Warsaw has a large number of varied attractions to offer visitors, but did you know that it is also the cheapest capital in Europe? So, if you are looking for cultural enrichment, fun, and budget holidays, choose Warsaw as your next destination.
Find here the best things to do in Warsaw, how to get to Warsaw and where to stay in Warsaw. Start planning your trip!
Recommended Hotels for Your Stay
1. Hotel Bellotto (Superior)
2. Mamaison Residence Diana (Mid-Range)
3. Platinum Residence (Mid-Range)
4. Hotel Gromada Warszawa Centrum (Budget)
5. Campanile Varsovie (Budget)
What to Do in Warsaw
1. Visit the Old Town
Warsaw was considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world before the Second World War. After being almost completely destroyed in the war, it rose from the ashes. It was reconstructed to such perfection that its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a wonder to visit.
Main Attractions:
The Royal Castle served as the home of Polish kings. Visitors can explore the Throne Room, the royal apartments, and the beautiful upper and lower gardens. For art lovers, the paintings of Canaletto and Rembrandt are a must-see.
The Castle Square is located just in front of the Royal Castle. It serves as a popular gathering spot for both tourists and locals alike. The column erected in 1644 honoring King Sigismund III of Poland is the most important symbol of the city.
The Old Town Square has retained its charm and form for more than 700 years. Here, you’ll find a statue of the Warsaw Mermaid, one of several scattered throughout the city.
The Museum of Warsaw occupies 11 historic houses. It provides an overview of Warsaw’s history through more than 7,000 objects of daily life and works of art. Visitors can also enjoy a panoramic view of the Old Town from the fifth floor.
St. John’s Archcathedral dates back to the 14th century. This majestic Gothic-style building has hosted significant events in Poland’s history. Reconstructed after World War II, it hosts the International Organ Festival during the summer.
Book a captivating Warsaw Old Town Walking Tour which will take you to the wonders of Warsaw’s Old Town and beyond.
2. Walk along the Royal Route
This historic way traces the path once traveled by Polish monarchs from the Royal Castle to the Wilanów Palace in the southern outskirts of the city. Walking along this route you will get a glimpse into into Warsaw’s history and architectural heritage.
From the Royal Castle the route leads through Krakowskie Przedmieście Street, adorned with elegant townhouses, churches, and palaces. Notable landmarks along this stretch include St. Anne’s Church, the Presidential Palace, and the University of Warsaw.
Continuing along Nowy Świat Street, the Royal Route passes through a vibrant commercial district with charming cafes, boutiques, and galleries.
In Nowy Swiat St stop at the Church of the Holy Cross. It features a very beautiful golden altar and a place where Frederik Chopin’s heart rests. He passed away in Paris but at his request his heart was moved to his natal city. It´s preserved in a container full of cognac that is preserved in the crypt of this church.
Book a 1-hour Chopin Concert in the Old Town by an outstanding pianist. It’s hold in a unique location in the heart of the Old Town.
The route culminates at Wilanów Palace, a magnificent 17th century Baroque residence. This is one of the most famous palaces in the world receiving more than 3 million visitors per year. Explore the palace’s royal apartments and unique rooms like the Chinese and Dutch Offices, the sundial and its wonderful gardens.
3. Visit the POLIN Museum
The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews opened in 2013. The name “POLIN” is derived from the Hebrew word for “rest here”. It refers to the legend of the arrival of the Jews in Poland. There they found a safe haven and prospered for centuries.
The museum’s unique architecture is filled with symbolic meanings, reflecting the profound impact of the Holocaust on Polish Jewish history.
Its Core Exhibition unfolds across eight very interesting thematic galleries. They explore aspects of Jewish history, including daily life, religious traditions and economic endeavors.
Outside the museum do not miss the Heroes Monument. Here German Chancellor Willi Brandt famously knelt in a symbolic apology for the Holocaust.
To gain comprehensive insights into Jewish history in Poland, book this highly recommended Private Tour of the Ghetto, Jewish Cemetery, and POLIN Museum.
4. Explore the Praga Neighborhood
Praga is considered the most authentic area in Warsaw since it was free from the destruction caused by World War II. Stroll the streets of this original district and look for:
Street Art
Its streets have buildings that have been used as backdrops for several films. One of these is Mala Street where “The Pianist” was filmed.
Take a stroll down Zabkowska Street, which hosts several art festivals and fairs on summer weekends.
Admire the street art on the walls of several houses in Praga. Among others, you will find artwork at Mala 8 and Srodkowa 17.
Shrines
There are more than 100 shrines scattered around Praga. Look for them in portals and courtyards. The oldest one is on the corner of Korsaka and Zabkowska streets, featuring the Virgin Mary and Jesus Child. These shrines are places of devotion.
5. Enjoy at the Koneser Center
Located in the heart of the Praga district, the Koneser Center is a must-see when visiting Warsaw. Built on the site of the former Warsaw Vodka Factory, it holds significant historical value. Much of its late 19th-century industrial architecture is still intact.
