Warsaw is undoubtedly an interesting city, full of contrasts and contradictions. Capital of Poland may not be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe but we like it - there are so many fantastic things to do in Warsaw that it's impossible to get bored there.
Warsaw developed later than other cities in Poland. In the 10th century, it was still a small unknown village. It became the capital of Poland in the 16th century which made it develop quickly.
But, unfortunately, throughout the history of Warsaw, there were many wars and uprisings which affected the capital of Poland greatly - it changed hands several times until it finally became Polish again.
At the end of World War II, Warsaw was completely devastated and most of the buildings were destroyed.
By M.Świerczyński - Stanisław Jankowski, Adolf Ciborowski "Warszawa 1945 i dziś" Wydawnictwo Interpress, Warszawa, 1971, page 66
Wiesław Głębocki; Karol Mórawski (1985) Kultura Walcząca 1939-1945, Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Interpress, pp. p.64 ISBN 83-02-00773-0
Antoni Przygoński (1980) Powstanie Warszawskie w sierpniu 1944 r.; Tom 1, Warsaw: Polskie Wydawnictwo Naukowe ISBN 83-01-00293-X, Public Domain, Link
We can only guess how Warsaw would look like today if it hadn't been damaged so many times in the past.
However, Poles managed to rebuild it quickly and today we have modern and vibrant capital with many museums documenting its short but rich history. Warsaw is definitely one of the top places to visit in Poland.
Center of the city - © f11photo / Adobe Stock
Some even say that Warsaw is one of the best cities to visit in Europe! 💙
Anyway, no matter if you travel solo or with family and kids, or maybe you look for an exciting place to organize hen party - Warsaw attractions will suit every traveller needs.
So, let's have a look at top things to do in Warsaw:
Things to do in Warsaw
1. Warsaw Old Town
Picture of the old town in Warsaw - © a_medvedkov / Adobe Stock
Taking a walk in Old Town is one of the best things to do in Warsaw. Charming places with a great atmosphere full of monuments, churches and antique townhouses.
There are lots of cosy cafes and restaurants perfect to enjoy lunch observing this vibrant colourful place. You can stroll around, grab a coffee, and maybe even catch some street performers.
In Warsaw's Old Town, you'll be blown away by the architecture. Colorful buildings with charming facades, narrow cobblestone streets, and stunning details everywhere you look.
One highlight is the Royal Castle, a majestic fortress that used to be the home of Polish kings and queens. Then there are the beautiful churches like St. John's Cathedral, with its striking Gothic architecture, and St. Anne's Church, known for its Baroque beauty.
But it's not just the big landmarks that make the Old Town special. Every corner you turn, you'll find hidden gems - like quaint townhouses with ornate balconies or cozy courtyards filled with flowers.
In the Old Town there are all the main Warsaw attractions:
- Nowy Świat street
- Krakowskie Przedmieście
- Plac Zamkowy (Castle Square)
- Old Town Market Place
- Royal Castle
- Barbican
- Holy Cross Church - there is a heart of Frédéric Chopin and Władysław Reymont
- Copernicus statue
2. Royal Castle
It's part of Warsaw Old Town but it deserves a separate comment - it's one of a must see places in Warsaw.
In the past, it used to be a kings headquarters. Now there's an interesting museum. A rich collection of paintings, sculptures and craft artworks make Royal Castle Museum a real treat for art and history aficionados.
But here's the thing: the Warsaw Castle isn't just about luxury and opulence. It's also a symbol of resilience. During World War II, it was completely destroyed by the Nazis. But the people of Warsaw refused to let it stay that way. They banded together and painstakingly rebuilt the castle, brick by brick, to its former glory.
There are several permanent exhibitions and sightseeing routes:
- Castle Route
- Kubicki Arcades
- Upper Garden - entry free of charge
- Lanckorońscy Gallery – art gallery including Rembrandt paintings
- Mortars exhibition
- Numismatic Cabinet
It's also worth to visit the nearby Copper-Roof Palace. It's an 18th-century beautiful palace which complements perfect visit in Royal Castle. In Copper-Roof Palac there's a historical apartment of Prince Józef Poniatowski. In the basement, we can watch a film about the destruction and rebuilding of the Royal Castle in Warsaw.
