Warsaw Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Warsaw? Check out our comprehensive guide for tips on where to go, what to do, and how to make the most of your trip to this beautiful city.
- Introduction to Warsaw
- List of Places to Visit in Warsaw
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Warsaw
- Best Things to Do in Warsaw: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Warsaw
- Food and Drink Scene of Warsaw
- Where to Stay in Warsaw: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Warsaw: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Warsaw
- Best Time to Visit Warsaw
- Do’s and Don’ts of Warsaw
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Warsaw: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Warsaw
- Where to Go Next from Warsaw: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital city of Poland and a stunning, bustling metropolis with a rich history. Warsaw is a vibrant city with a fascinating past, reflected in its architecture and culture. The city has stunning architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife.
List of Places to Visit in Warsaw
Here are some must-visit attractions in Warsaw:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Warsaw Uprising Museum
- POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
- Royal Castle in Warsaw
- Museum of the Warsaw Uprising
Natural Attractions of Warsaw: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Lazienki Park
- Vistula River
- Wilanow Park
Hiking/Biking Routes of Warsaw
Warsaw has several scenic hiking and biking routes. Here are some of them:
- Olszynka Grochowska Nature Reserve
- Minska Route of Tour de Pologne
- Wilanow Route
Best Things to Do in Warsaw: Activities and Tours
- City walking tours
- Food tours
- Nightlife tours
- Vodka tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Warsaw
If you’re planning a week-long trip to Warsaw, here’s a sample itinerary:
Day | Activity |
---|---|
1 | Visit the Royal Castle in Warsaw and Old Town |
2 | Lazienki Park and Palace |
3 | POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews |
4 | Wilanow Palace and Park |
5 | Warsaw Uprising Museum |
6 | Shopping and exploring Warsaw’s food scene |
7 | Vistula River Cruise |
Food and Drink Scene of Warsaw
Must-Try Dishes
Some must-try dishes in Warsaw include:
- Pierogi (dumplings)
- Bigos (stew made of meat and cabbage)
- Kielbasa (Polish sausage)
- Zurek (sour rye soup)
Local Beverages
- Vodka
- Beer
- Kompot (fruit syrup drink)
Where to Stay in Warsaw: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Here are some of the best options for places to stay in Warsaw:
- Hotel Bristol, A Luxury Collection Hotel
- Raffles Europejski Warsaw
- Warsaw Marriott Hotel
- Mercure Warszawa Centrum
What to Buy in Warsaw: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Some popular souvenirs and local products to bring home from Warsaw include:
- Amber jewelry
- Pottery
- Hand-painted Christmas ornaments
- Vodka
Local Culture and Customs of Warsaw
Polish people are generally warm, hospitable, and helpful. Poles typically greet each other with a handshake and use formal titles when addressing someone they do not know. Poles also place a high value on education and knowledge.
Best Time to Visit Warsaw
The best time to visit Warsaw is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is warm, and there are several music and cultural festivals at this time. Winter in Warsaw can be very cold, but the city is also stunningly beautiful when covered in snow.
Do’s and Don’ts of Warsaw
Do:
- Learn a few basic Polish phrases.
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
- Try the local cuisine.
Don’t:
- Make jokes about World War II or the Holocaust.
- Smoke in public indoor spaces.
- Forget to validate your bus or metro ticket.
Safety and Health
Safety in Warsaw
Warsaw is generally safe, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Be careful when using public transport, as pickpocketing is common.
Health in Warsaw
Poland has a high-quality healthcare system, and Warsaw has several excellent hospitals and clinics. Most doctors and healthcare professionals speak English.
Getting to Warsaw: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Warsaw
- Warsaw Chopin Airport
- Warsaw Modlin Airport
Bus Stations Near Warsaw
- Warsaw Central Bus Station
- Młociny Bus Station
Other Options
- Train
- Car
How to Get Around in Warsaw
The best way to get around Warsaw is by public transport. The city has an extensive bus and metro network that is easy to use and affordable. Taxis are also readily available.
Where to Go Next from Warsaw: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you have time to explore more of Poland, here are some nearby destinations worth visiting:
- Krakow
- Gdansk & the Baltic Coast
- Zakopane & the Tatra Mountains
Conclusion
Warsaw is a fascinating and beautiful city, with something for every traveler. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or adventure, Warsaw won’t disappoint. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this amazing city.
