Warsaw Travel Guide

Visiting Warsaw is a unique and enriching experience. As the capital city of Poland, Warsaw offers visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich history, culture, and traditions. From exploring the city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to visiting museums and galleries, there’s something for everyone in Warsaw. Visiting Warsaw will also give you an excellent insight into the hardships that this city faced during World War II. With excellent public transportation and a variety of accommodation options, visiting Warsaw is easy and accessible. Whether you’re interested in history, or culture, or just looking for a fun city break, Warsaw is definitely worth a visit. This Warsaw Travel Guide will give you a helping hand in seeing the best the city has to offer.

Getting Into Warsaw

By Air

Warsaw is served by two main airports: Warsaw Chopin Airport and Warsaw Modlin Airport.

Warsaw Chopin Airport: Warsaw Chopin Airport is located about 10 km (6 miles) from the city center. It is the main airport serving the city.
Warsaw Modlin Airport: Warsaw Modlin Airport is located about 40 km (25 miles) north of the city center and serves budget airlines.

Both airports offer transportation options to get to the city center, including buses, trains, and taxis. If you’re arriving at Warsaw Chopin Airport, you can take the S2 or S3 train to the city center, or take one of several bus lines, including the 175 bus, which goes directly to the city center. If you’re arriving at Warsaw Modlin Airport, you can take the ModlinBus or Koleje Mazowieckie train to the city center.

By Bus

If you’re arriving in Warsaw by bus, you will most likely arrive at one of the city’s two main bus stations:

Warszawa Zachodnia Bus Station: This is the main bus station in Warsaw and is located in the western part of the city. It serves buses from all over Poland and Europe, including cities such as Berlin, Prague, and Vienna.
Warszawa Centralna Bus Station: This bus station is located next to the main train station in Warsaw and serves buses from all over Poland and Europe, including cities such as Krakow, Wroclaw, and Vilnius.

Both bus stations are well-connected to the city center by public transportation, making it easy to get to your destination once you arrive.

By Train

If you’re arriving in Warsaw by train, you will arrive at one of the city’s two main train stations:

Warszawa Centralna Train Station: This is the main train station in Warsaw and is located in the heart of the city. It serves trains from all over Poland and Europe, including cities such as Berlin, Vienna, and Moscow.
Warszawa Wschodnia Train Station: This train station is located in the eastern part of the city and serves trains from eastern Poland and Europe, including cities such as Lviv and Kyiv.

Where To Stay in Warsaw

Warsaw offers a wide range of accommodations to suit a variety of budgets and travel preferences.

Old Town: If you’re looking for a historic and picturesque neighborhood to stay in, the Old Town is a great choice. It’s a popular tourist destination, so there are plenty of hotels, hostels, and apartments to choose from.
City Center: Warsaw’s City Center is a great option if you’re looking for easy access to restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. There are plenty of hotels and apartments to choose from in this area. These range from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels.
Żoliborz: Żoliborz is a quiet and upscale residential neighborhood. It’s great for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center. There are plenty of apartments and hotels to choose from in this area, and it’s well-connected to the city center by public transportation.
Praga: Praga is an up-and-coming neighborhood that’s known for its street art, alternative culture, and vibrant nightlife. It is a great option for those who want to experience a different side of Warsaw.

Overall, Warsaw has plenty of great options for accommodation, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly hostel or a luxury hotel.

When To Go To Warsaw

The best time to visit Warsaw depends on your preferences and what you want to do during your trip. Spring in Warsaw is a beautiful time to visit as the parks and gardens start to bloom. Summer is a popular time to visit Warsaw, with plenty of events, festivals, and outdoor activities taking place. Autumn is a beautiful time to visit as the leaves change color and the weather is mild. Winter in Warsaw can be cold, with temperatures ranging from around -5°C (23°F) to 5°C (41°F). However, it’s a magical time to visit as the city is decorated for the holidays and there are plenty of festive events and activities taking place. I feel like the best time to visit Warsaw is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds.

What To Do in Warsaw

Warsaw Uprising Museum

The Warsaw Uprising Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, a pivotal moment in the city’s history. The museum is located in the Wola district of Warsaw. It opened on the 60th anniversary of the Uprising. The exhibits at the museum include photographs, films, and artifacts that tell the story of the Uprising. There are also interactive displays that allow visitors to experience what life was like during the Uprising. The museum is a powerful and moving tribute to the bravery and resilience of the people of Warsaw during one of the darkest periods in the city’s history.

Lazienki Park

Lazienki Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of Warsaw, Poland. The park covers an area of over 76 hectares and contains numerous historic buildings and monuments. These include the Palace on the Water and the Chopin Monument. The park was designed in the 17th century, and it features many picturesque gardens, ponds, and walking paths. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, such as boating on the lake, attending concerts at the outdoor amphitheater, or simply taking a leisurely stroll through the park’s many trails.

Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews

Visiting the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews is a must-do for anyone interested in learning about the rich history and culture of Poland’s Jewish community. It is located in the heart of Warsaw’s former Jewish neighborhood. The museum tells the story of over 1,000 years of Jewish life in Poland, from the early Middle Ages to the present day. The museum features a range of exhibits, including multimedia installations, interactive displays, and historical artifacts. These are all designed to provide visitors with a deep understanding of the Jewish experience in Poland.

Old Town Market Place

The Old Market Square in Warsaw is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting the city. The picturesque square, located in the heart of the Old Town, is steeped in history. It offers a charming atmosphere with its colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Visitors can stroll around the square, enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants, and admire the beautiful architecture.

Warsaw Uprising Monument

The Warsaw Uprising Monument is a significant landmark in Warsaw, Poland that commemorates the struggle of the Polish people during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, which was a major battle in World War II. Located in the center of Warsaw’s Old Town, the monument consists of a group of bronze sculptures, including a young boy carrying a gun and a woman with a helmet and a grenade in her hand, as well as several other figures.

Saxon Garden

Saxon Garden is a historic park located in the heart of Warsaw, Poland. The garden was created in the 17th century and is the oldest public park in the city. The park features numerous walking paths, gardens, fountains, and statues. These include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which commemorates the soldiers who fought and died for Poland during World War I and other conflicts. The park is also home to the Saxon Palace, which was once the residence of the Polish kings and is now home to the Warsaw branch of the National Museum. Today, the Saxon Garden offers a peaceful and beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature in the heart of the city.

The Royal Route

Starting at the out-of-place palm tree on the Charles de Gaulle Roundabout, walk up Nowy Swiat Street which turns into Krakowskie Przedmiscie. This 2km stretch of road gives you an opportunity to see many historic sites. As you walk what could be deemed as the main street in Warsaw. Walking here you will see the

Nicolas Copernicus Monument, a bronze statue of the Polish astronomer
Museum of the University of Warsaw
Statue of Wyszynski
St Annes Church
Monument of Józef Poniatowski, a former Polish general, minister of war, and army chief
Warsaw Presidential Palace
Sigismund’s Column
The Royal Castle in Warsaw

Whilst this is not the entirety of the Royal Route, which actually spans 15km. It is the area most concentrated with historical landmarks.

Royal Castle

After walking the aforementioned Royal Route and before you enter the Old Town Market Place you will find yourself at the red-bricked Royal Castle. The royal residence formerly served as the official home of Polish monarchs. Today it is a museum and has been since its last reconstruction in the 1980s. The interior consists of many different rooms, all restored with as many original exhibits as possible after the castle was destroyed during the Second World War.

Palace of Culture and Science

The Palace of Science and Culture is a prominent landmark in Warsaw. It was built in the early 1950s as a gift from the Soviet Union to the people of Poland. The Palace is an impressive 42-story building. It is the tallest building in Poland. It houses a variety of cultural and scientific institutions, including theaters, museums, and scientific research centers. Visitors to the Palace of Science and Culture can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck on the 30th floor. The observation deck offers stunning views of the city skyline, including the Old Town, the Vistula River, and other prominent landmarks.

In addition to the observation deck, visitors can explore the many cultural and scientific institutions within the Palace. The building is home to a variety of museums. These include the Museum of Technology and Industry, the Museum of Evolution, and the Museum of Science and Culture.

Jewish Ghetto Memorial

The Jewish Ghetto Memorial is a significant landmark in Warsaw. It is a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. The memorial consists of a large monument made of steel and stone. Visitors can pay their respects to the victims of the Warsaw Ghetto. Those who suffered and died under Nazi occupation during World War II. The plaza surrounding the monument is tranquil and contemplative. This provides a space for quiet reflection and remembrance. Visiting the Jewish Ghetto Memorial is a somber and emotional experience, but an important one for anyone seeking to honor the memory of those who suffered during the Holocaust.

Okopowa Street Jewish Cemetery

The Okopowa Street Jewish Cemetery in Warsaw, Poland is a historic and significant site to visit. As one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in Europe, it offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Jewish community in Poland. Visitors can explore the cemetery grounds, view the many tombstones and memorials, and learn about the history and significance of the site.

Warsaw University Library Garden

The Warsaw University Library Garden is a beautiful rooftop garden located on the roof of the Warsaw University Library building. The garden was opened in 2002, covering an area of over 10,000 square meters. It is one of the largest rooftop gardens in Europe and offers stunning views of the city skyline. The garden features a variety of plants, as well as walking paths, benches, and a small pond.

Where To Eat in Warsaw

Warsaw has some excellent and authentic Polish cuisine. Check out my guide for where to eat in Warsaw, here!

In conclusion, Warsaw is a city rich in history, culture, and cuisine, and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Poland. Visitors can explore the charming streets of the Old Town, learn about the city’s wartime history at the Jewish Ghetto Memorial, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene. The city is also home to a variety of museums, art galleries, and theaters, offering plenty of opportunities for cultural enrichment. And, of course, no trip to Warsaw is complete without trying some of the city’s delicious traditional cuisine. With so much to see, do, and taste, Warsaw is a truly unforgettable destination that should be on every traveler’s list. Hopefully, this Warsaw Travel Guide will go some way to enriching your experience there.