Opening hours:
Monday: closed
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Friday: 10 AM - 8 PM
Sunday: 11 AM - 6 PM
On Wednesdays the admission to both places is free of charge.
If you'd like to visit Warsaw Royal Castle with a guide, check out the below tour:
3. Palace of Culture and Science
Palace of Culture and Science - © lukszczepanski / Adobe Stock
The highest building in Poland and one of the most famous landmarks in Warsaw.
It was built in 1955 as a gift from the Soviet Union to Poland - it was Josef Stalin's idea to build the Palace of Culture and Science.
This building is a controversial place in the capital of Poland. Many people still consider it a symbol of Soviet dominance over Poles. It's not the most charming building but it became one of the major Warsaw sightseeing places. It's also an excellent orientation point for Warsaw visitors.
The building is massive - in the Palace of Culture and Science, there are about three thousand rooms and even a swimming pool! Theatres, museums, cinema, fancy restaurants and the main Warsaw Tourist Office - you name it.
The most interesting museums are:
- Evolution Museum
- Technology Museum
- The Dollhouse Museum
There's also a spider exhibition open every day located in Reception Room (main entrance on Marszałkowska street).
The biggest attraction in the building is the terrace located on the 30th floor (114m above the ground). Visitors get to admire the astounding panorama of Warsaw city.
Some people love it, some people hate it, but everyone agrees it's definitely impressive.
If you'd like to visit the Palace of Culture and Science with a guide, check out the below tour:
4. Łazienki Park
Lazienki Park in Warsaw - © tichr / Adobe Stock
Łazienki Park is the largest park in Warsaw. Quiet and peaceful place it's perfect for a relaxing stroll.
In the park, there is The Łazienki Palace also known as Palace on the Isle. This classicist building used to be the summer residence of King Stanisław II Augustus.
Statue in Lazienki Park Warsaw - © tan4ikk / AdobeStock
Łazienki Palace is considered one of the most beautiful places in Warsaw, a gem of European architecture. Situated in a green area of Royal Gardens where you can walk for hours! Royal Gardens are also well-known for the peacocks proudly walking among the visitors.
It's also worth to visit other parts of the Łazienki Palace Museum:
- Old Orangery with Royal Theatre
- Museum of Hunting and Horse-riding
- Myslewicki Palace
Combined ticket for an adult costs 80 PLN, kids: 1 PLN (as from May 9th 2024).
Friday is a free admission day, individual visits only, no reservations required.
If you'd like to visit the Łazienki Park and Museum on a guided tour and go for a Vistula River cruise, check out this tour.
Opening hours:
Tuesday - Sunday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Chopin concert Warsaw Łazienki Park
From 19 May until 29 September on every Sunday in Łazienki Park, there are Chopin concerts. The concerts are held nearby Chopin Monument at 12 PM and 4 PM. The audience enjoys recitals by 42 finest pianists from all over the world.
The participation in the concerts is free of charge and I think it's one of the most unique things to do in Warsaw.
If you would like to stay close to Łazienki Park, choose Atelier Górnośląska apartment. It's a stylish and cozy place located between parks, close to the Vistula River shores. Guests are happy with furnishings and cleanliness. Parking is included in the price.
5. Wilanów Palace
Wilanów Palace, often referred to as the "Polish Versailles", is another royal residence and a gem of Warsaw architecture. Built for John III Sobieski in the 17th century it's an exquisite Baroque palace. It miraculously survived two World Wars so it's one of the very few remnants of original Polish architecture.
The visit to Wilanów Palace is a unique experience, especially for art and history lovers. The exterior of the palace features a delightful blend of red brick and white plaster, adorned with classical columns, statues, and ornamental details. The interior is also impressive - there are beautifully ornamented chambers, Garden Galleries, John III Sobieski apartments and offices. All adorned with frescoes, stuccoes, and paintings.
There are also several exhibitions available for tourists: ceramic, European glass and silver exhibition.
Wilanów Park is also worth a visit - a vast green area divided into several different gardens and natural reserves it's one of the most beautiful places in Warsaw.
The most charming place in Wilanów Park is Baroque Garden with the view on Wilanów Lake. There's also a wide promenade leading along Wilanów Lake. Definitely one of must see places in Warsaw.
