Warsaw sites you have to see

We are just finishing a three week tour of the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia. Last week we were in Krakow and we have been in Warsaw for three days and fly home tomorrow.

Just like I told you in all of my posts, if there was one thing that I had to point to that really made the difference to this trip, it was the IPad apps for each country and destination we went to. And Warsaw is no exception. Obviously, we downloaded Warsaw apps before the trip and worked out the main things we wanted to see, but also, and that's another of the great things about these apps, on the drive from Krakow up the E77 highway we downloaded updates, especially for the maps.

The apps have a lot of info about Warsaw. One thing they told us to look out for were the contrasts. A lot of the city was damaged or destroyed during the Second World War. Some parts have been repaired, others restored and a lot of new building has taken place – especially since the collapse of Communism.

Anyway, here are our top five places that you have to visit in Warsaw:

1. Lazienki Kr?lewskie Palace and Gardens date back to the 17^th century are absolutely magical. The palace is an architectural masterpiece, stunningly magnificent and the gardens are unbelievable. You can take a guided tour, but the Warsaw apps have all the info you need – and that AR is brilliant!

2. Wilanow Palace is a wonderful example of baroque architecture and has both an English and Italian style garden. We were lucky enough to catch a concert in the garden thanks to the Warsaw apps. (If we hadn't of updated them we would have missed it).

3. The Palace of Culture and Science is an example of Communist architecture – a very realistic, grey, drab 40 storey building. So what makes it special? The view from the top and the constantly changing exhibitions inside.

4. Castle Square and the monument to King Zygmunt the Third built in 1644 by his son Wladyslaw the Fourth. The square is a hub of activity and well worth spending a couple of hours wandering around.

5. The Presidents Palace has been a witness to Poland's history since its construction in 1643. For many Poles it symbolizes Poland itself and is a very impressive place. Look for the statue of Poniatowski with four lions at the entrance to the palace Square.