Known as the Royal Way, this two-and-a-half mile (4km) route stretches from the Royal Castle in the Old Town to the stately King's Palace at Wilanów on the outskirts of the city. It is the most important thoroughfare, bisecting the central city from north to south, and is lined with galleries, museums and historical buildings (including St Anne's Church, where the Polish princes used to swear homage to the King). Along the way are the royal gardens of Park Lazienki, one of the city's beautiful most beautiful green spaces with its lakes, peacocks and the charming 18th-century Palace Upon the Water, the royal summer residence. There is a monument to the famous Polish composer Frederic Chopin, and outdoor concerts of his classical music are held on the lawns in summer. The Royal Way ends at the splendid Wilanów Palace, the former residence of King Jan III Sobieski that was modelled on Versailles. It is now a museum containing a marvellous collection of old paintings and furniture. In the well-kept park behind the palace is the Orangery, housing an art gallery.

Address: Krakowski Prezedmieœcie becoming Nowy Œwiat

Website: www.wilanow-palac.art.pl

Telephone: (+48) 801 011 779

Opening times: Wilanów Palace: open daily except Tuesdays from 9am to 4pm. From 15 May to 18 September, the Palace is open until 6pm on Wednesdays and until 7pm on Sundays. The park is open daily from 9am until dusk

Admission: Palace: 20 PLN, which includes a guide. Park: 2 PLN, but free on Sundays