The Palace and the surrounding park are open every day in high season. Opening hours vary according to season so it's best to check it here.
If you'd like to visit this place with a guide, check out the below tour:
6. Saxon Garden
Public garden in the city centre, just a 15-minute walk from Warsaw Old Town.
A picturesque baroque garden founded by Augustus II the Strong. Created in the late 17th century, the Saxon Garden is one of the oldest public parks in Warsaw. Initially designed as part of the Saxon Palace complex, it served as a royal garden for Polish monarchs.
Main attractions in Saxon Garden:
- Marconi Fountain
- Baroque sculptures and statues
- sundial
- water rotunda
- playground
- numerous nature monuments
If you're planning on visiting Warsaw with kids, you might want to head to Saxon Garden - the playground there is awesome! Besides, the park is a peaceful retreat from the bustling city center.
7. National Stadium Warsaw
National Stadium in Warsaw city - © Fotokon / Adobe Stock
It was open in 2012 right before Eurepean Football Championships. It can seat 58 500 people. National Stadium in Warsaw has also VIP lounges, vast parking lot and commercial section.
Visitors have several sightseeing routes to choose from:
- Football emotions
- Feel like a VIP
- Get to know the history
In Warsaw National Stadium there's also a viewing platform and in the winter there's ice rink open every day.
Warsaw National Stadium is situated on the east bank of the Vistula river, quite close to Warsaw Old Town (about 40 minutes on foot).
If we wish to get there with public transportation, we have several options:
- metro - line M2 (red). Stadion Narodowy metro station is a short walk away from the stadium. Line M2 runs through Warsaw city centre
- tram - lines 7, 9, 22, 24 and 25. The majority of trams and buses that run from Warsaw central station and nearby Centrum metro stop pass the stadium
- bus - lines 158, 507 and 517. Get off at Rondo Waszyngtona bus stop.
To get to the stadium from Warsaw Old Town we need to take bus 226 and get off at Kijowska or Zieleniecka stop. It takes about 10 minutes to get to the stadium on foot.
To get there from Warsaw airport first take bus 175 to the city centre and then take either the metro or one of the trams or buses listed above
The National Stadium Warsaw is open every day from 9 AM until 8 PM.
8. Mermaid statue
Are you planning to visit Warsaw and not going to see Mermaid statue? Think twice because Mermaid is one of the most famous landmarks in Warsaw. 🙂
There are two Mermaid statues: one in the Old Market Square and one near Copernicus Science Centre metro station, right next to the Świętokrzyski Bridge.
By the way, there are ten bridges in Warsaw which many travellers consider as Warsaw attraction. For me, Gdańsk Bridge is the best night viewpoint in Warsaw. It's also very often chosen by newlyweds as background for their wedding photoshoot.
But let's get back to Warsaw Mermaid.
Legend has it that nearby Warsaw Old Town a beautiful mermaid came out of the Vistula river to rest on its banks. She liked it so much that she decided to stay there forever. Unfortunately, the fishermen living nearby decided to lock her up because she was tangling the fishing net and let the fish free. But when they heard the beautiful voice of the mermaid they left her alone and enjoyed her singing. One day a rich merchant saw the mermaid and imprisoned her. A few days later a young fisherman heard crying mermaid and let her free at night. The mermaid was so grateful for giving her freedom that she promised to defend the city and its residents.
So she does until today, armed with a sword and a shield.
9. Powązki Cemetery
Visit to Powązki Cemetery is one of the unusual things to do in Warsaw. Antique necropolis in Wola district has currently 43 hectares (almost as much as the Vatican).
Powązki Cemetery is known for the amazing sculptures - many graves and tombstones look like a piece of art. There are also the oldest graves in Poland. In Powązki Cemetery there are buried many Polish writers, artists, honoured community workers, politicians, doctors and layers.
There's also Army Powązki Cemetery located nearby the main cemetery. There are buried people who were killed in first and second World War - soldiers, lieutenants, scouts, insurgents.
A view of thousands of crosses, often nameless, is an emotional experience.
When visiting Powązki Cemetery, it may be a good idea to see the Military Museum. The museum was founded in 1920, shortly after Poland regained its independence following World War I. The museum serves as a memorial to the sacrifices and achievements of Polish soldiers throughout history. It houses a vast collection of military artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, medals, documents, and photographs.
