Since the beginning of 2025, the very centre of the capital has been undergoing a significant transformation. The Historic Centre of Warsaw Cultural Park, which was created in the area from the New Town to the Royal Baths Park, has brought about noticeable visual and functional effects. The new regulations tidy up public space and raise the aesthetic standard of one of the capital’s most important areas.
The most visible changes can be seen in the Old Town. Castle Square and the Old Town Square have been cleared of illegal stalls that had disturbed their image for years. Gone are the flashing balloons, candyfloss and plastic souvenirs sold without a permit. Legitimate artisans and artists have regained space, and tourists can admire the architecture, unobstructed by haphazard trade. The Municipal Police has played a major role in enforcing the new regulations, consistently responding to violations. The ability to confiscate illegally traded goods has proven to be an effective tool. This has significantly reduced the number of vendors operating without the permission of the area manager.
The regulations also met with the understanding of entrepreneurs running souvenir shops. Even before the regulations came into force, many of them had already given up on displaying their merchandise outdoors and removed the displays from the façade. This made it possible to expose architectural details and renovate facades. Instead of flashy advertisements, aesthetically pleasing signs that fit in with the historic character of the surroundings appeared. on 16 May 2025, the last of the announced regulations came into force, covering, among other things, rules on the appearance of commercial premises, catering gardens, advertising and small architectural objects. The resolution of the Warsaw City Council had previously been updated on the basis of the results of public consultations and suggestions made by entrepreneurs. The new regulations unify the rules on the design and use of common spaces, and protect historical elements such as window woodwork, façade ornaments and historic grilles.
Special attention has also been paid to the protection of greenery. The cultural park sets high standards for trees, urban furniture and technical equipment, the presence of which must be in keeping with the character of the surroundings. Restrictions have also been placed on the installation of air-conditioning units and other elements that could interfere with the appearance of the buildings. Although the project has only recently started, the effects are already clearly visible. Places that were previously associated with disorganised commerce and aesthetic chaos are now regaining their former charm. For example, the neighbourhood of the Adam Mickiewicz monument on Krakowskie Przedmieście is no longer disfigured by a waffle stand, and the view of the Church of the Visitation is no longer disturbed by a colourful trailer.
Thanks to the consistent implementation of the principles of the cultural park, Varsovians and tourists can rediscover the beauty of the capital’s monuments. An initiative that until recently raised concerns is now finding more and more supporters. Aesthetic, orderly public spaces are beginning to set a new standard for Warsaw.
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Don’t let the editor’s profile picture fool you. Nobody hacked our website! The LEGO brand encouraged us to celebrate Children’s Day in a unique way. We changed the profile pictures of our editors, taking us back to the blissful time of childhood 😊. The cursor in the desktop version, which turned into a LEGO block for a few days, is also a variety. This version of the website will accompany us until 1 June. This year, on the occasion of Children’s Day, the LEGO brand prepared a special action with the Slowhop platform, as part of which it filled 21 houses across Poland with LEGO bricks sets and gave those willing to participate the opportunity to spend a weekend of creative play in them. We wrote more about this action HERE and HERE.
PS. and if you are looking for an idea for a LEGO set for creative play, check out our suggestions HERE. These are good gift ideas, not just for Children’s Day!
Source: UM Warszawa
Read also: Architecture in Poland | Warsaw | Metamorphosis | Monument | History | Culture | Art
