My two teenagers and I will be in Warsaw for only one day during a flight layover. What are some must-see things I should see that will be worth the effort?
Any suggestions are appreciated.
What are your interests? History, science, art, music, shopping, food?
You could spend a very enjoyable day exploring the Old and New town along Krakowskie Przedmiescie, there are churches and the Palace, you can walk down to the Vistula river and the side streets are full of charming architecture. I particularly loved the mural outside the birthplace of Marie Sklodowska Curie. Lots of good places to eat along the street and several large squares. If you enjoy art the National Gallery at the far end on Jerozolimskie took me 3 hours to explore, and the Museum of the History of Polish Jews is within walking distance from Old town. Warsaw was decimated in WWII and they painstakingly rebuilt it by the mid-50s but it's very well done and if I hadn't known what happened I wouldn't have realized.
Yes, much depends on your interest.
But if I had to recommend one museum not be missed while in Warsaw, it would be this one:
http://www.1944.pl/en
And yes, exploring Warsaw's Old and New Town is essential experience while in Warsaw.
I assume you are back already. If you wouldn't mind sharing, what did you end up doing after all?