Highline Warsaw – Varso Tower Panorama Deck: Visitor Guide

Construction of Warsaw’s Varso Tower, designed by Foster + Partners, began in 2016 and finished in 2022. At 310 meters, it is the European Union’s tallest building. Initially named Chmielna Business Center, it forms part of the Varso Place complex. The name nods to the Latin name for the city. For tourists, the main attraction is the Highline, an observation deck on the 53rd floor, which offers a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the surroundings, including neighbouring towering landmarks like the Palace of Culture and Science. Opened to the public in 2025, the Highline has understandably become Warsaw’s hottest ticket.

You can check availability and book timed ‘skip the line’ entry tickets for Highline Warsaw via GetYourGuide. Tickets are also available via the official Varso website, but GetYourGuide lets you manage all your tours and tickets within the same app.

What To See In Warsaw’s Varso Tower

Highline Warsaw — located on the upper floors of Varso Tower — combines an immersive exhibition with a rooftop garden lounge and a cloud-level 360° observation terrace. The experience works on several levels: interactive displays and an Experience Room set the context for what you’re about to see; additionally, the HighGarden on the mid-level provides a place to relax; and the open panoramic terrace at the highest public level gives uninterrupted views across Warsaw.

Experience highlights

• Citywide panorama: From the terrace you’ll see the Palace of Culture and Science, the Vistula River and its bridges, Śródmieście’s historic skyline, and the new glass towers of the financial district.
• Immersive Experience Room (floor 46): Multimedia panels and digital exhibits explain Warsaw’s urban story, and therefore give useful context to the landmarks you’ll spot.
• HighGarden Lounge (level 49): This terrace and bar lets you take in the view amongst the sky-high plants and trees.
• Design and architecture: Varso Tower itself — by Foster + Partners — represents a masterclass in contemporary skyscraper design. The spire and glass façade create new sightlines across the city.
• Photography opportunities: Large glass openings and an open-air terrace provide photographers with exciting opportunities for sunrise, blue-hour, and daylight cityscapes.

What To Expect When Visiting Varso Tower

The visit follows a smooth, visitor-friendly flow from street level to the top. Expect clean, contemporary facilities and capable staff who oversee time-slot entries during busy periods to ensure an enjoyable, stress-free experience.

Arrival and entry

Enter via the Highline reception at Chmielna 69. If you have an e-ticket, show it at the front desk (printed or on your phone). Staff carry out a brief check-in and a security check similar to other major attractions; this routine usually moves quickly.

Ascent: elevators and first impressions

Visitors ride efficient panoramic elevators. Moreover, the ascent itself forms part of the appeal — windows let the city slowly reveal itself as you climb.

46th floor: immersive exhibition

On arrival you’ll first encounter an exhibition that tells the story of Warsaw’s buildings and characters, as well as the Experience Room. This level sets historical and visual context with animations, multimedia panels and interactive features — all useful before you step out onto the terrace.

49th floor: HighGarden

The garden lounge presents a planted terrace with seating and a small bar. It’s a comfortable place to take a break, enjoy coffee or a cocktail, and absorb mid-level views if you prefer a less exposed environment than the top terrace.

53rd floor: the panoramic terrace

The public terrace represents the highest point of the visit. There’s a circular route around the observation ring, with markers and displays pointing out major landmarks. Use the Magnicity app for a fuller experience. Note that wind and rain can affect conditions up there: the terrace has safety glass and barriers, however it remains exposed to the elements.

Descent and exit

When you’re ready to leave, return to the elevator and descend to the lobby. Additionally, there is a small gift shop at the exhibition level.

Varso Tower’s green observation deck © Dominik Danelski / CC BY-SA 4.0

How To Visit Varso Tower

This section covers the practical planning details — address, opening times, tickets, and pricing.

Address and getting there

Chmielna 69, Warsaw 00-801 Poland

The tower sits next to Warsaw Central Station (Warszawa Centralna). Consequently, it’s an easy walk from the station exit and is well-served by tram and bus lines. Taxis, ride-hailing and metro connections also provide convenient options. See Getting Around Warsaw for more information on the city’s public transport.

• Metro: Centrum (M1), Rondo ONZ (M2)
• Trams: 10, 17, 33
• Buses: 117, 127, 175, 504, 517

Opening times

Highline Warsaw stays open daily. Typical public opening hours are 10:00–22:00, although special hours may apply for events or seasonal schedules — therefore always check the official site before you go. The HighGarden Rooftop Lounge remains open until midnight daily.

Tickets and prices

We recommend booking online, either via the official Highline Warsaw website, where you can also find more visitor information, or by getting a timed, ‘skip the line’ ticket from GetYourGuide.

Ticketing generally uses timed-entry slots to manage capacity. You can generally expect to pay:

• Online (in advance): from 45zł for adults, 30zł for students and 12-17 years, 15zł for 4-11 years, free for those under 4 years.
• Standard (on-site): full-price adult tickets start at 70zł, with other tickets similarly more expensive. Expect to pay by card. Contactless is accepted.
• Included: access to the exhibition level, HighGarden and the panoramic terrace.

No guided tours were available at time of writing, but the Magnicity app offers insight into Warsaw’s landmarks as seen from the tower.

Powiśle and Northern Śródmieście Districts: Sometimes referred to as ‘downtown Warsaw’, Śródmieście contains the Royal Route of Nowy Świat and Krakowskie Przedmiescie – two historic streets crammed with things to see and do. The area is also home to the iconic Palace Of Science And Culture and the stunning InterContinental Warszawa hotel. These districts are peppered with amazing restaurants, including the Michelin listed Szóstka.

Tips For Visiting Varso Tower

Below are practical tips that visitors frequently ask about. Keep this checklist handy when planning your visit.

• Are tickets tied to a specific timeslot? Yes — tickets usually sell for timed entry. Therefore arrive 10–15 minutes before your slot to ensure a smooth check-in.
• How long will I wait? With an advance ticket, waits stay minimal. However, walk-up visitors can expect queues during evenings and weekends, when crowds grow larger.
• How long does the visit take? Plan for 45–90 minutes depending on how much you linger. Photographers and slow-movers should allow extra time.
• Weather and visibility: The view depends on the weather. For the clearest panorama, pick a bright, low-humidity day. Sunsets provide dramatic views but understandably attract larger crowds.
• Cloakrooms and lockers: Assume the venue offers no public storage space, so travel light and keep valuables with you. Staff will not allow bulky luggage.
• Is photography allowed? Yes, although you may not be allowed to use tripods during peak times — therefore check staff guidance on setup if you bring one.
• Kids: The venue is family-friendly, but supervise children on the terrace. Some interactive elements in the exhibition suit older children.
• Accessibility: Elevators connect all public levels, so the experience suits people with reduced mobility. For detailed assistance, contact the venue in advance.
• Cafés, toilets and shops: Toilets exist on public levels. Drinks and a light menu are available at the HighGarden. Additionally, a gift shop is located near the exhibition area.
• Payments: Card and contactless payments are accepted.

Photography and best light

If you’re after photographs: aim for early morning or the golden hour before sunset. Sunset gives dramatic skies but expect crowds and possible staff controls on camera tripods. Alternatively, use the mid-level HighGarden for quieter portrait shots.

Combining with other attractions

Highline Warsaw’s location beside the Central Station makes it easy to combine with the viewing platform at the Palace of Culture and Science, the Old Town (Stare Miasto), and riverside walks along the Vistula. Plan a route that includes public transport stops to maximize your day.