Designers have revitalized the old fabric, blending it with modern industrial-style buildings. The complex offers a variety of amenities including apartments, shops, a medical center, a hotel and offices. There area interesting attractions such as the Polish Vodka Museum and art galleries. There is also a Google’s campus.
Visitors can indulge in delicious cuisine at several restaurants. Try AZIA for Asian dishes, Bombaj Masala for Indian cuisine, ORZO for a diverse menu and Koneser Grill. L’Osteria, the first of its chain in Poland, offering authentic Italian cuisine.
During the winter months, visitors can enjoy ice skating at the Koneser ice rink.
The Praga district is also a vibrant nightlife destination, with numerous clubs and bars offering lively music.
With a Polish Vodka Museum Tour with Tasting you will learn about the history of Polish Vodka presented by a qualified guide.
6. Walk along the Vistula Promenade
The Vistula River is a significant part of the country’s landscape. Along its kilometer-long promenade, locals and tourists enjoy leisurely strolls, bike rides, or a night out at seasonal clubs. Alongside, you’ll find gazebos, loungers, and even a mini beach.
Don’t miss the iconic Mermaid monument for a photo-op. If you visit in summer, you can explore the river with motorboats, sailboats, or kayaks.
Nearby, you can visit the Copernicus Science Centre and the Museum of Modern Art. Also the Multimedia Fountain Park, which offers dazzling water shows on weekends.
7. Enjoy Typical Polish Cuisine
Whether you visit in summer or winter, you can try traditional Polish soup.
In summer, you can ask for chłodnik in any Polish restaurant. This soup, made with kefir and vegetables is served cold. It can also be prepared with whey, and vegetables such as dill, cucumber, chard, and radish.
In winter, go for borscht, popularly prepared with beetroots and served accompanied by croquettes.
Pierogi are traditional filled dumplings stuffed with potatoes, cabbage, meat, cheese, mushrooms, and more, offering a wide variety.
Tripe is a dish which Poles appreciate a lot. It consists of beef giblets cooked in an aromatic and spicy broth.
Pork chops with potatoes and cabbage are staple dishes in Polish households. These maintain enduring popularity, and are available in various forms at any Polish restaurant.
For dessert, try a Wuzetka, a cocoa pastry with layers of milky cream. You can enjoy it in any traditional café in Warsaw.
Book this highly rated 4-Hour Polish Food Tour in order to learn about the local food culture while experiencing the flavors of Polish cuisine.
How to Get to Warsaw
There are two international airports in Warsaw:
Chopin Airport: The majority of international flights arrive at Chopin Airport, located 9 km from the city center. Driving there takes about 10 minutes. If you take a taxi, it’s recommended to use the taxi rank in front of the terminal. Avoid unlicensed drivers offering rides at the Arrivals Hall.
Warsaw Modlin Airport: This airport is located 35 km from the city center. A taxi to the center may cost about 70 PLN (Polish zloty). The Warsaw Tourism Office strongly advises taking any random taxi instead of a licensed one from the airport center.
Take Koleje Mazowieckie trains from Modlin railway station, accessible via a dedicated airport bus aligned with train schedules. Purchase a special airport ticket for 19 PLN at the terminal. Journey duration: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
How to Get Around Warsaw
Visitors can find all the information about ticket prices and where to purchase them on the official site: https://www.wtp.waw.pl/en/where-to-buy-a-ticket/
Children under 7 and people over 70 travel for free.
You can carry luggage for free on public transport.
We recommend to take Bus 180, which offers a scenic route from Warsaw’s top tourist spots to Wilanów. The ride takes about 60-70 minutes.
At night, consider taking the metro until midnight on weekdays or 3:00 am on weekends. Or catch night buses marked with “N” from 11:15 pm to 4:45 am.
Where to Stay in Warsaw
The best area to stay in Warsaw is Śródmieście. However, at the same time, is the most expensive. It is located close to the historic town and has a very active nightlife with first class pubs and clubs.
Some recommended hotels in Śródmieście are:
Hotel Bellotto (Superior) is located in the 16th-century Bishops Palace in the vicinity of the Old Town of Warsaw. It’s 656 feet from the Royal Castle. It features a casino, a restaurant, and a bar.
Mamaison Residence Diana (Mid-Range) functions in a beautifully restored 19th-century building. It’s located only 656 feet from Warsaw’s popular Nowy Świat Street. It offers luxurious suites with free WiFi.
Hotel Gromada Warszawa Centrum (Budget) is located close to Nowy Świat. It features a restaurant, a fitness center, and is located just a 4-minute drive from Warsaw Central Rail Station.
Another recommended area to stay in Warsaw is Wola. This residential district, close to Śródmieście is very safe. It has good connection to the rest of the city by tram, bus, and train.
Some recommended hotels in Wola are:
Platinum Residence (Mid-Range) is a condo-hotel offering fully equipped spacious apartments with kitchenettes. It features a fitness center with an indoor swimming pool which can be used at a surcharge.
Campanile Varsovie (Budget) is a very nice 3* hotel with many landmarks nearby. The Platinum Restaurant offers daily a varied breakfast buffet. For lunch and dinner, they serve regional, Polish, and French dishes.