If you're looking for a peaceful getaway, then Powązki Cemetery is one of the must see places in Warsaw.
If you'd like to visit it with a guide, check out the below tour:
10. The National Museum in Warsaw
Warsaw Polish National Museum
Capital of Poland is especially famous for its numerous museums - there are several dozen museums in Warsaw!
Visit in the National Museum is one of the best things to do in Warsaw, especially for art lovers.
Located in Warsaw city centre, it's one of the oldest museums in Poland - it was open in 1862.
I'd recommend reserving at least 3 hours for visiting the Museum as there are three floors which offer around 830 thousand of artworks ranging from ancient times to the present including sculptures, drawings, paintings, photographs, prints, coins - you name it.
Permanent exhibitions are divided into several sections:
- Faras (Ancient Egypt)
- Middle Ages
- Ancient Art
- 19th Century Art
- Contemporary Art
- Polish Design Gallery
If you visit Warsaw with kids it's worth to have a look at temporary exhibitions - there are often special events prepared for the youngest.
I'd also advise getting to the National Museum in Warsaw as early in the morning as possible because it's very popular (around the noon the queue to ticket window is very long, especially at weekends).
Opening hours:
Monday: closed
Tuesday - Thursday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Friday: 10 AM - 8 PM
Weekend: 10 AM - 6 PM
Ticket prices (for permanent exhibitions):
- adult: 20 PLN
- kids and students: 1 PLN (only when ticket is bought in the Museum)
- group: 10 zł per person (min. 10 persons)
- kids up to 7 years old: free of charge
- audioguide: adult 10 PLN, kids 7 PLN
On Tuesdays admission to the National Museum in Warsaw is free of charge.
11. Warsaw Uprising Museum
Warsaw Uprising started on August 1, 1944, and lasted 63 days.
During those violent 63 days died about 200 thousands of soldiers, insurgents and civils. The majority of Warsaw was demolished, including Royal Castle and historical buildings of Warsaw Old Town. Capital of Poland was swept from the Earth's surface.
It's difficult to describe Warsaw Uprising in just a few paragraphs. It's also hard to imagine what Warsaw residents felt like when their families were murdered and their city was destroyed. That's why a visit to Warsaw Uprising Museum is one of top things to do in Warsaw, necessary for anyone who wishes to understand Poles and our culture and behaviour.
The museum is of great educational value, much better than all my history lessons put together.
The exhibitions are complex and elaborate, they engage all sense and induce many different emotions.
The main element of Warsaw Uprising Museum is a huge monument on which walls there's the Uprising calendar. This monument releases heartbeats which symbolize the life in Warsaw. When we put our ears close to the monument's walls we can hear shots, screams, singing... we are back in 1944.
Exhibitions on the ground floor present the beginning of Warsaw Uprising, everyday life of Poles and occupants terror over Poles. There's also a replica of Liberator B-24J plane from which the supplies were thrown.
On the first floor, there's the armament - insurgents had to manufacture their own weapons.
The central part of Warsaw Uprising Museum consists of insurgents graves where we can also see their letters and learn about the Uprising fall and its consequences.
Opening hours:
Tuesday: closed
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8 AM - 6 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 8 PM
Weekend: 10 AM - 6 PM
Ticket prices:
- adult: 25 PLN
- kids and students: 20 PLN
- audioguide: 10 PLN
On Monday admission to Warsaw Uprising Museum is free of charge.
Warsaw Uprising Museum is located about a 45-minute walk from Warsaw Old Town on Grzybowska 79 Street.
12. POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
Building of the Polin Polish Jews Museum in Warsaw - © Mike Mareen / Adobe Stock
One of the most interesting things to see in Warsaw. An unusual museum in a specific location - POLIN Jewish Museum is situated in former Warsaw ghetto.
Warsaw ghetto is a symbol of Nazi occupation in Poland. In this area, Germans created secluded camp-like district mainly for Jewish residents. Many Jews died there from hunger, disease and maltreatment.
Before you start exploring POLIN Museum take a look at the building which has many symbols, e.x. main hall "cuts" the museum from the basement up to the roof which symbolizes crack in the history of Polish Jews caused by Nazi extermination.
