Since we lived near the Palace of Culture and Science, this Soviet-era skyscraper is actually a gift from the Soviet Union to the Polish people. The building houses several museums, theatres, and an observation deck at the top.

During my first few days in Warsaw, I also visited the Warsaw Riding Museum. The museum is a tribute to one of Poland’s most significant historical events: the 1944 Warsaw Uprising. Opened in 2004, the museum provides an immersive experience through its modern exhibits, blending artefacts, interactive displays, and multimedia installations!

We got to explore personal stories, photographs, and diaries of insurgents and civilians. There's also a HUGE replica of a Liberator B-24 bomber, as well as a reconstructed sewer system that visitors can crawl through, reflecting the escape routes used during the uprising.

FYI, admission is affordable, with discounted tickets for students and seniors. Entry is free on Sundays too.

The National Museum in Warsaw is also worth a visit, as it houses over 830,000 artefacts, including medieval Nubian Christian frescoes and relics from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Permanent exhibitions are free on Tuesdays.

We also visited Royal Łazienki Park, which is a gorgeous 76-hectare park in Warsaw. We came here to see the Palace on the Isle, an elegant neoclassical palace surrounded by water, which once served as the King’s summer residence. You can tour its interiors, including grand halls and galleries filled with period art and furnishings.

The park also houses a Chinese Garden with pagoda and bridges, as well as serene walking paths lined with centuries-old trees. We caught a glimpse of some wildlife here, including peacocks and red squirrels! Admission to the park is free.

I spent a solid two days in Warsaw Old Town. Warsaw Old Town is super pretty and features cobblestone streets rebuilt after WWII. I had the time of my life exploring the colourful merchant houses and extravagant churches. If you have time, go church-hopping! Warsaw’s churches really left a profound impression on me, especially as a Catholic. Highlights include St. Anne’s Church, with its stunning interior, and St. John’s Arch Cathedral, where I was treated to some hauntingly beautiful Phantom of the Opera-esque organ music.

While you're in Prague, be sure to snap some pictures on Charles Bridge, which is a medieval gem that spans the Vltava River.

It was constructed in the 15th century under Emperor Charles IV and links the Old Town with the Lesser Quarter. The bridge also features 30 statues of saints, which is rather cool.

We also visited the famous Lennon Wall, adorned with vibrant messages serving as a symbol of resistance during the Communist era. It was inspired by John Lennon and The Beatles and began as a form of protest before transforming into a canvas for artistic expression. You can leave your own messages on the wall too!

Another iconic landmark is the Prague Astronomical Clock, a medieval timepiece located at the Old Town Hall. Every hour, the clock chimes and includes a procession of the Apostles, which appear on the top part of the clock every hour. A fun tidbit: The clockmaker was reportedly blinded by the city officials to prevent him from creating another clock, though this remains a popular legend rather than a historical fact.

We also went to Prague Castle, which stands as the world’s largest ancient castle with museums, and gardens inside.  Here, you can also enjoy panoramic views of Prague. The star attraction here is St. Vitus Cathedral, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture with towering spires and stunning stained-glass windows.

One really cute attraction is the Narrowest Street in Prague (yes, it's a real thing). This street is so tight that it has a traffic light to manage the flow of pedestrians, allowing movement in one direction at a time. At the end of the passage, there's a bar where visitors can enjoy a drink with views of Charles Bridge.

I also had some time to kill, so I paid a visit to Madame Tussauds Prague. Here, you can meet lifelike wax figures of pop stars and historical figures of the Czech Republic. The entrance ticket for Madame Tussauds Prague typically starts at ~S$14.

Uber is widely available in both Warsaw and Prague, offering a convenient way to travel around each city. In Warsaw, it’s an efficient option for getting from the airport to your hotel or exploring attractions. The same goes for Prague, where Uber allows easy access to both the city centre and outlying areas. It’s generally cheaper than traditional taxis and gives you the ability to track your ride, which is particularly useful when navigating through unfamiliar streets. Public transport options, like trams and buses, are also well-connected in both cities, but Uber provides a more comfortable experience for those who prefer private travel.

When it comes to currency, Warsaw uses the Polish złoty (PLN), and Prague uses the Czech koruna (CZK). Both cities have plenty of reputable exchange counters where you can swap your money, but it's always good to check the rates before exchanging. I used YouTrip in both Warsaw and Prague, and I really love how it offers fee-free transactions across both currencies. You can also use credit or debit cards in most places, though it’s always wise to carry some cash for smaller purchases or places that don't accept cards.

While my time in Warsaw was alright, I did experience some racial prejudice, which left a bit of a sour note. It was a disappointing encounter, especially when it contrasts with the welcoming atmosphere of Prague. Locals in the Czech capital were friendly, eager to engage, and genuinely hospitable.

FYI, in both Warsaw and Prague, tipping is customary but not obligatory. In Warsaw, tipping around 10% of the bill is standard if service isn’t included, while in Prague, a 10-15% tip is typical at restaurants. It's always appreciated for good service, but you don’t need to feel pressured. In cafes or smaller establishments, rounding up the bill is usually sufficient.