Warsaw Image Gallery
![Present-day Warsaw is a mixture of the new and old](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/Metropolitan-Warszawa-Zach%C3%B3d.jpg/100px-Metropolitan-Warszawa-Zach%C3%B3d.jpg)
![German map of Warsaw from 1888](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Karte_Warschau_MKL1888.png/100px-Karte_Warschau_MKL1888.png)
![Warsaw in 1935](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/Warszawa_1935.png/100px-Warszawa_1935.png)
![Warsaw was all but razed during the Second World War](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Destroyed_Warsaw%2C_capital_of_Poland%2C_January_1945.jpg/100px-Destroyed_Warsaw%2C_capital_of_Poland%2C_January_1945.jpg)
![The Stalinist Palace of Culture and Science became a towering symbol of post-war Warsaw](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/Pa%C5%82ac_Kultury_i_Nauki_Warszawa_%280069%29.jpg/100px-Pa%C5%82ac_Kultury_i_Nauki_Warszawa_%280069%29.jpg)
![Today, the Palace is surrounded by modern highrises](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/The_Palace_Of_Culture_Warsaw_Poland_Travel_Photography_%28111546747%29.jpeg/100px-The_Palace_Of_Culture_Warsaw_Poland_Travel_Photography_%28111546747%29.jpeg)
![''Świętokrzyski'' is the shortest and most pedestrian-friendly of the bridges over the Vistula in Warsaw](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c4/%C5%9Awi%C4%99tokrzyski_Bridge_-_Warsaw_2012.jpg/100px-%C5%9Awi%C4%99tokrzyski_Bridge_-_Warsaw_2012.jpg)
![Building number sign with direction towards ascending numbers shown](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/9%2C_Belgijska_Street_in_Warsaw_-_01.jpg/100px-9%2C_Belgijska_Street_in_Warsaw_-_01.jpg)
![Entrance to the airport railway station](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/51/Warszawa_Lotnisko_Chopina_2.jpg/100px-Warszawa_Lotnisko_Chopina_2.jpg)
![Modlin is no-frills and 40 km out](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1b/Nowy_Dw%C3%B3r_Mazowiecki%2C_Terminal_-_fotopolska.eu_%28329166%29.jpg/100px-Nowy_Dw%C3%B3r_Mazowiecki%2C_Terminal_-_fotopolska.eu_%28329166%29.jpg)
![The slabby 1975 Warszawa Centralna: don't despair, the city gets better after this](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/67/Dworzec_Centralny_w_Warszawie_radek_kolakowski.jpg/100px-Dworzec_Centralny_w_Warszawie_radek_kolakowski.jpg)
![Warszawa Zachodnia bus terminal](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ec/Warszawa_zachodnia_bus_station.jpg/100px-Warszawa_zachodnia_bus_station.jpg)
![Traffic in Warsaw remains busy until late in the night](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/13/Warsaw_as_seen_from_the_Palace_of_Culture_and_Science_%289632719056%29.jpg/100px-Warsaw_as_seen_from_the_Palace_of_Culture_and_Science_%289632719056%29.jpg)
![City buses are painted red and yellow](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Solaris_Urbino_18_III%2C_-8585%2C_MZA_Warszawa_%2828892070645%29.jpg/100px-Solaris_Urbino_18_III%2C_-8585%2C_MZA_Warszawa_%2828892070645%29.jpg)
![ZTM service point](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e4/C10_Rondo_ONZ_-_POP_ZTM%2C_Otwarcie_M2%2C_2015-03-08.jpg/100px-C10_Rondo_ONZ_-_POP_ZTM%2C_Otwarcie_M2%2C_2015-03-08.jpg)
![Different generations of ZTM ticket machines next to an ATM](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Ticket_machine_in_Warsaw_%2825211525896%29.jpg/100px-Ticket_machine_in_Warsaw_%2825211525896%29.jpg)
![A Veturilo bike-sharing station](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/Veturilo_Warszawa_04.jpg/100px-Veturilo_Warszawa_04.jpg)
![The Castle Square (''pl. Zamkowy'') in the Old Town (''Stare Miasto'')](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/Plac_Zamkowy_w_Warszawie_2020d.jpg/100px-Plac_Zamkowy_w_Warszawie_2020d.jpg)
![If you are coming to Warsaw for a major football match, chances are it will be at the ''Stadion Narodowy''](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ac/Stadion_Narodowy_w_Warszawie_20120422.jpg/100px-Stadion_Narodowy_w_Warszawie_20120422.jpg)
![The Library of the University of Warsaw is now the scene to the many languages spoken by its foreign and exchange students](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/Buw.jpg/100px-Buw.jpg)
![There is no shortage of attractive accommodation options in Warsaw's modern hotels](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/InterContinental_z_Emili_Plater_Warszawa.jpg/100px-InterContinental_z_Emili_Plater_Warszawa.jpg)
![Chopin's mansion in ''Żelazowa Wola''](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/Poland_Zelazowa_Wola.jpg/100px-Poland_Zelazowa_Wola.jpg)