On the glass museum walls, there is word Polin means "Poland" or "here you shall rest".
On the front of the building, there's a Monument to the Ghetto Heroes. In 1970 German Chancellor Willi Brandt knelt before the statue which is considered a symbolic apology for Holocaust crimes.
The permanent exhibition consists of eight galleries which present 1000 years of history of Polish Jews. We get to know the historical phases of Jewish life in Poland: legends about arriving of Jews to Poland, a Jewish settlement, development of their culture and social diversity, turbulent events from previous centuries, the extermination of Jews in the 20th century and finally the life of modern Jews.
Lots of eye-catching exhibits, paintings, interactive elements, reconstructions and video projections. POLIN Jewish Museum is definitely a modern venue and visit there is one of the best things to do in Warsaw.
Opening hours:
Tuesday: closed
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 8 PM
Sunday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Ticket prices:
- adult: 45 PLN
- reduced: 35 PLN
- group: 30 PLN
- family: 95 PLN
- audio guide: 10 PLN
On Thursday the admission is free of charge.
PRO TIP: Polin Museum is extremely popular and lines tend to get long. Buy a ticket with an audio guide in advance to avoid standing in line.
13. Copernicus Science Centre
If you're going to visit Warsaw with kids, then Copernicus Science Centre would be one of your must-see places.
It's not a typical museum with a few interactive devices. In Copernicus Science Centre there are two storeys filled with touchable exhibits. Every exhibit has a description instructing how to use it.
Copernicus Science Centre is divided into theme zones: light, electricity, water and air. In each of those zones, we can conduct experiments learning about the essential processes in our world. It's not only fun but also useful - exhibitions teach us that physics and chemistry can be interesting and helpful in everyday life.
Besides the exhibitions, there are also labs for DIY enthusiasts and chemists. Many of the exhibits use the power of muscle thanks to which our youngest ones can use their inexhaustible energy.
For me, the most impressive display was in the electricity zone - each hour there's a show in High Voltage Theatre with an electrical beam "dancing" to the music. Awesome experience!
For those interested in outer space there's Heaven of Copernicus Planetarium.
Even the building of Copernicus Science Centre is eye-catching - unusual design won't allow you to pass it unnoticed.
One more place which is worth to visit is the rooftop garden - beautiful places, perfect to take a breath after exciting visit in the centre.
Opening hours vary according to season so it's best to check them on Copernicus Science Centre website.
Ticket prices:
- Adult: 44 PLN on weekdays, 46 PLN on weekends
- Kids and students: 30 PLN on weekdays, 32 PLN on weekends
PRO TIP: to avoid wasting time in queues buy tickets online. Copernicus Science Centre is one of the top places to visit in Warsaw.
PRO TIP 2: if you're planning to see the Centre without kids, consider evening visit for adults only (price: 50 PLN).
14. Multimedia Fountain Park
For me, seeing an evening fountain spectacle is one of the best free things to do in Warsaw.
Multimedia Fountain Park is located on the Skwer 1 Dywizji Pancernej park, just several minutes walk from the Old Town.
It's the second largest multimedia fountain in Poland. The complex consists of four fountains, three wet and one so-called dry.
Shows take place every Friday and Saturday:
May / June / July - 9:30 PM
August - 9:00 PM
September - 8:30 PM
In 2024 the fountains are dancing to the ABBA hits 😃
Admission to the shows is free of charge.
15. Warsaw Zoo
Warsaw with kids? Great idea! It's one of the best Warsaw attractions for families with children.
A walk in Warsaw Zoo is an excellent biology lesson - there are about 12,000 animals of 500 different species. Besides getting to know the animals and their habits, our children become aware of how much we can all lose if we don't start taking care of the natural environment.
We especially liked the place where birds are kept - visitors can enter into the hall and watch some species from close vicinity.
Another great thing about Warsaw Zoo is the behaviour of the animals. We could see that the management cares about the animals, they are relaxed and happy.
There is also a huge playground in the Zoo centre, small-gauge train and special trolleys for the youngest children.
Warsaw Zoo history
The Zoo was officially opened in 1928. It was developing quickly and the management was upgrading Warsaw Zoo amenities. The Zoo was becoming more and more popular but the outbreak of WW2 disrupted the development.
