrance in the courtyard (opposite the Observatory) is closed.