Many animals died of bombing, those considered the most dangerous were killed. Some of the animals which the Nazi soldier considered uninteresting were killed for the meat. The most exotic species were taken to Germany.
It may have seemed like an end of Warsaw Zoo but actually, it became even more important that days. The director Jan Żabiński was an underground activist and stored explosives in the Zoo for the Polish army. He also hid in his own house Jews who managed to escape from Warsaw ghetto. In 1965 Jan Żabiński and his wife were given Righteous among the Nations title for their effort and risk they took while saving Warsaw ghetto escapees.
These dramatic events were described in the novel The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman.
Their villa where they hid the Jews is in Warsaw Zoo and is open for visitors.
Warsaw Zoo tickets
Each year about one million people visit Warsaw Zoo. This makes it one of the busiest Zoos in Europe. Therefore, the best idea is to buy tickets online. If that's not possible, try to arrive in the morning to avoid wasting time in queue.
In high season family ticket price starts at 75 PLN. You can check the current price list here.
Warsaw Zoo hours
The Zoo is open every day from 9 AM. The closing time depends on the month so it's best to check it on Zoo website here.
Warsaw Old Town hotels
Accommodation in the capital of Poland isn't very cheap but it always depends on what you compare it with.
Warsaw hotels are expensive compared with other places in Poland but they are actually quite cheap when we take into consideration Western Europe capitals.
Let's have a look at some of the places to stay in Warsaw Old Town:
→ HOTEL BRISTOL WARSAW
A five-star hotel located just 10-minute walk from Warsaw Old Town on the historic Royal Route. It's actually one of the most famous landmarks in Warsaw. Founded by Ignacy Jan Paderewski, famous Polish pianist and politician, it combines history and contemporary luxury.
Interesting interior, spacious and comfortable rooms, attentive staff and great food at the hotel restaurant. SPA and wellness centre.
→ RAFFLES WARSAW
Luxurious hotel situated just a few-minute walk from Warsaw Old Town. Elegant and air-conditioned rooms, the majority of them have their own library. The décor should be especially interesting for art lovers - there are beautiful oak floors and contemporary art pieces. Service is flawless. If you like quality hotels, then Raffles Warsaw is just for you!
→ APARTAMENTY FRETA4
Perfect option if you'd like to stay in an apartment in Warsaw Old Town. Besides the location, guests are delighted with the helpful owner, modern interior and cleanliness. Parking space is included in the price of the apartment.
→ LA MIA CASA
Another great apartment with a parking included. The guests appreciate the coziness of the apartment, modern furnishings and appliances and cleanliness. Great value for money!
→ OLD TOWN KANONIA HOSTEL & APARTMENTS
Nice budget-friendly option. Guests are happy with the location (right in the middle of Warsaw Old Town) and cleanliness. Rooms are simple but comfortable.
Best restaurants in Warsaw
There are lots of places to eat in Warsaw, so let's focus here on the best Warsaw Old Town restaurants serving Polish dishes.
🍝 BAZYLISZEK RESTAURANT
Traditional Polish food at a reasonable price. Located in the heart of the Old Town Market (location here). Daily special lunch with different foods every day. Very friendly and attentive staff, fast service with a smile. Nice surprise at the end - a shot of fruit vodka with your bill.
🍝 PORTRETOWA RESTAURANT
Small and authentic Polish restaurant serving traditional dishes. Location is here. The interior design is interesting - it reminds both a Soviet restaurant and something from an older royal time. Food is freshly cooked and well prepared.
🍝 GOŚCINIEC
Cozy restaurant offering authentic Polish food. I love this place because it's such a great value for money - dishes are big but budget-friendly considering the location. Wonderfully balanced flavours. Friendly and attentive staff. For me, the best restaurant in Warsaw!
Is Warsaw expensive?
It can be but not necessarily 😉 There are actually quite a lot of free things to do in Warsaw.
Here are a few ways to decrease your spending while you visit Warsaw:
💰 Get Warsaw City Card - it gives free admission to some of the top Warsaw attractions, discounts to shops and restaurants, free hop-on-hop-off bus our. There are a few types of Warsaw City Card. The card may also include public transportation. Warsaw City Card can be purchased at Tourist Information Centres or online here.
💰 Stay at Warsaw hostel - there are several hostels in Warsaw city centre. The best ones are:
- AB Hostel Warsaw - one of the best hostels in Warsaw. Clean, cosy and comfortable. Decorated in a movie theme. Towels are included in the price.- Dream Hostel Warsaw - great and cheap stay in Warsaw. Located a few minutes walk from Old Town. Freshly refurbished, it's a modern and comfortable place to stay. Rooms are clean and welcoming.
💰 Eat out in milk bars - Polish: bar mleczny. Those are specific types of restaurants, partially funded by the Polish government which helps to keep the prices low. Milk bars in Warsaw serve traditional Polish food. Here is a map with milk bars close to Warsaw Old Town.
💰 Free entries to museums - each Warsaw museum offers free admission one day per week. Those particular days are mentioned earlier in my article.
How to get from Warsaw airport to city?
There are two main international airports in Warsaw:
- Warsaw Chopin Airport (the biggest airport in Poland) - code: WAW
- Warsaw Modlin Airport - code: WMI
WARSAW CHOPIN AIRPORT
Getting from Warsaw airport to city centre is quite easy and we have several options to choose from:
- bus - there are five bus lines connecting Warsaw Chopin Airport with the city centre: 175, 188, 148, 331, N32 (night bus). You can check the timetable here.
- train - there are two shuttles: SKM S2 and SKM S3. You can check the timetable here.
- taxi - there are many taxi drivers waiting just outside the airport entrance. Not the cheapest option but certainly convenient.
- car rental Warsaw Chopin airport - fast and convenient, a good option if you plan to explore Warsaw and its surroundings. You can check deals on car hire here:
WARSAW MODLIN AIRPORT
There are also a few transportation options however in Modlin airport there aren't so many public transportation shuttles:
- Modlin bus - it's the only bus which goes from Modlin Airport to Warsaw. The final stop is in Warsaw city centre near Palace of Culture and Science. The transit takes about 40 minutes. You can check the timetable here.
- Koleje Mazowieckie train - to get to the train station you firstly need to take a bus. The bus shuttles are every 20-30 minutes and the buses are of the same colours as Koleje Mazowieckie trains. You can check the timetable here.
- taxi - there are two taxi companies available at Modlin Airport: Sawa Taxi and Taxi Modlin.
- car rental Modlin Airport - fast and convenient. You can check deals on car hire here:
Paper guide + map
Having a paper travel guide with a map may often come in handy:
✅ Unlike digital maps that rely on the internet, a paper map is accessible at all times, regardless of location or network availability.
✅ Paper maps don't rely on batteries or electronic devices, making them dependable and immune to technical malfunctions or battery drain.
✅ Using a paper map eliminates the need for data usage, which can be costly or limited when traveling internationally. You can avoid roaming charges and data overages by relying on a paper map instead.
If you'd like to visit the most famous cities in Poland with a paper travel guide and a map, check out Rick Steves' Snapshots on Amazon. It's one of the most up-to-date and helpful paper guides.
Other beautiful places in Poland
Poland not only offers historic monuments and museums but also diverse landscapes and unique cultures specific to particular regions.
Here are some beautiful places in Poland which you might consider visiting:
🌇 Gdańsk - charming seaside city, my personal favourite. Totally different from other cities in Poland.
🌇 Wrocław - located in southwest Poland on the Oder River. Famous for bridges and dwarves.
🌇 Poznań - a bit underrated among international travellers. It hides a lot of national gems.
🌇 Kraków - complete travel guide with insider tips.
⛰️ Babia Góra National Park - great option for hiking near Kraków.
⛰️ Silesian Beskidy Mountains - discover hidden gems in Poland.
⛰️ Easy hikes in High Tatras - a list of hiking trails suitable for everyone in the highest mountains in Poland.
⛰️ The most famous hiking trails in Tatra Mountains, Poland.
🌿 Nature places in Poland - 12 wonders worth a visit.
✅ Day trips from Kraków - the amazing south of Poland.
✅ 12 attractions of Poland you need to see - absolute must-see places in the country.
St. Martin's Church in the Old Town
Łazienki Park in Warsaw
Łazienki Park in Warsaw
There are so many cultural and entertaining places to visit in Warsaw! I wish you a happy time discovering them all ❤️